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Massachusetts Psychologist — Requirements & Free Practice

US-MA · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

certification as a health service provider (hsp)

Additional certification required of licensed psychologists independently offering health services.

Licensing authority: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists · Application information

Certification of an already licensed psychologist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Doctoral training sufficient for health services, or a Board-approved formal respecialization program.
Fee
Pay the HSP certification fee within 90 days of Board notification of eligibility.
License
Already hold the Massachusetts psychologist license; its issuance examinations belong to that license’s routes.
Supervised health service
Two years/3,200 hours within 60 consecutive months, 800 direct-service hours, at least one year before the doctorate and one year in a qualifying health service training program; satisfy the detailed setting, supervision and training requirements of 251 CMR 3.06.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

HSP certification through National Register recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Academic requirements
Meet 251 CMR 3.03(1).
License
Hold Massachusetts psychologist licensure, obtained separately if necessary.
National register
At least five years of licensure in good standing in another jurisdiction and currently listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Psychologist

Ordinary Massachusetts psychologist license, including examination and reciprocity issuance and renewal or reinstatement.

Licensing authority: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists · Application information

Automatic continuation and renewal during active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active service
Current licensee engaged in active service in the United States armed forces.
Duration
License remains valid during active service and for at least 90 days after release.
Renewal
Board implementation automatically renews without renewal fees or CE completion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Application
Apply online, submit the Academic Program Director Form, official doctoral transcript, notarized CORI acknowledgement and required fees; supply internship and supervision forms unless the recognized National Register exception applies.
Education
A doctoral degree in psychology from a recognized educational institution satisfying 251 CMR 3.03.
Ethics
Good moral character and professional activities in accordance with accepted ethical standards.
Exam timing
Pass the national examination within three calendar years of Board approval; 251 CMR 3.08 limits each examination to four administrations per calendar year. M.G.L. c. 112, § 120 states at least six months between failed Board examinations; lower-ranked Board FAQ and rule state 90 days/three months, and the PCS bulletin states 30 days after the first jurisprudence failure and 90 days thereafter.
Experience
At least two years (3,200 clock hours within 60 consecutive months unless extended by the Board) of qualifying supervised experience, including at least one year before the doctoral degree; supervision must satisfy 251 CMR 3.04 and 3.05.
Jurisprudence timing
The current application checklist requires jurisprudence as the last step before licensure.
Masshealth
Apply for participation in MassHealth as required by M.G.L. c. 112, § 119(e) and the Board checklist.
Prior score
A previously passed EPPP is accepted with an official score report sent by ASPPB. A currently offered EPPP remains a requirement leaf even if taken before application.
References
Three professional and ethical endorsements under 251 CMR 3.07, including at least one licensed psychologist and one person with direct knowledge of the applicant’s work; endorsement forms no more than six months old.
Violence training
Complete Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training before applying.
Expired four or more years: elsewhere
Application
Completed renewal/reactivation application, applicable fees, CORI and required statements.
Board discretion
The current reactivation guide states: “If your license has been expired for four or more years, you may be required to retake and pass the national licensing examination (EPPP) and the Board’s jurisprudence examination.” Rule 3.10(2)(c)1.f uses more than two renewal periods; the guide also names the four-year boundary. The Board determines whether retesting is required; it is retained as a condition.
Continuing education
Document 20 CE hours for each renewal period, subject to the regulatory Board waiver for licensure elsewhere.
Elapsed
Four or more years after expiration.
Practice
Practiced psychology in a jurisdiction other than Massachusetts.
Standing
Provide an official record or certified statement of continuing good standing in that jurisdiction; Board may waive or modify CE when that jurisdiction has CE requirements.
Violence training
Complete required Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training.
Expired four or more years: ma
Application
Completed renewal/reactivation application, applicable fees, CORI and required statements.
Board discretion
The current reactivation guide states: “If your license has been expired for four or more years, you may be required to retake and pass the national licensing examination (EPPP) and the Board’s jurisprudence examination.” Rule 3.10(2)(c)1.f uses more than two renewal periods; the guide also names the four-year boundary. The Board determines whether retesting is required; it is retained as a condition.
Continuing education
Document 20 CE hours for each renewal period, subject to the regulatory Board waiver for licensure elsewhere.
Elapsed
Four or more years after expiration.
Petition
File a notarized sworn petition detailing professional activities and notarized affidavits from two licensed psychologists familiar with the work; personal appearance may be required.
Practice
Practiced psychology in Massachusetts during expiration.
Violence training
Complete required Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training.
Expired four or more years: not practicing
Affidavit
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury confirming no practice; further supervised experience may be required.
Application
Completed renewal/reactivation application, applicable fees, CORI and required statements.
Board discretion
