Introduction

One of the hardest moments in the EPPP journey is walking out of the exam center and seeing a score that isn’t a passing score. It can feel discouraging, frustrating, and even embarrassing—but you’re not alone. Many highly competent psychologists, counselors, and trainees don’t pass on their first attempt. And here’s the truth many people don’t realize:

Failing the EPPP does NOT mean you won’t be an excellent psychologist.
It simply means you need more time, strategy, and preparation.

The EPPP isn’t designed to evaluate your worth, your potential, or your calling—it’s designed to evaluate exam readiness. And readiness can always be improved.

The good news?
You can retake the EPPP.
You can try again.
And thousands of psychologists today passed on their second or third attempt and went on to thrive in their careers.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about EPPP retakes, including rules, timelines, limits, strategies, state requirements, and what to do if you don’t pass the first time. With the right plan, you’ll come back stronger—and you will pass.

👉 Check out our EPPP Practice Questions + EPPP Study Guide — updated for 2025, featuring exam-style practice aligned with the EPPP blueprint, plus specialized coverage of assessment, intervention, ethics, and core psychological foundations.

1. Can You Retake the EPPP? Yes — Absolutely.

The first and most important point is simple:

Yes, you can retake the EPPP if you fail.

ASPPB (the organization that administers the exam) allows candidates to retake the EPPP multiple times. There is NO national limit on total lifetime attempts, and there is NO automatic ban after failing.

You’re not “out of the game.”
You’re not “done.”
You’re simply restarting with more insight and more clarity.

Every retake is a fresh chance to pass.

2. How Many Times Can You Retake the EPPP?

In most jurisdictions, you can retake the EPPP as many times as you need to—there is no strict national cap.

However, retake rules vary slightly depending on your state or province. Most states follow these guidelines:

Typical Retake Limits

• Up to 4 attempts per year
  
• Must wait 60 days between attempts
  
• Must pay fees again (each attempt is a new paid exam)
  

Some States Have Additional Rules

A few boards may require:

• A study plan before each retake
  
• A meeting with the board after multiple failures
  
• Additional supervised experience
  
• Evidence of new preparation before retesting
  

These rules exist to protect candidates from repeatedly taking the exam without improving their preparation. They’re not punishments—they’re support systems designed to help you succeed.

Very Rare Restrictions

A small number of boards may cap attempts at 6–8 before requiring remediation or special approval for more attempts. But this is rare.

If you’re unsure, check with your specific board. You can easily place an internal link here to your “Licensure Requirements Guide.”

3. Do You Have to Pay Again for Each Retake?

Yes. Every retake requires payment of:

• $600 EPPP exam fee
  
• $79.56 Pearson VUE fee
  
• Any rescheduling or additional jurisdiction fees
  

This is why high-quality preparation is essential. Failing multiple times is expensive—not because you’re incapable, but because each attempt carries a cost.

4. Why People Fail the EPPP (and Why It’s Normal)

Failing the EPPP isn’t always a sign of poor knowledge. In fact, many people who fail:

• Graduated with honors
  
• Were strong clinicians
  
• Performed well in internship
  
• Had strong academic records
  

The EPPP is a unique exam with a unique logic. People fail for reasons like:

1. Not understanding the test structure

The EPPP tests reasoning, not memorization.

2. Not using EPPP-style questions during study

Many candidates rely on textbooks alone, which does not prepare them for the exam format.

3. Test anxiety

Stress and panic can lower performance even when you know the material.

4. Poor pacing

Candidates rush early and burn out late—or spend too long on early questions.

5. Weakness in high-weight domains

Assessment and treatment carry the most points. Weakness here affects your entire score.

6. Lack of full-length mock exams

Without endurance training, the 4-hour test can overwhelm you.

7. Studying too broadly or unfocused

Unstructured study spreads you thin.

8. Life circumstances

Work stress, family responsibilities, and health challenges interfere with focus.

You are not alone—and you are not behind.

5. The Waiting Period Between Retakes

Most licensing boards require a 60-day waiting period between attempts. This gives you time to:

• Review your performance
  
• Strengthen your weak areas
  
• Build a better study plan
  
• Regain confidence
  
• Practice more questions
  
• Reestablish content mastery
  This waiting period is not meant to punish you—it’s meant to help you.

