EPPP
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
The EPPP Part 1 is required for psychology licensure in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. It covers biological bases, cognitive-affective bases, social bases, growth and development, assessment, treatment, research, and ethics.
Study Materials in C3RT
EPPP Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology |
| Governing Body | ASPPB |
| Number of Questions | 225 |
| Time Limit | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Passing Score | 500 (scaled) |
| Exam Fee | $660 USD |
| Category | Behavioral Health |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | ASPPB official website ↗ |
EPPP Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Practice Qs | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Bases of Behavior | 525 | 12% |
| Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior | 533 | 13% |
| Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior | 545 | 12% |
| Growth and Lifespan Development | 501 | 12% |
| Assessment and Diagnosis | 725 | 14% |
| Treatment, Intervention, Prevention, and Supervision | 676 | 14% |
| Research Methods and Statistics | 715 | 8% |
| Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues | 786 | 15% |
Practice question counts reflect the Behavioral Health Exam Prep app content bank. Domain weights are approximate and based on the ASPPB content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Biological bases of behavior
- ✓ Cognitive-affective bases of behavior
- ✓ Social and multicultural bases
- ✓ Growth and lifespan development
- ✓ Assessment and diagnosis
- ✓ Treatment, intervention, and prevention
- ✓ Research methods and statistics
- ✓ Ethical, legal, and professional standards
How C3RT Helps You Pass the EPPP
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the EPPP is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real EPPP format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
Sample EPPP Practice Questions
Q1.A patient with bilateral damage to the hippocampi most likely presents with which deficit?
- Inability to form new declarative memoriesCorrect
- Loss of procedural memory
- Inability to recognize faces
- Loss of language comprehension
Bilateral hippocampal damage produces anterograde amnesia for declarative memory.
Q2.Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in the positive symptoms of schizophrenia per the dopamine hypothesis?
- Serotonin in raphe nuclei
- Dopamine in mesolimbic pathwayCorrect
- GABA in cerebellum
- Acetylcholine in basal forebrain
Mesolimbic dopamine hyperactivity correlates with positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions).
Q3.A 34-year-old begins an SSRI for MDD. Which adverse effect should be discussed during the first 2 weeks?
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Increased suicidal ideation in young adultsCorrect
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
FDA black box warning notes increased suicidal ideation in patients under 25 in the first weeks.
EPPP Frequently Asked Questions
What does EPPP stand for?
EPPP stands for Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. It is administered by ASPPB.
Who administers the EPPP?
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is administered by ASPPB. For official information, visit the ASPPB website.
How many questions is the EPPP?
The EPPP consists of 225 questions. Candidates are given 4 hours 15 minutes to complete the exam.
How many practice questions does C3RT have for the EPPP?
The C3RT app includes 5,750 practice questions for the EPPP, along with 600 flashcards, 120 concept reels, and 150 concept cards.
What is the passing score for the EPPP?
The passing score for the EPPP is 500 (scaled), as set by ASPPB. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the EPPP exam cost?
The EPPP exam fee is $660 USD. This fee is set by ASPPB and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
Is the EPPP required in all states?
Yes. The EPPP is universally required for psychology licensure in all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Some states also require the EPPP Part 2 (skills).
How difficult is the EPPP?
The EPPP is considered one of the most rigorous health profession licensing exams. Average pass rates for first-time test takers are approximately 70-75%.
How hard is the EPPP?
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous professional licensing exams in the mental health field. Pass rates for first-time candidates average around 70–75%, though rates vary by program and preparation. The depth of scientific and clinical content across eight broad domains makes thorough preparation essential.
What are the eligibility requirements for the EPPP?
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) from a program accredited by the APA or CPA. Most jurisdictions also require completion of a predoctoral internship and postdoctoral supervised experience (typically 1–2 years) before sitting for the EPPP, though some allow candidates to test earlier.
How many hours of study does the EPPP require?
The EPPP is one of the most content-heavy professional exams, and most candidates invest 200–400+ hours of preparation. Preparation typically spans 3–6 months of structured daily study. Resources such as AATBS, Exam4Hcaps, and Taylor Study Method are widely used alongside the official content outlines.
What does passing the EPPP qualify me to do?
Passing the EPPP is required for licensure as a psychologist in all U.S. jurisdictions. Licensed psychologists can independently assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders; conduct psychological evaluations; provide expert testimony; conduct research; and supervise lower-level providers. Some specialties (neuropsychology, health psychology) may require additional board certification.
What is the EPPP retake policy?
The ASPPB allows retakes after a 60-day waiting period following a failure. After three failures, most jurisdictions impose an additional waiting period of 1 year and may require demonstration of remedial study. Candidates should verify their jurisdiction's specific policies.
How is the EPPP scored?
The EPPP uses a scaled scoring system. The passing score is 500 on a 200–800 scale, which corresponds to approximately 70% correct on most administrations. Scores are reported with a standard error of measurement, and candidates receive a content area diagnostic profile.
How does the EPPP compare to the NCE?
The EPPP is for doctoral-level psychologists, while the NCE is for master's-level counselors. The EPPP covers significantly more scientific and research content, including biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, and advanced assessment. The NCE is broader in some areas (group work, career development) but at a less scientifically intensive level. The two credentials serve different professional scopes.
Does psychology licensure require continuing education?
Yes. Most jurisdictions require 20–40 hours of CE per renewal cycle (typically 2 years), with mandatory ethics training. Many states also require training in specific areas such as cultural diversity, suicide risk assessment, or telepsychology. Some specialty boards (ABPP) have separate maintenance of certification requirements.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a Behavioral Health certification, administered by ASPPB. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by ASPPB. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the ASPPB official website ↗ .