EPYA study materials
EPYA study resources

EPYA cheat sheet

EPYA · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

Exam Structure and Question Formats

  • EPYA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions; 135 scored, 15 unscored pretest items.

  • Time allotted: 3 hours (180 minutes) for the entire exam; no scheduled breaks.

  • Questions are presented in random order; each question has four answer choices (A-D).

  • Some questions are scenario-based, requiring application of ethical principles to concrete situations.

  • No penalty for guessing; candidates should answer every question.

  • Exam is delivered via computer-based testing (CBT) at authorized test centers or online proctored.

  • Question formats include direct recall, scenario analysis, and 'select all that apply' (multiple response).

  • Pretest items are not identified and do not affect the final score.

Quick reference

Candidate Eligibility and Registration Process

  • Eligibility requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent.

  • Candidates must complete at least 40 hours of ethics training within the last 5 years.

  • Registration is completed online via the EPYA candidate portal; paper applications are not accepted.

  • A non-refundable application fee of $250 must be paid at the time of registration.

  • Candidates must provide two professional references who can attest to ethical conduct.

  • After registration, candidates receive an authorization-to-test (ATT) valid for 90 days.

  • Special accommodations requests must be submitted with registration and supporting documentation.

  • Registration is valid for one year; candidates may schedule the exam within this period.

Quick reference

Test Center Procedures and Security Policies

  • Candidates must arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver's license) is required for admission.

  • Personal items (phones, bags, notes) are not allowed in the testing room; secure storage is provided.

  • The test center provides scratch paper and pencils; these are collected after the exam.

  • Candidates are video-monitored during the exam; any suspicious behavior is reported.

  • Breaks are not permitted during the exam; leaving the testing room may result in termination.

  • Electronic devices must be powered off and stored away; unauthorized devices are grounds for dismissal.

  • Test center staff will conduct a security check (e.g., pockets, sleeves) before entry.

Quick reference

Scoring, Pass/Fail Determination, and Score Reporting

  • The passing score is 70% overall, equating to 95 correct answers out of 135 scored items.

  • Scores are reported on a scale of 0 to 100; a score of 70 or above is required to pass.

  • Results are available within 10 business days after the exam; candidates receive an email notification.

  • Score reports include a pass/fail status and a breakdown by domain (e.g., ethics, confidentiality).

  • Unscored pretest items are not included in the final score calculation.

  • There is no penalty for incorrect answers; all questions are weighted equally.

  • Candidates who fail receive a diagnostic report highlighting areas for improvement.

  • Official score reports are sent to candidates and, upon request, to their employers or licensing boards.

Quick reference

Retake, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Rules

  • Candidates may retake the exam after 30 days from the date of the failed attempt.

  • A maximum of three attempts are allowed within a 12-month period.

  • Rescheduling is permitted up to 48 hours before the scheduled exam time with a $50 fee.

  • Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the exam receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee.

  • Cancellations within 48 hours forfeit the entire exam fee.

  • No-shows are treated as cancellations within 48 hours; the exam fee is forfeited.

  • Retake fees are the same as the initial exam fee ($250).

  • Candidates must wait 90 days after a third failed attempt before applying again.

Quick reference

Accommodations and Special Testing Arrangements

  • Accommodation requests must be submitted at the time of registration with supporting documentation.

  • Documentation must be from a qualified healthcare professional and dated within the last 3 years.

  • Common accommodations include extended time (e.g., 1.5x or 2x), separate room, and screen reader.

  • Requests are reviewed within 14 business days; candidates are notified via email.

  • Approved accommodations are valid for one year and must be renewed for subsequent attempts.

  • Candidates must confirm accommodations with the test center at least 7 days before the exam.

  • Appeals for denied accommodations must be submitted within 30 days of the decision.

  • There is no additional fee for approved accommodations.

Quick reference

Ethics, Confidentiality, and Candidate Conduct

  • Candidates must adhere to the EPYA Code of Ethics, which includes integrity, confidentiality, and respect.

  • Sharing exam content (questions, answers) with others is strictly prohibited and may result in revocation.

  • Candidates must not engage in cheating, plagiarism, or falsification of credentials.

  • Confidentiality of client information must be maintained in accordance with applicable laws.

  • Violations of the code are investigated by the Ethics Committee; sanctions include warning, suspension, or revocation.

  • Candidates must report any observed unethical conduct to the EPYA Ethics Committee.

  • During the exam, candidates must not communicate with others or use unauthorized materials.

  • A candidate's signature on the ethics agreement is required before testing.

Quick reference

Certification Maintenance and Recertification

  • Certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam.

  • To recertify, candidates must earn 60 continuing education (CE) credits within the three-year period.

  • At least 20 CE credits must be in ethics-related topics.

  • Recertification also requires a $150 renewal fee and a signed attestation of ethical conduct.

  • CE credits must be documented with certificates and submitted via the online portal.

  • A maximum of 20 CE credits can be earned through self-study; the rest must be from approved providers.

  • Recertification applications are due 30 days before the certification expiration date.

  • Late recertification incurs a $50 late fee; after 90 days, certification lapses and re-examination is required.

Quick reference

Program Policies, Appeals, and Score Verification

  • Score verification requests must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the score report.

  • A fee of $75 is required for score verification; it includes a manual review of the scoring process.

  • Appeals of exam results are only considered for procedural irregularities, not for disagreement with content.

  • Appeals must be submitted in writing within 60 days of the score report date.

  • The Appeals Committee reviews appeals and responds within 45 days.

  • Decisions of the Appeals Committee are final.

  • Candidates may request a copy of their exam responses for an additional $25 fee.

  • Program policies are subject to change; candidates are responsible for reviewing the latest handbook.

Quick reference

Program Updates and Communication Channels

  • Official communication is via email and the EPYA website; candidates must keep contact information current.

  • Candidates are responsible for checking the website for updates to policies and exam content.

  • Major changes (e.g., exam blueprint, fees) are announced at least 90 days in advance.

  • The EPYA newsletter is sent quarterly and includes program updates.

  • Candidates can opt-in to receive text message alerts for urgent updates.

  • Social media channels (LinkedIn, Twitter) are used for announcements but are not official.

  • For specific inquiries, candidates should contact the EPYA office via email or phone.

  • The Candidate Handbook is the definitive source for program policies and is updated annually.