Why Not Passing the EPPP Is More Common Than You Think—And How to Move Forward
Many clinicians feel isolated after failing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), yet the reality is that failing—or under-performing—is more frequent than most believe. For example, recent data from California show that only about 39 % of candidates passed in 2025—leaving over 60 % needing to retake. Meanwhile, across doctoral-level first-time attempts nationwide, pass rates still hover around 80% or slightly higher, but that figure masks wide variation and does not reflect the experience of those aiming for improvement beyond the first try.
A Few New Perspectives
Time in study doesn’t equal score increase. Extended study spans often lead to burnout, memory fatigue and reduced clarity. The issue is not how much you study, but how you study.
Many qualifiers don’t lack theory—not surprising. Possessing content knowledge doesn’t guarantee success because the exam tests reasoning, decision-making and item interpretation rather than simple recall.
Understanding error trends matters more than domain coverage. The patterns of mis-reading question stems, failing to spot distractors, or mixing up clinical vs. ethical decisions often lead to lower scores more than any one content gap.
High-yield focus beats broad review. The eight domains of the EPPP are not weighted equally. Repeat takers improve fastest when they prioritize critical domains, streamline review materials, and train their decision-making process.
Repeated attempts are not a sign of failure—they’re data. Each attempt offers insight into how you think and approach the exam. Use feedback to refine how you reason through items rather than digging into more content
Here’s What You Can Do To Move Forward
Shift the goal from “cover everything” to “break the key patterns.” Focus on how questions are constructed, what cues they use and how correct answers connect to that logic.
Map and track your error types: misinterpretation, distractors, concept confusion, time pressure. Use data from your practice exams to identify recurring mistakes.
Build a tight, four-week targeted cycle rather than elongating your study timeline indefinitely. Freshness and precision matter.
Practice with live exam-style questions under timed conditions, then debrief each item thoroughly—why the distractors worked, what cue was missed, how reasoning could improve.
Protect your energy and mindset. Knowing that 60 %+ of candidates don’t pass means you are not alone. Use the setback as part of the process, not a final verdict.
