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Illinois Psychologist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Individual independent clinical psychology practice license. Statutory temporary practice under Sections 10.5 and 11.5 is authorization pending or without issuance of this license, not a separately issued license.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; Clinical Psychologists Licensing and Disciplinary Board · Application information

Endorsement: Certificate of Professional Qualification

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Pay the required fee, provide requested clarification or oral interviews, and complete the application process within three years.
Credential substitution
A valid ASPPB Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ), with a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology, may establish substantial equivalence and substitute for the education and experience proofs. The clinical psychologist application does not waive examination proof for CPQ applicants.
Equivalence
Under 225 ILCS 15/11(a), IDFPR may grant licensure if the original jurisdiction standards at original licensure or the individual qualifications were substantially equivalent to the then applicable Illinois requirements. Review is individual and discretionary.
Exam evidence
The December 2025 clinical psychologist instructions require an official ASPPB EPPP score verification from persons who have already passed EPPP. Rule 1400.140(f) permits either eligibility to sit for examination or issuance by endorsement. Passing an examination before applying remains an examination reference; individual equivalence or waiver decisions are conditions.
Existing license
Currently licensed in another United States state or territory or a foreign country; provide certification of original and every other license, its issuance date, examination basis if any, and any disciplinary record.
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Endorsement under Section 11(b): experienced doctoral psychologist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current statutory eligibility
P.A. 104-796, effective August 7, 2026, requires doctorate-based licensure in one or more other states or Canada for at least 30 months during the five consecutive years preceding application, no discipline throughout licensure, no violation of the Act or rules, and compliance with additional rules. Pay the fee; IDFPR issuance requires Board recommendation.
Degree documentation
Provide an official doctoral psychology transcript from a regionally accredited institution, and certification of original and other licenses, including their practice level and disciplinary records.
Department material difference
The current 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.140(c) and IDFPR December 2025 Page 4 still demand twenty years. Rule quote: c) Any person currently licensed in the United States or Canada desiring to obtain a license as a licensed clinical psychologist under the provisions for senior psychologists who have been licensed for at least 20 years (see Section 11(b)(1) of the Act) shall file an application with the Division that shall include: 1) A certification from the jurisdiction of original licensure and any other jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed, stating: A) The date of issuance of the applicant's license and the level of licensure; B) The basis of licensure and a description of the examination by which the applicant was licensed, if any; C) If multiple levels of practice are licensed, that the license is at the highest level of practice in that jurisdiction; and D) Whether the records of the licensing authority contain any record of disciplinary action taken or pending; 2) Proof that the applicant has been actively and lawfully licensed to practice clinical psychology in another state or Canada for at least 20 consecutive years and that the individual's licenses have never been disciplined by another state or Canada. An applicant whose license has been disciplined by another jurisdiction shall not be eligible nor shall the applicant be issued a license pursuant to this subsection (c); however, the applicant's credentials may be reviewed pursuant to subsection (a) or by examination; 3) Verification of a doctoral degree in psychology from a college, university or school that was regionally accredited in the jurisdiction in which it is located by a body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (or one of its predecessor organizations) at the time the degree was granted and an official transcript; and 4) The required fee specified in Section 1400.40. IDFPR instructions quote: An individual applying under the Senior Psychologist licensure method who: • has been licensed at the independent practice level in another state or U.S. jurisdiction • for 20 consecutive years • without discipline will be directed to provide Certification of Licensure (CT forms) for each state in which the applicant practiced during the 20 years instead of proof of experience or proof of examination. The newer controlling statute sets the 30-month/five-year threshold; the departmental twenty-year demand remains visible here as a lower-ranked implementing condition.
Examination proof substitution
IDFPR directs senior applicants to provide license certifications instead of proof of experience or examination. No currently offered identified examination is assigned by Section 11(b) or the senior documentation list.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-07.

Endorsement: National Register qualification

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Pay the required fee, provide requested clarification or oral interviews, and complete the application process within three years.
Credential substitution
Currently credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and actively licensed and independently practicing psychology at doctoral level for at least five years under 1400.140(b)(2). IDFPR December 2025 instructions say National Register credentialed for five years. This substitutes education and experience proofs; examination proof is not waived by this substitution.
Equivalence
Under 225 ILCS 15/11(a), IDFPR may grant licensure if the original jurisdiction standards at original licensure or the individual qualifications were substantially equivalent to the then applicable Illinois requirements. Review is individual and discretionary.
Exam evidence
The December 2025 clinical psychologist instructions require an official ASPPB EPPP score verification from persons who have already passed EPPP. Rule 1400.140(f) permits either eligibility to sit for examination or issuance by endorsement. Passing an examination before applying remains an examination reference; individual equivalence or waiver decisions are conditions.
Existing license
Currently licensed in another United States state or territory or a foreign country; provide certification of original and every other license, its issuance date, examination basis if any, and any disciplinary record.
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Endorsement: individual education and experience review

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Pay the required fee, provide requested clarification or oral interviews, and complete the application process within three years.
Education
Document a doctoral psychology program satisfying 1400.100 with official transcripts.
Equivalence
Under 225 ILCS 15/11(a), IDFPR may grant licensure if the original jurisdiction standards at original licensure or the individual qualifications were substantially equivalent to the then applicable Illinois requirements. Review is individual and discretionary.
Exam evidence
The December 2025 clinical psychologist instructions require an official ASPPB EPPP score verification from persons who have already passed EPPP. Rule 1400.140(f) permits either eligibility to sit for examination or issuance by endorsement. Passing an examination before applying remains an examination reference; individual equivalence or waiver decisions are conditions.
Existing license
Currently licensed in another United States state or territory or a foreign country; provide certification of original and every other license, its issuance date, examination basis if any, and any disciplinary record.
Experience
Supply supervisor-certified experience satisfying 1400.110; original jurisdiction standards may demonstrate substantial equivalence under 1400.140(b).
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Licensure by examination: equivalent doctoral program

