My Quest to Conquer the EPPP & Secure a Jobby Job: EB

Showing posts with label EB. Show all posts

Showing posts with label EB. Show all posts

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Licensed to Ill

WOOOOHOOO!!!!!

This is it, people. Savoring the moment...

I have reached the proverbial mountain top and am a licensed professional...ready to be given a job to prove I can do what I've been trying to prove I can do for years. I can finally change my official title, take "pending" off of my CV in so many places. It feels good, and I'm going to let that feel good and not worry about what job that license will go toward for a good 24 hours (or 12).

The three of us (EB, MH, and myself) started out on a long journey that ended today with the defeat of the states of Oregon, Texas, and Alabama in our wake.

Good luck to the many of us out there who are continuing to take tests, get transcripts sent, documents filled out, and hours in order so we can be recognized by a state to be legit.

Next stop...California Board of Psychology.

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

Yea Boi!

I passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel like doing a silly dance, and running around crazy, and laughing hysterically. I am giving all my positive vibes to MH and EB, who are just a week away from killing it on the EPPP. For my own experience, I'll leave it to these guys to show you how silly it is. If I had more time, I would make a psychology version.

Now, it's time to focus more on the other things that are helping to secure a jobby job. Including the state exam, for which I just got an fatty envelope of materials that I don't plan on touching for a couple weeks. Last I checked, I have three applications in, two more due this upcoming week, and one that I might actually be qualified for. In a few I will post some of my resources for jobby jobs, just to keep it interesting.

For now, I'm just savoring the moment!

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Doneski...I hope.

This morning I took the EPPP. It's a mixture of relief and worry and exhaustion and craziness, but it's done.

I'm not gonna lie, I thought it was challenging, but I didn't feel like I bombed it. There were a lot of questions that were extensions and novel applications of the content in the materials. I would say the retired questions and the last Psych Prep test (E) that I took were the most like the real thing as far as the challenge. But, I will be much smarter, and far more accurate in a predictor-criterion way after I find out how I did on the real thing.

Now, I'm focusing my energy on the jobby job applications that are looming. Then, November comes and I will hopefully take the Oregon jurisprudence exam. FYI, for those of you this applies to ever, the Oregon exam is only offered once a month and you need 30 days notification (always tied to when you give them the money;) to take it so PLAN WELL!

I'm not going to hold my breath for the next two weeks, but I guarantee I will feel all the emotions on the this here chart.

P.S. Had a good debrief with MH and EB via skype conference call and it was a good one. They are up at the end of the month and then we will all be done! I highly recommend doing this with some friends cause it's hard to tackle all on your own without anyone to bounce things off of here and there. Thanks to them for all the support and now it's my turn to be encouraging!

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Let's get it on

There is a letter slowly-very, very slowly-making it's way to me from the board of psychology in Oregon. It says I can take the test. I hope it comes soon, cause I'm starting to think anything that can go wrong will. Anyhow, this brings me to an issue that we will all face, if we get to take the test.

Scheduling.

My good friend EB, has tipped me off that you can look at the availability of a testing time/seat at anytime, at the Prometric website. You just have to click on "Schedule your test" and it will ask you to pick a state and then put in your zip and it will give you a list of all of the testing sites in your area. Choose your site, and then look at the availability calendar and there you have it. My first date available is on Monday, October 10th. Yikes. I would like it to be next week though, so please let the mail gods be smiling on me so I can get it and get a spot before the 15th!

That reminds me, you all know that Prometric releases your test for scoring at only two times in the month...the 15th and the end (30th, 31st, 28th on a leap year). So, you may want to keep that in mind when scheduling your test because waiting for 1-2 weeks just to get your test released for scoring may add some unnecessary wait time/anxiety.

Let's all just click our heals and say, "there's no place like my mail box" and my letter may just show up. I'm not above magical thinking at this point, even though I think I'm beyond preoperational thinking. ;)

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Sunday, September 11, 2011

"Colors come from God...Just like me!"

This is my homage to children's books that celebrate diversity. Seriously, the book, PEOPLE, is pretty cool if you ever want to check it out. It's from the 70's so you know it is legit.

In my opinion, much better than the current laundry list of racial identity development models that we need to learn for the EPPP. What if it was as simple as one or two models? Or better yet, a few concepts or principles like overall racial identity and/or acculturation.

