How to Apply for the EPPP Exam: A Complete Guide

If you’re on the path to becoming a licensed psychologist, you’ve probably heard of the EPPP exam. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a key part of the licensure process in the U.S. and Canada. Passing the EPPP is more than just a checkbox—it’s a major step in proving your readiness to practice psychology professionally.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including EPPP exam eligibility, how to apply, what to expect, and tips to help you feel confident along the way. We’ll also touch on licensing authority requirements and why understanding your specific state or province’s process is so important.

What is the EPPP Exam?

The EPPP exam is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It’s a standardized exam used by most licensing boards to assess a candidate’s knowledge of core psychology concepts and readiness for independent practice. It’s computer-based, multiple-choice, and currently includes 225 questions. To schedule the test, you’ll register through Pearson VUE, but you must first meet your licensing board’s eligibility requirements.

Who Is Eligible to Take the EPPP Exam?

Before you can sit for the EPPP, you need to meet specific academic and professional criteria.

  • Doctoral Degree in Psychology: You must have completed a doctoral degree from a program that’s accredited by the APA, CPA, or another recognized accrediting body. This ensures the education you’ve received meets professional standards.
  • Supervised Practice Requirements: Many states and provinces require you to complete a certain number of supervised practice hours. These hours are usually fulfilled during an internship or residency and sometimes postdoc work.
  • State or Provincial Requirements: Licensure eligibility isn’t the same everywhere. Some regions require provisional licensure or additional credentials before you can even apply for the EPPP. Be sure to check with your local board.

You can find jurisdiction-specific requirements on the ASPPB website.

Apply for a Psychologist’s License in Your State, Province, or Territory

Your journey starts by applying for licensure with your local psychology licensing authority. Each board has its own process, which can vary significantly.

For example:

  • In California, you must first apply for registration as a Psychological Associate and complete postdoctoral hours before applying for the EPPP.
  • In Ontario, candidates complete the registration process through the College of Psychologists of Ontario and must meet both academic and supervised practice requirements.

You can find licensing board details on this ASPPB website directory page.

Meeting the Licensing Authority’s Requirements

Before your board gives the green light to take the EPPP, they’ll want to verify a few things:

  • Education and Credentials: Submit your transcripts and proof of degree completion from an accredited program.
  • Experience: Provide documentation of supervised practice hours, internships, or postdoctoral work.
  • Deadlines and Documentation: Double-check what’s needed and by when. Licensing boards don’t always send reminders.

Application tips: To avoid delays in your approval process, keep your documents organized, track your hours early, and stay ahead of deadlines.

How to Apply for the EPPP Exam

Once your licensing board confirms you’re eligible, here’s what you’ll do:

  1. Create an ASPPB Account: Head to the ASPPB website and register.
  2. Submit Required Documents: You may need to upload transcripts, supervised hours verification, and proof of identity.
  3. Pay Fees: The EPPP costs $687 (as of 2025), plus potential processing or exam center fees.
  4. Get Authorization to Test (ATT): Once approved, you’ll receive an ATT email from ASPPB.
  5. Schedule with Pearson VUE: Choose your date, time, and testing center (or online proctoring, if available).

From approval to test day, the process can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.

What to Know Before Applying for the EPPP

Before you apply, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Costs: Besides the $687 EPPP fee, your licensing board may charge additional application or registration fees.
  • Test Format: The exam is multiple-choice, computer-based, and lasts about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Scoring: You’ll need a scaled score of at least 500 to pass.
  • Retakes: After a waiting period, you can retake the EPPP if needed, but each attempt requires new fees and authorization.

Knowing the EPPP test format and financial commitment upfront can help you plan more effectively.

Tips for Successfully Preparing for the EPPP

Prepping for the EPPP is a big task, but the right strategies can make it feel manageable:

  • Use Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the exam structure and identify weak areas. Pocket Prep’s EPPP prep helps you build confidence with realistic practice.
  • Create a Study Schedule: Map out a few months of study time, focusing on one content domain at a time.

Take the Next Step Toward Psychology Licensure with the EPPP

Becoming a licensed psychologist takes dedication, planning, and meeting strict requirements. Now that you know who can take the EPPP, how to apply, and what steps are involved in licensure, you’re one step closer to your goal.

Take the time to understand your jurisdiction’s specific requirements and start preparing early. And when you’re ready to study, check out Pocket Prep’s EPPP exam prep app to access thousands of practice questions, customizable quizzes, and helpful explanations that make studying smarter, not harder.