Questions and answers about computer-based administration of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
How much time is given to take the examination? Candidates are allowed 4 hours and 15 minutes for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. There are 225 items (questions) on the examination.
How often can I take the examination? This may vary by jurisdiction. However, a candidate may take the examination no more than four times in any 12-month period.
Where will the examination be available? The examination will be available at any authorized Prometric Testing Center. In general, these sites are open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., 6 days per week. Centers may schedule evening hours during periods of peak demand.
When may examinations be taken? Candidates must sit for the examination within 60 days of the date on the authorization-to-test (ATT) letter provided by PES. However, they are strongly encouraged to contact Prometric to make an appointment as soon as they receive the ATT letter from PES.
Testing will be scheduled at the location and on the date and time of the candidate’s choosing, if available. If not available, alternate dates, times, and/or locations will be offered. If an alternate is requested, candidates have a right to an appointment within 30 days of the date requested, at a location within a 50-mile radius of the location requested. If a candidate wants an appointment within 30 days of the requested date and is unable to obtain one, the candidate may notify PES and the jurisdiction to which application for licensure was made. (The candidate must provide the date and time of the call to Prometric; the name of the person spoken with; and the date, time, and location of the requested appointment.)
Prometric will endeavor to accommodate candidates’ scheduling preferences as closely as possible within the 60-day eligibility window. However, the only obligation is to provide a testing time within 30 days of the requested date at any center within 50 miles of the preferred center. Some candidates may find it more convenient to wait longer than 30 days if, for example, they want to test only at a certain time and/or only on a certain day of the week (e.g., Saturday at 9:00 A.M. only) or only at a specific testing center. It is therefore important for EPPP candidates to go ahead and schedule the appointment for their exam administration as soon as they receive their Authorization to Test letter. The earlier a candidate calls, the more likely he/she will be able to schedule at the time and location of his/her own choosing.
In the event of failure, do I need to wait a specified period of time before I can test again? No, it is not necessary to wait before applying for a retest unless there are other requirements imposed by the jurisdiction. It is recommended, however, that you wait for approximately 60 days from your last test date in order to allow sufficient time to prepare. It is estimated that much of that time will be taken up by the need to reapply to the licensing authority or its agent for each subsequent examination administration.
What is a scaled score and what is the passing score? The scaled scores utilized by ASPPB are an arithmetic conversion of raw scores (the number of questions a candidate answers correctly) to a scale that ranges from 200 to 800. One reason for converting raw scores to scaled scores is that forms (versions) of the examination may vary slightly in their level of difficulty. A given raw score on one form of the examination may not be comparable to the same raw score on another form of the examination. To ensure that scores on different forms of the examination have the same meaning, raw scores on different forms are equated and then converted to scaled scores that represent equivalent levels of achievement regardless of the test form taken.
For example, while the ASPPB recommended passing score of 500 for independent practice never changes, the number of questions that have to be answered correctly to achieve a score of 500 can change. If a form of the examination is easier than the form on which the passing score was set, more questions would have to be answered correctly to obtain a scaled score of 500. If the form of the examination is harder, fewer questions would have to be answered correctly to pass the examination. Thus, candidates are not unfairly rewarded because their test was easier nor unfairly penalized because it was more difficult.
After equating, the ASPPB recommended passing score of 500 is equivalent to the criterion-referenced passing score of 140 that was applied to the anchor form of the examination and that was adopted by the ASPPB as a recommended passing score for independent practice as a psychologist.
The ASPPB recommended passing score for supervised practice is a national scaled score of 450, which is equivalent to the raw score of 130 on the anchor form.
How soon will I get my scores? The amount of time it takes for candidates to get their scores will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In general, scores will be reported to jurisdictions twice per month and then reported to candidates by jurisdictions. Scores will not be available at the Prometric Testing Center, but candidates will receive a printed notice of completion.
Examination Feedback to Candidates To preserve the security of the examination, feedback to candidates regarding their EPPP performance must be presented in a way that provides assistance while avoiding any jeopardy to this security. The following rules have been developed for assistance to candidates regarding examination performance.
Requests for feedback or score verification may be initiated by completing a form available here, from PES or your licensing board office. Candidates should understand the difference between score verification and examination feedback when requesting feedback.
Score verification is a manual check of the answer sheet or computerized scoring record by the testing service to determine if there have been any errors in scoring. While the probability of any such error is extremely remote, score verification is available for a fee of $75.00 USD payable to PES by a certified check or money order from the candidate or board, or by credit card.
Examination Feedback to candidates is available in the form of T scores for each of the eight content domains. Candidates are provided feedback on their performance in comparison with first-time doctoral candidates. The cost of an examination feedback is $75.00 USD payable to PES by a certified check or money order from the candidate or board, or by credit card.