I also need to brush up on my outdated and inconsistent ideas about multicultural therapy. I was just talking with EB about how it is kind of ridiculous that they make us learn these somewhat outdated concepts, given what we have learned in the last two decades of research on diversity and therapy. Also, I'm so over the having to learn about these concepts that are inconsistent. Is it outcomes matter if you are of a certain racial background (with regard to matching) or they don't and it's all pretty much equal? Terminates early or doesn't matter, over/underutilizes or doesn't?

Okay, since we have to know it regardless, I've pulled a couple of outlines from the goldmine files on the EPPP Prep group on Yahoo that are specifically about the diversity issues...as taught in the prep materials. ;) Before I get to take this beast, I will be spending some quality time with all those models to make sure that I can pickr which person's Immersion-Emersion step they are referring to this time.

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Sunday, August 28, 2011

We're talking about practice, man.

And so it goes...

Pretty much the only studying activities that I have been doing in the past two weeks have been taking practice tests and listening to my audio files. I'm actually feeling pretty good about focusing on the practice tests. But, thanks to my computer debacles, I haven't had access to my electronic flashcards for awhile, or been able to access the Exchange, again--no working computer at home. Thankfully, this week my most fabulous parents decided to help me out and get me a replacement computer, and when my old one is resurrected my dad will get it (sorry, Dad, short end of the stick comes to mind).

Some thoughts about practice tests as I begin another week of filling them out.

1. Psych Prep tests--Earlier this week I almost made EB throw a stroke when I said I thought the Psych Prep tests were way easier than the other ones I had been taking (all she has been using). I figured out why. My friend, Adria, took the Psych Prep course and mentioned that the tests increase in difficulty as you go on thru the course. So, I took A, which is the easiest of them all (goes A-E for me), and then had to eat my words when my score went down in practice test B. EB, I can hear the sigh of relief cause I was wrong.

2. Another hilarious question-related anecdote. In the response for a social psych question related to foot-in-the-door vs. door-in-the-face, it stated "The foot-in-the-door is like the camel's toe in the tent." Apparently that is a saying somewhere, but I was loving the fact that it said camel's toe...juvenile, I know. :)

3. Another EB classic. She brought to my attention that there is yet another option for practice tests, this time from the ASPPB. They have the option to take a 100-item test at the Prometric center that is like a trial run. It's about $100, which isn't too bad if you are really sweating this thing. Also, they offer a 100-item downloadable electronic practice test that mimics the real thing and costs $50. These are both through ASPPB. I pasted the description of them below in case you are like me, and just want easy access.

I hope to have more ridiculous questions/responses from the practice tests next week to share. Good studying!!!

From the ASPPB:

Do You Want to Practice the EPPP?
The Association of State and Provincial
Psychology Boards (ASPPB) offers two
different computer-delivered practice
tests for the Examination for Professional
Practice in Psychology (EPPP), the
licensing examination required by psychology licensing boards in Canada and the United States: The PEPPP at Prometric testing centers, and the PEPPPO available online.
The PEPPP and the PEPPPO are different examinations. They have no items in common with each other, so one may take either or both, depending on preparation needs.
The items on both the PEPPP and the PEPPPO are drawn from the EPPP item bank and have been prepared using the same procedures as items selected for use on the actual EPPP.
ELIGIBILITY
To take either of the practice examinations, an individual must be preparing for psychology licensure, and must attest to meeting at least one of the following eligibility requirements by being:

A student in a doctoral psychology program; or
A student in a master's psychology program in a state or province that grants a license,
certification or registration for master's-trained individuals; or
An individual with a degree that qualifies him or her to take the EPPP; or
A candidate for licensure as a psychologist.
THE PEPPP
The 100-item computer administered Practice Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (PEPPP) offers individuals a chance to practice answering examination questions under real-world testing conditions at a Prometric Testing Center. Candidates will experience navigating the exam with the actual test administration program, and will receive immediate feedback on their performance. This is an excellent way to get a preview of the physical characteristics of the chosen Prometric Testing Center, including lighting, temperature, noise level, parking issues, etc.
PEPPP Fees
The fees for the PEPPP are a $50, non-refundable test fee, plus a test center fee of $51.50 that must be paid by credit card at the time a practice-test appointment is scheduled with Prometric. Thus the total fee for taking the PEPPP at a Prometric Testing Center is $101.50.
Applying for the PEPPP
You may register for the PEPPP online at www.asppb.net/student, through the same online application center where you register for the EPPP. When your application is accepted, you will receive an Authorization-to-Test letter by email. This letter will provide you with a registration number and the phone number of the Prometric call center,
Prices for publications and services listed in the booklet are subject to change.

