EPPP

Country:
United States
Category:
Professional

Checked against official sources on 2 October 2026.

Overview

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is run by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Licensing boards use it as part of deciding whether someone may practise psychology independently. All 66 ASPPB member jurisdictions in the United States and Canada require it.

The exam currently has two parts: Part 1 (Knowledge) and Part 2 (Skills). ASPPB has announced an integrated EPPP that is due to launch in the fourth quarter of 2027 and replace the two-part format. ASPPB says the integrated exam replaces the two-part format for first-time candidates starting 1 April 2028.

Who can apply

You do not apply to ASPPB first. You apply for licensure with the licensing board of the jurisdiction where you want to practise, and that board decides whether you may sit the exam. Part 1 is needed everywhere; whether Part 2 is required depends on the jurisdiction, so confirm with your board.

Exam pattern

Part 1 (Knowledge) tests general knowledge of psychology, assessment and intervention, along with an understanding of theory and research.

Part 2 (Skills) tests how you apply the Part 1 knowledge to decisions in typical situations of real independent practice.

Question counts and timings are not given on the ASPPB web pages; they are in the free EPPP candidate handbook.

Syllabus

Content areas and their weights on the current exams:

Part 1 (Knowledge) domainWeight
Biological bases of behavior10%
Cognitive-affective bases of behavior13%
Social and cultural bases of behavior11%
Growth and lifespan development12%
Assessment and diagnosis16%
Treatment, intervention, prevention, and supervision15%
Research methods and statistics7%
Ethical, legal, and professional issues16%
Part 2 (Skills) domainWeight
Scientific orientation6%
Assessment and intervention33%
Relational competence16%
Professionalism11%
Ethical practice17%
Collaboration, consultation, and supervision17%

Marking and results

ASPPB recommends a passing score of 500 for both parts. Licensing boards set their own requirements, so check your jurisdiction.

Fees

Fees as listed on the ASPPB site in 2026, in US dollars:

ItemFee
Part 1 (Knowledge)$600.00
Part 2 (Skills)$450.00
Test site appointment (listed for both parts)$91.88

Fees are nonrefundable. Licensure application fees are set separately by each licensing board. Rescheduling or cancelling with Pearson VUE is free 32 or more days before the appointment, costs $87.50 plus tax if made later than that but more than 24 hours ahead, and forfeits all fees within 24 hours or for a no-show.

How to apply

  1. Apply for licensure with your chosen jurisdiction's licensing board.

  2. Accept the emailed invitation from Certemy to create a free EPPP registration account.

  3. Register for the exam in that portal and book an appointment at a Pearson VUE test centre.

You must sit the exam within 12 months of registering, or sooner if your jurisdiction sets a shorter limit.

After the exam

You may not take the exam more than four times in any rolling 12-month period. Boards may add their own waiting periods or extra requirements for retakes, so contact your jurisdiction first, then enter the retake workflow in the portal.

FAQs

Do I need both parts of the EPPP?

Part 1 is required for licensure in every ASPPB jurisdiction. Part 2 is required only in some, so ask your licensing board.

How many times can I retake the EPPP?

ASPPB allows at most four attempts in any rolling 12-month period, and your jurisdiction may set stricter rules.

Sources