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 21 years old under 225 ILCS 15/10(1).
Application
Apply to IDFPR, pay the applicable fee, submit doctoral transcripts and supervised experience verification; the application process must be completed within three years.
Education
Hold a recognized doctoral degree in a program IDFPR establishes by rule as equivalent to clinical, school or counseling psychology; complete in-person courses in scientific and professional ethics, biological basis of behavior, cognitive-affective basis of behavior, social basis of behavior, individual differences, assessment and treatment modalities, and two years of satisfactory supervised experience including an internship and a postdoctoral year.
Exam approval
IDFPR approves EPPP eligibility on submission of the licensure application. Existing passing EPPP scores must be verified directly by ASPPB; the examination alternative allowed by rule is recorded separately.
Exam timing
On September 22, 2026, the existing application and supervised-experience requirements apply. Section 10 permits taking the examination on graduation before postdoctoral experience beginning one year after the January 1, 2026 effective date of P.A. 104-301, i.e. January 1, 2027; that future permission is not treated as already operative.
Experience
Satisfactory supervised experience must satisfy 225 ILCS 15/10 and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.110, including a postdoctoral year; supervision is under the order, control and professional responsibility of a licensed clinical psychologist and may not be purchased from a supervisor employed by the supervisee.
Passing score time limit
Apply for a license within one year of notification of successful examination completion; otherwise retake and pass unless licensed in another United States jurisdiction within one year of passing.
Pending practice
Section 10.5 permits supervised temporary practice pending licensure after acknowledging receipt of the application and authorizing disclosure of its status; the authorization terminates on license issuance, denial of qualifications, or disqualifying conduct.
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Licensure by examination: other psychological doctoral program

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 21 years old under 225 ILCS 15/10(1).
Application
Apply to IDFPR, pay the applicable fee, submit doctoral transcripts and supervised experience verification; the application process must be completed within three years.
Education
Hold a doctorate in psychology or a program psychological in nature not meeting Section 10(3)(a) or (b); complete in-person courses in all seven Section 10(3)(b) content areas, an appropriate practicum, an internship or equivalent organized supervised clinical experience, and two years of satisfactory supervised clinical or counseling experience including a postdoctoral year.
Exam approval
IDFPR approves EPPP eligibility on submission of the licensure application. Existing passing EPPP scores must be verified directly by ASPPB; the examination alternative allowed by rule is recorded separately.
Exam timing
On September 22, 2026, the existing application and supervised-experience requirements apply. Section 10 permits taking the examination on graduation before postdoctoral experience beginning one year after the January 1, 2026 effective date of P.A. 104-301, i.e. January 1, 2027; that future permission is not treated as already operative.
Experience
Satisfactory supervised experience must satisfy 225 ILCS 15/10 and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.110, including a postdoctoral year; supervision is under the order, control and professional responsibility of a licensed clinical psychologist and may not be purchased from a supervisor employed by the supervisee.
Passing score time limit
Apply for a license within one year of notification of successful examination completion; otherwise retake and pass unless licensed in another United States jurisdiction within one year of passing.
Pending practice
Section 10.5 permits supervised temporary practice pending licensure after acknowledging receipt of the application and authorizing disclosure of its status; the authorization terminates on license issuance, denial of qualifications, or disqualifying conduct.
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Licensure by examination: recognized clinical, school, or counseling doctoral program

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 21 years old under 225 ILCS 15/10(1).
Application
Apply to IDFPR, pay the applicable fee, submit doctoral transcripts and supervised experience verification; the application process must be completed within three years.
Education
Graduate of a regionally accredited doctoral program in clinical, school or counseling psychology with APA or PCSAS accreditation, National Register approval, or another national board recognized by the Board; complete two years of satisfactory supervised experience including an internship and a postdoctoral year. Each year is at least 1,750 hours over at least 50 weeks; the internship is completed within 24 months.
Exam approval
IDFPR approves EPPP eligibility on submission of the licensure application. Existing passing EPPP scores must be verified directly by ASPPB; the examination alternative allowed by rule is recorded separately.
Exam timing
On September 22, 2026, the existing application and supervised-experience requirements apply. Section 10 permits taking the examination on graduation before postdoctoral experience beginning one year after the January 1, 2026 effective date of P.A. 104-301, i.e. January 1, 2027; that future permission is not treated as already operative.
Experience
Satisfactory supervised experience must satisfy 225 ILCS 15/10 and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.110, including a postdoctoral year; supervision is under the order, control and professional responsibility of a licensed clinical psychologist and may not be purchased from a supervisor employed by the supervisee.
Passing score time limit
Apply for a license within one year of notification of successful examination completion; otherwise retake and pass unless licensed in another United States jurisdiction within one year of passing.
Pending practice
Section 10.5 permits supervised temporary practice pending licensure after acknowledging receipt of the application and authorizing disclosure of its status; the authorization terminates on license issuance, denial of qualifications, or disqualifying conduct.
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Military service renewal or restoration: less than five year lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee relief
Renew or restore without paying lapsed renewal fees.
Military service
License expired during active Federal Armed Forces service, State Militia service or training, or federally supervised preparation for induction.
Restoration requirements
For a lapse or inactivity of less than five years, other applicable restoration fees and 1400.60 CE remain conditions.
Time limit
Within two years of honorable termination of service, training or education, provide satisfactory evidence of the qualifying service and its termination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-07.

