EPPP
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
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Cheat sheet
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Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
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ExploreCase studies
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ExploreExam-day guide
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the examination series that psychology licensing authorities in the United States and Canada use as part of their licensure requirements. It is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and is intended for doctoral-level psychologists who are pursuing a license to practice - it is not a specialty certification and does not by itself confer a credential. ASPPB currently lists two components: the EPPP (Part 1–Knowledge) and the EPPP (Part 2–Skills). Part 1 addresses the broad knowledge base underlying professional psychology practice; Part 2 addresses applied professional skills. Candidates register through the EPPP registration portal (hosted by Certemy) and then schedule with the testing vendor, Pearson VUE. Because ASPPB maintains separate 'Current EPPP Content Areas' and 'Future EPPP Content Areas' pages and has announced a forthcoming integrated EPPP Beta Exam, candidates should confirm the content outline in force for their own test date rather than relying on older study guides or secondhand summaries. Preparation generally combines a structured review across every published content area, practice with ASPPB's sample exams, and a planning tool such as the EPPP Prep Checklist. Requests for testing accommodations are filed with, and decided by, the candidate's own licensing authority.
What you'll study
About EPPP preparation
Which EPPP exam should I take - Part 1, Part 2, or both?
That depends on your licensing authority, which is why ASPPB publishes a 'Which Exam Should I Take?' page. Your board determines whether you must take the EPPP (Part 1–Knowledge), the EPPP (Part 2–Skills), or both, and in what sequence. Confirm with your jurisdiction before registering, because your registration is tied to the authority where you intend to practice.
How do I request testing accommodations?
During EPPP registration in the portal, check the 'Special Accommodations' box. Your licensing authority then acknowledges the request, asks for supporting documentation, and issues an approval or denial through the registration portal hosted by Certemy. If approved, Pearson VUE is notified so an implementation plan can be built, which ASPPB says may take roughly ten business days to two weeks. Track status in the portal.
Can I add accommodations after I schedule my exam?
No. ASPPB states that special accommodations cannot be added to your exam after you have scheduled it, so you must select the 'Special Accommodations' option during registration. You also cannot schedule the exam at all until both the licensing authority's review and the implementation plan are complete, so start the request early.
What content areas does the EPPP cover?
ASPPB maintains a dedicated 'Current EPPP Content Areas' page and also lists a 'Future EPPP Content Areas' page. The retrieved source text does not reproduce the area names or their percentage weights, so verify the outline directly on ASPPB's site for your test date. Do not rely on a prep book's older outline.
Is the EPPP changing?
Yes, ASPPB signals an upcoming revision. Its site advertises a forthcoming integrated EPPP Beta Exam, a 'Future EPPP Content Areas' page, and news items titled 'The EPPP Is Changing: What You Need to Know' and an 'Updated Timeline.' The retrieved pages do not state the new content areas, their weights, or an effective date, so monitor ASPPB announcements directly.
How many items are on the exam, and how long is it?
Those figures are not stated in the source material available here, so treat any specific number you hear as unverified until you confirm it. Consult the EPPP Candidate Handbook and the Registration and Fees pages on ASPPB's site, which are the authoritative sources for current item counts, time limits, and scheduling rules.
What happens if I fail - how do retakes work?
ASPPB maintains a dedicated Retake Process page for the EPPP, separate from its score transfer and registration pages. The specific waiting periods and attempt limits are set within that process and were not included in the source text retrieved here. Review the Retake Process page and confirm any jurisdiction-specific rules with your licensing board before reapplying.
In what order should I study the content areas?
Because the exam spans many distinct content areas, uneven preparation is the usual weak point. Cover every published area rather than polishing one favorite topic, use ASPPB's sample exams to identify gaps, and work through the EPPP Prep Checklist as a planning scaffold. Re-check ASPPB's current content outline before each study cycle, since the areas are being revised.
I want to practice in more than one jurisdiction. Can I move my score?
ASPPB lists a dedicated EPPP Score Transfer page, so scores can be conveyed rather than retaken. The eligibility rules, fees, and procedures live on that page and vary by licensing authority. Confirm with both the board that holds your original score and the board you are applying to before you initiate a transfer.