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Key Facts: EPPP Part 2 Skills Exam

PAUSED

Mandatory Rollout Status

ASPPB October 22, 2024

Q4 2027

Integrated EPPP Target

ASPPB transition plan

170 Items

Part 2 Length

ASPPB (130 scored + 40 pretest)

$541.88

ASPPB Part 2 Fee

ASPPB ($450 exam fee + $91.88 test-site fee)

4h10m

Time Limit

ASPPB (plus a 9-minute tutorial)

500

Passing Scaled Score

Criterion-referenced standard

The EPPP Part 2 (Skills) is a 170-item, 4h10m computer-based exam (plus a 9-minute tutorial) assessing applied psychology practice skills across 6 domains, with a $541.88 fee ($450 exam fee + $91.88 test-site fee) and scaled passing score of 500. STATUS: ASPPB paused mandatory two-part EPPP rollout on October 22, 2024, and is developing a single integrated EPPP arriving fall/Q4 2027 (the sole version from April 1, 2028). Currently, Part 2 remains a supplemental exam only a few jurisdictions require. Candidates should verify current requirements with their state/provincial licensing board. These 100 practice questions help candidates prepare for Part 2 content domains while ASPPB transitions to the integrated assessment.

Sample EPPP Part 2 Skills Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the EPPP Part 2 Skills exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A psychologist is interpreting a cognitive test score reported as having a standard error of measurement (SEM) of 3 points. Which interpretation is most accurate regarding the 68% confidence interval for an obtained score of 100?

A.True score is exactly 100

B.True score likely falls between 97 and 103 (68% confidence) — ±1 SEM

C.True score must be between 94 and 106 only

D.Reliability of the test cannot be assessed

Explanation: Standard error of measurement (SEM) defines the precision of test scores. A 68% confidence interval is obtained score ± 1 SEM; 95% CI is ± 1.96 SEM. With SEM = 3 and score 100, 68% CI = 97-103; 95% CI = ~94-106. SEM is derived from reliability: SEM = SD × √(1 - reliability).

2Which psychometric concept describes the degree to which a test measures the same construct across different demographic groups?

A.Test-retest reliability

B.Measurement invariance / measurement equivalence

C.Face validity

D.Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha)

Explanation: Measurement invariance (configural, metric, scalar invariance) is the property that a test measures the same construct in the same way across groups (gender, ethnicity, age). Without invariance, group comparisons are not valid. Confirmatory factor analysis with multi-group invariance testing is the standard approach.

3A psychologist administers the WAIS-IV to a 45-year-old. The patient obtains a Full Scale IQ of 85. Which statement best reflects the appropriate interpretation?

A.FSIQ of 85 is below average; report as a single number without context

B.Examine subtest pattern, indices (VCI, PRI, WMI, PSI), confidence intervals, base rates of score differences, and integrate with history, observation, and other data; FSIQ alone may obscure significant scatter or specific weaknesses

C.Recommend cognitive remediation immediately

D.Conclude diagnosis of intellectual disability

Explanation: Best practice WAIS-IV interpretation: examine all four indices (VCI, PRI/PRI, WMI, PSI), evaluate index discrepancies and base rates, examine subtest variability, report confidence intervals (typically 95%), integrate with developmental, educational, medical, psychiatric history, behavioral observations, and other test data. A FSIQ alone may mask significant variability requiring different interventions.

4A 35-year-old presents with persistent depressed mood, anhedonia, weight loss, and impaired sleep for 6 weeks. Which is the most appropriate next step?

A.Diagnose major depressive disorder without further assessment

B.Conduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluation including: structured/semi-structured interview (e.g., SCID-5), mental status exam, suicide risk assessment (e.g., Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale), medical/substance history, and validated symptom measures (e.g., PHQ-9, BDI-II); rule out medical causes and consider differential (bipolar with current depression, persistent depressive disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood)

C.Start treatment without diagnosis

D.Refer immediately without evaluation

Explanation: Evidence-based diagnostic assessment of MDD includes: structured/semi-structured interview (SCID-5, MINI), mental status exam, suicide risk assessment (C-SSRS critical), medical/substance history, validated symptom measures (PHQ-9, BDI-II for symptom severity tracking), and rule-out of differential diagnoses (bipolar — prior hypomanic/manic episodes change treatment, PDD/dysthymia, adjustment, bereavement, medical causes — hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency).