Military service restoration: more than five year lapse
EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge)
Fee relief
Lapsed renewal fees are waived.
Military service
License expired during the qualifying Federal or State military service, training or education specified by Section 13(a).
Restoration fitness
For lapse or inactivity of more than five years, 1400.30(c) permits current other-jurisdiction licensure and practice, one approved study year in the preceding five years, six supervised months, or passage of the examination. Nonexam fitness options and Board evaluation discretion remain conditions.
Time limit
Provide satisfactory service and honorable termination evidence within two years of termination.
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce course assessments
A remote CE course must include its own examination under 1400.60(b)(2); it is an unnamed course completion condition, not a registered licensure examination.
Continuing education
Certify 24 hours per two-year prerenewal period, including three ethics hours. No CE is required for the first renewal. Beginning September 30, 2026, three diversity hours and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130 Subpart E also apply; these future requirements are not treated as already in effect on September 22.
Expiration
License expires September 30 of even-numbered years. Section 13 allows renewal during the preceding 90 days, while 1400.20(a) says the preceding month; pay the required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-07.

One time restoration: less than five years and no disciplinary history
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disciplinary history
No disciplinary action on the license in Illinois or any other jurisdiction throughout licensure.
License status
Inactive or expired for less than five years.
One time only
This special restoration may be used only once.
Waived items
Section 13(b) and 1400.30(b) suspend proof of fitness, certification of active practice in another jurisdiction and payment of a renewal fee. Other applicable restoration fees and CE are not waived by that text.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-07.

Restoration or reactivation: lapse or inactivity of more than five years
EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge)
Individual exam applicability
Passing the identified examination is one route option; the applicant may instead satisfy a listed nonexam option. These alternatives and any Board fitness evaluation or additional supervised experience are conditions.
License status
License lapsed or inactive for more than five years; file the prescribed restoration application and pay the required fees.
Nonexam alternatives
Rule 1400.30(c) permits certification of current licensure and active practice in another jurisdiction, one year of approved study completed within the previous five years, or six months of full-time supervised experience, as alternatives to the examination.
Unregistered abpp alternative
68 Ill. Adm. Code 1400.130(d) accepts passage of the American Board of Professional Psychology examination in clinical or counseling psychology instead of EPPP. These currently accepted United States psychologist examinations have no version in the frozen shared context. They remain an alternative applicant condition here pending nationwide registration; the EPPP reference does not eliminate this alternative.
Restoration or reactivation: lapse or inactivity of less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit proof of 1400.60 CE completed during the 24 months before the restoration application.
Fee
Pay applicable restoration and renewal fees.
License status
License lapsed or inactive for less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-07.

Prescribing Psychologist

Additional individual prescribing psychologist license requiring a current Illinois clinical psychologist license.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; Clinical Psychologists Licensing and Disciplinary Board · Application information

