EPPP Passing Score: What Score Do You Need?
By Anders H. Chan, Psy.D. · Updated March 2026
Quick answer
Most jurisdictions require a scaled score of 500 on the EPPP Part 1. Scores are reported on a 200-800 scale. The 500 cut score is recommended by ASPPB, and nearly every U.S. state and Canadian province follows it.
How EPPP Scoring Works
The EPPP does not use a simple percentage. Your raw score (the number of scored items you answer correctly out of 175) is converted to a scaled score between 200 and 800 through a statistical process called equating. This accounts for slight differences in difficulty across exam forms, so a 500 on one form means the same thing as a 500 on another.
Of the 225 total questions, 175 are scored and 50 are unscored pilot items being tested for future exams. You won't know which are which, so treat every question as if it counts.
What Does a 500 Actually Mean?
A scaled score of 500 roughly corresponds to answering about 70% of scored items correctly, though this varies by form. The exact conversion changes with each exam administration because equating adjusts for difficulty.
This is why chasing a specific percentage during practice is less useful than building consistent performance across all eight content domains. A candidate who scores 75% in seven domains but 40% in one is at more risk than someone who scores a steady 72% everywhere.
EPPP Cut Scores by State
The table below shows the EPPP passing score requirement for each U.S. jurisdiction. As of 2026, all listed jurisdictions use the ASPPB-recommended cut score of 500. Always confirm the current requirement with your specific licensing board before scheduling your exam.
| Jurisdiction | Required Scaled Score |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 500 |
| Alaska | 500 |
| Arizona | 500 |
| Arkansas | 500 |
| California | 500 |
| Colorado | 500 |
| Connecticut | 500 |
| Delaware | 500 |
| District of Columbia | 500 |
| Florida | 500 |
| Georgia | 500 |
| Hawaii | 500 |
| Idaho | 500 |
| Illinois | 500 |
| Indiana | 500 |
| Iowa | 500 |
| Kansas | 500 |
| Kentucky | 500 |
| Louisiana | 500 |
| Maine | 500 |
| Maryland | 500 |
| Massachusetts | 500 |
| Michigan | 500 |
| Minnesota | 500 |
| Mississippi | 500 |
| Missouri | 500 |
| Montana | 500 |
| Nebraska | 500 |
| Nevada | 500 |
| New Hampshire | 500 |
| New Jersey | 500 |
| New Mexico | 500 |
| New York | 500 |
| 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 | 500 |
| Wisconsin | 500 |
| Wyoming | 500 |
Source: ASPPB and individual state licensing board websites. Canadian provinces and territories also typically use a 500 cut score. Last verified March 2026. Requirements can change — always check with your board.
What If You Don't Pass?
Most jurisdictions allow retakes after a waiting period, commonly 60-90 days. Some states limit the total number of attempts (often between 3 and unlimited, depending on the board). Your score report will show your scaled score and a pass/fail determination.
If you're retaking the EPPP, consider changing your study method rather than just studying more. Research consistently shows that practice testing and active recall outperform passive reading for long-term retention. If your first attempt was mostly reading-based, switching to a practice-question-first approach often makes the difference.
EPPP Score Transfer
ASPPB offers a score transfer service that lets you send your EPPP results to another jurisdiction. This is useful if you relocate or want to be licensed in multiple states. The receiving board must accept transferred scores, and you still need to meet their other licensure requirements (supervised hours, jurisprudence exam, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a passing score on the EPPP?▾
Most U.S. jurisdictions require a scaled score of 500 on the EPPP Part 1. Scores are reported on a 200-800 scale. The 500 cut score is recommended by ASPPB, though each state or provincial licensing board sets its own requirement.
How is the EPPP scored?▾
The EPPP uses scaled scoring, not a simple percentage. Your raw score (number correct out of 175 scored items) is converted to a scaled score between 200 and 800 using statistical equating. This ensures fairness across different exam forms. Approximately 70% correct on scored items typically maps to a scaled score around 500, but this varies by form difficulty.
What is the EPPP score range?▾
EPPP scores range from 200 to 800. A score of 500 is the most common passing threshold. Your score report shows your scaled score and whether you passed or failed based on your jurisdiction's cut score.
Do all states require the same passing score?▾
Nearly all U.S. jurisdictions use the ASPPB-recommended cut score of 500. However, the passing standard is set by each individual licensing board. Always verify the current requirement with your specific state or provincial board before test day.
What happens if I fail the EPPP?▾
If you don't reach the passing score, you can retake the exam. Most jurisdictions allow retakes after a waiting period (commonly 60-90 days). Some states limit the total number of attempts. Check your board's retake policy, and consider changing your study approach — switching from passive reading to active recall and practice testing often makes the difference on a retake.
Can I transfer my EPPP score to another state?▾
Yes. ASPPB offers a score transfer service (formerly called the CPQ). Your score can be transferred to another jurisdiction, though the receiving board must accept it and you must meet their other licensure requirements. Fees and timelines vary.
How many questions are on the EPPP?▾
The EPPP Part 1 contains 225 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 175 are scored and 50 are unscored pilot items being tested for future use. You won't know which questions are scored, so treat every question as if it counts.
What percentage do I need to get right to pass the EPPP?▾
There is no fixed percentage because the EPPP uses scaled scoring that accounts for form difficulty. As a rough benchmark, getting approximately 70% of scored items correct typically puts you near a 500 scaled score, but this varies. Focus on consistent domain-level performance rather than a single percentage target.
Related Resources
- EPPP Sections & Domain Weights — what's on the exam and how much each domain counts
- EPPP Practice Questions — free practice sets by domain
- EPPP Study Tips — evidence-based strategies from candidates who passed
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