5Which intervention has the strongest empirical support as a first-line evidence-based treatment for adult panic disorder?

A.Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy

B.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with exposure (interoceptive and situational) — preferred first-line treatment; SSRIs are first-line pharmacotherapy

C.Benzodiazepines as monotherapy long-term

D.Mindfulness without other intervention

Explanation: CBT with interoceptive exposure (deliberately inducing feared bodily sensations — hyperventilation, dizziness) and in vivo exposure to avoided situations is the gold-standard psychological treatment for panic disorder (Barlow protocol). SSRIs are first-line medication. Benzodiazepines may be used short-term but cause tolerance, dependence, and interfere with exposure-based learning. APA, NICE, and clinical guidelines support CBT.

6Which is considered the most evidence-based psychological treatment for adult PTSD per the APA Clinical Practice Guideline (2017)?

A.Hypnotherapy

B.Trauma-focused CBT (Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapy), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused cognitive therapy — strongly recommended treatments

C.Crisis incident debriefing

D.Supportive counseling alone

Explanation: APA Clinical Practice Guideline (2017) for adult PTSD strongly recommends trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Processing Therapy — CPT; Cognitive Therapy; Prolonged Exposure — PE), and EMDR. SSRIs/SNRIs (sertraline, paroxetine, venlafaxine) are FDA-approved/recommended pharmacological options. Prazosin for trauma-related nightmares. Crisis incident debriefing is not recommended (may worsen outcomes).

7A clinical psychologist provides supervision to a psychology trainee. Which is the supervisor's primary ethical obligation?

A.Maximize trainee independence immediately

B.Maintain ultimate responsibility for clinical care of clients seen by the trainee, while supporting trainee development; provide ongoing direct supervision proportional to trainee competence; address ethical issues, multicultural sensitivity, and professional development; document supervision

C.Avoid evaluating trainee

D.Bill for trainee services

Explanation: Per APA Ethics Code (2017) and Guidelines for Clinical Supervision (2014), supervisors retain ultimate professional and ethical responsibility for clients seen by supervisees, regardless of trainee development. Supervision involves: direct review (live, video, or audio), case discussion, evaluation, addressing competence/professional development, multicultural competence, and documentation. Supervisor must be qualified, formally evaluate trainee, and identify and address problematic competence.

8A psychologist learns that a client (adult, capable) intends to harm a specifically identified third party. What is the psychologist's ethical and legal obligation?

A.Always maintain absolute confidentiality

B.Per Tarasoff (California 1976) and similar laws in most US states: take reasonable steps to protect the identified victim, which may include warning the victim, notifying police, hospitalization of the client; check specific state law; document carefully

C.Inform the client's family without action

D.Ignore the threat

Explanation: The Tarasoff duty (Tarasoff v. Regents of UC, 1976) established that mental health professionals have a duty to protect identifiable victims from serious threats. Reasonable steps may include: warning the victim, notifying law enforcement, initiating involuntary hospitalization of the client, or otherwise reducing risk. Specific state laws vary (some are 'duty to warn,' others 'duty to protect'). Document risk assessment, intervention, and rationale carefully.

9Which of the following constitutes a multiple/dual relationship that violates APA ethics?

A.Greeting a client politely in a public setting without disclosing the therapy relationship

B.Entering into a business partnership with a current therapy client

C.Reading professional journals

D.Attending a continuing education seminar with colleagues

Explanation: APA Ethics Code Standard 3.05 prohibits multiple/dual relationships when they could impair objectivity, competence, or effectiveness; or create risk of exploitation or harm. Examples: sexual relationships with current clients (absolute prohibition), business partnerships with clients, accepting valuable gifts, treating family/friends, and bartering when it harms or exploits. Small unavoidable overlapping relationships in rural or specialty practice may be unavoidable but should be addressed thoughtfully.

