USA

Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

600 questions

About this exam

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a licensing examination developed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). In the United States, it is taken by candidates seeking licensure as psychologists, with eligibility and other licensing requirements set by each state or jurisdiction. The exam assesses professional knowledge and, where applicable, psychological practice skills. Its subject areas include biological bases of behavior, cognitive and affective processes, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, ethics, research, and development across the lifespan.

EPPP requirements and exam arrangements can change as jurisdictions adopt different components, so candidates should confirm which EPPP examination their licensing board requires and consult current ASPPB guidance. For content review, connect neuroanatomy and neurophysiology with genetics, psychopharmacology, and health, then study learning and memory alongside emotion, motivation, and personality. A sound EPPP study plan follows the current content outline, uses active recall and timed question sets, and spends extra review time on missed concepts. Practice questions can help reveal gaps, but explanations and targeted review matter more than volume.

How to prepare for the EPPP

  1. Use the current ASPPB content outline and your licensing board’s instructions to identify the exam component and subject areas you need to cover.
  2. Review biological and cognitive-affective topics systematically: connect brain systems and physiology to behavior, and compare major learning, memory, emotion, motivation, and personality concepts.
  3. Work through timed, mixed-topic practice questions, then read each explanation and keep a log of misconceptions to revisit; avoid relying only on memorized answer patterns.

FAQ

Who is eligible to take the EPPP?

The EPPP is generally taken by candidates pursuing psychologist licensure. The licensing board in each state or jurisdiction determines eligibility, including education and application requirements, so check with your board before registering.

What is the format of the EPPP?

The EPPP has knowledge and skills components, but which component or components a candidate must take can depend on the licensing jurisdiction and current requirements. Check the latest ASPPB information and your board’s instructions for the applicable format and exam arrangements.

What subjects should I study for the EPPP?

Study the current ASPPB content outline, including biological bases of behavior; cognitive and affective bases; social and cultural bases; development; assessment and diagnosis; treatment and intervention; research; and ethical, legal, and professional issues. Give focused review to areas where practice and recall checks show gaps.