For reasons of test security, no candidate will be allowed to review the examination or its items directly.
Feedback is available through PES. Individuals may contact PES at 1-866-364-3777 (364-EPPP), or by mail to PES, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115-0089. Feedback forms may be downloaded from: https://www2.proexam.org/asppb/candidate/Emails/ScoringRFeedback.pdf
ASPPB Recommended Passing Score The scaled scores utilized by ASPPB are an arithmetic conversion of raw scores (the number of questions a candidate answers correctly) to a scale that ranges from 200 to 800. One reason for converting raw scores to scaled scores is that forms (versions) of the examination may vary slightly in their level of difficulty. A given raw score on one form of the examination may not be comparable to the same raw score on another form of the examination. To ensure that scores on different forms of the examination have the same meaning, raw scores on different forms are equated and then converted to scaled scores that represent equivalent levels of achievement regardless of the test form taken.
For example, while the ASPPB recommended passing score of 500 for independent practice never changes, the number of questions that have to be answered correctly to achieve a score of 500 can change. If a form of the examination is easier than the form on which the passing score was set, more questions would have to be answered correctly to obtain a scaled score of 500. If the form of the examination is harder, fewer questions would have to be answered correctly to pass the examination. Thus, candidates are not unfairly rewarded because their test was easier nor unfairly penalized because it was more difficult.
After equating, the ASPPB recommended passing score of 500 is equivalent to the criterion-referenced passing score of 140 that was applied to the anchor form of the examination and that was adopted by the ASPPB as a recommended passing score for independent practice as a psychologist.
The ASPPB recommended passing score for supervised practice is a national scaled score of 450, which is equivalent to the raw score of 130 on the anchor form. All scores on the EPPP examination are reported to jurisdictions as scaled scores.
What is the PsyIMS online application system? ASPPB, with assistance from PES has developed the Psychology Information Management System (PsyIMS.) PsyIMS is an online application system that will enable candidates for the EPPP to register, pay, and monitor their status online. Candidates will be directed to follow a link from the ASPPB home page to a series of new pages which allow them to register for the exams. Candidates will be given a choice of applying to take the EPPP in English or French, the EPPP Practice exam at a Prometric Testing Center, or the EPPP Practice exam Online. Candidates applying for the EPPP will be asked which jurisdiction they are applying to, and will be asked to review the exam application instructions. A series of web page forms will collect and validate candidate input to fill out all of the information required for each applicant: including identity, contact address, education, and background. Candidates who require special accommodations will be able to mark a checkbox to indicate that they will contact their local jurisdiction to present supporting information and to discuss which accommodations are appropriate. Candidates will either provide a credit card number to pay online, or indicate one of the other payment options, such as mailing in a certified check or money order.
How will I know to apply using the online application process? Once candidates are deemed eligible to take the EPPP, they will receive an invitation to go online to complete the application. The invitation will arrive either by email from PES or by a letter from their licensing jurisdiction.
What are the steps for applying online?
Candidates will access the online application in one of two ways.
Candidates from prequalifying jurisdictions will receive an email invitation to go online and complete the application once the jurisdiction has submitted their name and contact information and pre-qualified them. Candidates may go online and complete the application and pay the exam fee to PES. As pre-qualified candidates, their eligibility information will be instantly transmitted to Prometric. In an automated process, Prometric will immediately confirm receipt of the electronic eligibility record and PES will issue an Authorization-to-Test letter email (ATT).
Candidates from jurisdictions that do not prequalify will receive a written invitation letter from their jurisdiction providing information to enable the candidate to go online and complete the application and pay the examination fee to PES. The system will notify the jurisdiction that the candidate has completed an application. Jurisdiction staff will then go online and verify the eligibility status of the candidate. Once verified by the jurisdiction as an eligible candidate, their eligibility information will be transmitted to Prometric and as described above, candidate will receive an ATT email message.
The Authorization-to-test email message to each eligible candidate contains a toll-free number to call to schedule the examination. Candidates will call Prometric's national call center using the provided toll-free number to schedule an examination at their chosen location. Candidates may also schedule and confirm their appointment online at www.prometric.com/asppb. If a candidate provides Prometric with an email address at the time they schedule an appointment, they will receive a confirmation email.
Candidates must sit for the examination within 60 days of the date on their Authorization-to-test letter provided by PES. If they do not sit for the examination within these 60 days, they will be removed from the eligibility list and will be required to begin the application process again. Candidates may sit for the examination at their chosen Prometric Testing Center.
Will I still be able to use a paper application? Yes, a paper application process will still be available for candidates who would prefer not to use a computer to apply. However, the paper application may take much more time to process.