10Which evidence-based treatment has the strongest empirical support as first-line for borderline personality disorder?

A.Long-term medication only

B.Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT — Linehan), Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), or Schema-Focused Therapy — all have evidence base; DBT has the most extensive RCT support and is first-line

C.Crisis-only intervention

D.Single-session counseling

Explanation: DBT (Linehan) has the largest evidence base for BPD: multiple RCTs showing reduced suicidality, self-harm, hospitalization, and substance use. Core components: individual therapy, group skills training (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness), phone coaching, therapist consultation team. MBT, TFP, and Schema Therapy are also evidence-based alternatives. Medications target comorbidities but not BPD itself.

About the EPPP Part 2 Skills Exam

The EPPP Part 2 (Skills) is a 170-item (130 scored + 40 pretest), 4-hour 10-minute computer-based examination (plus a 9-minute tutorial) assessing applied skills competencies for psychology practice, developed by ASPPB. Content domains include Assessment and Intervention, Relational Competence, Professionalism, Ethical Practice, Collaboration/Consultation/Supervision, and Scientific Orientation. Passing score is scaled 500. Fee is $450 plus a $91.88 test-site appointment fee ($541.88 total). IMPORTANT 2026 STATUS: ASPPB paused mandatory rollout of the two-part EPPP on October 22, 2024, citing implementation challenges and concerns from the psychology community. ASPPB is developing a single integrated EPPP combining knowledge and skills assessment, arriving fall/Q4 2027 and becoming the only version of the exam from April 1, 2028. Currently, EPPP Part 2 remains a supplemental exam that only a few jurisdictions require. Candidates should verify current requirements with their jurisdiction's licensing board.

Exam sponsor: Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

170 questions

Time Limit

4 hours 10 minutes (plus a 9-minute tutorial)

Passing Score

Scaled score 500 (criterion-referenced)

Exam / Certification Fees

$450 exam fee + $91.88 test-site appointment fee = $541.88

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

33%

Assessment and Intervention

Applied skills in selecting appropriate assessment instruments based on referral question, population, and cultural factors. Interpreting results in clinical context. Communicating findings to clients, families, and other professionals (oral feedback, written reports). Case conceptualization using multiple frameworks (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, systems, biopsychosocial). Selecting evidence-based interventions (EBPP framework - APA 2006). Monitoring intervention outcomes through measurement-based care (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, OQ-45). Modifying interventions based on progress. Suicide and violence risk assessment (C-SSRS). DSM-5-TR diagnostic skills. Addressing diversity in assessment and intervention.

16%

Relational Competence

Therapeutic alliance development and maintenance (Bordin's tripartite alliance - goals, tasks, bond). Communication skills (active listening, empathy, reflection, validation). Working effectively with diverse populations including racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, individuals with disabilities, older adults. Managing difficult interactions and ruptures in therapeutic relationships. Identifying and addressing alliance ruptures through acknowledgment and repair. Professional collaboration with colleagues from psychology and other disciplines. Cultural humility in relationships.

11%

Professionalism

Self-awareness including awareness of own values, beliefs, biases, emotional reactions, and limitations. Self-reflection as ongoing practice. Self-care and burnout prevention (Maslach burnout dimensions - exhaustion, depersonalization, reduced efficacy). Professional identity development integrating personal values with professional ethics, knowledge, skills. Attention to power dynamics in therapeutic and professional relationships. Professional development through continuing education, supervision, consultation, professional involvement. Modeling professionalism for trainees.

17%

Ethical Practice

Applied ethics using APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017). Key standards: 2.01 (Competence), 3.05 (Multiple Relationships), 3.10 (Informed Consent), 4.05 (Disclosures), 6.04-6.07 (Fees), 9.01 (Bases for Assessments), 9.03 (Consent in Assessments), 9.11 (Test Security), 10.01 (Consent to Therapy), 10.05-10.07 (Sexual Boundaries), 10.10 (Termination). Ethical decision-making frameworks (Kitchener, Welfel). Multicultural ethics. Ethics in supervision. Ethics in telepsychology (APA Telepsychology Guidelines 2013). Mandated reporting. Tarasoff duty to protect. HIPAA. Confidentiality limits.

