Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Speech Proficiency Test

The Speech Proficiency test (speech and hearing test) is a simple yet VERY IMPORTANT prerequisite to your admission to the Reich College of Education. It consists of a very short exam to screen for any hearing or speech problems. You will listen to a range of tones, and then read a few words and sentences to the clinician administering the exam.  In total, this test will take about 10 minutes.  If you pass this screening, then you have completed the speech prerequisite requirement.  If you do not pass this screening and are referred for further testing, then you must complete the in-depth evaluation before completing the speech prerequisite.

There are many opportunities to take this test. 

  1. Sessions are offered frequently throughout the semester at the Communication Disorders Clinic, Room 114 Edwin Duncan Hall.  To take the test at the Clinic, stop by the clinic office or call (828) 262-2185 to sign up for an appointment.  There is no charge for the test.  We do not test on a walk-in basis.  See the current schedule.  Starting July 1, 2007, you must provide your student ID number (Banner number) for this test.
  2. Licensed professionals from the ASU Communication Disorders Clinic travel to various sites in western NC several times each semester to give the test. This is often the best option for distance students. The ATTP office will inform their licensure candidates of dates and times. Like on-campus testing, there is no charge for the test.
  3. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions offered by ASU, you can call the Speech Center in Boone at (828) 262-1212 and set up an appointment there.  The Speech Center charges a fee of $20.00 for this test.
  4. While it is strongly recommended that you choose one of the above three avenues to take the speech prerequisite, if you do not, you must do the following: 
    1. Find an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
    2. Have the SLP call our clinic director, Mary Ruth Sizer at (828) 262-6071 for approval and information concerning the test.  This prior approval is mandatory for the test to be valid.
    3. Obtain a form from the ATTP office or the Communication Disorders Clinic, and take that with you to the test for the SLP to complete and sign.
    4. Upon completion of the test, return the form to the Communication Disorders Clinic. 
    5. You are responsible for any fees incurred by taking this route.

PLEASE – Take the speech proficiency test very early in your academic career.  Allow ample time for the possibility that you are referred for an in-depth evaluation. If referred, you must complete this follow-up before completing the speech prerequisite. Depending on the time of year, it may take several weeks before we are able to complete a follow-up evaluation. If you wait until the last minute and are blocked from registering, you may be delayed a semester in graduating or receiving your licensure. We typically cannot accommodate last-minute requests for the test during registration.