Studying for the EPPP and BCBA

Following the successful completion of any MSP program, graduates must pass at least one more examination on their journey to become licensed in addition to completing the required post-grad clinical hours. In the State of Michigan MA graduates must score a 350 (se e new rule on page 12 passed in June 2023) and PsyD graduates must score 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) to receive their respective licenses, LLP or LP. Graduates who have completed the ABA certificate must sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® Exam in order to become a BCBA. Here are a few ways in which you can start preparing to sit for these exams.

Preparing for the EPPP

MSP Resources

MSP is dedicated to providing resources to help students prepare for the EPPP. This includes having alumni share their experience taking, and passing the exam. In the past Cynthia Ransley (MA ’15) shared her 5 Essential Steps and La-Toya Gaines (PsyD ’12) shared her Do’s and Don’t’s for studying for the exam. This year, we were pleased to have Kristie Wyler (MA ’21) present on How to Tackle the EPPP as a part of our career service programming. Becca Jarvis (PsyD 3) also hosted an eight-week free EPPP study group which covered the following topics:

Session 1: Introduction to the EPPP
Session 2: Ethics, Legal & Professional Issues
Session 3: Lifespan Development & Learning Theory
Session 4: Industrial/Organizational & Psychological Assessment
Session 5: Physiological Psychology & Pharmacology
Session 6: Statistics, Research Design, & Test Construction
Session 7: Social, Clinical, & Abnormal Psychology
Session 8: Review of Topics

Recordings of How to Tackle the EPPP and all study group sessions are available upon request (email [email protected]).

External Resources

EPPP Study Programs
- AATBS
  - MSP students and alumni can receive discounted study materials from AATBS. Please visit EPPP Exam Prep to find eligible packages and use promo code PARMSOP during the checkout process.
- PsychPrep
- PrepJet
Study Apps
- EPPP Pocket Prep
- EPPP Step One Review
- EPPP Flash Cards (or EPPP Flash Cards Lite)
- EPPP Exam Prep 2023
Physical Materials
- EPPP Secrets Study Guide (available from most bookstores and amazon)
- Academic Review EPPP Flashcards

Mention of outside resources in this blog does not imply an endorsement from the Michigan School of Psychology. While individuals have had success using these resources in the past they do not guarantee a successful result. Please do your research to find a method of studying that works for you.

Preparing for the BCBA

MSP Presentation

Hannah Riesser, MA, BCBA (MA with ABA ’21, current PsyD 3) shared her tips when she presented Studying for the BCBA in Dr. Anan’s class during career services month (email [email protected] to receive a copy of the recording)

External Resources

BCBA Study Programs
- AATBS
  - MSP students and alumni can receive discounted study materials from AATBS. Please visit BCBA Exam Prep to find eligible packages and use promo code PARMSP during the checkout process.
- Study ABA
- Behavior Analyst Exam Review
Study Apps
- ABA Test Prep 2023
- BCBA Exam Prep 2023
- Study Notes ABA
Physical Materials