EPPP in 2026: The Only Guide You Need
The EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) is the capstone national licensure exam for psychologists in the United States and Canada. Administered by the ASPPB (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards), it is the final gate between your doctoral degree — PhD, PsyD, or EdD — and the right to practice independently as a licensed psychologist, bill insurance, supervise associates, and (in five US states) prescribe medication after additional training.
This guide covers the 2026 EPPP at full depth: cost, format, eligibility, the 8 Part 1 content areas (Biological 12%, Cognitive-Affective 13%, Social/Cultural 12%, Lifespan 12%, Assessment 14%, Treatment 14%, Research/Stats 8%, Ethics/Legal 15%), the newer EPPP Part 2 (Skills) exam, a 6-month study plan, pass rates by program type, and salary data that justifies every hour of preparation. Every detail is cross-referenced against asppb.net and the 2026 ASPPB Information for Candidates Handbook.
free EPPP practice questionsPractice questions with detailed explanations
EPPP Part 1 At-a-Glance (2026)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Certifying Body | ASPPB (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards) |
| Exam Delivery | Pearson VUE test centers |
| Total Items | 225 multiple-choice (175 scored + 50 unscored pretest) |
| Duration | 4 hours 15 minutes (includes 15-min tutorial + 4h exam) |
| Format | Linear computer-based — can mark, skip, revisit |
| Passing Score | 500 on a 200-800 scaled scale (most jurisdictions) |
| Exam Fee | $687.50 to ASPPB + ~$87.50-$90 Pearson VUE seat fee |
| Licensing Board Fee | Varies by jurisdiction — commonly $150-$600 |
| Languages | English; French version available in some Canadian jurisdictions |
| Degree Requirement | Doctorate (PhD/PsyD/EdD) in psychology from a regionally accredited or APA/CPA-accredited program |
| Experience Requirement | Jurisdiction-specific; typically APA-accredited internship + post-doctoral supervised hours |
| Exam Windows | Continuous testing, any business day at Pearson VUE |
| Retake Policy | Max 4 attempts per 12 months; 60-day mandatory wait between attempts |
| Continuing Education | Jurisdiction-specific; typically 20-40 CE hours per 1-3 year cycle |
FREE EPPP Prep: Practice Before You Pay
Before committing to $687.50 in ASPPB fees, plus Pearson VUE seat fees, plus your state license application fee, prove to yourself that you can actually answer EPPP-style items. The most expensive mistake EPPP candidates make is sitting the exam before they consistently score 70-75% on timed 175-item practice sets.
Our free EPPP practice question bank covers all 8 Part 1 content areas with detailed rationales. Every question shows you why the best answer is correct, why plausible distractors miss, and which domain and subtopic the item tests.
Start EPPP practice questions nowPractice questions with detailed explanations
What the EPPP Is — And What It Is Not
The EPPP was introduced by ASPPB in 1964 and is now required for psychology licensure in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and every Canadian province and territory. Since January 2020, ASPPB has offered an Enhanced EPPP consisting of:
- EPPP Part 1 (Knowledge) — the long-standing 225-item multiple-choice exam tested on the 8 content areas. Required by every jurisdiction.
- EPPP Part 2 (Skills) — a 170-item applied-skills exam launched in 2020. Currently required by a growing but still minority subset of jurisdictions (as of 2026 including Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, and several Canadian provinces).
When most candidates and programs say "the EPPP," they mean Part 1. That is what this guide focuses on, with a dedicated Part 2 section below.
What the EPPP Tests
Part 1 tests your knowledge of the scientific and professional foundations of psychology. It is deliberately broad — the 8 content areas map to the core doctoral curriculum in clinical, counseling, school, and combined professional psychology programs.
What the EPPP Does NOT Test
- It does not evaluate your therapy skills (Part 2 targets this).
- It does not certify any particular specialty (board certification is through the American Board of Professional Psychology — ABPP — and is separate).
- It does not guarantee licensure — every jurisdiction adds its own requirements (jurisprudence exam, oral examination, background check, coursework audit, and supervised experience verification).
The 2026 Licensing Market
Three forces shape the 2026 psychologist licensure landscape:
1. Telehealth and interjurisdictional practice have exploded. PSYPACT — the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact — now includes over 40 member states, allowing licensed psychologists to practice across state lines via telehealth after obtaining the E.Passport/APIT credentials from ASPPB. EPPP is a prerequisite to all of this.
2. Mental health access demand is at record highs. HHS and APA surveys show sustained double-digit growth in treatment-seeking patients post-pandemic, with particular increases in adolescent mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma-informed care. Licensed psychologists are the highest-credentialed providers and face waitlists of 3-6 months in many markets.
3. Prescribing authority is expanding. As of 2026, six US states (New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, and Colorado — which authorized RxP in 2023) plus several federal settings (Indian Health Service, US military, Public Health Service) authorize appropriately trained licensed psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications after a post-doctoral masters in clinical psychopharmacology (MSCP) plus supervised practice. EPPP licensure is the foundation; prescribing comes after.
