Sep 25 / by The Learning Liaisons

School Leaders Licensure (SLLA) 6990 Overview - 2024 Guide

Introduction

Many states require the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 for those seeking a leadership position, such as assistant principal. 

Not sure if you need to take the SLLA 6990? The ETS has published a handy 2024 guide listing the states that use it along with the minimum passing score. Alternatively, click on their Find Your State Requirements button. 

Need to take it? Don’t stress. We at The Learning Liaisons have assembled the following guide to help you prepare for the SLLA 6990, including helpful tips on what to expect on exam day.

Exam Structure and Format

The School Leader Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6900 assesses standards-relevant knowledge and skills of entry-level school leaders. 

SLLA 6900 is a four-hour computer-based exam divided into two sections:

  •    120 Selected-response (165 minutes)
  •    4 Constructed-Response (75 minutes)

Content Areas Covered

The School Leader Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6900 focuses on 7 content categories. Below is the breakdown of each category, with the approximate number of questions and percentage of the test. 

  • Strategic Leadership: 20 questions, 13%.
  • Instructional Leadership: 27 questions, 17%.
  • Climate and Cultural Leadership: 22 questions, 13%. 
  • Ethical Leadership: 19 questions, 12%.
  • Organizational Leadership: 16 questions, 10%.
  • Community Engagement Leadership: 16 questions, 10%.
  • Analysis Constructed Response: 4 questions, 25%. 


Note that the exact number of questions and percentage of the test will vary slightly depending on the version of the test given. The only exception is the four analysis-constructed response questions.

Strategic Leadership

The strategic leadership questions assess the understanding of how to develop a school’s mission, vision, goals, and core values while working with staff and community members. Leaders must understand how to evaluate progress, interpret multiple data sources, and welcome diverse opinions and constructive feedback.

Instructional Leadership

The instructional leadership questions assess the understanding of how to develop a school’s standards for staff professional development to ensure the needs of educators and students are met. Leaders must also be able to create effective measuring and data collection tools to evaluate progress.

Climate and Cultural Leadership

Climate and cultural leadership focus on the ability to create a safe and supportive environment for faculty, including space to be heard and protected during conflicts with the community. The exam also tests for understanding how to support and protect students and their families.

Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership is evaluated on the ability to ensure equitable access, including staff hiring and creating policies that impact students, such as dress codes. Leaders are asked to be self-reflecting and eager to learn and grow. The overall goal should be to serve the school and wider community and promote the well-being, safety, and success of all.

Organizational Leadership

Organizational leadership focuses on operation systems for implementing policy, creating and maintaining communication pathways, monitoring current processes, and evaluating progress in reaching goals. Leaders must be able to keep tabs and implement procedures on various issues, including budgets, student health programs, and the safety of students and staff. 

Community Engagement Leadership

Community engagement leadership focuses on collaboration with families and other members living within the district. The exam looks at a candidate’s ability to create an effective communication plan and ability to identify community needs and interests.

Analysis Constructed Response

Leaders must have knowledge of the strategic planning process and how to interpret multiple data sources to ensure the school continues to progress positively toward current visions and goals. To demonstrate these skills, four questions in this content area will be asked in a constructed response format.

Scoring and Passing Criteria

Scoring System: The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 uses a scale score of 100-200. To calculate a candidate’s score, their raw score (how many questions answered correctly) is entered into a scaling system based on the test’s level of difficulty and other factors. 

Each state sets the passing score. Most states require a 151 to pass the SLLA 6990. However, there are exceptions. For example, Kentucky, South Dakota, and Virginia only require a 146. Further information can be found on your state’s education department’s website or using the 2024 ETS Passing Guide. 

Receiving Scores: The date SLLA 6990 scores are reported depends on your testing day. Candidates can check by using the ETS drop-down for Getting Your Praxis Scores. 

Scores are delivered to a candidate’s ETS/Praxis account. In addition, they will be reported to your state (if you live in an automatic reporting state) and any institutions and agencies you requested when registering for the exam.  

Reading Your Score Report: The score report will include the following information:

  •    Pass or Not Pass
  •    Your score.
  •    Range of possible scores
  •    Potential raw points for each content category.
  •    The 50% range for that particular exam.
  •    Average performance ranges by the middle 50% of test takers. 
  •    Where a candidate’s scores were also reported. 


Retaking the Exam: 28 days between exams, including those who have canceled their scores.

Cost and Registration

The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 costs $425 as of 2024. 

To register for SLLA 6990, visit the ETS The School Leadership Series page. 

Preparation Strategies

Whether taking the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 the first time or a retake, you can work towards success by using preparation strategies.

Not sure how? Don’t stress. We’ve gathered some tips to help you on your way.

Select Study Resources

Intelligence gathering is key to a successful operation. Research your study resources and select those that fit your learning style and budget. 

Examples of excellent sources:

  •    Webinars.
  •    Online test preparation courses. 
  •    ETS and Praxis websites.
  •    Study groups in person and online. 
  •    Libraries. 
  •    Videos. 
  •    Practice exams.

Create a Study Plan

Top athletes reach success by creating a training program. Do the same to reach your professional goals by drawing up a study plan. 