Endorsement: Department of Defense Psychopharmacology Demonstration Project graduate
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Biomedical prerequisites
Complete at least three semester credits or equivalent in medical terminology (class or proficiency), chemistry or biochemistry with laboratory (two semesters), human physiology, human anatomy, anatomy and physiology, microbiology with laboratory, and general biology for science majors or cell and molecular biology.
Clinical license
Hold a current Illinois clinical psychologist license; that existing license is a condition, not a second EPPP requirement for this prescribing route.
Clinical rotations
Complete a full-time 14-month supervised clinical practicum with research project and rotations in emergency medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery and an elective. Rule 1400.220 requires at least 1,620 clock hours, 36 rotation credits and 20 hours weekly, over 14 to 28 months, in a qualifying accredited training program.
Didactic training
Complete at least 60 semester credits or equivalent of didactic coursework including at least three credits each in pharmacology, clinical psychopharmacology, clinical anatomy and integrated science, patient evaluation, advanced physical assessment, research methods, advanced pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, problem based learning, and clinical and procedural skills.
Documentation
Submit education and clinical training certifications, official transcripts, the application and fee; complete the application process within three years.
Examination waiver
Section 4.5 and rule 1400.260 permit the applicant not to take the otherwise required examination if the education, testing, experience and fee requirements are satisfied. The identified currently offered PEP remains a route reference; whether the applicant must sit it or is excused is a condition.
Pep score
Pass PEP and arrange an official score transfer directly from ASPPB. December 2025 IDFPR instructions say to pass before applying and that no IDFPR approval is needed to register.
Prescribing conditions
Maintain the clinical license, required pharmacology continuing education and a written collaborative agreement; scope restrictions and any controlled substance registration are additional conditions, not examinations.
Project qualification
Graduated from the Department of Defense Psychopharmacology Demonstration Project; demonstrate the applicable education, testing and experience standards.
Endorsement: licensed medical or prescribing psychologist
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Biomedical prerequisites
Complete at least three semester credits or equivalent in medical terminology (class or proficiency), chemistry or biochemistry with laboratory (two semesters), human physiology, human anatomy, anatomy and physiology, microbiology with laboratory, and general biology for science majors or cell and molecular biology.
Clinical license
Hold a current Illinois clinical psychologist license; that existing license is a condition, not a second EPPP requirement for this prescribing route.
Clinical rotations
Complete a full-time 14-month supervised clinical practicum with research project and rotations in emergency medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery and an elective. Rule 1400.220 requires at least 1,620 clock hours, 36 rotation credits and 20 hours weekly, over 14 to 28 months, in a qualifying accredited training program.
Didactic training
Complete at least 60 semester credits or equivalent of didactic coursework including at least three credits each in pharmacology, clinical psychopharmacology, clinical anatomy and integrated science, patient evaluation, advanced physical assessment, research methods, advanced pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, problem based learning, and clinical and procedural skills.
Documentation
Submit education and clinical training certifications, official transcripts, the application and fee; complete the application process within three years.
Examination waiver
Section 4.5 and rule 1400.260 permit the applicant not to take the otherwise required examination if the education, testing, experience and fee requirements are satisfied. The identified currently offered PEP remains a route reference; whether the applicant must sit it or is excused is a condition.
Existing license
Already licensed as a medical or prescribing psychologist elsewhere; demonstrate the Illinois education, testing and experience standards. Another state examination accepted by Illinois is an applicant condition and is not an Illinois examination leaf.
Pep score
Pass PEP and arrange an official score transfer directly from ASPPB. December 2025 IDFPR instructions say to pass before applying and that no IDFPR approval is needed to register.
Prescribing conditions
Maintain the clinical license, required pharmacology continuing education and a written collaborative agreement; scope restrictions and any controlled substance registration are additional conditions, not examinations.
Licensure by acceptance of examination
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Biomedical prerequisites
Complete at least three semester credits or equivalent in medical terminology (class or proficiency), chemistry or biochemistry with laboratory (two semesters), human physiology, human anatomy, anatomy and physiology, microbiology with laboratory, and general biology for science majors or cell and molecular biology.
Clinical license
Hold a current Illinois clinical psychologist license; that existing license is a condition, not a second EPPP requirement for this prescribing route.
Clinical rotations
Complete a full-time 14-month supervised clinical practicum with research project and rotations in emergency medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery and an elective. Rule 1400.220 requires at least 1,620 clock hours, 36 rotation credits and 20 hours weekly, over 14 to 28 months, in a qualifying accredited training program.
Didactic training
Complete at least 60 semester credits or equivalent of didactic coursework including at least three credits each in pharmacology, clinical psychopharmacology, clinical anatomy and integrated science, patient evaluation, advanced physical assessment, research methods, advanced pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, problem based learning, and clinical and procedural skills.
Documentation
Submit education and clinical training certifications, official transcripts, the application and fee; complete the application process within three years.
Pep score
Pass PEP and arrange an official score transfer directly from ASPPB. December 2025 IDFPR instructions say to pass before applying and that no IDFPR approval is needed to register.
Prescribing conditions
Maintain the clinical license, required pharmacology continuing education and a written collaborative agreement; scope restrictions and any controlled substance registration are additional conditions, not examinations.
Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional prescribing conditions
Also renew the clinical psychologist license and complete 20 pharmacology CE hours per prerenewal period; statute 4.2(c) states ten pharmacology hours annually. Maintain collaborative agreement and clinical license.
Ce course assessments
A remote CE course must include its own examination under 1400.60(b)(2); it is an unnamed course completion condition, not a registered licensure examination.
Continuing education
Certify 24 hours per two-year prerenewal period, including three ethics hours. No CE is required for the first renewal. Beginning September 30, 2026, three diversity hours and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130 Subpart E also apply; these future requirements are not treated as already in effect on September 22.
Expiration
License expires September 30 of even-numbered years. Section 13 allows renewal during the preceding 90 days, while 1400.20(a) says the preceding month; pay the required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-07.

Restoration or reactivation: lapse or inactivity of more than five years
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Individual exam applicability
Passing the identified examination is one route option; the applicant may instead satisfy a listed nonexam option. These alternatives and any Board fitness evaluation or additional supervised experience are conditions.
License status
License lapsed or inactive for more than five years; file the prescribed restoration application and pay the required fees.
Nonexam alternatives
Rule 1400.30(d) permits certification of current licensure and active practice in another jurisdiction, or one academic year of approved psychology or related behavioral-health study within the previous five years, as alternatives to PEP.
Restoration or reactivation: lapse or inactivity of less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Clinical license
A prescribing psychologist must maintain or restore the underlying current Illinois clinical psychologist license.
Continuing education
Submit proof of 1400.60 CE completed during the 24 months before the restoration application.
Fee
Pay applicable restoration and renewal fees.
License status
License lapsed or inactive for less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-07.

EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge)

Provider
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB); delivered by Pearson VUE at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination; each item has three or four possible responses, only one of which is correct; the score is the number of correct responses. A French form (FEPPP) is available only to candidates whose licensing authorities legally require a French form.
Exam questions
225 items: 175 scored and 50 unscored pretest items
Time limit
4 hours and 15 minutes for completion of the exam items
Passing score
Scaled score (200-800 scale); ASPPB recommended passing scores of 500 for independent practice and 450 for supervised practice; each licensing authority sets its own passing standard
Exam fee
$600 USD exam fee per sitting plus $91.88 test sitting fee (English EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge))
Examination outline
  • Domain 1. Biological Bases of Behavior (10%)
    • KN1. Functional correlates and determinants of the neurobiological and genetic bases of behavior pertaining to perception, cognition, personality, and mood and affect in normal, acute and chronic neurobehavioral disease processes and disease comorbidities
    • KN2. Drug classification, mechanisms of action, and desired/adverse effects of therapeutic agents, drugs of abuse, and complementary or alternative agents
    • KN3. Results from major trials and general guidelines for pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and combined treatment of psychological disorders
    • KN4. Behavioral genetics, transmission and expression of genetic information and its modification, and the role and limitations of this information in understanding disorders
    • KN5. Applications of structural and functional brain imaging methods, electrophysiological methods, therapeutic drug monitoring methods, and genetic screening methodologies, and the evidence for their effectiveness
  • Domain 2. Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior (13%)
    • KN6. Major research‐based theories and models of intelligence and their application
    • KN7. Major research-based theories, models, and principles of learning and their application
    • KN8. Major research‐based theories and models of memory and their application
    • KN9. Major research‐based theories and models of motivation and their application
    • KN10. Major research-based theories and models of emotion and their application
    • KN11. Elements of cognition, including sensation and perception, attention, language, information processing, visual-spatial processing, executive functioning
    • KN12. Relations among cognitions/beliefs, behavior, affect, temperament, and mood
    • KN13. Influence of psychosocial factors on cognitions/beliefs and behaviors
  • Domain 3. Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior (11%)
    • KN14. Major research‐based theories and models of social cognition (e.g., person perception, development of stereotypes, prejudice)
    • KN15. Social interaction and relationships (e.g., attraction, aggression, altruism, organizational justice, verbal and non‐verbal communication, internet communication, mate selection, empathy)
    • KN16. Group and systems processes (e.g., school, work, and family systems, job satisfaction, team functioning, conformity, persuasion) and social influences on functioning
    • KN17. Major research‐based personality theories and models
    • KN18. Cultural and sociopolitical psychology (e.g., privilege, cross‐cultural comparisons, political differences, international and global awareness, religiosity and spirituality, acculturation)
    • KN19. Identity diversity and intersectionality (e.g., psychological impact of diversity on individuals, families, and systems)
    • KN20. Causes, manifestations, and effects of oppression
  • Domain 4. Growth and Lifespan Development (12%)
    • KN21. Normal growth and development across the lifespan
    • KN22. Influence of individual‐environment interaction on development over time (e.g., the relationship between the individual and the social, academic, work, community environment)
    • KN23. Major research‐based theories and models of development
    • KN24. Influence of diverse identities on development
    • KN25. Family development, configuration, and functioning and their impact on the individual across the lifespan
    • KN26. Life events that can influence the course of development across the lifespan
    • KN27. Risk and protective factors that may impact a developmental course (e.g., nutrition, prenatal care, health care, social support, socioeconomic status, abuse, victimization, and resiliency)
    • KN28. Disorders and diseases that impact the expected course of development over the lifespan
  • Domain 5. Assessment and Diagnosis (16%)
    • KN29. Psychometric theories, item and test characteristics, test construction and standardization procedures, reliability and validity, sensitivity and specificity, and test fairness and bias
    • KN30. Assessment theories and models (e.g., developmental, behavioral, ecological, neuropsychological)
    • KN31. Assessment methods and their strengths and limitations (e.g., self‐report, multi-informant reports, psychophysiological measures, work samples, assessment centers, direct observation, structured and semi‐structured interviews)
    • KN32. Commonly used instruments for the measurement of characteristics and behaviors of individuals and their appropriate use with various populations
    • KN33. Issues of differential diagnosis and integration of non‐psychological information into psychological assessment
    • KN34. Instruments and methods appropriate for the assessment of groups and organizations (e.g., program evaluation, needs assessment, organizational and personnel assessment)
    • KN35. Criteria for selection and adaptation of assessment methods (e.g., evidenced-based knowledge of assessment limitations, cultural appropriateness, trans‐cultural adaptation, and language accommodations)
    • KN36. Classification systems and their underlying rationales and limitations for evaluating client functioning; dimensional vs. categorical approaches to diagnosis
    • KN37. Factors influencing evidence-based interpretation of data and decision‐making (e.g., base rates, group differences, cultural biases and differences, heuristics)
    • KN38. Constructs of epidemiology and base rates of psychological and behavioral disorders
    • KN39. Major research-based theories and models of psychopathology
    • KN40. Measurement of outcomes and changes due to prevention or intervention efforts with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations
    • KN41. Use of technology in implementing tests, surveys, and other forms of assessment and diagnostic evaluation (e.g., validity, cost-effectiveness, consumer acceptability)
  • Domain 6. Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention and Supervision (15%)
    • KN42. Factors related to treatment or intervention decision-making (e.g., relevant research, matching treatment to assessment/diagnosis, matching client or patient with psychologist characteristics, knowledge and use of allied services, cost and benefit, readiness to change)
    • KN43. Contemporary research-based theories and models of treatment, intervention, and prevention
    • KN44. Treatment techniques and interventions and the evidence for their comparative efficacy and effectiveness
    • KN45. Methods and their evidence base for prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation with diverse and special populations
    • KN46. Interventions to enhance growth and performance of individuals, couples, families, groups, systems, and organizations
    • KN47. Research-based consultation models and processes
    • KN48. Research-based models of vocational and career development
    • KN49. Telepsychology and technology‐assisted psychological services
    • KN50. Healthcare systems, structures, and economics, and how these impact intervention choice
    • KN51. Approaches to health promotion, risk reduction, resilience, and wellness
    • KN52. Contemporary theories and models of supervision and their evidence base
  • Domain 7. Research Methods and Statistics (7%)
    • KN53. Sampling and data collection methods
    • KN54. Design of case, correlational, quasi‐experimental, and experimental studies
    • KN55. Analytic methods, including qualitative (e.g., thematic, phenomenological) and quantitative (e.g., probability theory; descriptive, inferential, and parametric statistics; meta-analysis; factor analysis; causal modeling)
    • KN56. Statistical interpretation (e.g., power, effect size, causation vs. association, clinical vs. statistical significance)
    • KN57. Critical appraisal and application of research findings (e.g., adequacy of design and statistics, limitations to generalizability, threats to internal and external validity, design flaws, level of evidence)
    • KN58. Evaluation strategies and techniques (e.g., needs assessment, process and implementation evaluation, formative and summative program evaluation, outcome evaluation, cost‐benefit analysis)
    • KN59. Considerations regarding community involvement and participation in research
    • KN60. Dissemination and presentation of research findings
  • Domain 8. Ethical/Legal/Professional Issues (16%)
    • KN61. Current ethical principles and codes for psychologists (APA, CPA)
    • KN62. Professional standards and relevant guidelines for the practice of psychology (e.g., standards for educational and psychological testing)
    • KN63. Laws, statutes, and judicial decisions that affect psychological practice
    • KN64. Identification and management of potential ethical issues
    • KN65. Models of ethical decision‐making
    • KN66. Approaches for continuing professional development
    • KN67. Emerging social, legal, ethical, and policy issues and their impact on psychological practice
    • KN68. Client and patient rights
    • KN69. Ethical issues in the conduct of research
    • KN70. Ethical issues in supervision
    • KN71. Ethical issues in technology-assisted psychological services
Examination sources

Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists

Provider
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB); administered on computer at Kryterion Testing Network centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination requiring recall of information, analysis, and judgment; offered in person at Kryterion test centers, not online
Exam questions
200 multiple-choice items: 150 scored and 50 experimental (pretest) items
Time limit
4 hours
Passing score
Criterion-referenced cut score set by a modified Angoff approach; the score is the number of items answered correctly represented as a percentage
Exam fee
$700 exam fee plus $125 test center fee
Examination outline
  • Content Area 1: Integrating Clinical Psychopharmacology with the Practice of Psychology — Refers to integrating clinical psychopharmacology with the practice of psychology (7.3%)
    • Knowledge of biopsychosocial variables as determinants of medication utilization and effects (e.g., age, gender, family history, patient belief systems/ culture, economics/ poverty, social support, current environmental circumstances).
    • Knowledge of limitations and benefits, patient perceptions (including help-seeking attitudes), and treatment expectations regarding psychopharmacological and psychological interventions as sole, additive, or interactive treatments for given disorders and functional impairments.
    • Knowledge of practitioner-patient partnership for case and medication management, including the impact on patient education, medication adherence, the effectiveness of treatment, adverse effects and response to side effects, and implications for the relationship when psychosocial and pharmacological interventions are utilized (e.g., ethnicity/culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic factors, religion, refugee status).
    • Knowledge of the development and implementation of a coherent and organized integrated treatment plan of psychosocial, cultural (including the participation of traditional healers when appropriate), and pharmacological interventions with attention to comorbidities, as well as evidence-based developments in psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
  • Content Area 2: Neuroscience — Refers to the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the nervous system and its interfaces with other major body systems. (6.7%)
    • Knowledge of cellular and molecular nervous system biology and regulatory processes (e.g., neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems, up and down-regulation, tolerance/cross-tolerance) needed to understand the pharmacological effect of medications.
    • Knowledge of the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
    • Knowledge of neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity.
    • Knowledge of the major neuronal pathways and their functions, and associated messenger systems.
  • Content Area 3: Nervous System Pathology — Refers to disorders of the nervous system resulting in abnormal function or behavioral/ mood disruption. Includes biochemical, structural (congenital or acquired), or neurophysiological abnormalities and their impact on other body systems. (11.3%)
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of dementia, delirium, and other cognitive and neurological disorders.
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of chronic pain, including headache (e.g., migrainous vs. non-migrainous headache), neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia; and the role of the CNS in pain experience and management.
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of sleep disorders.
    • Knowledge of common idiopathic movement disorders, their etiological factors, signs, symptoms, and diagnosis (e.g., Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Tourette’s syndrome).
    • Knowledge of common iatrogenic or drug-induced movement disorders, their etiological factors, signs, symptoms, and diagnosis (e.g., extrapyramidal symptoms, dystonias, dyskinesias, akathisia, Dystonic Tremors (DTs)).
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and categories of seizure disorders.
    • Knowledge of traumatic brain injury and post-concussive or post-concussion syndrome and its impact on prescriptive decisions.
    • Knowledge of nervous system pathology (e.g., multiple sclerosis, infectious diseases, exposure to environmental neurotoxins, neoplasms, intellectual/developmental disabilities).
    • Knowledge of basic indications for neurodiagnostic imaging and testing (e.g., EEG, CT, MRI, neuropsychological).
  • Content Area 4: Physiology and Pathophysiology — Refers to normal physiology and pathophysiology across the life span, and their impact on psychological functioning and psychopharmacology. (16%)
    • Knowledge of indications for referral to other health care providers for assessment or treatment when organ system pathology is indicated.
    • Knowledge at a functional level of cardiovascular system physiology and pathophysiology across the life span (e.g., rhythm and rate disorders such as prolonged QT interval), and their relationship to psychopharmacology and psychopathology (e.g., blood pressure changes secondary to psychotropic medication; mitral valve prolapse related to panic disorder).
    • Knowledge at a functional level of pulmonary system physiology and pathophysiology across the life span, and their relationships to psychopharmacology and psychopathology (e.g., beta blockers and asthma, respiratory suppression with CNS depressants).
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of central nervous system vascular disorders (e.g., cerebral vascular accidents, transient ischemic attacks).
    • Knowledge at a functional level of renal/genitourinary system physiology and pathophysiology across the life span, and their relationships to psychopharmacology and psychopathology (e.g., the effect of psychotropic substances on urinary/sexual functioning; role in excretion of wastes and medications; valproic acid and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); lithium and renal functioning).