The current reactivation guide states: “If your license has been expired for four or more years, you may be required to retake and pass the national licensing examination (EPPP) and the Board’s jurisprudence examination.” Rule 3.10(2)(c)1.f uses more than two renewal periods; the guide also names the four-year boundary. The Board determines whether retesting is required; it is retained as a condition.
Continuing education
Document 20 CE hours for each renewal period, subject to the regulatory Board waiver for licensure elsewhere.
Elapsed
Four or more years after expiration.
Practice
Did not practice psychology during expiration.
Violence training
Complete required Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training.
Expired more than two years, up to four years: elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed renewal/reactivation application, applicable fees, CORI and required statements.
Continuing education
Document 20 CE hours for each renewal period, subject to the regulatory Board waiver for licensure elsewhere.
Elapsed
More than two years and less than four years after expiration; retesting clauses address longer expiration.
Practice
Practiced psychology in a jurisdiction other than Massachusetts.
Standing
Provide an official record or certified statement of continuing good standing in that jurisdiction; Board may waive or modify CE when that jurisdiction has CE requirements.
Violence training
Complete required Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expired more than two years, up to four years: ma
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed renewal/reactivation application, applicable fees, CORI and required statements.
Continuing education
Document 20 CE hours for each renewal period, subject to the regulatory Board waiver for licensure elsewhere.
Elapsed
More than two years and less than four years after expiration; retesting clauses address longer expiration.
Petition
File a notarized sworn petition detailing professional activities and notarized affidavits from two licensed psychologists familiar with the work; personal appearance may be required.
Practice
Practiced psychology in Massachusetts during expiration.
Violence training
Complete required Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expired more than two years, up to four years: not practicing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affidavit
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury confirming no practice; further supervised experience may be required.
Application
Completed renewal/reactivation application, applicable fees, CORI and required statements.
Continuing education
Document 20 CE hours for each renewal period, subject to the regulatory Board waiver for licensure elsewhere.
Elapsed
More than two years and less than four years after expiration; retesting clauses address longer expiration.
Practice
Did not practice psychology during expiration.
Violence training
Complete required Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal within two years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal form, past-due renewal and late fees, and satisfactory proof of all required continuing education.
Elapsed
Within one renewal cycle (two years) after expiration.
Implementation form
The current Reactivation of an Expired License guide requires its application after 20 months; below 20 months online renewal is available.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure with a foreign doctoral degree
Application
Apply online, submit the Academic Program Director Form, official doctoral transcript, notarized CORI acknowledgement and required fees; supply internship and supervision forms unless the recognized National Register exception applies.
Education
A doctoral degree in psychology from a recognized educational institution satisfying 251 CMR 3.03.
Ethics
Good moral character and professional activities in accordance with accepted ethical standards.
Exam timing
Pass the national examination within three calendar years of Board approval; 251 CMR 3.08 limits each examination to four administrations per calendar year. M.G.L. c. 112, § 120 states at least six months between failed Board examinations; lower-ranked Board FAQ and rule state 90 days/three months, and the PCS bulletin states 30 days after the first jurisprudence failure and 90 days thereafter.
Experience
At least two years (3,200 clock hours within 60 consecutive months unless extended by the Board) of qualifying supervised experience, including at least one year before the doctoral degree; supervision must satisfy 251 CMR 3.04 and 3.05.
Experience in US
Board FAQ states foreign graduates must obtain qualifying experience in the United States.
Foreign equivalency
Establish equivalency to a United States doctoral psychology program through a credentials evaluation and satisfy 251 CMR 3.03(2); contact the Board before applying.
Jurisprudence timing
The current application checklist requires jurisprudence as the last step before licensure.
Masshealth
Apply for participation in MassHealth as required by M.G.L. c. 112, § 119(e) and the Board checklist.
Prior score
A previously passed EPPP is accepted with an official score report sent by ASPPB. A currently offered EPPP remains a requirement leaf even if taken before application.
References
Three professional and ethical endorsements under 251 CMR 3.07, including at least one licensed psychologist and one person with direct knowledge of the applicant’s work; endorsement forms no more than six months old.
Violence training
Complete Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training before applying.
Expedited issuance for a licensed military spouse
Academic requirements
Meet 251 CMR 3.03(1).
Application
Submit current checklist materials, CORI, fees, endorsements, violence training and MassHealth participation; National Register applicants meeting the five-year rule may omit the named supervision forms.
Current license
Hold current psychologist licensure or certification in a Board-recognized jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Fees
Commonwealth portions of the initial application and initial license fees are waived under § 1B(g).
Implementation statement
Board FAQ states: “No. Massachusetts will accept a passing score on the EPPP exam.” It requires a complete application and jurisprudence following approval, while 251 CMR 3.09 expressly provides reciprocity pathways.
National exam waiver