Must I test in the jurisdiction in which I am seeking licensure? No. Candidates may sit for the examination at any of the approximately 320 testing centers in the United States, United States territories, and Canada. They are not required to sit for the examination within the jurisdiction in which they are seeking licensure. The examination is available only in the United States, United States territories, and Canada.
May I apply to more than one jurisdiction to take the examination? No. Candidates may apply to only one jurisdiction to take the examination. It is recommended that individuals apply in the jurisdiction where they desire to be licensed. While candidates may apply for licensure in more than one jurisdiction, candidates may not apply to take the examination from more than one jurisdiction at the same time. If a candidate submits application forms to take the examination from more than one jurisdiction, PES will process only the first application form received and register the candidate to take the examination for licensure in that jurisdiction. Once a candidate is registered to take the examination in one jurisdiction, scannable application forms and fees submitted for other jurisdictions will be returned, less a $30.00 processing fee.
A candidate who does not pass the examination may reapply to the same jurisdiction or to a different one. However, as before, a candidate may apply to only one jurisdiction for each single opportunity to take the examination. Candidates who pass the examination may then transfer their scores to additional jurisdictions. Score transfers may be arranged through the score transfer service maintained by ASPPB.
Can I confirm my appointment before my testing date? Yes. To confirm an appointment, a candidate may call the Prometric toll-free number indicated on their authorization-to-test letter. Using the confirmation number provided when the appointment was scheduled, a candidate can confirm the date, time, and location of the appointment using Prometric’s automated system. Candidates may also schedule and confirm their appointment online at www.prometric.com/asppb. If a candidate provides Prometric with an email address at the time they schedule an appointment, they will receive a confirmation email.
What if I submit an application in multiple jurisdictions? Candidates who submit applications to multiple jurisdictions during the same testing window will be allowed to take the examination only for the jurisdiction indicated in the first application received by PES. All other applications will be returned to the respective jurisdictions. In cases in which PES receives candidate fees, such candidates will be assessed a $30.00 processing fee per application returned and will receive a refund of the balance of their ASPPB examination fee equal to $420.00. Any other administrative fees are non-refundable. In cases in which the jurisdiction receives candidate fees, each jurisdiction will be assessed a $30.00 processing fee for each candidate whose application is returned due to multiple submissions.
What if I am deemed ineligible to take the examination after I submit the application? In cases in which a licensing jurisdiction deems a candidate ineligible to sit for the examination after the application is received at PES, and PES receives candidate fees, such candidates will be assessed a $75.00 processing fee and will receive a refund of the balance of their ASPPB examination fee equal to $375.00. Any other administrative fees are non-refundable. Any other administrative fees are non-refundable. In cases in which the jurisdiction receives candidate fees, the jurisdiction will be assessed a $30.00 processing fee for each candidate who is deemed ineligible to test after the application is received.
How do I withdraw my exam application? Candidates who wish to withdraw their applications to take the exam should notify PES in writing. Some licensing jurisdictions may also wish to be notified. Candidates should check with their individual jurisdiction, if in doubt.
What are the steps for examination via computer?
Candidates will obtain application materials from the licensing authority of the state or province (jurisdiction) in which they are seeking licensure or from its agent. These materials may consist of a computer-scannable application for candidates to complete or access to the online application system.
Candidates will complete an application, along with payment of examination fees to PES, but excluding the examination administration fee. PES can serve as agent to a jurisdiction by reviewing and approving scannable applications of eligible candidates, and collecting fees. If the scannable application is incomplete, the jurisdiction or its agent will return it to the candidate for completion. If the online application is incomplete, it will prompt the candidate for the missing information.
PES will receive completed applications and compile daily eligibility lists.
PES will send an authorization-to-test letter to each eligible candidate containing a toll-free number to call to schedule the examination. Letters will be sent within 2 weeks of receipt of completed paper application form and within 48 hours of completion of the online application.
Candidates will call Prometric’s national call center using the provided toll-free number to schedule an examination at their chosen location. Candidates may also schedule and confirm their appointment online at www.prometric.com/asppb. If a candidate provides Prometric with an email address at the time they schedule an appointment, they will receive a confirmation email. Candidates must sit for the examination within 60 days of the date on the authorization-to-test letter provided by PES. If they do not sit for the examination within these 60 days, they will be removed from the eligibility list and will be required to begin the application process again.
Candidates will sit for the examination at their chosen Prometric Testing Center.
PES will aggregate scores from candidates who tested from the 1st of the month to the 15th of the month and from the 16th of the month to the end of the month. PES will send scores to jurisdictions within 3 business days from the end of each of these scoring periods. No information regarding pass/fail status will be available to candidates at the Prometric Testing Center. Test results will not be given over the phone.
