Dr. Hao Song, Associate Executive Officer of Examination Services

Dr. Hao Song, PhD, ICE-CCP, serves as the Associate Executive Officer of Examination Services at the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). With over 15 years of experience in professional credentialing assessment, including assessment design and uses, Dr. Song plays a crucial role in overseeing the development and enhancement of licensure exams critical for public safety and professional integrity.

In her role, Dr. Song leads teams dedicated to assessment development, psychometrics, and research, ensuring that the exams created by ASPPB meet rigorous standards of validity, reliability, and fairness. Her expertise in test validation, diagnostic scoring, and competency-based assessment informs the continuous improvement of exams. These exams are used in licensure for psychologists in all fifty states of the United States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Northwest Territories and all ten provinces of Canada as members of ASPPB.

According to Dr. Song, the most rewarding aspect of her career with ASPPB lies in advancing competence assessment in licensure exams for psychologists. “We are not just testing knowledge; we are ensuring that licensed psychologists possess the skills to provide safe and effective services to the public,” she emphasizes.

When asked for advice for licensure candidates preparing for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, the EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge) and the EPPP (Part 2-Skills), Dr. Song underscores trust in the exam process. “ASPPB is your partner in ensuring public safety and professional integrity,” she advises. “Candidates should approach the exam with confidence, relying on their education and training.”

Under Dr. Song’s leadership, ASPPB has made significant strides in enhancing exam communications and accessibility. “We meet with Jurisdictions regularly, publish the

Psychology Licensing Exam Scores by Doctoral Program Reports annually, and update processes to reflect the latest standards in educational and psychological testing.” This commitment to excellence underscores ASPPB’s mission to uphold the highest standards in psychology licensure.

Dr. Song’s dedication to fairness and competence resonates throughout ASPPB’s initiatives. As ASPPB continues to evolve, guided by Dr. Song’s expertise, the future of psychology licensure promises to uphold rigorous standards while supporting the growth and diversity of the profession.

Part of that bright future is the partnership ASPPB has with professional volunteers. They contribute as item writers, reviewers, exam content and performance standards advisors bringing to the table a wealth of perspectives. Their diverse backgrounds include different practice areas, settings, geographic locations, races, ethnicities, various languages, and cultures supporting ASPPB’s drive to provide excellence.

“Our volunteers, for instance, provide us with valuable insight on the job task analyses that are fundamental to defining and validating the knowledge and skills areas to be assessed by the EPPP and the depth of those assessment areas. We welcome and embrace those contributions because they are important to the future of psychology,” said Dr. Song.

Thank you for your time and for learning more about Dr. Song’s role in ASPPB. Send a note 📝 to engaged@asppb.org if you have areas you would like to know more about. Your insights drive our mission!