  • Content Area 5: Biopsychosocial and Pharmacologic Assessment and Monitoring — Refers to a range of biopsychosocial (psychological, neurological, behavioral, physical, biomedical) and pharmacologic assessment techniques and procedures for baseline and ongoing evaluation of the individual’s physical and psychological health status as well as the assessment of therapeutic efficacy, adverse effects, contraindications for drug usage, drug interactions, and appropriateness for medication continuation, modification, or discontinuation. (6%)
    • Knowledge of individual and family history-taking procedures and psychological assessments that provide information relevant to prescribing (e.g., review of systems, dietary habits, mental status, behavioral observations, developmental history, social history, academic history, family medical and psychiatric history (including knowledge of diversity-related variations in the incidence/ prevalence of disorders), history of sexually transmitted disease and history of the general level of functioning).
    • Knowledge of basic physical and neurological examination procedures (e.g., history and physical examination (HPE); review of systems (ROS)) and variations in these procedures for special populations (e.g., ethnicity and estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR)).
    • Knowledge of appropriate laboratory tests and assessment procedures before prescribing particular medications (e.g., the implication of disease states, gender, ethnicity, sample timing, and potential effects of medications on those values) and ongoing during treatment (e.g., therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for lithium blood levels, white blood cell monitoring with clozapine use).
    • Knowledge of behavioral assessment methods (e.g., rating scales, direct observation of behaviors, parent/ teacher/self-report) at baseline and ongoing monitoring for therapeutic effectiveness, quality of life, and adverse effects of psychopharmacological agents (e.g., akathisia with antipsychotics and SSRIs; rating scales for ADHD; Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function; Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale for global response to treatment).
  • Content Area 6: Differential Diagnosis — Refers to the use of comprehensive diagnostic information about a patient to establish an accurate diagnosis from among possible medical and psychological diagnoses to select appropriate treatment modalities and determine the appropriateness of referral to other health care providers. (10%)
    • Knowledge of medical disorders and their most common symptoms that may also present with psychological symptoms (e.g., ADHD versus PKU versus autism, anxiety versus Graves’ disease, dementia versus depression in the elderly; depression as a primary disorder vs. a prodromal sign of underlying cancer; personality changes in the elderly vs. dementia).
    • Knowledge of psychological signs and symptoms (e.g., mental status changes, memory dysfunction, depression, psychosis) secondary to substances of abuse, prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, most commonly used herbal remedies that have psychological effects, and dietary supplements.
    • Knowledge of the psychopharmacological treatment implications related to mental health disorders with multiple symptoms (e.g., one disorder with multiple symptoms vs. comorbid disorders with related symptoms: major depressive disorder with psychotic features vs. major depressive disorder and schizophrenia; anxious depression vs. anxiety disorder and dysthymia; bipolar vs. psychotic depression; behavioral health disorders and substance use disorders).
    • Knowledge of iatrogenic effects of medication versus primary symptoms of disease course (e.g., akathisia versus anxiety; anticholinergic effects versus dementia; medication-induced tremor versus idiopathic movement disorders).
  • Content Area 7: Pharmacology — Refers to the interactions of drugs with biophysiological systems; encompasses pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and the epidemiology of various medications such as psychotropics, adjunctive agents, and other medications used in the practice of medicine, as well as substances of abuse, OTC products, and food and dietary supplements. The influence of cultural/ethnic factors, environmental factors, and responses of special populations are considered. (12.7%)
    • Knowledge of drug classifications for psychotropic and adjunctive medications (e.g., stimulants, sedatives, antidepressants, anticholinergics), major drug categories used to treat common medical disorders (e.g., antibiotics), OTC medications, herbals, and substances of abuse.
    • Knowledge of pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) and how each phase affects drug action (e.g., delayed-release preparations, routes of administration, area under the curve, lipophilicity and drug transit across membrane barriers, CYP enzymes, drug/drug and drug/food interactions, routes of clearance).
    • Knowledge of pharmacodynamic changes caused by medications (receptor up/down regulation; transcription).
    • Knowledge of the importance of biological half-life in determining steady state drug concentrations, dosing schedules, accumulation, and toxicity.
    • Knowledge of drug properties and characteristics (e.g., therapeutic index, therapeutic blood levels/ prescription doses, potency, bioavailability, efficacy, cognitive and behavioral manifestations of toxicity, dose response relationships).
    • Knowledge of types of drugs/receptor interactions (e.g., direct and indirect agonists, antagonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists, competitive vs. non-competitive antagonism and agonism).
    • Knowledge of the relationship between neurotransmitters and their receptor targets and the behavioral effects of stimulation vs. inhibition (e.g., 5HT1A and anxiety, beta blockers and performance anxiety, D2 and psychosis; histamine and sedation; ACh and memory).