Information for Candidates © July 2011

25

Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards

which you will then contact to schedule an appointment for testing. Examination appointments for the PEPPP are available Monday through Friday at more than 320 Prometric Testing Centers in the U.S. and Canada. Information on Prometric locations may be found on the web at http://www.Prometric.com. A single 100-item practice examination will be available.
PEPPP Scores
Candidates will receive immediate feedback on their performance on the PEPPP in the form of (1) an overall scaled score, and (2) part scores in percent format in a printed report. Candidates will not receive a copy of the practice exam content.
THE PEPPPO: INTERNET PRACTICE TEST
Another 100-item practice test is available as the Practice Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Online (PEPPPO). Candidates for this web-based examination can take a practice exam containing sample EPPP questions at the time and place of their choice with any computer that can connect to the Internet, using any browser, including Internet ExplorerTM and SafariTM.
PEPPPO Fees
The fee for the PEPPPO practice examination is $55.00 and is paid at the time of registration online at www.asppb.net/student. This is the same online application center where you register for the EPPP.
Taking the PEPPPO
Candidates can take the PEPPPO immediately after registering.
You can pause and exit Internet Explorer while taking the PEPPPO and return later to finish the practice exam, (enable cookies for the site) but you must complete the PEPPO within 48 hours of when you began taking it.
Word of Warning: You should only use the “Finish Exam and View Scores” option when you have completed the PEPPPO. There is no way to go back to the practice exam once you have clicked that option.
PEPPPO Scores
Candidates will receive immediate feedback on their performance on the PEPPPO in the form of (1) an overall scaled score, and (2) part scores in percent format. The score summary report is printable; however the practice exam content is not printable.
NOTE: Both practice examinations are offered for study purposes only. No representation is made that performance on the practice examinations is a valid indicator of performance on any future licensing examination or a guarantee of passage of such a licensing examination. An individual's score on the practice examination will not be accepted in lieu of the passage of an actual form of the EPPP. By taking these practice examinations, each individual acknowledges that he or she understands these limitations on the use of the examination.

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Monday, August 22, 2011

You gotta know when to hold em', know when to fold em.

Gambling...how appropriate for the EPPP. I feel some days that it's a totally crap shoot, thank you very much variable ratio schedule of reinforcement. But, I can't help but wonder lately, "When will I know when I'm ready?" Like sitting in front of the slot machine wondering, "Should I pull the lever again, or walk away?"

So, there are several "theories" floating around out there (see the EPPP Yahoo Group for many discussion threads on practice test thresholds and percentages), and most are related to scores on various practice tests. Makes sense, in a validity/predictor-criterion-type way. But, what level is enough? I've heard a lot of chatter about a high 60's threshold on the practice tests (particularly AATBS or AR) and passing with room on the real thing. This is congruent with what my friends and colleagues have reported as well. Some people say 80%, just to be safe, but I think they must be taking some pretty easy practice tests. If only there was a list of 10 things to recognize when you're ready?!?!

Ultimately, it is up to YOU (or me in this case). Well, and the state to which you apply if you are waiting for notification (in the throws of the third fingerprinting!). But, essentially you decide. Here's a protocol analysis of my decision making. ;)

1. My practice test scores are consistently good/much better.
2. I'm feeling saturated with information.
3. I'm running out of steam to learn/review written materials.
4. (Related to above) I can't stand to do anything but listen to the audio files and do practice test items.

There's probably more, but that's my process so far. When EB and MH get close, I'll be interested to hear how they "know".

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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Practice Test Musings (and shout outs)

Shout outs to start...

EB and MH are completely rocking it these past couple weeks with kick ass numbers for studying and MH with the first TSM practice test looking phenomenal. The tide is changing in a good way for us, ladies!

Now for the practice tests...

