eppp scores

Understanding your eppp scores

If you’re preparing to take the EPPP but you have questions about scoring, you've come to the right place. In this guide we'll go over everything you need to know about EPPP scores, like what they are, what it takes to pass, and what to do if you don't pass on your first try. We’ll also go over some common misconceptions, tips to help you feel confident and ready, and what a passing score is in each state and province.

We've got a lot of ground to cover. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

What Are EPPP Scores?

When you take the EPPP, you’ll receive a scaled score, not just a raw count of correct answers. Understanding this score will help you interpret how well you did and whether you passed.

Raw Score vs. Scaled Score

The “raw score” is simply how many questions you answered correctly from the scored portion of the exam.
The exam also uses “scaled scores,” which adjust your raw score to a standard scale so that results are fair across different exam forms with slightly different difficulty.
For the EPPP, scaled scores typically range from 200 to 800, with a common passing benchmark set around 500.

Why the scaling? Because different test versions may have different difficulty levels. By scaling, a score of 500 on one form means about the same level of proficiency as a 500 on another form.

How Scoring Works

You'll answer a total of 225 questions, but only 175 of them are scored - 50 are experimental and don’t count.
You'll get 4 hours and 15 minutes to finish the exam. It's multiple-choice, with four options for each question.
The licensing boards set a scaled passing score (commonly 500 for independent practice), but the raw number of correct answers required to hit 500 may vary because of variations in test difficulty.

Why This Matters

Knowing how the scoring works will help you interpret your results meaningfully. If you receive a scaled score of 500 or above and your state’s passing standard is 500, then congratulations — you passed! If you scored below, knowing how the scoring is calculated can help you plan your next attempt. You can read more about scoring on page 14 of the ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook.

What Score Is Needed to Pass?

Let’s go over what passing looks like, and how it may vary depending on your jurisdiction.

General Benchmark

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) recommends a passing score of 500 for independent practice.
Some jurisdictions allow for supervised practice licenses and may set a lower passing threshold. For example, some boards have accepted a scaled score of 450 for supervised practice.

Passing Score by State/Province

Here’s a summary of passing scores across many U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions. Note: Always check the latest regulations for your specific state or province.

Jurisdiction - Passing Score

Alabama - 500
Alaska - 500
Arizona - 500
Arkansas - 500
California - 500
Colorado - 500
Connecticut - 500
Delaware - 500
Florida - 500
Georgia - 500
Hawaii - 500
Idaho - 500
Illinois - 500
Indiana - 500
Iowa - 500
Kansas - 500
Kentucky - 500
Louisiana - 500
Maine - 70% correct
Maryland - 500
Massachusetts - 500
Michigan - 350 (LLP), 500 (Doctoral)
Minnesota - 500
Mississippi - 500
Missouri - 500
Montana - 500
Nebraska - 500
Nevada - 500
New Hampshire - 500
New Jersey - 500
New Mexico - 500
New York - 75 or equivalent scaled
North Carolina - 500
North Dakota - 500
Ohio - 500
Oklahoma - 500
Oregon - 500
Pennsylvania - 500
Rhode Island - 500
South Carolina - 500
South Dakota - 500
Tennessee - 500
Texas - 500
Utah - 500
Vermont - 500
Virginia - 500
Washington - 500
West Virginia - Board-determined (varies)
Wisconsin - 500
Wyoming - 500

CANADA

Alberta - 500
British Columbia - 500
Manitoba - 500
New Brunswick - 500
Newfoundland & Labrador - 500
Northwest Territories - 500
Nova Scotia - 500
Nunavut - Not listed
Ontario - 500
Prince Edward Island - 500
Quebec - Does not always require the EPPP
Saskatchewan - 500
Yukon - Does not always require the EPPP

* The list above is based on available public listings - always verify with your specific licensing board.

Why the Variation?

Some jurisdictions (like Maine) use a percentage correct (e.g. 70%).
Some jurisdictions have tiered requirements (e.g. different passing score for Master’s level limited license vs. Doctoral level) — as seen in Michigan.
The boards may update their rules over time, so it’s crucial you check the most current regulation for your state or province.
Some Canadian provinces don't always require the EPPP.

How to Find Your Exact Passing Score

Visit your state or provincial psychology licensure board website.
Look for the section on the EPPP (or Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology).
Confirm whether the requirement is a scaled score, percentage correct, or a hybrid.
Check if there are different passing scores based on degree level (Master’s vs. Doctoral).

Interpreting Your EPPP Score

Now that you know how the scoring works and what the passing score is, let’s talk about how to interpret your results.

What Does Your Score Mean?

If you receive a scaled score of 500 or more, and your licensing board uses 500 as its passing benchmark, you’ve passed.
If your score is just under the benchmark, don’t panic — many candidates retake and succeed.
Scores well above the benchmark (e.g. 600+) can feel good, but from a licensing standpoint, passing is passing.