Who Should Take the EPPP
Everyone pursuing licensure as a psychologist in the US or Canada. Practically, that means candidates finishing or recently finished with an APA-accredited (or regionally accredited non-APA) doctoral program in clinical, counseling, school, or combined professional psychology.
| Role Target | Why EPPP Is Mandatory |
|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Core credential for independent practice, insurance billing, supervision |
| Licensed Counseling Psychologist | Same as clinical; different training emphasis |
| Licensed School Psychologist (Doctoral) | Required where school psych licensure is tied to doctoral credentialing |
| Health Service Psychologist (HSP) | HSP designation typically requires EPPP plus additional clinical hours |
| Neuropsychologist | EPPP first, then ABPP specialty board certification in neuropsychology |
| Forensic Psychologist | EPPP first, then optional ABPP forensic board certification |
| Psychology Professor / Researcher (Clinical-track) | Required if planning any direct-service or supervisory work |
| Psychopharmacology (RxP) in authorized states | EPPP is prerequisite to post-doctoral RxP training |
The EPPP is not for masters-level counselors (LPC/LMHC/LMFT have their own exams — typically the NCE or NCMHCE through NBCC, or the AMFTRB exam), BCBAs (BACB exam), or applied/research-only PhDs with no licensure ambition.
Eligibility: Degree and Supervised Experience
Doctoral Degree Requirement
ASPPB and every US and Canadian psychology licensing board require a doctoral degree in psychology — PhD, PsyD, or (less commonly) EdD — from either:
- An APA-accredited (US) or CPA-accredited (Canada) doctoral program in clinical, counseling, school, or combined professional psychology, OR
- A program from a regionally accredited institution that meets ASPPB's and your specific board's educational standards (often called the "designation" pathway via the ASPPB/NR designation system).
Some jurisdictions accept only APA/CPA-accredited degrees; others accept designated non-accredited programs. Verify with your board.
Supervised Experience
Every jurisdiction requires supervised clinical experience, typically structured as:
- Pre-doctoral internship — usually 1 year, approximately 1,500-2,000 hours, ideally APA-accredited (or APPIC member). Many boards require APA accreditation; some accept non-accredited internships that meet APPIC standards.
- Post-doctoral supervised experience — varies by jurisdiction. Common ranges are 1,500-2,000 post-doctoral hours, often over 1-2 years, under a licensed psychologist supervisor. Some jurisdictions (a growing minority) no longer require post-doctoral hours if internship is APA-accredited — check your board's rules.
When You Can Sit the EPPP
Jurisdictions vary widely:
- Post-internship, pre-postdoc: Many boards allow you to sit the EPPP after completing your internship but before finishing post-doctoral hours. This lets you spread out the licensure timeline.
- Post-degree only: Some boards require you to have the doctoral degree formally conferred before you sit.
- Post-postdoc only: A smaller number of boards require all supervised hours completed before you test.
Verify your jurisdiction's sequencing rule before you register with ASPPB.
The ASPPB Application Process
- Apply to your state or provincial licensing board first. They verify your degree, transcripts, and supervised hours.
- Your board authorizes ASPPB to schedule your exam (the ATT — Authorization to Test — or equivalent).
- ASPPB issues scheduling credentials to Pearson VUE.
- You schedule your EPPP Part 1 appointment at a Pearson VUE test center (in-person; no remote proctor option as of 2026).
- Pay $687.50 to ASPPB + ~$87.50-$90 Pearson VUE seat fee.
After you pass, your score is sent to your licensing board, which then completes the rest of the licensure steps (jurisprudence exam, oral exam if required, background check, license issuance).
The 8 EPPP Part 1 Content Areas (Current for 2026)
The current ASPPB EPPP Part 1 content outline tests 8 domains across 175 scored items. Always verify the exact percentages in your current ASPPB Information for Candidates Handbook because weights shift slightly with each job-analysis cycle.
| # | Content Area | Weight | Approx. Scored Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biological Bases of Behavior | 12% | 21 |
| 2 | Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior | 13% | 23 |
| 3 | Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior | 12% | 21 |
| 4 | Growth and Lifespan Development | 12% | 21 |
| 5 | Assessment and Diagnosis | 14% | 25 |
| 6 | Treatment, Intervention, Prevention, and Supervision | 14% | 25 |
| 7 | Research Methods and Statistics | 8% | 14 |
| 8 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues | 15% | 26 |
| Total | 100% | 175 |
Ethics (15%), Treatment (14%), and Assessment (14%) together make up 43% of the exam. Front-load these three in your study plan — they are the highest-yield content and most directly map to clinical practice.