    • Knowledge of the mechanism of action of common therapeutic agents (e.g., receptor stimulation/inhibition; receptor up/down regulation; tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal).
    • Knowledge of the theoretical relationship between neurotransmitter systems and psycho-pathological conditions (e.g., serotonin and norepinephrine in depression, dopamine in psychosis and substance abuse; dopamine in Parkinson’s disease; acetylcholine in Alzheimer’s disease).
    • Knowledge of the factors (e.g., biological, ethnic, pharmacodynamic, genetic, pharmacokinetic) related to intra- and inter-individual responses to medications (e.g., variation of blood levels to the same dose across individuals, change in responsiveness within the same individual across administrations of same drug [e.g., pregnancy, obesity, age]).
    • Knowledge of drug-induced disease, dysfunction, and adverse reactions (e.g., hepatotoxicity, agranulocytosis, dystonias).
  • Content Area 8: Clinical Psychopharmacology — Refers to the application of pharmacology to the management of psychological/behavioral disorders. This includes indications, contradictions, dosing, adverse effects and toxicities of psychotropic and adjunctive medications, interactions with other medications (including other drugs used in medicine for recreational purposes, and available for OTC purchase) as well as the management of adverse reactions, overdoses, and toxicities. (16%)
    • Knowledge of indications and contraindications for various psychotropic medications, including use of multiple medications both on and off label.
    • Knowledge of decision-making strategies for psychotropic medication selection (e.g., risk-benefit analysis, practice guidelines, genetics, ethnicity, cost, pregnancy, disease status, limitations of current diagnostic systems [e.g., DSM, ICD]).
    • Knowledge of dosing, time course of therapeutic action, and adverse effects of medication based on patient factors (e.g., weight, gender, ethnicity, culture, age, trauma, pregnancy, concurrent disease).
    • Knowledge of dosing strategies (e.g., augmentation, titration, cross taper, discontinuation).
    • Knowledge of common signs and symptoms of drug toxicity and the management of adverse reactions to drugs (e.g., referral for appropriate medical care, use of appropriate medications).
    • Knowledge of the management of at-risk patients (e.g., relapse prevention, adherence, suicide prevention, patients seeking medication inappropriate or inconsistent with treatment plan).
    • Knowledge of potential adverse psychological and physiological signs of drugs used for common medical conditions (e.g., steroids, beta blockers, antibiotics, antivirals), OTCs, and herbals/dietary supplements.
    • Knowledge of psychological and physiological signs of common recreational substances and the management of intoxication or addiction, including strategies for assisted withdrawal, maintenance, and relapse prevention.
    • Knowledge of how to recognize and manage tolerance, cross-tolerance, dependence, and abstinence syndromes, sensitization/cross-sensitization with respect to specific medications.
    • Knowledge of the patient factors (e.g., culture, literacy, stage of change) that need to be considered when informing patients about drug utilization, risks, benefits, potential complications, and alternatives to pharmacotherapy.
  • Content Area 9: Research — Refers to the methodology, standards, and conduct of research on psychoactive substances. The knowledge base facilitates research design and implementation, accurate data interpretation and communication, effective utilization of findings, the accumulation of scientific knowledge, and the improvement of the practice of clinical psychology. (7.3%)
    • Knowledge of research designs and analytic techniques used in psychopharmacological research (e.g., open label, single vs double blind, random assignment, placebo control, drug washout, dose response relationships, intent-to-treat analyses, within-subject and group designs, concurrent administration of other drugs, FDA drug development process).
    • Knowledge of how to critically review clinical research data including non-evidence-based therapies and emerging research methodologies and use the information for making treatment decisions (e.g., Number needed to treat (NNT), Number needed to harm (NNH), Odds ratio (OR), Risk ratio (RR), effect size).
    • Knowledge of influential, non-industry sponsored multi-site research studies relating to psychopharmacology (e.g., CATIE, STAR-D, CUTLASS, MTA).
    • Knowledge of evidence-based research regarding complementary and alternative medicines (e.g., Omega-3, folate, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), St. John’s Wort, melatonin).
  • Content Area 10: Professional, Legal, Ethical, and Interprofessional Issues — Refers to the knowledge of ethics, standards of care, laws, and regulations relevant to the practice of psychology involving psychopharmacology. (6.7%)
    • Knowledge of relevant legal and ethical codes and standards that pertain to pharmacological practice; and laws and statutes for prescribing psychotropic medications (e.g., DEA regulations, telehealth).
    • Knowledge of practice guidelines and standards of care for prescribing psychotropic medications (including a relationship with referring psychologist).
    • Knowledge of patients’ rights related to medication treatments and therapy (e.g., informed consent, right to refuse treatment, right to treatment within the least restrictive environment, inappropriate psychotropic restraints, duty to warn, privileged communication, alternative decision maker, living will, durable power of attorney, advance directives).
    • Knowledge of ethical issues regarding relationships with pharmaceutical companies (e.g., acceptance of gifts and samples, revealing sources of funding and affiliations, interactions with pharmaceutical reps).
Examination sources