EPPP Pass Rates by State: What the Data Shows

The Big Picture

The EPPP is a national exam, but pass rates are not nationally uniform. First-time pass rates have historically hovered around 80% in aggregate, but that number masks significant variation. Depending on the type of program you graduated from, where you're seeking licensure, and how you prepared, your odds can look very different from the national average.

Understanding what drives these differences isn't just academic curiosity — it helps you contextualize your own preparation and make informed decisions about when and how to sit for the exam.

What ASPPB Publishes

ASPPB periodically publishes aggregate examination data, including overall pass rates broken down by certain candidate characteristics. This data is the most authoritative public source on EPPP performance. However, detailed state-by-state breakdowns are limited in publicly available sources. Most of what we know about state-level variation comes from aggregate trends, program-level data, and periodic reports rather than a single comprehensive public dashboard.

This is an important caveat. When you see specific state-by-state pass rate claims online, check the source. Much of the granular data circulating on forums and prep company websites is dated, anecdotal, or extrapolated from limited samples.

The Program Type Gap

The single biggest predictor of EPPP pass rates isn't geography — it's program type and accreditation status.

• APA-accredited doctoral programs consistently produce the highest first-time pass rates. Candidates from these programs typically pass at rates well above the national average.
• Non-APA-accredited doctoral programs show lower pass rates on average, though there is significant variability within this category.
• Master's-level candidates (in jurisdictions that permit master's-level licensure with the EPPP) historically show lower pass rates than doctoral-level candidates.

This gap is well-documented in ASPPB's published data and has been consistent over many years. It likely reflects differences in training depth, program resources, and the extent to which curricula align with EPPP content areas — not inherent differences in candidate ability.

Factors That Drive Variation

Beyond program type, several factors are associated with pass rate differences:

1. Program Quality and Curriculum Alignment

Programs whose curricula closely map to the EPPP content domains tend to produce candidates who perform better. This seems obvious, but the degree of alignment varies more than you might expect. Some programs emphasize clinical training over foundational science; others are research-heavy but light on assessment or ethics coursework.

2. Time Between Degree Completion and Exam

Candidates who take the EPPP relatively soon after completing their degree (typically within 1–2 years) tend to outperform those who wait longer. Knowledge decays without reinforcement. If several years have passed since your coursework, you may need to invest more heavily in structured review.

3. Preparation Resources

Access to quality preparation materials matters. Candidates who use structured study programs, practice exams, and active learning strategies outperform those who rely solely on rereading textbooks or notes from graduate school. This is one area where individual choice can significantly move the needle.

4. Jurisdictional Differences

Some states have additional requirements or different cut scores. While the EPPP itself is standardized nationally, the passing score that each jurisdiction requires can vary. Most jurisdictions use the ASPPB-recommended scaled score of 500 (on a 200–800 scale), but some have historically set different thresholds. Check your specific jurisdiction's requirements.

5. Candidate Demographics

Research has identified demographic differences in pass rates, including by race and ethnicity. These disparities have been a topic of ongoing discussion within the profession and at ASPPB. They likely reflect systemic factors in training and access rather than differences in competence, and they underscore the importance of equitable preparation resources.

What This Means for You

Here's the practical takeaway: the national average pass rate is not your pass rate. Your probability of passing depends on your specific circumstances — your training, your preparation strategy, and how recently you've engaged with the material.

The factors most within your control are:

• When you take the exam. Don't delay unnecessarily. The longer you wait, the more you need to re-learn.
• How you prepare. Active, evidence-based study strategies dramatically outperform passive review (see our article on The Science of Exam Prep).
• How honestly you assess your readiness. Practice exams aren't just for building confidence — they're diagnostic tools. Use them to identify weak areas before exam day.

A Note on Data Integrity

Be cautious about pass rate data you encounter from unofficial sources. Program-level pass rate data is sometimes self-reported and may not use consistent definitions (first-time vs. cumulative, doctoral vs. all candidates). The most reliable data comes directly from ASPPB's published reports.

If your program publishes EPPP pass rate data, read the fine print. A program reporting a "95% pass rate" might be reporting cumulative pass rates (including retakes) or selectively reporting data from certain cohorts. First-time pass rate is the most meaningful metric.