Domain 1 — Biological Bases of Behavior (12%)
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Neuroanatomy | Cortical lobes and functions, limbic system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem, cranial nerves, Brodmann areas |
| Neurophysiology | Action potentials, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter systems (DA, 5-HT, NE, GABA, glutamate, ACh) |
| Neuroendocrine | HPA axis, cortisol and stress response, thyroid effects on mood/cognition |
| Genetics and Behavior | Heritability, twin/adoption studies, gene-environment interactions, epigenetics |
| Psychopharmacology | Major drug classes (SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines, stimulants), mechanisms, side effects, serotonin syndrome |
| Brain Imaging | CT, MRI, fMRI, PET, EEG — what each measures, clinical uses |
| Common Neurological Conditions | Dementia types (Alzheimer, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal), TBI, stroke effects, Parkinson, MS, seizure disorders |
| Sleep Neurobiology | REM vs NREM, sleep architecture, sleep disorders |
| Substance Use Neurobiology | Reward pathways, withdrawal syndromes, tolerance |
High-Yield: Neurotransmitters and Psychiatric Disorders
Memorize the canonical neurotransmitter associations — these appear in most forms:
- Dopamine (DA): Schizophrenia (excess in mesolimbic), Parkinson disease (deficit in nigrostriatal), reward/addiction
- Serotonin (5-HT): Depression, OCD, anxiety, impulsivity, aggression
- Norepinephrine (NE): Depression, anxiety, stress response
- GABA: Anxiety (deficit), sedation (benzodiazepine target), seizures
- Glutamate: Learning/memory, excitotoxicity, possibly schizophrenia negative symptoms
- Acetylcholine (ACh): Alzheimer disease (deficit in basal forebrain), myasthenia gravis
Domain 2 — Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior (13%)
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Learning Theory | Classical (Pavlov), operant (Skinner), schedules of reinforcement, observational (Bandura) |
| Memory Systems | Sensory, short-term/working, long-term (explicit vs implicit; declarative vs procedural; semantic vs episodic) |
| Attention | Selective, divided, sustained; attention deficits |
| Executive Function | Planning, inhibition, set-shifting, working memory, frontal-lobe correlates |
| Language | Broca's vs Wernicke's aphasia; language development |
| Emotion Theories | James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-Singer two-factor, appraisal theory |
| Motivation | Maslow hierarchy, self-determination theory, achievement motivation |
| Cognitive Development | Piaget stages, information-processing models |
| Cognitive Biases and Heuristics | Availability, representativeness, anchoring, confirmation bias |
| Consciousness and Sleep | Stages, disorders, dreaming theories |
High-Yield: Schedules of Reinforcement
A near-universal EPPP topic. Memorize:
| Schedule | Description | Response Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Ratio (FR) | Reinforcement after fixed number of responses | High steady rate with brief post-reinforcement pause |
| Variable Ratio (VR) | Reinforcement after variable number of responses | Highest, steadiest response rate (slot machines) |
| Fixed Interval (FI) | Reinforcement for first response after fixed time | Scalloped pattern — rate increases as interval ends |
| Variable Interval (VI) | Reinforcement for first response after variable time | Steady moderate rate |
Variable ratio produces the highest and most resistant-to-extinction response rates — this is a recurring EPPP correct answer.
Domain 3 — Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior (12%)
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Social Psychology Classics | Asch conformity, Milgram obedience, Zimbardo prison study, Festinger cognitive dissonance |
| Attribution Theory | Internal vs external attributions, fundamental attribution error, self-serving bias |
| Group Dynamics | Social loafing, groupthink, risky shift, polarization, bystander effect |
| Attitudes and Persuasion | Elaboration likelihood model (central vs peripheral routes), Cialdini influence principles |
| Aggression and Prosocial Behavior | Frustration-aggression hypothesis, altruism, bystander intervention steps |
| Intergroup Relations | Prejudice, stereotype threat, contact hypothesis, implicit bias |
| Culture and Diversity | Individualism vs collectivism, high- vs low-context communication |
| Multicultural Counseling | APA Multicultural Guidelines, cultural humility, acculturation models (Berry's four strategies) |
| Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity | Affirming practice, minority stress model |
| Social Determinants of Health | SES, access to care, systemic inequities |
| Family Systems | Bowen, structural (Minuchin), strategic, experiential |
Domain 4 — Growth and Lifespan Development (12%)
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Developmental Theories | Piaget (cognitive), Erikson (psychosocial), Kohlberg (moral), Vygotsky (ZPD, scaffolding) |
| Attachment | Ainsworth's Strange Situation (secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, disorganized), Bowlby's theory |
| Prenatal Development | Teratogens, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, maternal health effects |
| Infancy and Early Childhood | Motor milestones, language acquisition, theory of mind |
| Middle Childhood and Adolescence | Formal operations, identity formation (Marcia's identity statuses), puberty |
| Adulthood | Emerging adulthood (Arnett), midlife transitions, generativity |
| Aging | Fluid vs crystallized intelligence, dementia vs normal aging, end-of-life stages (Kübler-Ross) |
| Temperament | Thomas & Chess typology (easy, difficult, slow-to-warm), goodness of fit |
| Parenting Styles | Baumrind's styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, neglectful) |
| Disability and Developmental Delay | Autism spectrum, ID criteria, early intervention |
High-Yield: Erikson's 8 Stages
| Stage | Age | Crisis |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-1 | Trust vs Mistrust |
| 2 | 1-3 | Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt |
| 3 | 3-6 | Initiative vs Guilt |
| 4 | 6-12 | Industry vs Inferiority |
| 5 | 12-20 | Identity vs Role Confusion |
| 6 | 20-40 | Intimacy vs Isolation |
| 7 | 40-65 | Generativity vs Stagnation |
| 8 | 65+ | Ego Integrity vs Despair |
Domain 5 — Assessment and Diagnosis (14%)
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Psychometric Concepts | Reliability (test-retest, internal consistency, inter-rater, split-half), validity (content, criterion, construct, face), standard error of measurement |
| Test Theory | Classical test theory, item response theory (IRT), z-scores, T-scores, percentiles |
| Intelligence Tests | WAIS-5 (subtests, index scores), WISC-V, Stanford-Binet, WPPSI |
| Achievement Tests | WIAT-4, WJ-IV |
| Personality Tests | MMPI-3 (validity scales: L, F, K; clinical scales; restructured form), MCMI-IV, PAI, 16PF, NEO-PI-R |
| Projective Tests | Rorschach (Exner CS, R-PAS), TAT, sentence completion |
| Neuropsychological Assessment | Halstead-Reitan, Luria-Nebraska, brief screens (MMSE, MoCA, RBANS) |
| Child Assessments | BASC-3, Achenbach CBCL, Conners-3, Vineland-3, ADOS-2, Bayley-4 |
| Clinical Interviewing | Structured (SCID-5), semi-structured, mental status exam |
| DSM-5-TR | Diagnostic criteria for major disorders, cultural formulation, severity specifiers |
| ICD-11 | Basics; interaction with DSM-5-TR |
| Forensic Assessment | Competency to stand trial, risk assessment (HCR-20, Static-99R), malingering detection (TOMM, SIRS-2) |
| Cultural and Bias Considerations | Non-biased assessment, language and acculturation effects, test fairness |
High-Yield: Reliability and Validity
- Reliability = consistency. Test-retest (same test, different times), internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), inter-rater (two observers), split-half (two halves of the same test). A test can be reliable without being valid, but not valid without being reliable.