M.G.L. c. 112, § 121 permits the Board to issue a license without examination. 251 CMR 3.09(4) nevertheless requires all reciprocity applicants to pass jurisprudence; the Board FAQ and current PCS reciprocity instructions require an official EPPP score transfer. Any Board decision excusing examination is an applicant condition.
Official verification
Submit verification from every jurisdiction in which a professional license was held.
Processing
Within 30 days of application the authority must issue a license, issue a temporary license while outstanding Massachusetts requirements are completed, or identify unsatisfied criteria or missing information.
Spouse
Licensed outside Massachusetts, spouse is a member of the United States armed forces transferred to Massachusetts, and applicant left employment to accompany that spouse.
Initial issuance with qualifying military education, training or service
Application
Apply online, submit the Academic Program Director Form, official doctoral transcript, notarized CORI acknowledgement and required fees; supply internship and supervision forms unless the recognized National Register exception applies.
Education
A doctoral degree in psychology from a recognized educational institution satisfying 251 CMR 3.03.
Ethics
Good moral character and professional activities in accordance with accepted ethical standards.
Exam timing
Pass the national examination within three calendar years of Board approval; 251 CMR 3.08 limits each examination to four administrations per calendar year. M.G.L. c. 112, § 120 states at least six months between failed Board examinations; lower-ranked Board FAQ and rule state 90 days/three months, and the PCS bulletin states 30 days after the first jurisprudence failure and 90 days thereafter.
Experience
At least two years (3,200 clock hours within 60 consecutive months unless extended by the Board) of qualifying supervised experience, including at least one year before the doctoral degree; supervision must satisfy 251 CMR 3.04 and 3.05.
Fees
Commonwealth initial application and initial license fees are waived under § 1B(g).
Jurisprudence timing
The current application checklist requires jurisprudence as the last step before licensure.
Masshealth
Apply for participation in MassHealth as required by M.G.L. c. 112, § 119(e) and the Board checklist.
Military credit
On satisfactory evidence the authority accepts relevant military or reserve education, training or service toward required licensure qualifications under § 1B(b).
Prior score
A previously passed EPPP is accepted with an official score report sent by ASPPB. A currently offered EPPP remains a requirement leaf even if taken before application.
References
Three professional and ethical endorsements under 251 CMR 3.07, including at least one licensed psychologist and one person with direct knowledge of the applicant’s work; endorsement forms no more than six months old.
Violence training
Complete Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training before applying.
Reciprocity based on an ABPP diplomate
Academic requirements
Meet 251 CMR 3.03(1).
Application
Submit current checklist materials, CORI, fees, endorsements, violence training and MassHealth participation; National Register applicants meeting the five-year rule may omit the named supervision forms.
Current license
M.G.L. c. 112, § 121 accepts a nationally recognized Board-approved diploma as an alternative to external licensure. 251 CMR 3.09(2)(a) recognizes an ABPP diplomate together with the academic requirements; submit verification for professional licenses actually held.
Diplomate
Hold a diplomate awarded by the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Implementation statement
Board FAQ states: “No. Massachusetts will accept a passing score on the EPPP exam.” It requires a complete application and jurisprudence following approval, while 251 CMR 3.09 expressly provides reciprocity pathways.
National exam waiver
M.G.L. c. 112, § 121 permits the Board to issue a license without examination. 251 CMR 3.09(4) nevertheless requires all reciprocity applicants to pass jurisprudence; the Board FAQ and current PCS reciprocity instructions require an official EPPP score transfer. Any Board decision excusing examination is an applicant condition.
Official verification
Submit verification from every jurisdiction in which a professional license was held.
Reciprocity based on ASPPB CPQ
Academic requirements
Meet 251 CMR 3.03(1).
Application
Submit current checklist materials, CORI, fees, endorsements, violence training and MassHealth participation; National Register applicants meeting the five-year rule may omit the named supervision forms.
Cpq
Hold the ASPPB Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology.
Current license
Hold current psychologist licensure or certification in a Board-recognized jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Implementation statement
Board FAQ states: “No. Massachusetts will accept a passing score on the EPPP exam.” It requires a complete application and jurisprudence following approval, while 251 CMR 3.09 expressly provides reciprocity pathways.
Licensure history
At least five years of licensure in good standing in another jurisdiction.
National exam waiver
M.G.L. c. 112, § 121 permits the Board to issue a license without examination. 251 CMR 3.09(4) nevertheless requires all reciprocity applicants to pass jurisprudence; the Board FAQ and current PCS reciprocity instructions require an official EPPP score transfer. Any Board decision excusing examination is an applicant condition.
Official verification
Submit verification from every jurisdiction in which a professional license was held.
Reciprocity based on equivalent jurisdictional standards
Academic requirements
Meet 251 CMR 3.03(1).
Application
Submit current checklist materials, CORI, fees, endorsements, violence training and MassHealth participation; National Register applicants meeting the five-year rule may omit the named supervision forms.
Current license
Hold current psychologist licensure or certification in a Board-recognized jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Implementation statement
Board FAQ states: “No. Massachusetts will accept a passing score on the EPPP exam.” It requires a complete application and jurisprudence following approval, while 251 CMR 3.09 expressly provides reciprocity pathways.
National exam waiver
M.G.L. c. 112, § 121 permits the Board to issue a license without examination. 251 CMR 3.09(4) nevertheless requires all reciprocity applicants to pass jurisprudence; the Board FAQ and current PCS reciprocity instructions require an official EPPP score transfer. Any Board decision excusing examination is an applicant condition.
