Blog / EPPP vs EPPP-2: What's the Difference and Do You Need Both?
EPPP vs EPPP-2: What's the Difference and Do You Need Both?
If you've been researching the EPPP, you've probably come across mentions of "EPPP Part 2" or "EPPP-2" and wondered what it is, whether you need it, and how to prepare. Here's what we know as of 2026.
EPPP Part 1: The Knowledge Exam
This is the EPPP most people are talking about when they say "the EPPP." It's been around for decades and is the standard licensure exam across North America.
- Format: 225 multiple-choice questions
- What it tests: Foundational knowledge across 8 psychology domains
- How it tests: Written questions, many with clinical vignettes
- Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Administered by: Pearson VUE
- Required by: Virtually all US states and Canadian provinces
Part 1 tests whether you know the material. Can you identify the correct diagnosis? Do you understand the ethical obligation in this scenario? Can you apply statistical concepts?
EPPP Part 2: The Skills Exam
EPPP-2 is a newer, separate assessment developed by ASPPB (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards). It's designed to test competencies that a multiple-choice exam can't capture.
- Format: Performance-based tasks and applied scenarios
- What it tests: Clinical skills, professional judgment, applied competencies
- How it tests: You demonstrate skills through structured tasks, not just select from four options
- Required by: Currently being adopted state by state — not universally required yet
Part 2 tests whether you can do the work, not just know the content. Think of it as the difference between passing a written driving test and proving you can actually drive.
Which States Require EPPP-2?
As of 2026, adoption varies. Some states have adopted EPPP-2 as a requirement, others are in pilot phases, and many haven't made a decision yet.
Check with your state board directly. ASPPB maintains an updated list of which jurisdictions require Part 2. Don't rely on forum posts or outdated articles — this is changing actively.
Do You Need to Worry About EPPP-2 Right Now?
If your state doesn't require it yet: Focus on Part 1. Pass that first. Part 2 requirements may or may not be in place by the time you're ready.
If your state requires or is piloting Part 2: You'll need to prepare for both, but they're different exams testing different things. Part 1 prep doesn't directly prepare you for Part 2, and vice versa.
If you're on the fence about when to take the EPPP: This is actually a reason to take Part 1 sooner rather than later. The current format has been stable for years, and your prep materials are well-established. If Part 2 requirements expand, that's an additional exam on top of Part 1 — not a replacement.
How Preparation Differs
| EPPP Part 1 | EPPP Part 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tests | Knowledge and application | Clinical skills and judgment |
| Format | Multiple-choice | Performance-based tasks |
| Prep approach | Study content, practice questions | Practice clinical skills, case conceptualization |
| Established prep materials | Many options available | Limited, still emerging |
| Our coverage | Yes — full platform | Not yet |
For Part 1, the preparation path is clear: learn the content across 8 domains and practice applying it through realistic questions. That's what thePsychology.ai is built for.
For Part 2, preparation is more about clinical skill development — case conceptualization, treatment planning, ethical decision-making in applied contexts. The prep landscape for Part 2 is still developing as more states adopt it.
The Bottom Line
EPPP Part 1 and Part 2 are different exams testing different things. Part 1 is the knowledge exam you need to pass for licensure in virtually every jurisdiction. Part 2 is a skills-based assessment that's rolling out state by state.
Focus on Part 1 first. Check your state board for Part 2 requirements. And if you're debating when to take the EPPP, the case for taking it sooner is stronger than ever — pass Part 1 while the format is established and prep resources are abundant.
Ready to start preparing for Part 1? Try thePsychology.ai free for 7 days — 80+ lessons, adaptive practice, and full exam simulations across all 8 domains.