- Validity = accuracy. Content (representative of domain), criterion (correlates with a standard — concurrent or predictive), construct (measures the theoretical construct — convergent and discriminant).
- Standard Error of Measurement (SEM): SEM = SD × sqrt(1 - r). A 95% confidence interval is roughly score ± 1.96 × SEM. Score interpretation always accounts for SEM.
High-Yield: WAIS-5 Index Scores
WAIS-5 (the latest Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, released in 2024) retains a Full Scale IQ composite derived from five primary index scores: Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed. Memorize which subtests load on which index.
Domain 6 — Treatment, Intervention, Prevention, and Supervision (14%)
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Treatments | CBT, DBT, ACT, IPT, PE, CPT, EMDR, MI, PCIT, TF-CBT |
| Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic | Freud, Jung, Adler, Kohut self-psychology, object relations, attachment-informed |
| Humanistic | Rogers's person-centered, Gestalt (Perls), existential (Yalom, May) |
| Behavioral and CBT | Classical and operant applications, Beck's cognitive therapy, Ellis REBT |
| Systemic and Family Therapy | Bowen, structural, strategic, solution-focused, narrative |
| Group Therapy | Yalom's therapeutic factors, group stages |
| Couple Therapy | Gottman, EFT, integrative behavioral couple therapy |
| Child and Adolescent | PCIT, TF-CBT, play therapy, family-based treatments |
| Crisis Intervention | Suicide risk assessment, safety planning, involuntary commitment criteria |
| Substance Use Treatment | MI, contingency management, MAT, 12-step approaches |
| Prevention | Primary/secondary/tertiary, universal/selective/indicated |
| Supervision | Developmental models (IDM), discrimination model, multicultural supervision |
| Consultation | Cabans mental health consultation, organizational, behavioral |
| Telehealth | APA telepsychology guidelines, PSYPACT, informed consent for telehealth |
| Outcomes Measurement | PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, OQ-45; measurement-based care |
High-Yield: Yalom's Therapeutic Factors (Group Therapy)
Memorize the 11 factors:
- Instillation of hope
- Universality
- Imparting information
- Altruism
- Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group
- Development of socializing techniques
- Imitative behavior
- Interpersonal learning
- Group cohesiveness
- Catharsis
- Existential factors
High-Yield: Evidence-Based Treatments by Disorder
| Disorder | First-Line EBTs |
|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder | CBT, IPT, behavioral activation; SSRI/SNRI medication |
| PTSD | Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), EMDR, TF-CBT |
| Panic Disorder | CBT with exposure |
| OCD | Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | CBT, applied relaxation |
| Borderline Personality Disorder | DBT (Linehan), MBT, TFP |
| Substance Use Disorders | MI, CBT, contingency management, MAT |
| Eating Disorders | CBT-E (Fairburn), FBT (Maudsley) for adolescent AN |
| Bipolar Disorder | Medication + psychosocial (family-focused, IPSRT, CBT) |
| Schizophrenia | Antipsychotic medication + CBT-p, social skills training, family psychoeducation |
Domain 7 — Research Methods and Statistics (8%)
Only 14 items, but disproportionately easy to study — memorizable content with clear right answers.
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Research Designs | Experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, case-study, longitudinal vs cross-sectional |
| Sampling | Random, stratified, cluster, convenience; sampling error vs bias |
| Validity of Research | Internal (threats: history, maturation, selection, testing, regression, attrition), external (generalizability), construct, statistical conclusion |
| Descriptive Statistics | Mean, median, mode, SD, variance, range, skewness |
| Inferential Statistics | t-tests (independent, paired), ANOVA (one-way, factorial, repeated-measures), MANOVA, chi-square, correlation (Pearson, Spearman), regression |
| Non-parametric Tests | Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman |
| Hypothesis Testing | Null vs alternative, Type I (alpha) and Type II (beta) errors, power (1-beta) |
| Effect Size | Cohen's d, eta-squared, r, R-squared |
| Meta-Analysis | Weighted averages, heterogeneity (I-squared), fixed vs random effects |
| Measurement Scales | Nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio |
| Single-Case Research | Baseline (A) and treatment (B) designs: A-B, A-B-A, multiple baseline |
| Qualitative Methods | Grounded theory, phenomenology, thematic analysis, IPA |
| Ethics in Research | IRB, informed consent, deception, debriefing, beneficence |
High-Yield: Type I vs Type II Errors
| Decision | H0 True | H0 False |
|---|---|---|
| Reject H0 | Type I error (alpha) | Correct — power = 1-beta |
| Fail to reject H0 | Correct | Type II error (beta) |
- Smaller alpha (e.g., 0.01 instead of 0.05) → fewer Type I errors but more Type II errors
- Larger sample size → higher power → fewer Type II errors
- Larger effect size → higher power
Domain 8 — Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues (15%)
The single largest domain. Memorize the APA Ethics Code cold.