Official verification
Submit verification from every jurisdiction in which a professional license was held.
Reciprocity based on the National Register
Academic requirements
Meet 251 CMR 3.03(1).
Application
Submit current checklist materials, CORI, fees, endorsements, violence training and MassHealth participation; National Register applicants meeting the five-year rule may omit the named supervision forms.
Current license
Hold current psychologist licensure or certification in a Board-recognized jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Document exemption
May omit the Internship Program Director, Post-Internship Supervisor and Advanced Practicum Supervised Experience forms.
Implementation statement
Board FAQ states: “No. Massachusetts will accept a passing score on the EPPP exam.” It requires a complete application and jurisprudence following approval, while 251 CMR 3.09 expressly provides reciprocity pathways.
Licensure history
At least five years of licensure in good standing in another jurisdiction.
National exam waiver
M.G.L. c. 112, § 121 permits the Board to issue a license without examination. 251 CMR 3.09(4) nevertheless requires all reciprocity applicants to pass jurisprudence; the Board FAQ and current PCS reciprocity instructions require an official EPPP score transfer. Any Board decision excusing examination is an applicant condition.
National register
Currently listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, with official verification sent to the Board.
Official verification
Submit verification from every jurisdiction in which a professional license was held.
Reinstatement or return to good standing after probation
Affidavits
Three sworn notarized affidavits, including two from licensed psychologists, from people who have read the complaint and order/agreement.
Appearance
The applicant and supervising psychologist may be required to appear before the Board.
Continuing education
Document all required CE, additional Board-ordered education and compliance with the consent agreement or decision and order.
Denial
Following denial, no new petition for at least one year unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
Examination discretion
Under 251 CMR 3.10(3)(b)6 the Board may require passing the current national psychology licensing examination and any other examination required for licensure; the named current national examination and the required jurisprudence examination remain leaves.
Petition
Notarized sworn petition describing the discipline, subsequent activities and remediation, and professional plans for the following two years.
Status
probation
Timing
May apply not sooner than two months before probation expires unless the Board orders otherwise.
Reinstatement or return to good standing after revoked
Affidavits
Three sworn notarized affidavits, including two from licensed psychologists, from people who have read the complaint and order/agreement.
Appearance
The applicant and supervising psychologist may be required to appear before the Board.
Continuing education
Document all required CE, additional Board-ordered education and compliance with the consent agreement or decision and order.
Denial
Following denial, no new petition for at least one year unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
Examination discretion
Under 251 CMR 3.10(3)(b)6 the Board may require passing the current national psychology licensing examination and any other examination required for licensure; the named current national examination and the required jurisprudence examination remain leaves.
Petition
Notarized sworn petition describing the discipline, subsequent activities and remediation, and professional plans for the following two years.
Status
revoked
Timing
May apply not sooner than three years after revocation unless the Board orders otherwise.
Reinstatement or return to good standing after surrendered
Affidavits
Three sworn notarized affidavits, including two from licensed psychologists, from people who have read the complaint and order/agreement.
Appearance
The applicant and supervising psychologist may be required to appear before the Board.
Continuing education
Document all required CE, additional Board-ordered education and compliance with the consent agreement or decision and order.
Denial
Following denial, no new petition for at least one year unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
Examination discretion
Under 251 CMR 3.10(3)(b)6 the Board may require passing the current national psychology licensing examination and any other examination required for licensure; the named current national examination and the required jurisprudence examination remain leaves.
Petition
Notarized sworn petition describing the discipline, subsequent activities and remediation, and professional plans for the following two years.
Status
surrendered
Timing
May apply not sooner than two months before the agreed surrender period expires, or after three years if no period is specified, unless the Board orders otherwise.
Reinstatement or return to good standing after suspended
Affidavits
Three sworn notarized affidavits, including two from licensed psychologists, from people who have read the complaint and order/agreement.
Appearance
The applicant and supervising psychologist may be required to appear before the Board.
Continuing education
Document all required CE, additional Board-ordered education and compliance with the consent agreement or decision and order.
Denial
Following denial, no new petition for at least one year unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
Examination discretion
Under 251 CMR 3.10(3)(b)6 the Board may require passing the current national psychology licensing examination and any other examination required for licensure; the named current national examination and the required jurisprudence examination remain leaves.
Petition
Notarized sworn petition describing the discipline, subsequent activities and remediation, and professional plans for the following two years.
Status
suspended
Timing
May apply not sooner than two months before the ordered suspension expires unless the Board orders otherwise.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
20 qualifying CE hours per two-year cycle under 251 CMR 4.00.
Renewal
Submit the completed renewal application and fees before expiration.
Violence training
Previously completed Board-approved training is sufficient unless the Board requires it again.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Psychologist License