17%

Collaboration, Consultation, and Supervision

Effective collaboration with other professionals using IPEC competencies (values/ethics, roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, teams/teamwork). Consultation skills (Caplan mental health consultation, Bergan behavioral consultation). Providing clinical supervision per APA Guidelines for Clinical Supervision (2014) - Bernard's Discrimination Model (teacher/counselor/consultant roles), Stoltenberg's IDM (3 developmental levels of supervisees), Falender & Shafranske's competency-based supervision. Receiving supervision and consultation throughout career. Working in interprofessional healthcare teams including primary care behavioral health (PCBH), integrated care, collaborative care models.

Scientific Orientation

Selecting relevant research literature and critically reviewing its assumptions, conceptualization, methodology, interpretation, and generalizability. Evaluating and applying research findings to practice, with attention to applicability and generalizability. Interpreting and communicating empirical research results to non-scientific audiences. Acquiring and disseminating psychological knowledge in accord with scientific and ethical principles, including sharing it with students, colleagues, clients, other professionals, and the public in an unbiased manner.

Preparing for the EPPP Part 2 Skills Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score 500 (criterion-referenced)
Exam length: 170 questions
Time limit: 4 hours 10 minutes (plus a 9-minute tutorial)
Exam / certification fees: $450 exam fee + $91.88 test-site appointment fee = $541.88 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
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EPPP Part 2 Skills: Suggested Study Strategy

1STATUS CHECK FIRST: Before investing in EPPP Part 2 preparation, verify with your jurisdiction's licensing board whether Part 2 is currently required for licensure. Given the October 2024 pause of mandatory rollout and the planned Q4 2027 integrated EPPP, many candidates are no longer required to take Part 2. If Part 2 is not required, weigh the cost-benefit of taking optional exam versus waiting for integrated assessment.

2Master APA Ethics Code (2017) for applied scenarios on Part 2: Standard 2.01 (Competence - work within scope of training/experience), 3.05 (Multiple Relationships - avoid when impair judgment/effectiveness/exploitation), 3.10 (Informed Consent - ongoing process, document), 4.05 (Disclosures - need for written consent for most disclosures with key exceptions), 9.01-9.11 (Assessment - bases, consent, security, explanation), 10.01-10.10 (Therapy standards including sexual boundaries 10.05-10.07 and termination 10.10).

3EBPP framework (APA 2006) is central to Part 2: Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology = integration of best available research evidence + clinical expertise + patient characteristics/values/preferences. Apply consistently to vignettes: identify the research evidence (EBPs for specific conditions - DBT for BPD, CBT-I for insomnia, PE/CPT/EMDR for PTSD, ERP for OCD, CBT-E for bulimia), articulate clinical expertise (case formulation, alliance), incorporate patient factors (culture, values, preferences, intersectionality).

4APA Multicultural Guidelines (2017) for Part 2 vignettes: ecological framework (micro-meso-exo-macro-chrono levels), intersectionality (Crenshaw - identities interact), cultural humility (lifelong learning, self-reflection). Apply to specific populations using APA's specific guidelines: Sexual Minority Persons (2021 revision - affirming practice, minority stress, avoid conversion therapy), Transgender/Gender Nonconforming (2015 - gender-affirming care), Older Adults (2014), People with Disabilities. Address structural and systemic factors, not just individual.

5Supervision content for Part 2: APA Guidelines for Clinical Supervision in Health Service Psychology (2014). Bernard's Discrimination Model (Teacher-Counselor-Consultant roles applied to Intervention-Conceptualization-Personalization skills). Stoltenberg's IDM 3 levels (Level 1 high anxiety/dependence, Level 2 fluctuating, Level 3 autonomous integrated). Falender & Shafranske competency-based supervision. Bordin's supervisory alliance (goals, tasks, bond). Parallel process. Multicultural supervision triangle. Supervisor vicarious liability. Gatekeeping function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the EPPP Part 2 in 2026?