Core Topics
| Topic | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| APA Ethical Principles | Beneficence/Nonmaleficence, Fidelity/Responsibility, Integrity, Justice, Respect for Rights and Dignity |
| APA 10 Ethical Standards | 1. Resolving Ethical Issues; 2. Competence; 3. Human Relations; 4. Privacy and Confidentiality; 5. Advertising; 6. Record Keeping and Fees; 7. Education and Training; 8. Research and Publication; 9. Assessment; 10. Therapy |
| Confidentiality Limits | Tarasoff duty to warn/protect, mandated child/elder/dependent-adult reporting, imminent danger to self/others, court orders |
| Informed Consent | Elements: capacity, voluntariness, information; special cases (minors, cognitive impairment, telehealth, research) |
| Multiple Relationships | Prohibited when they impair objectivity or risk harm; sexual relationships with current clients strictly prohibited; minimum 2 years post-termination for former clients, with significant burden of proof |
| Competence | Boundaries of competence, maintaining expertise via CE, consultation, supervision |
| Assessment Ethics | Test security, proper use, bases for assessment, interpreting results |
| Therapy Termination | Planned vs unplanned, client abandonment, interruption of services |
| Legal Issues | HIPAA (PHI, minimum necessary, BAA), FERPA (schools), state mandated-reporting laws, subpoena vs court-order distinction |
| Supervision Ethics | Vicarious liability, documentation, due process for supervisees |
| Cultural Competence | APA Multicultural Guidelines (2017), APA Multicultural Guidelines for working with specific populations |
| Telehealth and Technology | APA Telepsychology Guidelines, security, jurisdictional practice, PSYPACT |
| Licensing and Disciplinary | State boards, ASPPB Disciplinary Data System, reportable conduct |
High-Yield: Subpoena vs Court Order
- Subpoena: A formal request for records or testimony, often issued by an attorney. It is NOT automatically a legal requirement to release confidential records.
- Court Order: A directive from a judge that typically carries legal force. Failure to comply may result in contempt of court.
Proper response to a subpoena: notify the client, consult legal counsel, consider motion to quash or protective order, release only what is required.
High-Yield: Tarasoff and Duty to Protect
From Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California (1976). When a client presents a serious threat of violence to an identifiable third party, the psychologist has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect that person. Steps may include warning the potential victim, notifying law enforcement, or initiating involuntary commitment. Specifics vary by state — some states have codified Tarasoff into statute, others have modified it, a few have rejected it.
EPPP Part 2 — Examination of Professional Skills (2026 Status)
EPPP Part 2 launched in January 2020 as ASPPB's applied-skills complement to the knowledge-focused Part 1.
Format
- 170 multiple-choice items (scored + some pretest)
- Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers
- Scenario-based — clinical vignettes that test applied judgment
- Separate registration and fee from Part 1
6 Competency Clusters
- Scientific Orientation to the Practice of Psychology
- Assessment and Intervention
- Relational Competence
- Professionalism
- Ethical Practice
- Collaboration, Consultation, and Supervision
Which Jurisdictions Require Part 2 (2026)
Jurisdictional adoption of Part 2 has rolled out unevenly since 2020. As of 2026, required or adopted in (verify current status at asppb.net):
- US states (examples): Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, and a growing list
- Canadian provinces (examples): Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and additional provinces phasing in
Many major states — including California, New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania — still require only Part 1 as of 2026. The adoption map is fluid; check the ASPPB Jurisdictional Requirements tool at asppb.net before you plan your licensure pathway.
Should You Take Part 2 Even If Not Required?
If you plan to move between jurisdictions or practice via PSYPACT, taking Part 2 now may streamline future portability. ASPPB also offers the E.Passport (based on meeting Part 1 + Part 2 + other criteria) that facilitates mobility. If you are locked into a single jurisdiction that does not require Part 2, it is optional.
EPPP Pass Rates & Difficulty Reality Check
ASPPB publishes annual pass-rate data by program type. Historical averages:
| Program Type | Approx. First-Time Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| APA-accredited PhD (clinical) | ~85% |
| APA-accredited PhD (counseling) | ~85% |
| APA-accredited PhD (school) | ~80% |
| APA-accredited PsyD | ~75% |
| Non-accredited doctoral programs | 50-65% |
| Overall US first-time pass rate | ~75-80% |
| Candidates completing full AATBS/PsychPrep/TSPP program | 85%+ |
Why the range?
- Program rigor. APA-accredited PhD programs produce higher pass rates than non-accredited or under-resourced programs.
- Time since graduation. Recent graduates score higher than those 3+ years out.
- Preparation volume. Candidates using 1,500+ practice questions pass at significantly higher rates than those under 500.
- Content-area balance. Candidates who over-study familiar clinical material and under-study biological bases, statistics, and ethics are the ones who fail.
Plan on 400-600 hours of study spread over 6-12 months. Do not schedule until you are consistently scoring 70-75%+ on full-length timed practice sets.
FREE EPPP Practice, Round 2
Practice separates the candidates who pass from the candidates who retake. Before you review the study plan, confirm your practice environment is ready.
Start practicing nowPractice questions with detailed explanations
6-Month EPPP Study Plan
This plan assumes 15-20 hours per week. Scale up to 25 hours/week for a compressed 4-month plan, or spread to 10 hours/week over 9-10 months. Experienced clinicians still in practice can compress; candidates several years removed from graduate school should extend.