How to Think About Practice Percentages

Many exam-takers wonder: “If I get 70% correct in practice, what will my scaled score be?” While there’s no exact formula, estimates suggest:

Roughly 70% correct = a scaled score of about 500.
You could use your practice test percent correct as a guide: if you’re consistently scoring in the high 70s to 80s on practice, you’re likely in a safe zone.

What If You’re Borderline?

If you score a little below 70% on your practice tests, here are a few things you can try:

Examine which content domains you struggled with.
Review the exam’s breakdown of topics (e.g. Ethical/Legal, Assessment & Diagnosis, Treatment/Intervention) and pinpoint weaker areas.
Adjust your study plan to strengthen those domains, and take a practice test again once you feel ready.

What Happens After You Pass?

First of all, congrats!
After you pass your score is submitted to the licensing board.
Once you meet all other licensure requirements you’ll be eligible for your license.

What If You Fail?

Don’t worry — many candidates retake the EPPP and pass. Learn more about what to do after your first try below.

What to Do If You Don’t Pass the EPPP

Failing the EPPP can feel discouraging, but it’s not uncommon — and you can bounce back. Here’s a recommended action plan.

Step 1: Take a Breath

It’s okay to feel frustrated. Accept where you are, but remind yourself: you can retake the exam.

Step 2: Get Your Score Report

Review your score report carefully. Look for:

Which content domains you scored lower in.
Overall score compared to the passing benchmark for your state or province.
How far off you were (e.g. 20 points vs 100 points) — so you can plan appropriately.

Step 3: Develop a Targeted Study Plan

Focus on your weaker domains (e.g. if you scored low in “Research Methods & Statistics,” dedicate extra time there).
Use practice exams to test your knowledge. Try to get a score that's safely above your state’s passing line.
Consider a retake timeline: some jurisdictions require you to wait before retaking, or to submit a study plan if you fail multiple times. For example, in Oregon if you fail twice you must submit a written study plan before the third retake.

Step 4: Reflect on What Went Wrong

Did you run out of time? Practice pacing.
Did you skip questions? Remember: unanswered = incorrect.
Did anxiety affect you? Consider relaxation techniques and exam-day strategies.

Step 5: Register for the Retake

Check your state board requirements: how many times you can retake within a certain period, waiting periods, or extra steps required.
Schedule the exam when you are confident.

Failing the EPPP on the first try feels discouraging, but you can learn from it. When you prep for your second try you'll be able to specifically address the issues you faced the first time.

Common Misconceptions About EPPP Scoring

Let’s clear up some myths about EPPP scoring so you’re fully informed.

Myth #1: “If I do poorly in one domain, I automatically fail.”

No. There are no domain-by-domain pass/fail thresholds for the EPPP (for most jurisdictions). You need the overall scaled score to meet or exceed the passing mark. So if you do poorly in one domain, but you score strongly in the others, they could balance out your overall score and you could pass.

Myth #2: “If I take an easier version of the exam, I’ll get a higher score.”

Actually, because test forms are equated for difficulty, the scoring accounts for easier or harder versions through scaling. So you’re not “rewarded” or “penalized” for the form you get.

Myth #3: “Once I pass in one state, I don’t have to worry if I move to another state.”

Moving jurisdictions can get complex: some states may have different requirements (including different versions of the exam or additional parts like the EPPP Part 2). Be sure to verify reciprocity or additional requirements. The ASPPB has a page with detailed info about transferring your EPPP score.

Practical Tips to Achieve a Passing EPPP Score

Here are some study and test-taking strategies to help you aim for—and achieve—a passing EPPP score:

-Know the content domains. The exam covers eight major content areas:

Ethical/Legal/Professional Issues
Biological Bases of Behavior
Cognitive-Affective Bases
Social/Cultural Bases
Growth & Lifespan Development
Assessment & Diagnosis
Treatment, Intervention, Prevention & Supervision
Research Methods & Statistics

-Use practice exams: Get comfortable with multiple-choice questions, timing, and the test format. Aim for high scores on practice tests before scheduling the real thing. Remember that unanswered questions are automatically counted as wrong.

-Focus on weaker areas: Review your practice exam results and allocate more time to weaker content domains.

-Review exam-day logistics: Know your testing location, arrival time, what you can bring, etc. Having a plan for exam day can help minimize stress.

-Work on pacing and stamina: With 4 hours and 15 minutes (for Part 1), and a large number of questions, stamina matters.

-Stay healthy: Sleep, nutrition, exercise—they affect cognitive performance.

-Mindset – stay calm and confident: Many people pass. If you’ve prepared well, you’re on the right path.

-Set a realistic timeline: Don’t cram last minute. Give yourself enough time to study, review, and sleep.

By following these tips, you'll be setting yourself up for productive studying and efficient test-taking. It's easy to forget to take care of yourself when you're studying hard. Sleeping enough each night, going outside, getting regular exercise, and taking breaks can seem like unimportant details. But they can have a big impact on how you feel. Remember to balance study time with self care.

You can do this. With clear understanding and good preparation, you’ll walk into test day informed, calm, and confident. Good luck on your journey to licensure — you’ve got this!

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