On November 5th, the ASPPB Board of Directors issued a letter regarding the EPPP.
Important Updates from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Background: EPPP a New Path Forward
On October 22, 2024, the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)— in its mission to support members in fulfilling their responsibility to protect the public, and, guided by its bylaws, which direct the organization to promote cohesion within the regulatory framework of organized psychology, ensuring we build a strong foundation for the long-term success of our shared objectives— passed a motion to pause the October 2022 decision, which outlined that by January 1, 2026, the EPPP would consist of two parts: EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge) and EPPP (Part 2-Skills). The current EPPP (Part 2-Skills) will remain accessible to all jurisdictions as a well-developed and standardized tool for comprehensively assessing applicant competence.
The Board of Directors also reaffirmed its commitment moving forward to reimagine the EPPP as a single, integrated examination of both knowledge and skills to best serve and protect the public.
Annual Meeting of Delegates
On October 30, 2024, prior to the ASPPB’s 64th Annual Meeting of Delegates, the ASPPB Board of Directors provided an opportunity for dialogue with the membership to discuss the recent motion and bylaws amendment for the delegates’ consideration as they faced a vote on a proposed amendment to Article IV of ASPPB bylaws presented by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists on July 29, 2024. i The Board of Directors presented to those in attendance the four next steps to be undertaken by the Association. Its aim is a solution that promotes jurisdictional and stakeholder input and engagement, minimizes the burden on jurisdictions and candidates, and protect the public while promoting portability of licensure for psychologists and improved access to quality psychological care. The Board of Directors has committed to the following:
- Establish a Working Group: ASPPB will issue a call for volunteers to serve on a Working Group that will include broad representation from jurisdictional members, examination program committees, ASPPB Board of Directors, staff, and liaison groups. The Association plans for this group to begin its work in mid-to-late January, focusing on key issues surrounding reimagining the EPPP, such as workforce needs, costs associated with the exam, licensure portability, and access to quality mental health care.
- Establishment of an ASPPB Board Subcommittee: This subcommittee will concentrate on supporting the timely development and progress of the reimagined EPPP initiative.
- Quarterly Town Halls: The meetings will kick off in the first quarter of 2025. Members will be able to hear updates from the Working Group and provide input and feedback directly.
- Job Task Analysis (JTA): This process is underway, and it is a crucial part of exam development that maps out essential competencies for entering independent psychology practice. The Working Group and ASPPB Board Subcommittee will reschedule the December JTA meeting to early 2025 so the JTA moves forward taking Working Group input into account.
The ASPPB Board of Directors will continue to provide updates on the aforementioned steps. We look forward to a robust response to the call for volunteers to be issued in December.
Member Delegation Vote
On October 31, 2024, the member delegation had an opportunity to further debate the proposed amendment to the ASPPB bylaws before voting. The amendment failed with a vote recorded as 29 opposed, 12 in favor, and one abstention.
As we progress together in this new path forward, the ASPPB Board of Directors reiterates its continued commitment to transparency, collaboration, and ensuring that our decisions reflect the collective wisdom of the psychology regulatory community. By embracing a collaborative approach and listening to our members’ voices, we aim to build a stronger, more unified licensure process and uphold our core mission of public protection.
In respectful service,
The ASPPB Board of Directors