Question 1

What is the EPPP?

Accepted Answer

The EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) is one of the requirements for licensure as a psychologist in the United States and Canada. It is developed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) with the assistance of Pearson VUE. The EPPP Candidate Handbook that describes the development and content of the EPPP and procedures for applying for and scheduling the exam is available on the ASPPB website:   https://www.asppb.net/page/CandHandbook.

Question 2

What is the structure and content of the EPPP? How much time do I have to take the test?

Accepted Answer

The EPPP consists of 225 multiple-choice questions from eight different content domains. Of the 225 questions, 175 test items are scored, while 50 are pilot items and will not count toward your final score. You will not know which items are pilot items, which is why you should answer every question. You will have 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the EPPP, unless you have accommodations. This equates to about a minute per question. There are no scheduled breaks during the EPPP; however, you may take a break if you need one. Keep in mind the clock on the allotted time for the exam will continue to run.  The EPPP covers eight content areas (i.e., domains).  1. Biological Bases of Behavior (10%) 2. Cognitive-affective Bases of Behavior (13%) 3. Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior (11%) 4. Growth and Lifespan Development (12%) 5. Assessment and Diagnosis (16%) 6. Treatment, Intervention, Prevention, and Supervision (15%) 7. Research Methods and Statistics (7%) 8. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues (16%)

Question 3

How is the EPPP scored? What is considered passing?

Accepted Answer

Scores on the EPPP range from 200 to 800. The ASPPB has recommended that state and provincial licensing boards adopt a passing scaled score cutoff of 500 for independent practice and 450 for supervised practice. A scaled score of 500 is roughly equivalent to about 70% (122.5/175). A scaled score of 600 is about 80% (140/175), while 450 is approximately 65% (114/175).  There are four forms of the EPPP in circulation at any point in time. About every six months, one form is retired and a new form is introduced. The same scaled score represents equal levels of achievement, regardless of the exam form. If a student receives an easier form, they will have to answer more questions correctly to receive a 500; if a student receives a more difficult form, they will have to answer fewer questions correctly to receive a 500.  At the testing center, they will give you an "informal score report.” We have never known the informal score to change. The score report will not say whether you’ve passed. 500 is passing at the doctoral level.

Question 4

When should I apply to my state or provincial board for approval to take the EPPP?

Accepted Answer

Apply to your board as soon as you begin studying. Some state and provincial boards may take up to six months to process applications and grant approval to take the EPPP.

Question 5

How do I register for the EPPP? Where is the test offered?

Accepted Answer

To take the EPPP, you must first apply in the state or province where you want to be licensed. The ASPPB’s website includes the contact information for each state/province: https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG.  Once you receive approval, the licensing authority (state/provincial board) will create an account with your information on an online EPPP registration system. You will then receive two automated emails that includes the steps for registration, at which point you will be able to pay and register for the exam. After you have paid, follow the link to Pearson VUE to schedule your EPPP. You will receive a confirmation email and Authorization to Test within 24 hours. If you do not receive this confirmation, contact Pearson VUE directly.  The EPPP is offered at Pearson VUE testing sites throughout the United States and Canada. You are required to bring two forms of ID with you to test. Make sure the name you register with matches your two forms of ID.

Question 6

Once I’ve been approved by my board, how long do I have to take the EPPP?"

Accepted Answer

The eligibility period (i.e., the period in which you are eligible to test after being approved) is determined, and does vary, by state/provincial board. Use this link to find your board’s contact information: https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG

Question 7

What do I need to know to be prepared for my EPPP test date?

Accepted Answer

Arrive 30 minutes before your testing appointment with a valid government ID and a second form of ID with a signature or recent photo (credit card counts). Make sure your first and last names on both IDs match the ones you registered with.  You will take the EPPP on a computer, but you won’t be required to have computer knowledge to do so. For five minutes before the exam starts, you will complete a tutorial that explains how to select answers and move from question to question. This time is not included in your exam time.  You can request earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones at the testing site. You will be given a plastic sheet and a marker to use during the EPPP. The sheet will be collected at the end of the test.

Question 8

Should I leave questions blank while taking the EPPP? What should I do if I am almost out of time and realize I won’t be able to finish the test?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage you not to leave questions unanswered while taking the EPPP. You are not penalized for incorrect answers, so pick an answer for every question. The testing software allows you to bookmark any questions you are unsure of to go back to later, if time allows. If you leave questions blank and don’t have time to review them once you’ve finished the EPPP, then you have a 0% chance of getting them right! It is always better to make an educated guess before moving on to the next question, instead of leaving the question unanswered.  If you are almost out of time and realize you won’t be able to finish the EPPP (e.g., you have five minutes left and 30 questions remaining), we recommend you immediately select an answer for each remaining question. This improves your chances of correctly answering these questions from 0% (if left unanswered) to 25%.

