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.
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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) domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Biological bases of behavior | 10% |
| Cognitive-affective bases of behavior | 13% |
| Social and cultural bases of behavior | 11% |
| Growth and lifespan development | 12% |
| Assessment and diagnosis | 16% |
| Treatment, intervention, prevention, and supervision | 15% |
| Research methods and statistics | 7% |
| Ethical, legal, and professional issues | 16% |
| Part 2 (Skills) domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Scientific orientation | 6% |
| Assessment and intervention | 33% |
| Relational competence | 16% |
| Professionalism | 11% |
| Ethical practice | 17% |
| Collaboration, consultation, and supervision | 17% |
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:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| 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
Apply for licensure with your chosen jurisdiction's licensing board.
Accept the emailed invitation from Certemy to create a free EPPP registration account.
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.