Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a licensing examination developed and administered by Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board (ASPPB) with assistance of Professional Examination Service (PES). EPPP is one of the requirements of state and provincial boards. The candidates require passing other assessment procedures also, in addition to, qualifying EPPP examination.
Eligibility-
The test is taken mostly by candidates who have completed doctoral degree in psychology and have acquired relevant post doctoral experience. EPPP assesses the knowledge gained through education and supervised experience, and ability to apply that knowledge in the field.
Test Overview-
EPPP test is breakdown into eight content areas-
Biological bases of behavior (12% of test): – Psychopharmacology; Biological and neural bases of behavior; Related methodologies.
Cognitive-affective bases of behavior (13% of test): – Cognition; Factors impacting cognitive performance and emotional experiences; Theories and empirical bases of memory, learning, emotion, motivation, affect, and executive function.
Social and cultural bases of behavior (12% of test): – Theories of personality; Interpersonal, inter group, intrapersonal, and intra group processes and dynamics; Diversity issues.
Growth and lifespan development (12% of test): – Atypical patterns; Protective and risk factors impacting developmental trajectories of individuals; Development across full life span.
Assessment and diagnosis (14% of test): – Assessment models and instruments; Psychometrics; Diagnostic classification systems, their limits; Assessment methods.
Treatment, intervention, prevention and supervision (14% of test): – Intervention and prevention theories; Consultation and supervision models; Evidence supporting effectiveness and efficacy of interventions; Practices and guidelines; Individual, family, couple, organizational, group, or community interventions for specific problems in diverse populations.
Research methods and statistics (8% of test): – Research design, program evaluation, and methodology; Statistical procedures, models, and assumptions; Instrument selection, validation; Dissemination methods.
Ethical/legal/professional issues (15% of test): – Professional ethics; Legal issues; Standards for practice; Ethical decision making; Training and supervision.
Test Format-
There are 225 multiple choice questions in exam. These include 175 scored items and 50 unscored pretest questions. The unscored portion is indistinguishable and kept for collecting statistical data for future administration of this test. EPPP is a computerized exam offered at Prometric centers. It is taken in paper and pencil format only in those jurisdictions where Prometric network is not available. A time of 4 hours and 15 minutes is given for completing this exam.
Marking Scheme-
The raw score is equal to number of MCQs attempted correctly. Since, there is slight difference in difficulty level of various forms of exam; the raw score is converted into scaled score of range from 200 to 500. A scaled score of 500 is considered the passing score. The scores are first reported to jurisdictions and further, jurisdictions report these scores to candidates. So, time spent in receiving the score report varies among jurisdictions. Normally, score reports are sent twice each month to jurisdictions.
Schedule-
EPPP exam is offered at Prometric testing centers, six days each week. First of all, a candidates require applying to licensing authority in his/her state or province. He/she receives an Authorization-To-Test (ATT) letter after verification of their credentials. Then, the applicant has to schedule the exam at a Prometric site within 60 days from date of receiving ATT. The appointment can be made online (www.2test.com) or by phone.
Exam Fees-
EPPP fee structure is as follow-
Exam fees: – $450
Computer based testing fee: – $69
Score verification: – $75
Examination feedback: – $75