I had a pretty sweet morning, finishing the practice test and getting a 70.5-74% (I was missing some answers so I gave myself a range). I've moved to doing 25 questions at a time and then reviewing them, all while making a few notes along the way. It's working nicely as it doesn't seem too daunting and I get gratification along the way. SIDE-NOTE: Think I'm going to make some paper/pencil flashcards of my missed questions now that I'm rocking out the practice test questions. This is also due to my computer being shady and potentially not having access to my full electronic flashcard repertoire.

Since I've been hitting the practice tests pretty hard, I've noticed some things about the questions.

First are the convoluted, infuriating ones. EB and I talked earlier about the ridiculous Ethics questions (Re-regrouping & Self-efficacy works will fill you in), and I have found some of the most re-freaking-diculous responses that I must share.


None of these are right!?!?!


So if you're not sadistic, the real test-question writers sure are.

Contradictory, mixed bag, unsettled...all great for test questions.

It's somewhat entertaining, once you get past the rage. And, there are so many more prime examples of this that I had to stop taking pictures to save time.

Next, I found some funny ones, this was one of the best. I have seen another Star Wars reference in the practice tests too, and I can't help but think there is a 40-something year old mid-career guy out there having a little fun. :)

If I saw this come across on the real thing, I would have to exercise supreme self-control not to pick option D just to spite them. However, chances are I will not be able to spare the possibility for a "right" answer. More is the pity.

Okay, that's all for my practice test musings for tonight. Hope this brought a little smile and some relief to those permanently furrowed brows we're all developing.

Good studying!

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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Self-efficacy works. True story.

(Thank you, Bandura...and Rosie.)

Yes, we can!

For those of us (me!) who are in a bit of a slump and wishing we (I) never had to see another flashcard/outline/quiz again, this is for us (me).

After a much-needed pep-talk session with EB (see Re-regrouping), I decided to focus my studying on an area where I had some street cred before I took out the studying equivalent of shark repellent and dove into I/O. Great idea, Batman! I got out the Research/Stats materials and today I feel like I could save Gotham from the evil nemesis, EPPP. Translation--I got a shot of self-efficacy from reviewing materials that were already a fair strength and it made me feel good.

Newsflash: self-efficacy works.

I'm awesome.

Here's my recommendation for the day. When you are planning your study strategy (or re-planning, re-replanning, etc), put some self-efficacy building materials in there. Take a break from the toughest stuff and give yourself a task that is challenging, but only optimally, to get that self-efficacy boost. It has been especially helpful in the lowest of low morale/motivation times. I feel like I have a little more 'mo now, which I will take any which way I can get it. :)

Good luck out there, fellow superheroes!

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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Re-regrouping

Definitely had some bumps in the studying road in the past couple of weeks. Sickness, birthday amotivation, traveling/conferencing...these things are not helping my cause! But, I liaisoned (though this is not a word, I'm keeping it here) with my team (MH, EB) this week and I'm feeling better and ready to re-regroup.

Things I have surmised (with the help of others):
1. Time to cut my losses and focus on the most important areas. Translation: bye-bye I/O, hello Research/Stats and Test Construction. Agree with EB, this is where I can benefit the most from reviewing the written materials as I have learned it once (or a thousand times) already and it will be easier to relearn. Also, content is more intuitive than I/O so best capacity for improving in this area.

2. Time to get to those practice tests! I have been slacking on this, big-time. I've only been doing 50 questions here or there on different tests and need to chip away at one test at a time and complete it. Toying with the idea of doing 25 questions a day (at least) just to make sure I'm doing it this way.

3. There are areas where I will not learn anything else from reviewing content. EB and I had this discussion about Ethics. I feel like I know the content (i.e., ethics code), but am struggling more in the application. Best way to practice this seems to be the test questions, and just getting more and more exposure to the convoluted and complex ways in which I am supposed to be able to apply these ethical code tenets.

4. Fingerprints suck. I just got notified that my fingerprints have been rejected for the second time. There has to be a lesson in this. Oregon was dumbfounded when they learned that the police offices aren't doing these anymore and that they haven't done ink in CA for over 5 years. So, I'm putting myself in the hands of people who work at places like Postal Annex, to be able to discern if ink fingerprints are good. Plus, Oregon called me and chatted about it and we have a plan!