Temporary authority for a nonresident psychologist under M.G.L. c. 112, § 124, or a military spouse under § 1B(d).

Licensing authority: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists · Application information

Temporary issuance pending a military spouse’s remaining Massachusetts requirements
Board discretion
The ordinary licensure and reciprocity examinations remain referenced because outstanding requirements may include them; the Board determines what the applicant must complete.
Pending requirements
Temporary issuance may permit services while completing specific Massachusetts requirements not required in the original jurisdiction. The remaining requirements and examination waivers are determined for the individual applicant.
Spouse
Licensed outside Massachusetts; military spouse transferred to Massachusetts; applicant left employment to accompany the spouse.
Temporary nonresident license: accepted qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Not more than one year; § 124 specifies registration and the stated practice or qualification condition without prescribing an examination.
Practice condition
Possess qualifications acceptable to the Board.
Registration
Register with the Board; issuance is discretionary under M.G.L. c. 112, § 124.
Residence
Legal residence outside Massachusetts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary nonresident license: consultation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Not more than one year; § 124 specifies registration and the stated practice or qualification condition without prescribing an examination.
Practice condition
Practice in consultation with a Massachusetts licensed psychologist.
Registration
Register with the Board; issuance is discretionary under M.G.L. c. 112, § 124.
Residence
Legal residence outside Massachusetts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary nonresident license: supervision
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Not more than one year; § 124 specifies registration and the stated practice or qualification condition without prescribing an examination.
Practice condition
Practice under the supervision of a Massachusetts licensed psychologist.
Registration
Register with the Board; issuance is discretionary under M.G.L. c. 112, § 124.
Residence
Legal residence outside Massachusetts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massachusetts Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
PCS; delivered through PSI
Format
Closed book, computer based multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
25 scored multiple-choice questions; possible additional unscored pretest questions
Time limit
One hour
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • 251 CMR 1.00: Ethical Standards, Professional Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures
  • 251 CMR 3.00: Registration of Psychologists
  • 251 CMR 4.00: Continuing Education
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, selected psychologist licensing and practice provisions
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 19A: Department of Elder Affairs
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 19C: Disabled Persons Protection Commission
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119: Protection and Care of Children, and Proceedings Against Them
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 123: Mental Health
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 123A: Care, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Sexually Dangerous Persons
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 190B: Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 233, Section 20B: Privileged Communications
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208: Selected Divorce Provisions
  • 104 CMR 33.00: Designation and Appointment of Qualified Mental Health Professionals
Examination sources

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