Tips for designing an effective study plan include:

  •    Assess your time. Some people have a free and flexible schedule, with only a goldfish to keep alive. Others find it challenging to schedule a daily shower. Take an honest look at your life and assess how much time you can spare each week to study. Those with more time can prepare closer to the test date. Those with hectic lives will need to begin months in advance to ensure they’ve covered everything they need to do. 
  •    Block out study sessions. Take your calendar or scheduling app and block out your study sessions like they are meetings with your boss. Vague plans never become concrete realities. Treat your study time like business meetings, and you’ll ensure your eyes and ears spend quality time absorbing the material.   
  •    Teach the material. Aim to understand each content area so well you could teach it to another person. If you are part of a study group, you could practice explaining the sections to each other. If not, give informative lectures to your plants, pets, or favorite rocks. 
  •    Record your progress. Part of being a leader is monitoring and evaluating strategies and policies. Put your skills to the test by monitoring your own study progress. Note the content that you’ve mastered and where you are weaker. The exercise will help you focus your precious time on the areas that require it the most. 
  •    Take practice tests. Quizzes and mock exams will help you become confident with the exam format and highlight the areas in which you are strong and the places that require significantly more attention.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Reducing stress and anxiety will make preparation sessions more impactful and help the test day go smoother.  

  •    Reset your brain. Ever notice how rebooting your laptop helps it run better? The Sleep Foundation points to research that our brains also “reboot” when given adequate rest. Those wanting to get the most out of their studying must dedicate time to sleep. Crucially, don’t stay up and cram the night before the exam. Instead, go to bed to ensure optimal mental performance at the testing center. 
  •    Move the body. When time is scarce, skipping the gym or avoiding walking the dog is tempting. However, research has shown that physical activity boosts academic performance, including those in school. 
  •    Provide nourishment. Brains need fuel to run optimally. Give your body the nourishment it needs to focus and perform its best by eating regular, healthy meals and snacks. If time is scarce, try to prepare food in advance so that you can grab nutritious fuel that will keep your body and mind performing its best during the week. 
  •    Set motivational milestones. In theory, passing the test should be motivation enough to study. The truth is humans like instant gratification. Set goals with planned rewards to help keep you moving forward through your study plan. They can be as simple as a special coffee at your favorite café or watching that “must-see” movie on your streaming service. 

Test Day Tips

Surprises can be fun but few love them on exam day. Learn what to expect so you feel confident, composed, and less anxious.

What to Expect on Test Day

Preparing for test day can help manage, lower, or eliminate stress and anxiety. ETS provides instructions and helpful step-by-step videos to help you feel more comfortable. 

Before the Exam:

  •    Log in to your SLS account and verify your test location. Get directions and plan your route before the big day. 
  •    Gather all important documents, including valid photo ID and admission ticket. 
  •    Review all prohibited items. These include food, drink, notes, electronics, and many types of jewelry. If you need an accessory for a disability, please see the Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-Related Needs. 
  •    Research canceling scores, should you want that option. 


Morning of Exam:

  •    Select comfortable clothing and layer them to prevent becoming too hot or cold while taking the exam. 
  •    Respect others by putting on soft-soled shoes that are quiet when moving around. 
  •    Eat a nourishing meal so your brain works at optimal levels. 
  •    Double-check that you have everything you need, including your ID and admission ticket.
  •    Leave early so you don’t have to worry about unexpected traffic or transport delays. 


Arriving at the Test Center: 

  •    Be there 30 minutes before the exam time. 
  •    Be prepared to be at the test center for over an hour more the test duration. 
  •    Have ID and admission ticket ready.
  •    Follow any security instructions.
  •    Any personal items that could not be left at home may be stored in a storage locker. 
  •    If you have any medication or personal needs, please mention it during check-in.
  •    You will be shown to your seat.   


During the Exam:

  •    Read, complete, and sign the Confidentiality and Regulations Agreement.
  •    Follow the instructions, reading carefully to avoid mistakes. 
  •    Use the practice time to help you focus and familiarize yourself with the equipment.
  •   Only use the scratch paper provided by the testing center. 
  •    Take note of the time for each section and pace yourself. Skip questions that are difficult and come back to them as time allows. 
  •    SLLA does not penalize a wrong answer. A guess is better than leaving it blank. 
  •    Raise your hand if you need help. Do not get up if you have a problem without permission from the testing administrator. 
  •    Be aware of sign-in and sign-out procedures for the start, finish, and any breaks. 


Breaks During the Exam:

The SLLA 6990 does not have any scheduled breaks. Testing candidates may ask to take an unscheduled break after completing the multiple choice but BEFORE starting the constructive response section. 

Testing time does not stop during an unscheduled break. The time comes out of your allotted exam time. 

After the Exam:

  •    Follow all instructions. 
  •    Cancel your score if you feel your performance was poor.
  •    Return all scratch paper. 
  •    Retrieve belongings when permitted. 
  •    Ensure you’ve signed out as directed.

Additional Resources

Looking for additional resources to help you with the School Leaders Licensure (SLLA) 6990 exam? Check out our following links:

FAQ

How many questions are on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 Exam?

The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SSLA) 6990 contains 124 questions: 120 multiple-choice and four constructive responses.

How Much Time Do I Have to Finish the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 Exam?

Candidates are given four hours to complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SSLA) 6990: 165 minutes for the multiple-choice section and 75 minutes to answer the constructed response questions. The time limit does not include the tutorial or sign-in.

What is a Passing Score for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 Exam?

A 151 is a passing score in most states for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SSLA) 6990. However, there are exceptions.

Conclusion

The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SSLA) 6990 is necessary to advance an educational career into higher administrative responsibilities in many states. Don’t be intimidated. Success is possible. The Learning Liaisons has supported many educators on the road to achieving their goals. Contact us and learn how we can help you.