5. Mixed methods. Even though I am learning a lot through the review-written-materials-and-make-flashcards method, the amount of material I have to review by flashcards is growing. Some of it will need to be cut out due to sheer volume. I've decided to just write notes about Research/Stats and Test Construction as I go along because it is easier than some to remember without flashcard review, and I can rely on test questions, the Exchange flashcards, and the audio files for these content areas. Plus, less questions on the EPPP overall than Clinical, Dx, Development, and L&B, which are the flashcards I need to keep reviewing.

Re-regrouping, here I come!

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Brain Power (and other rando thoughts)

Can I make a recommendation to all you studiers out there? Don't go on 12 trips in the middle of studying, or even one long one, if you can avoid it. It is mucho disruptive to the study schedule (I've harped on this before, I know).

Okay, so I have finally finished the physiological bases section (disruptiveness galore!) and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Though I don't score nearly as good on this as Ethics or L&B, but as EB wisely points out, some things are going to be weaker than others and "good enough" is something we should all be familiar with.

REVIEW:
I have reviewed the flashcards from the Exchange and it is up in my google docs to share. There are some useful psychotropic only sets that will be good to go through by themselves just to get the drug names and classes refreshed. Check it out!

There are also several outlines available from the Yahoo! EPPP Prep group. I liked and will use the Psychopharm table, nicely done and easy table to read (2 pages). Also, if you want a one pager of neuroanatomy, this one has structures and neurotransmitters. A little more detail on this 2-3 pager on physiological basics. And, a detailed outline/review of the topics in the physiological bases volume of the AATBS materials (similar coverage to AR) is here.

Take home message: Some areas will feel "underdeveloped" and that is okay. As long as I don't forget the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (as someone who specialized in older adults and cognitive testing), I still have my dignity.

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Friday, July 8, 2011

Getting back on the wagon

I'm workin' on it.

This week I've been trying to make up for the last week or so where some of my studying was less than stellar (lots of listening to audio files and not a lot of rehearsal or new material). I did finish the diagnosis section, finally! I learned that GAD is pretty much awesome, cause everyone has it either as a primary disorder or a comorbidity. These things are so good to know...not. I am back to being serious about studying now that a few side projects are finished. EB, MH, you heard it here. Don't let me fall off the wagon!

On a different note, I talked to someone who has taken the new ASPPB version of the test. This person has had their license for years (a faculty mentor) and was on a committee to test it out. She said that she only had an hour and half, but passed it (just barely, but did). So, I'm taking this as good news because, in the past, success on the test has been highly correlated with years out of grad school and she is way out and still passed with limited time. Apparently, she thinks it is more applicable and reasonable than she expected given the frequent complaints she gets about "way too much I/O" and "what is the deal with all this psychodynamic crap?" She is probably biased, but I'll hope that her passing is a good enough sign that it can happen for me too. That's the down low, people.

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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Absence makes the heart grow forgetful. Blerg.

This week I learned my lesson. EPPP study materials: 900 Me: 0

I have been trying to finish up a side project (that I dislike greatly), and with the holiday weekend it has turned into a famine for my EPPP studying. I hadn't looked at my flashcards for four or so days and only relied on listening to the audio files (AR and AATBS) here and there for any review. Hence, the ass-kicking that I got this morning when I reviewed my flashcards.

So, I learned that it is not wise for me to take such a long hiatus without at least reviewing some of my flashcard material, especially those that I don't know that well. It occurs to me that this is not a "Oh my God I'm going to fail!" move, but it is a good lesson on how not to go about studying if I want to do well.

Strategies that have worked for me to keep relevant info in my brain have been pairing the audio materials with a review of flashcards (or other means of reviewing the content you have already gone through) on a consistent basis. Not necessarily daily with all of the content areas, but especially reviewing the material that I have just lately learned a couple of times before going lighter.

Other strategies that have been helpful for you all, EB, MH?

Back to it! (exclamation point is more for self-fulfilling prophecy reasons, not current level of motivation)

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Why not study like I workout?!?!

For me, a good workout plan includes building on my strengths and boosting my weaknesses. I'm not sure I have been really paying too much attention to either, though definitely more of a weaknesses-first plan. But, as EB has reminding me this weekend, a good tactic may be to focus on building on strengths, especially when there is so much to do and some weaknesses may be pretty low.

