A guide to the eppp part 2
EPPP part 2 is a newer section of the licensing exam used for psychologists in some parts of the United States and Canada, and it has become one of the most discussed topics in professional psychology. Unlike the original EPPP exam, which focuses mainly on academic knowledge, this second section is designed to measure how well future psychologists apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
For many people, the process of becoming a licensed psychologist can seem confusing. Candidates typically spend years completing graduate school, supervised training, and licensing exams before they can practice independently. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is one of the biggest steps in that process.
In recent years, the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) introduced a skills-based component known as EPPP (Part 2–Skills). The goal was to move beyond textbook memorization and evaluate how candidates make decisions in realistic clinical settings.
In this guide, we'll go over the details of what the EPPP part 2 is, and why it matters. Let's go.
What Is the EPPP?
The EPPP is the national licensing exam for psychologists in the United States and Canada. It is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, commonly called ASPPB.
Traditionally, the exam consisted of a single test that focused on psychology knowledge, including topics such as assessment, ethics, diagnosis, treatment, research methods, and biological bases of behavior. This portion is now officially called EPPP (Part 1–Knowledge).
The newer section, EPPP (Part 2–Skills), was developed to assess how candidates would respond to situations they might face as practicing psychologists. According to ASPPB, the exam measures decision-making and practical application rather than simple recall of information.
Candidates who are required to take the second section must first pass Part 1 before moving on to Part 2.
Why Was the EPPP Part 2 Created?
One of the biggest criticisms of traditional licensing exams is that they often focus heavily on memorization. Supporters of EPPP part 2 argued that psychologists should also demonstrate applied clinical judgment before becoming licensed.
ASPPB spent years researching and developing the exam. The purpose of the skills section is to evaluate whether candidates can handle real-world, independent practice situations safely and effectively.
The exam includes scenario-based questions that ask candidates to make decisions similar to those required in clinical practice. These situations may involve ethical dilemmas, communication challenges, assessment choices, or treatment planning. The exam may also include videos, audio clips, and interactive question formats instead of only standard multiple-choice questions.
Supporters believe this type of testing better reflects the realities of professional psychology. Critics, however, have raised concerns about cost, fairness, accessibility, and whether the exam truly predicts competence in practice.
What Topics Are Covered on the EPPP Part 2?
The skills portion focuses on applied competencies rather than memorized facts. ASPPB outlines several major domains tested on the exam, including scientific orientation, assessment and intervention, professionalism, ethical practice, and collaboration.
Some examples of the skills being evaluated include:
- Applying research findings to clinical decisions
- Communicating psychological information clearly
- Handling ethical issues appropriately
- Working effectively with clients and other professionals
- Selecting appropriate interventions and assessments
- Demonstrating professional judgment in difficult situations
The exam emphasizes practical reasoning. Instead of asking for a definition from a textbook, a question may present a clinical scenario and ask what the psychologist should do next.
This shift toward applied decision-making is one reason many candidates describe the exam as difficult to study for. Unlike traditional exams, there may not always be a single fact to memorize. Instead, success depends on understanding professional standards and using sound judgment.
Where Is the EPPP Part 2 Required?
This has changed rapidly over the past few years.
Initially, ASPPB announced plans to make the two-part exam mandatory across jurisdictions beginning in 2026. However, in October 2024, ASPPB paused that mandate and shifted toward developing a future “Integrated EPPP” that would combine knowledge and skills into a single exam.
As of now, only some jurisdictions require the EPPP part 2. ASPPB notes that licensing requirements vary by state, province, or territory.
This means psychology candidates must check directly with their licensing board to determine whether they need to complete the second portion.
The changing policies have created uncertainty for many graduate students and early-career psychologists. Some candidates prepared for a mandatory national rollout that ultimately did not happen.
How Do Candidates Prepare?
Preparing for the EPPP part 2 has been challenging for many students because there are fewer study resources available compared to the traditional EPPP.
ASPPB offers an official sample exam designed to familiarize candidates with the format and functionality of the test. The organization explains that the sample exam helps users experience the style of questions and interface used on the actual exam.
The Debate Around the EPPP Part 2
Few licensing changes in psychology have generated as much debate as the EPPP part 2.
Supporters argue that psychology licensing should evaluate both knowledge and applied competence. They believe a skills-based assessment can improve public protection by ensuring candidates know how to handle real clinical situations.
Critics argue that doctoral training, supervised experience, and existing licensing procedures already assess these abilities. Some also worry that adding another major exam increases financial and emotional stress for candidates entering the profession.
The pause in the nationwide mandate suggests that ASPPB is still refining how skills assessment should fit into psychology licensure in the future.
Understanding the Impact of the EPPP Part 2
For people unfamiliar with psychology licensing, part 2 of the EPPP represents an effort to modernize how professional competence is evaluated. Rather than focusing only on academic knowledge, the exam attempts to measure how future psychologists think, reason, and respond in realistic professional situations.
At the same time, the exam remains controversial within the psychology community. Questions about cost, implementation, fairness, and effectiveness continue to shape the conversation.
What is clear is that psychology licensing is evolving. Whether the future involves a separate skills test or a fully integrated licensing exam, the profession is increasingly emphasizing not only what psychologists know, but also how they apply that knowledge in practice.
If you'd like to learn more about the EPPP, you can check out our guide to the licensing exam.