Month 1: Diagnostic + Biological + Cognitive-Affective (Domains 1-2, 25%)
- Week 1: Take a 175-item diagnostic practice exam. Score by domain. Identify your 3 weakest areas — this drives sequencing.
- Weeks 2-3: Domain 1 (Biological Bases). Review neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters, psychopharmacology, imaging. Use Khan Academy neuroscience, AATBS/PsychPrep Biological Bases materials.
- Week 4: Domain 2 (Cognitive-Affective). Learning theory, memory, emotion theories, cognitive development.
- Practice: 400+ questions (200 Domain 1, 200 Domain 2). Error log every miss.
Month 2: Social/Cultural + Lifespan (Domains 3-4, 24%)
- Weeks 5-6: Domain 3 (Social and Cultural). Classic social psych studies, attribution theory, group dynamics, multicultural counseling, APA Multicultural Guidelines.
- Weeks 7-8: Domain 4 (Growth and Lifespan). Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, Vygotsky, attachment, temperament, lifespan milestones.
- Practice: 400+ questions (200 Domain 3, 200 Domain 4).
Month 3: Assessment + Diagnosis (Domain 5, 14%) — HIGH YIELD
- Week 9: Psychometrics (reliability, validity, SEM), test theory, z/T-scores.
- Week 10: Intelligence and achievement tests (WAIS-5, WISC-V, WIAT-4, WJ-IV), MMPI-3 validity scales and profiles.
- Week 11: Personality (MMPI-3, MCMI-IV, PAI, NEO-PI-R), projectives (Rorschach, TAT), neuropsych screens, child batteries.
- Week 12: DSM-5-TR review — major disorders, diagnostic criteria, differential.
- Practice: 400+ questions in Domain 5.
Month 4: Treatment, Intervention, Prevention, Supervision (Domain 6, 14%) — HIGH YIELD
- Week 13: CBT, DBT, ACT, IPT, behavioral activation, PE/CPT/EMDR for PTSD.
- Week 14: Psychodynamic, humanistic, Gestalt, existential, family systems, group therapy (Yalom's factors).
- Week 15: Child/adolescent treatments, crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment.
- Week 16: Supervision models (IDM, discrimination model), consultation, prevention levels, telehealth.
- Practice: 400+ questions in Domain 6.
Month 5: Research and Stats + Ethics/Legal (Domains 7-8, 23%) — HIGHEST YIELD ETHICS
- Week 17: Research Methods and Statistics — full sweep. Memorize Type I/II, power, effect size, when to use each test.
- Weeks 18-19: Ethical/Legal/Professional Issues. Read the APA Ethics Code end to end twice. Memorize standards 3, 4, 8, 9, 10.
- Week 20: Legal — HIPAA, FERPA, Tarasoff, subpoena vs court order, mandated reporting, informed consent.
- Practice: 400+ questions (150 Domain 7, 250 Domain 8).
Month 6: Full-Length Mocks + Weakness Remediation + Taper
- Week 21: Two full 175-item timed mocks in one-sitting conditions. Analyze each by domain.
- Week 22: Remediate your bottom 2 domains. Targeted reading + 300 focused questions.
- Week 23: Two more full timed mocks. Target: consistent 70-75%+ by now.
- Week 24: Final week. Light flashcard review, APA Ethics Code skim, memorize any last stats formulas (power = 1 - beta, SEM = SD x sqrt(1 - r), Cohen's d thresholds), Erikson's 8 stages, Piaget's 4 stages, and DSM-5-TR criteria for top disorders. Rest the final 2 days before exam.
Recommended Resources (Free-First)
Free
| Resource | Why |
|---|---|
| ASPPB Information for Candidates Handbook (PDF, free from asppb.net) | Authoritative content outline and policies |
| APA Ethics Code 2017 (free at apa.org/ethics/code) | Non-negotiable — memorize |
| APA Multicultural Guidelines 2017 (apa.org) | Social/Cultural domain gold |
| DSM-5-TR summaries (multiple free online) | Diagnostic criteria reference |
| Khan Academy — Biological Basis of Behavior | Free video content for neuro/psychopharm |
| Simply Psychology (simplypsychology.org) | Free explainers for classic theories and studies |
| Psych Exam Review (psychexamreview.com/YouTube) | Michael Corayers free video channel — excellent intro psych deep dives |
| OpenExamPrep free EPPP practice | Free ASPPB-style questions with AI tutor — start here |
| r/psychology and r/clinicalpsych subreddits | Trip reports and study group threads |
Paid (Only After Exhausting Free)
| Resource | What It Is | Who Should Buy |
|---|---|---|
| AATBS EPPP Prep (Academic Review) | Most comprehensive — full text volumes, 3,000+ questions, study schedules, live workshops. The long-standing market leader. | Candidates who want maximum structure; non-APA program graduates |
| PsychPrep | Dr. Taylor-Dipietros mnemonic-heavy video program. Strong for visual learners. | Candidates who retain visual/auditory better than text |
| TSPP (The Successful Psychologist Preparation) | Newer, more affordable, lean high-yield synthesis with a 1,500+ question bank. | Budget-conscious candidates; those who already have strong content base |
| Psychology Licensure Exam Prep: A Study Guide for the EPPP (Levinson) | Standalone book — concise review companion | Supplemental reference |
| Rae Benedetto / Dr. Erin Staabs EPPP Workbook | Workbook-style drill resource | Candidates who learn by working problems |
| Gregory Coelho EPPP Audio | Audio review for commute/gym | Auditory learners supplementing primary program |
The lean budget stack: AATBS or TSPP subscription + APA Ethics Code (free) + DSM-5-TR (if not owned from grad school) + free practice. Total: roughly $800-$1,500 depending on prep program. Less than you paid for a single semester of graduate school, in exchange for the credential that unlocks your career.