I like this tactic of not forgetting the strengths, and am trying to keep in mind ceiling and floor effects, regression to the mean, and all that jazz. I'm thinking that building on a strength will be good until I hit my ceiling, wherever that may be (when I feel saturated with info, when I consistently answer the AATBS end-of-chapter questions right, when my practice test scores on that section are stable). Then it's maintenance. Like running my 1.5 milers at a steady speed, not building speed or distance.

As for weaknesses, I am thinking I have a lot of room to grow so I won't neglect them. But, I'm not going to give them a SUPER amount of time either. I figure that any studying in these weakness areas (I/O, Development, Social) will probably give me some pretty good gains and a moderate amount will be sufficient. In other words, I'm not going to bother memorizing every leadership style theory and job satisfaction statistic. I think there are much better ways to spend my time. I'll do just enough to get a moderate amount of details so I can get a few more right in the end. Getting back to my analogy...I know that speed is not my forte in running, nor will it ever be. BUT, I can work on once a week and it will end up helping me with endurance and adding mileage.

Speaking of all this, I should probably get back to studying!

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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Base(line)

It is finished.

The first (official) practice test is in the books and I survived with some academic dignity intact. 62%, haters. Full disclosure of my mediocrity on display.
**See below for general review of my experience.**

Initial thoughts...
1. Ouch, test construction, I thought we were tight.
2. Apparently all that Ethics work I've been doing is paying off. (Yea, boi!)
3. My clinical psych score is low, but in my defense I haven't been doing clinical work for a year--pretty crappy excuse, eh?
4. My behaviorist friends (Adria) should be ashamed of me.
5. Not to shabby on I/O. A shout out to the AATBS audio files for some exposure.
6. I should not be raising children, because I know almost nothing about development.
7. This score is likely to go up as I will not need to be regressing to the mean (holla).

REVIEW:
This test was a really good idea, it is Academic Review by the way and is in my "Things I've found useful" section. MH & EB both recommended this as a strategy for a good baseline. Also, if you only have free/hand-scored practice tests this gives you a chance to get a) total score, b) breakdown of subject matter, c) and comparison to the mean scores easily.

Among the advantages is that it will give you a good picture of your strengths and weaknesses and potentially give some focus to your studying, which I will not turn down at this point.

FYI...there are other practice exams by the Taylor Study Method and AATBS, similar to this one from Academic Review (PsychPrep has sample questions, but don't think it is in a full test format with scoring, etc). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to use one!

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice tests, yo.

I've put all the ones that I currently have up on my google docs. Also, there is a cool answer sheet template that someone from the wonderful EPPP Yahoo group made. It will also be a perma-link! I hope they all work, but comment or contact me if you can't get to them.

EB, MH...I need to go take that practice test you have been raving about. Updates later.

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License to Chill

Strap in, it's a long one.

So, if you are at all like me, you were ill-prepared to figure out how this licensure thing is really supposed to work. Kudos to your mentors/training sites if you are not like me and feel completely prepared and have clear steps toward licensure in the state of your choice outlined in your internship training notebook.

For the rest of us, we have to figure out where we want to apply (easier for some, true), when we want to apply (considering things like getting notification to take the EPPP), and how in the world the application is supposed to be filled out and to whom to send those friggin' forms.

Where:
(Note: The link above will take you to a place with links to each state's board of psych site, links to laws, etc. The ASPPB has a few bits of info by state--passing EPPP scores, oral exam qualifications, etc.)
Depends on a few things, including your job type. If you work for the Feds (VA, etc) you can hold a license in any state and work in any VA (as EB pointed out, you cannot get a side private practice job unless licensed in that state though, note to selves). Or, if you aren't sure where you will work you can either apply where you are currently, or to another state of your choice to start the process. In these cases, either choose the state you want to or have a job in, or PICK A STATE where the a) licensure requirements are straight forward, b) the board is not so backed up it will take you 4 months to get application processed and your EPPP notification, c) the fees may be more reasonable, and/or d) the hoops for licensure are a little less cumbersome (i.e., no oral exam, open book or no jurisprudence exam, etc). There are probably other considerations in the PICK A STATE game, but these are the ones I have heard the most. Also, think about mobility (APA Early Career Article), if there is reciprocity or other provisions. I think you are ahead of the game if and when you realize not all states are the same, nor are they created equal in their licensing requirements (pre and post-doc hours required, complexity of forms---ahem, California, extra classes---ahem, California, oral exam, jurisprudence exam). Check them out! I'm all about informed decision-making. (P.S. I chose Oregon. Mostly because they emailed me back about a stupid question within a business day.)