Trying to retake too quickly often leads to repeated failure. The 60 days help ensure you’re truly ready.

6. What Happens After You Fail the EPPP?

Here’s the typical process:

1. You receive your score report

It will show:

• Your scaled score
  
• Pass/fail result
  

You will not see domain-by-domain scores.

2. Your licensing board is notified

3. You may need to contact your board for retake approval

4. You pay the fees again

5. You schedule your next attempt

While it may feel discouraging, the process is straightforward and thousands successfully retake every year.

7. How to Recover Mentally After a Failed Attempt

Failing the EPPP can create self-doubt. You may question your intelligence, your worth, or your readiness to be a psychologist. These feelings are normal.

Here’s the truth:

• Your score does not define your clinical skills
  
• Your score does not measure your empathy
  
• Your score does not measure your professionalism
  
• Your score does not measure your potential
  

The EPPP is a standardized exam. Nothing more.

Your ability to help clients, change lives, and practice ethically is not erased by one score.

Ways to Reset Mentally

• Talk to a supervisor or mentor
  
• Take 1–2 weeks fully off from studying
  
• Rebuild your mindset with small wins
  
• Reframe the experience as “data,” not failure
  
• Set new goals with purpose, not pressure
  

You are capable—one score doesn’t change that.

8. How to Build a Better Study Plan for Your Retake

This is where the real success happens. Passing on your next attempt requires strategy, not more hours.

1. Analyze Your Weaknesses

You didn’t get domain feedback, but you can identify patterns:

• Which practice exam sections were low?
  
• Which question types challenge you?
  
• Did you struggle more at the beginning or end of the exam?
  
• Did anxiety impact your reasoning?
  
• Were you confused by similar diagnoses?
  

2. Focus on High-Weight Domains

Study Assessment and Treatment first. These domains move your score the fastest.

3. Build a Realistic Study Schedule

Aim for:

• 8–12 weeks of focused prep
  
• 2–4 hours per day
  
• 5–6 days weekly
  

4. Use EPPP-Style Practice Questions

This is the #1 predictor of future success.

(Internal link prompt: “Rebuild your confidence using our EPPP Practice Questions.”)

5. Take Multiple Full-Length Practice Exams

They help you:

• Improve pacing
  
• Reduce anxiety
  
• Build stamina
  
• Raise your score predictably
  

6. Learn How to Eliminate Distractors

This is where most candidates get stuck.

7. Review Ethics Thoroughly

Ethics touches every domain and can save your score on difficult questions.

9. How Many Retakes Does It Usually Take to Pass?

Most people who fail pass within:

• 1–2 retakes if they significantly adjust their study approach
  
• 2–3 retakes if they continue using the same strategies
  
• 1 retake if they focus heavily on weak areas
  

Retakes are normal—psychology is a complex field, and the EPPP reflects that complexity.

Psychologists who fail multiple times often become excellent clinicians because they learn resilience, perseverance, and discipline during the process.

10. How to Know When You’re Ready to Retake

You’re ready when:

• You consistently score 70–75% or higher on practice exams
  
• You can identify and explain your reasoning
  
• You’ve fully reviewed the high-weight domains
  
• Your anxiety feels manageable
  
• You feel clear, focused, and prepared
  
• You’re not studying from a place of panic, but confidence
  

Readiness isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being consistent and steady.

👉 Check out our EPPP Practice Questions + EPPP Study Guide — updated for 2025, featuring exam-style practice aligned with the EPPP blueprint, plus specialized coverage of assessment, intervention, ethics, and core psychological foundations.

Final Thoughts

Failing the EPPP is not the end of your journey—it’s a moment in your journey. Thousands of psychologists who are now thriving in private practice, hospitals, schools, and clinics failed this exam before they passed it.

What matters now is what you do next.

With the right strategy, the right mindset, and the right resources, you can come back stronger, study smarter, and walk into your next exam with confidence. The EPPP is passable, even after a failed attempt. You are capable, resilient, and absolutely strong enough to pass.

You will get there. This is just one chapter—not your whole story.