On October 22, 2024, ASPPB paused the mandatory rollout of the two-part EPPP (Part 1 Knowledge + Part 2 Skills) citing implementation challenges, candidate concerns, and feedback from the psychology community. ASPPB is developing a single integrated EPPP combining knowledge and skills assessment, arriving fall/Q4 2027 and becoming the only version of the exam from April 1, 2028. Currently in 2026, EPPP Part 2 remains a supplemental exam that only a few jurisdictions (reported: DC, Georgia, Nevada, Guam, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador) require. Candidates should verify current requirements with their state/provincial licensing board.

How is the EPPP Part 2 examination structured?

EPPP Part 2 (Skills): 170 items total (130 scored + 40 unscored pretest items), 4-hour 10-minute time limit (plus a 9-minute tutorial), computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centers, multiple-choice format. Content domains: Assessment and Intervention (33%), Relational Competence (16%), Professionalism (11%), Ethical Practice (17%), Collaboration/Consultation/Supervision (17%), and Scientific Orientation (6%). Items use vignette-based format requiring application of skills competencies to clinical scenarios. Passing score is scaled 500 (criterion-referenced).

What does the EPPP Part 2 cost?

ASPPB charges a $450 EPPP Part 2 exam fee plus a $91.88 test-site appointment fee, for $541.88 total. Additional jurisdictional licensing fees apply separately. Retake fees apply if needed. If your jurisdiction does not require Part 2, taking it is optional - confirm requirement before paying fees.

Should I take EPPP Part 2 if my jurisdiction does not require it?

Decision considerations: (1) Cost - significant fee for optional exam; (2) Mobility - taking both parts may facilitate licensure in jurisdictions that may require both in the future; (3) Time investment - preparation requires 200-300 hours specifically; (4) Career goals - some specialty boards or advanced practice may benefit from comprehensive assessment; (5) Future requirements uncertainty given the 2024 pause and 2027 integrated EPPP plan. Many candidates are waiting for the integrated EPPP to be implemented rather than taking the optional Part 2 separately.

What is the difference between EPPP Part 1 and Part 2?

EPPP Part 1 (Knowledge): Foundational psychology knowledge (biological, cognitive-affective, social/cultural, lifespan development, assessment/diagnosis, treatment/intervention, research methods, ethical/legal/professional issues). 225 items, 4h15m, $600 exam fee. Required for psychology licensure in all ASPPB jurisdictions. EPPP Part 2 (Skills): Applied skills competencies in 6 domains (Assessment/Intervention, Relational Competence, Professionalism, Ethical Practice, Collaboration/Consultation/Supervision, Scientific Orientation). 170 items, 4h10m, $450 exam fee ($541.88 with the test-site fee). A supplemental exam only a few jurisdictions require as of 2026 (ASPPB paused the nationwide mandatory rollout in 2024).

What is the passing score for EPPP Part 2?

Both EPPP Part 1 and Part 2 use scaled scoring with a passing standard of 500 (criterion-referenced through Angoff method). The 500 represents the same competency level across forms accounting for slight form-to-form difficulty variations. Score reports show pass/fail determination plus content area performance. ASPPB publishes annual pass rate statistics by jurisdiction and other demographics.

How long should I study for EPPP Part 2?

If choosing to take Part 2: candidates typically report 200-300 hours of dedicated preparation over 2-4 months specifically for Part 2 Skills (different content focus than Part 1 Knowledge). Plan study time across all 6 content domains with attention to applied vignettes, APA Ethics Code (2017) standards, APA Multicultural Guidelines (2017), supervision frameworks, EBPP integration, telepsychology guidelines, and current professional issues.

When will the integrated EPPP be available?

ASPPB has targeted the fall of 2027 (Q4 2027) for the integrated EPPP that combines knowledge and skills assessment; it becomes the only version of the exam from April 1, 2028, at a $650 fee. This timeline reflects the development process following the October 2024 pause of the two-part rollout. A $100 beta test runs March-April 2027, with beta scores available in late June 2027. Candidates who fail Part 1 or Part 2 before the integrated exam launches may retake the old-format exam through March 31, 2028. Monitor the ASPPB website for updates.