When:
This can be tricky. (P.S. The ASPPB has some information on the timing, scheduling, etc. that was helpful. The FAQ’s and pg. 4 of a PDFdocument have info on the full timing from application, approval, notification, online application to PES, fee and starting your 60 day window for scheduling/taking exam.) Each state may have slightly different procedures for notifying, but the ASPPB and others have said that once your state application is processed they will notify you by paper or electronically that you have been approved and prompt you to contact PES. Then, it is up to you when you want to start your 60 day window. According to the ASPPB materials, once you pay the $450 fee, your 60 days starts. Shockingly, it is attached them getting your money. Oh, and they say not to forget that the testing people also get $65 of your money for whatever it is that they do that is special (e.g., watch you like a hawk for any weird behaviors like taking off your jacket in the middle of the test).
I have heard and read (EPPPYahoo group) several stories from applicants where it took longer (weeks or months) than they expected to be cleared by the state jurisdiction to take the EPPP. FYI, California is one in which it may take 3-4 months or so to process your application so consider that in your study timeline and plan. At least according to my sources (friends). When I decided where to apply I tried to investigate how long people were saying it was taking them to get their applications processed and the state to approve them to take the EPPP. Oregon says on their site, 2-4 weeks, but I will give an update when I actually get approved.

Forms:

This will vary widely depending on the state to which you apply. For California, if you completed your training experience(s) in the state, there is a supervisor contract you should have (or will now figure out how to do and post-date, but watch the date on the bottom of the form saying when the form was updated…they are tricky mofo’s) filled out. For a lot of other states I’ve heard about there are verification of experience forms that may or may not say they want a supervisor from your internship and from your post-doc, some may say from pre-doc work if they are 86’ing their post-doc requirements. The bottom line I have found…everyone pretty much has their training director fill those out. Don’t know why, but one of my friends was told by the board, “Oh yeah, we ask for a supervisor, but we really just want your training directors.” So, when in doubt, I guess get your DCT to fill out your verification of experience, however that may look state by state. My internship director told me he is now going to recommend everyone get licensed in Oregon because the forms are so easy (keep in mind he is at a California site). There are probably also reference forms from non-supervisors, some kind of transcript request or verification of degree from your university TD, miscellaneous information about you, FINGERPRINTING!, and other things like WAY TOO MUCH MONEY. Be prepared to need more stuff than you think you would and you’ll be set. GIVE YOURSELF TIME for this part and maybe not think, “Oh, I’ll just print off the application and send it in after a couple days.” It might take longer than a couple days, including getting all your people set up with their forms and what to do with them For example, I had a temporary license in another state while I was in grad school, and they wanted that info so I had to dig up my old license number and dates.

Finally…you have applied and can start worrying about really important things, like the multi-trait multi-method framework.

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Monday, June 13, 2011

EPPP Study Log--My magnum opus for the day.

Today my friend MH, who is also studying for the EPPP, had a great suggestion. An accountability/reinforcing/self-efficacy building study log! There are three of us studying around the same time, in very different places, (me, MH, EB) and this is a way for us to all stay in touch and get a little accountability.

Because I was practicing the Ethics flashcards I made yesterday, I thought it would be the perfect distraction. HOURS later, I finally finished. I spent forever trying to find a way to embed a table or study log into this blog with little to show. I finally decided on using my spreadsheet prowess and create a log in google docs that we could all access. Here is a picture for all of you who are interested.

We will keep track of the minutes per day, minutes per week (auto-summed), and the practice tests scores (weekly average auto-calculated). If you are interested in this awesome piece of workwomanship, I have made it a public template in google docs. We're hoping this will help keep the mo' going. It will also be a perma-link on this blog.

This one is for my homies (you can't see it but I'm taking a drink for you MH & EB).

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