Question 9

How many languages is the EPPP available in?

Accepted Answer

Two. The EPPP is available in English and French. The French version of the EPPP (FEPPP) is only available to candidates whose boards legally require the availability of a French form of the exam.

Question 10

How do I apply for accommodations? What if English is my second language?

Accepted Answer

State and provincial licensing boards are required to make reasonable accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities or impairments (including such issues as learning disorders, ADHD, a diagnosed anxiety disorder, eye problems, back pain, etc.). Some boards also make accommodations for candidates for whom English is a second language. Reasonable accommodations typically include taking the test in six hours and fifteen minutes.  Candidates who require testing accommodations must first submit necessary documents for proof of the need for accommodation to their board. The board will determine if accommodations are necessary, and if accommodations are granted this will be submitted to the ASPPB.  You must click a “Special Accommodations” box during the EPPP registration process. You cannot add accommodations to an exam after it has been scheduled.

Question 11

How much does it cost to take EPPP? Can I cancel or reschedule my EPPP?

Accepted Answer

The EPPP exam fee is $600, and the test site appointment fee is an additional $87.50. These fees will never be reimbursed.  You are, however, allowed to reschedule your exam. If you reschedule more than 30 days before your exam date (e.g., your exam is November 10 and you reschedule on October 9), you will not be required to pay another $87.50. If you reschedule less than 30 days, but more than 24 hours before your exam, you will have to pay an additional $87.50 to schedule your new exam, but you will not have to pay another $600. If you cancel within 24 hours of your exam date, fail to reschedule, or are late to your testing appointment, you will be required to pay another $687.50 (exam fee and appointment fee) to take the EPPP.

Question 12

At what point in the study process should I schedule my test date?

Accepted Answer

Typically, we suggest you schedule your test date when you are most of the way through the study process. For example, if you are following our 16-week study schedule and have been meeting your target scores, consider scheduling your test when you have a month left in your study process.

Question 13

Should I set a test date early and reschedule if necessary, or should I wait to schedule until I am ready?"

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend you wait until you are close to being ready to test before scheduling your EPPP. We suggest setting a test date after you have met first time target scores on PsychPrep’s Test C and Test D. However, if you schedule your EPPP early and then score below recommended targets, it is better to reschedule your exam and lose $87.50, than to fail the EPPP and pay $687.50 to retest.

Question 14

Can I take a practice EPPP?

Accepted Answer

The ASPPB offers two 100-item computer-administered practice EPPP exams (PEPPP and PEPPP2) at Pearson VUE for $115, as well as two 100-item online practice EPPP exams (PEPPPO and PEPPPO2) that can be taken on your personal computer for $63.50. Students who take the PEPPPO and PEPPPO2 only receive a score of pass/fail; those who take the PEPPP and PEPPP2 at the testing site receive a scaled score from 200 to 800.  A word of caution: Practice EPPP scores are not always predictive of EPPP performance. Candidates may pass the PEPPP or PEPPO, but then fail the EPPP.

Question 15

What if I fail? How often can I take the EPPP?

Accepted Answer

The ASBBP allows candidates to take the EPPP up to four times in a 12-month period. However, some states and provinces have stricter regulations. Please be sure to check with your board to determine whether there are any additional restrictions (e.g., some states or provinces only allow a total of three attempts on the EPPP).  To retake the EPPP, you will need to pay another $687.50 (exam fee and appointment fee).

Question 16

How has COVID affected taking the EPPP? How do I best prepare for any changes?

Accepted Answer

Some jurisdictions may require the use of masks while testing. Please make sure to check if a mask is required in your jurisdiction. If it is, take PsychPrep’s Test E with a mask on.  Important Note: All candidates should mimic testing conditions as closely as possible while taking Test E for the first time.

Question 17

Will I have to take the EPPP 2? What is the EPPP 2?

Accepted Answer

The current states and provinces that are early adopters and require the EPPP 2 (as of 8/15/2021) are Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba. If you are not in one of these jurisdictions, you are currently not required to take the EPPP (Part 2—Skills).  The EPPP (Part 2—Skills) covers six domains:  1. Scientific orientation and practice (6%) 2. Assessment and intervention (33%) 3. Relational competence (16%) 4. Professionalism (11%) 5. Ethical practice (17%) 6. Collaboration, consultation, and supervision (17%)  There are 170 questions total – 130 scored, 40 pilot items. The 40 pilot items do not count toward your score. You cannot take the EPPP (Part 2) unless you have taken the EPPP (Part 1) and passed.  Information about the EPPP 2 is available on the ASPPPB website:  https://www.asppb.net/page/EPPPPart2-Skills

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