The jurisdictional licensing authority or its agent will mail examination results to candidates or make results available online.
If a candidate fails an examination and a retake is necessary, the candidate must reapply to the licensing authority or its agent, following the steps outlined above. Candidates may reapply to take the EPPP as soon as they receive notification of a failing score.
Can I confirm my appointment before my testing date? Yes. To confirm an appointment, a candidate may call the Prometric toll-free number indicated on their authorization-to-test letter. Using the confirmation number provided when the appointment was scheduled, a candidate can confirm the date, time, and location of the appointment using Prometric’s automated system. Candidates may also confirm their appointment at www.prometric.com/aspppb. If a candidate provides Prometric with an email address at the time they schedule an appointment, they will receive a confirmation email.
How will I find the local Prometric Testing Center? Candidates may locate nearby testing centers or obtain directions to a testing center online using Prometric’s Test Center Locator at www.prometric.com/asppb. Candidates may also access directions through Prometric’s automated phone system when calling the toll-free number that they will receive with their ATT letter. A candidate may call the local Prometric Testing Center and ask for directions.
What is the cost to candidates? The ASPPB per-candidate fee for the EPPP examination is $450.00. However, fees may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions or their agent may include their own administrative costs in the examination fee. A computer-based testing administration fee of $65.00 U.S. per candidate is collected by Prometric at the time the examination is scheduled. Candidates who schedule after January 1, 2009, will pay an increased administration fee of $67.50.
What information must be provided when I call to schedule my examination? Candidates must provide:
• The name of the examination program (Association of State
& Provincial Psychology Boards-ASPPB)
• The name of the examination (Examination for Professional
Practice in Psychology-EPPP)
• Where and when the candidate would like to test (location
of Prometric Testing Center and desired date)
• Registration number/ID number (from ATT letter)
• Name
• Daytime telephone number
• Type of payment: credit card or debit card
What are the acceptable forms of payment for the test administration fee? Payment for Prometric test administration fees may be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) or by direct debit to a checking account using a debit card. Payment information must be provided at the time the candidate schedules the examination. However, funds are not collected until after the actual appointment date. It is not possible to pay the test administration fee at the testing center.
What are the requirements for admission to the Prometric testing center? Candidates must arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. Candidates must have a currently valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.), as well as another piece of identification imprinted with the candidate’s name and containing a signature (credit card, CPR card, etc.) A Social Security /Social Insurance card is not an acceptable form of identification. On both forms of ID, the signature must match the pre-printed name. All testing sessions will be videotaped and audio-monitored.
What is Biometric Validation of Candidate Identification? To further validate candidate identification, Prometric employs a biometric identity management system, which consists of a fingerprint reader, a device for reading the data on a driver’s license, passport, or similar identification document, and a scanner for scanning in the driver’s license or other identification document. The fingerprint reader captures an image of a fingerprint and that image is used for comparison throughout the day. By capturing the fingerprint scan at check-in, candidates can leave and return from breaks by rescanning their fingerprint, along with sign-in and display of identification documents. The software compares the fingerprint to the one scanned and saved at check in, alerting the testing center administrator if the same person does not return from break. Electronic files created by these scans are erased at the end of the day.
What is Prometric’s rescheduling policy? Candidates wishing to reschedule their appointments with Prometric should contact Prometric by noon local time at the test center where they are scheduled to test at least 2 business days prior to their scheduled appointment date. Note that since Prometric Testing Centers are open, Saturday is considered a business day. The new appointment date must be within your eligibility period in order for the appointment to be rescheduled.
Is there a fee for rescheduling? Currently there is no fee for rescheduling an appointment. Prometric has, however, reserved the right to institute such a fee.
Are refunds of the computer-based testing administration fees available for no-shows? No. Since Prometric’s rescheduling policy is liberal, no refunds are available. Candidates who fail to show up to take the examination on their scheduled appointment date will not receive a refund of their computer-based testing administration fees.
If I apply for the examination, but do not take it, will I receive a refund of my examination fee? Candidates who wish to withdraw their applications, or who fail to schedule an appointment during their eligibility periods, or who fail to sit for a scheduled appointment, will be assessed a $75.00 processing fee and will receive a refund of the balance of their ASPPB examination fee equal to $375.00. Any administrative fees above the $450.00 examination fee are non-refundable.
Where can I call if I have additional questions about the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)? Candidates may call PES’s Customer Service toll-free telephone number, 1-866-364-3777 (364-EPPP) to obtain general information about the EPPP program, as well as the status of their application, authorization-to-test letter, or the score report that is sent to their state/provincial licensing authority.
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