Exam-Day Strategy: The EPPP Stamina Game
EPPP Part 1 is 225 items in 4 hours. That is 64 seconds per item — tight. Candidates who fail almost never fail on content alone; they fail on pacing or on second-guessing correct answers into wrong ones.
Pacing
- Minute 0-60: Items 1-60. Target 1 minute per item with 15-20% flagged and moved past.
- Minute 60-120: Items 61-120.
- Minute 120-180: Items 121-180.
- Minute 180-225: Items 181-225. You are working at a faster clip now — keep moving.
- Minute 225-240: Revisit flagged items. Change answers only with concrete reason — your first instinct is correct about 75% of the time.
The EPPP Question Archetypes
| Archetype | Signal | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Definitional / Knowledge | "Which of the following best describes..." | Pick the definition. Move fast. |
| Application / Best Practice | "A psychologist receives... what is the MOST appropriate action?" | Apply ethics + evidence base + client welfare filter |
| Scenario / Differential | Clinical vignette + "What is the most likely diagnosis?" | Match to DSM-5-TR criteria; watch for red-herring symptoms |
| Research / Stats Calculation | "Given alpha = .05 and power = .80..." | Work through logically; do not panic over formulas |
| Ethics / Legal | "Which response is most consistent with APA Ethics Code?" | Apply standards 3, 4, 8, 9, 10; when in doubt, protect client welfare and seek consultation |
The Elimination Engine
On hard items, eliminate in this order:
- Eliminate ethically or legally wrong answers. EPPP correct answers never violate APA Ethics Code.
- Eliminate clinically harmful answers. Options that damage therapeutic alliance, breach confidentiality inappropriately, or endanger client.
- Eliminate absolutes. "Always," "never," "all clients" are usually wrong.
- Eliminate answers that overstep competence. The psychologist does not do what falls outside training or scope.
- Pick the answer that a well-trained, ethical, culturally humble, evidence-based psychologist would defend in supervision.
Test-Day Logistics
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring two valid IDs (government-issued primary + secondary as required by Pearson VUE).
- No phones, notes, watches, or snacks in the testing room.
- Break policy: scheduled breaks do not stop the clock unless built into the tutorial. Plan to power through.
- Water: a locked locker holds personal items; some test centers allow water outside the room.
- Hydrate, eat protein before, skip excess caffeine.
Cost Breakdown, Retake Policy & Licensure Maintenance
Total Licensure Cost (Part 1 Path)
| Item | Typical Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| ASPPB EPPP Part 1 fee | $687.50 |
| Pearson VUE seat fee | ~$87.50-$90 |
| Licensing board application fee | $150-$600 (varies) |
| Jurisprudence exam fee | $50-$200 |
| Background check / fingerprinting | $50-$150 |
| License issuance fee | $50-$300 |
| Prep program (AATBS, PsychPrep, or TSPP) | $800-$2,500 |
| Year 1 Total (typical) | ~$1,900-$4,700 |
Retake Policy
- 60-day minimum wait between attempts
- Maximum 4 attempts per 12-month period
- Full fee on each retake ($687.50 + Pearson VUE seat fee)
- Some state boards impose additional caps or require remediation after 2-3 failures — check locally
Recertification and CE
Licensure maintenance is state/provincial, not ASPPB:
- CE hours: Typically 20-40 hours per 1-3 year renewal cycle
- Required topics (varies): ethics, cultural competence, suicide assessment, telehealth, substance use — many states have mandatory specific-topic hours
- Renewal fees: $150-$500 per cycle
- APA Ethics Code compliance: continuing
- Jurisdiction-specific: some states require a jurisprudence exam every renewal; others one-time
Salary & Career: What a Licensed Psychologist Earns
BLS 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data:
| Specialty | Median Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | ~$94,000 | >$157,000 |
| School Psychologists | ~$85,830 | >$130,000 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | ~$118,000 | >$212,000 |
| Psychologists, All Other | ~$117,750 | >$180,000 |
Plus practice-setting premiums:
| Setting | Typical Base (2026 US) |
|---|---|
| Community mental health | $75,000-$95,000 |
| Hospital / AMC | $90,000-$140,000 |
| VA staff psychologist | $95,000-$140,000 (GS-12/GS-13) |
| Private practice (cash-pay full) | $120,000-$300,000+ |
| Neuropsychologist (ABPP) | $110,000-$200,000+ |
| Forensic psychologist | $100,000-$250,000+ |
| Telehealth full-time | $90,000-$180,000 |
Career Paths
- Clinical/Counseling Licensed Practice: Assessment + therapy + supervision
- Academic Medicine: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor + clinical duties
- Neuropsychology: EPPP + ABPP-CN + often post-doctoral 2-year fellowship
- Forensic Psychology: EPPP + ABPP-Forensic; court-appointed evaluations
- Health Psychology: Primary care integration, behavioral medicine
- Organizational / Consulting: I-O psychology track
- Prescribing Psychology (RxP): Post-doc MSCP in authorized states
Common Mistakes That Tank First-Time Candidates
Mistake #1: Under-Preparing for Biological Bases and Statistics
Candidates from counseling-heavy programs often under-study Biological (12%) and Stats (8%). Together thats 20% of the exam — enough to fail with a weak showing. Biological and stats content is the most memorizable on the EPPP. Dont neglect it.
