EPPP - Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
This exam retires on Saturday, April 1, 2028.
ASPPB lists integrated EPPP as the broader replacement path; a practice exam for it is not available yet.
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the national licensing examination required for licensure as a psychologist in the United States and Canada. Administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), this comprehensive exam assesses the core knowledge and competencies essential for the safe, ethical, and effective independent practice of psychology. Passing the EPPP is a non-negotiable milestone, signifying that a candidate has mastered the foundational scientific and applied principles across eight major content domains. Earning a passing score validates a candidate's readiness for professional practice, serving as the final academic and evaluative hurdle before obtaining a license to practice independently. This certification is universally recognized by all state and provincial licensing boards as the standard for entry-level competence, making it the single most critical examination in a psychologist's career trajectory.
Sample Questions
Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.
A psychologist administers a depression screener with sensitivity 0.85 and specificity 0.75 in a primary-care population with 10% MDD base rate. Approximately what is the positive predictive value of a positive screen?
A psychologist evaluating a patient on Medicare for a disability claim notices the patient meets criteria for one diagnosis but not another that the patient strongly believes she has. The patient asks the psychologist to "just include both diagnoses to maximize benefits." Per Standards 5.01 (Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements) and 6.06 (Accuracy in Reports to Payors), what is required?
A meta-analysis of 30 studies of CBT for panic disorder reports a pooled effect size (Hedges' g) of 0.85 with 95% CI [0.65, 1.05]. Which interpretation is most accurate?
A 38-year-old woman has experienced four episodes of major depression following her late-fall to early-spring transitions over the past five years, with hypersomnia, increased appetite, and weight gain each episode. She remits in summer. The consulting psychologist explains the leading neurobiological hypothesis. Which best describes it?
A school psychologist works with a 7-year-old student who demonstrates strong academic skills when working alongside her teacher with prompts but cannot complete the same tasks independently. The teacher reports the child can perform with structured support that bridges to independence. Which Vygotskian concept best describes the gap between independent performance and supported performance?
Why This Certification Opens Doors
Successfully passing the EPPP is the definitive gateway to professional autonomy and career legitimacy in psychology. It is not merely an exam but a licensure requirement mandated by law in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Achieving a passing score confers industry-wide recognition of your competency, enabling you to obtain a license, practice independently, bill insurance panels, qualify for hospital privileges, and be recognized as a licensed psychologist. This certification is the cornerstone of career advancement, unlocking opportunities in private practice, academia, healthcare systems, and consulting. It is the primary credential that distinguishes a licensed, independent practitioner from a supervised trainee, carrying significant weight with clients, employers, and colleagues.
Exam Blueprint
Each domain is weighted to match the real certification exam, so a full practice simulation predicts your result.