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://asppb.net/exams/asppb-examination-for-professional-psychology-eppp/eppp-handbook/

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, you will receive an email from Certemy.com with an invitation to set up a free account on the EPPP registration portal; Certemy hosts the portal. At this point, you will be able to pay and register for the exam. You will then be able to schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center in the US or Canada. If you need any assistance with the EPPP Registration Portal, contact Certemy at support@certemy.com.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 15 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 and a half hours.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 the 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 sample EPPP?

Accepted Answer

ASPBB offers two different 100-item computer-administered sample EPPP exams (SEPPP) at Pearson VUE test center for $82.50 each. They also offer two different 100-item online sample EPPP exams (SEPPPO) that can be taken on your personal computer for $30 each. Students who take the SEPPP and SEPPPO will receive an overall percentage score. Note: If a student takes a either the SEPPP or SEPPPO for a third time, they will receive a version they have already taken.

A word of caution: Sample EPPP scores are not always predictive of EPPP performance. Candidates may pass the SEPPP or SEPPPO, 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

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

Accepted Answer

The ASPPB was planning to require all states and provinces to adopt the EPPP (Part 2 — Skills) starting on January 1, 2026. As of October 2024, this is no longer the case. The only jurisdictions that currently require the EPPP (Part 2 — Skills) are the District of Columbia, Georgia, Nevada, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and Guam. If you are not in one of these jurisdictions, you will not be 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

Question 17

What is the Integrated EPPP? When will it go into effect?

Accepted Answer

The ASPPB has decided to shift the EPPP to an integrated test that assesses both knowledge and skill in a single exam, referred to as the Integrated EPPP. The ASPPB has stated that it will begin administering the Integrated EPPP October 1, 2027. Individuals who have never taken the current EPPP before will have to take the Integrated EPPP beginning October 1, 2027. However, any individuals who have previously taken and failed the current version of the EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge) will have until March 31, 2028 to retake the current version of the EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge), rather than the Integrated EPPP. Everyone will have to take the Integrated EPPP beginning April 1, 2028. There are 6 domains that will be tested on the Integrated EPPP: 1) Scientific Orientation to Practice, 2) Assessment, 3) Intervention, 4) Consultation and Supervision, 5) Interpersonal Relationships, 6) Ethical and Professional Practice. For a more detailed look at the Integrated EPPP Domains as well as how they will be weighted on the exam, please visit:https://asppb.net/future-eppp-content-areas-2027/.

Test Login

EPPP Overview & Scheduling

What is the EPPP?

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

How is the EPPP scored? What is considered passing?

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

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

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

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

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?

How many languages is the EPPP available in?

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

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

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

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

Can I take a sample EPPP?

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

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

What is the Integrated EPPP? When will it go into effect?

PsychPrep's EPPP Programs

What is PsychPrep’s pass rate on the EPPP? Does PsychPrep offer a pass guarantee?

I failed using another test prep company, should I switch to PsychPrep?

What is PsychPrep’s expert feedback program?

What is the typical timeframe for EPPP test preparation? Can I adjust the program to fit my timeframe?

How is PsychPrep’s EPPP testing program structured? What are the target scores?

Why does PsychPrep emphasize test-taking strategies?

Are PsychPrep’s content sections the same as the EPPP domains? Why does PsychPrep include an Industrial/Organizational section?

Does PsychPrep offer a breakdown of test scores by domain?

How similar are PsychPrep’s test questions to the actual EPPP questions?

Does PsychPrep have flashcards?

What are the basic differences between the PsychPrep’s EPPP packages and subscription plans?

Does PsychPrep offer individual products?

Any guidance in choosing the package that’s right for me?

Does PsychPrep offer a military discount?

Does PsychPrep offer a discount for Canadians?

My PsychPrep Subscription

How does PsychPrep’s subscription work? Does my subscription start upon purchase or upon use?

I’ve purchased a program. How do I access it?

How does the audio download work?

What are the dates for the next EPPP Mastery Workshop Live (virtual)? What if I’ve signed up and can no longer attend?

I’ve purchased a PsychPrep program, but I cannot start studying right away. Can I wait to access my program? When does my subscription period start?"

How do I extend my subscription? How do I turn off the automatic renewal? What is the renewal fee for my subscription?

If I need to take an extended break from studying, what should I do?"

Is there a specific way I should take PsychPrep’s tests?

What are the target scores on PsychPrep’s tests?

Why are target scores important? What do I do if I have taken some or all of the tests and have not hit the target scores?

Should I be using PsychPrep’s email feedback? How do I access it?

How do I know if I’m ready to test?

Are private, virtual consultations available? How do I schedule one?"

What should I do if I’ve been studying with PsychPrep and I failed the EPPP?