Mistake #2: Over-Relying on Clinical Intuition on Ethics Items
EPPP ethics items test the APA Ethics Code specifically. Clinical judgment alone is not enough — memorize the 5 Principles and 10 Standards. When a scenario is ambiguous, consult and document is almost always better than act unilaterally.
Mistake #3: Skipping the APA Ethics Code Cold-Read
Read the APA Ethics Code end-to-end at least twice. Memorize standards 3 (Human Relations), 4 (Privacy and Confidentiality), 8 (Research), 9 (Assessment), and 10 (Therapy). 15% of the exam lives here.
Mistake #4: Testing Too Soon
Do not schedule the EPPP until you are consistently scoring 70-75%+ on full-length 175-item timed practice sets. A 65% mock score predicts a failed attempt. Delay and re-test your readiness.
Mistake #5: Ignoring DSM-5-TR Specifics
DSM-5-TR replaced DSM-5 in March 2022. Criteria, specifiers, and cultural formulation were updated. Study DSM-5-TR current criteria, not old DSM-IV-TR memory.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Multicultural Content
12% of the exam sits in Social/Cultural. Candidates who glide past multicultural competence — APA Multicultural Guidelines, cultural humility, minority stress model, acculturation — leave easy points on the table.
Mistake #7: Relying Only on Graduate School Knowledge
Even APA-accredited PhD graduates find the EPPP breadth surprising. Your program likely covered 6 of 8 domains deeply and 2 lightly. The EPPP tests all 8 equally. You must fill the gaps.
Mistake #8: Choosing a Prep Program and Half-Using It
AATBS, PsychPrep, and TSPP each claim pass rates above 80% among candidates who complete the full program. Candidates who buy materials and use half of them score like candidates who used nothing. Commit to completing whatever you buy.
EPPP vs Other Psychology Credentials
| Credential | Body | Gate To | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPPP Part 1 | ASPPB | State psychology licensure | Doctoral |
| EPPP Part 2 | ASPPB | Enhanced licensure in adopting jurisdictions | Doctoral |
| ABPP Board Certification | American Board of Professional Psychology | Specialty expertise (clinical, counseling, neuropsych, forensic, etc.) | Post-licensure, 5+ years |
| NCE / NCMHCE | NBCC | LPC / LMHC licensure | Masters |
| AMFTRB Exam | AMFTRB | LMFT licensure | Masters |
| ASWB | ASWB | LCSW / LSW licensure | Masters (MSW) / Bachelors |
| BCBA | BACB | Behavior analysis | Masters |
| PSYPACT (APIT/E.Passport) | ASPPB | Interjurisdictional telehealth practice | Post-licensure |
EPPP vs Masters-Level Exams (Common Confusion)
The EPPP is doctoral-level. Masters-level mental health clinicians take different exams:
- LPC/LMHC: NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam)
- LMFT: AMFTRB National Exam
- LCSW: ASWB Clinical Exam
If you have a masters and no doctorate, the EPPP is not your path — one of the above is.
Your Next Steps After Passing EPPP
- Complete remaining state licensure requirements — jurisprudence exam, oral exam (if required), final hours verification, background check.
- Receive your license number — officially "Licensed Psychologist" in your jurisdiction.
- Join NPI registry, apply for insurance panels, or open private practice.
- Consider EPPP Part 2 if you plan PSYPACT mobility or practice in a jurisdiction requiring it.
- Board certification via ABPP after 5+ years of practice in a specialty (clinical, counseling, neuropsychology, forensic, health, couple and family, organizational, behavioral/cognitive, child and adolescent, etc.).
- Sub-specialty training — neuropsychology post-doc, trauma certification, EMDR certification, DBT intensive, etc.
- Prescribing (RxP) in NM, LA, IL, IA, ID, and CO — post-doctoral MSCP + supervised practice.
Final CTA: Start Practicing Today
The EPPP is a pass-able exam with a clear roadmap. Candidates who fail almost always share one trait: they studied narrowly or tested too soon. You can fix both today.
Start practicing nowPractice questions with detailed explanations
The 2026 mental health services market has record demand and chronic provider shortage. Licensed psychologists are the highest-credentialed providers in mental health. The doctoral degree is already behind you (or almost). The EPPP is the final gate. 6 months of disciplined preparation opens every door from here.
Good luck. You earned the right to sit this exam. Now earn the score.
Official Sources
- ASPPB home: https://www.asppb.net
- ASPPB Information for Candidates Handbook (PDF): available from asppb.net
- ASPPB Jurisdictional Requirements tool: https://www.asppb.net
- APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct: https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
- APA Multicultural Guidelines (2017): https://www.apa.org
- APA Telepsychology Guidelines: https://www.apa.org
- Pearson VUE (test delivery): https://www.pearsonvue.com/asppb
- BLS 2024 OEWS (psychologist wages): https://www.bls.gov/oes
- DSM-5-TR information: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
- PSYPACT: https://psypact.org
- ABPP board certification: https://abpp.org
Information current as of April 2026. Always verify specific fees, jurisdiction requirements, and current content outline at asppb.net and with your specific state or provincial psychology licensing board before applying or registering.
Buy on Amazon
Online course on Mometrix