The National Psychology Exam (NPE) is a key requirement for provisional psychologists in Australia, assessing their readiness for independent practice. Many candidates feel overwhelmed by the breadth of content, but breaking the exam into its core components can help streamline your study.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the four exam domains, including what to expect, the types of questions asked, and how to use NPE practice exams effectively.
Exam Structure: The Four Domains of the National Psychology Exam
The National Psychology Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in three and a half hours. The questions assess competency across four domains:
Domain | Weighting | What It Covers |
Assessment | 30% | Psychological tests, risk assessment, and DSM diagnostic criteria. |
Intervention | 30% | Therapy modalities, evidence-based practice, and psychopharmacology. |
Ethics | 30% | APS Code of Ethics, AHPRA guidelines, and legal responsibilities. |
Communication | 10% | Written and verbal communication in psychological practice. |
Understanding the weighting of each domain helps you prioritise your study time.
Domain 1: Assessment (30%)
What This Domain Covers
The assessment domain evaluates your ability to:
✔ Understand psychological testing and psychometric principles.
✔ Conduct risk assessments and mental status examinations.
✔ Apply DSM diagnostic criteria across a broad range of conditions.
✔ Select and interpret appropriate assessment tools.
Key Assessments to Know for the NPE
You need to have an in-depth understanding of the following six assessments:
WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)
WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)
PAI (Personality Assessment Inventory)
SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire)
DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales)
K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale)
Additionally, you should have a working knowledge of approximately 24 other assessments, including:
Neurocognitive assessments (e.g., WMS, WRAML)
Vocational assessments (e.g., SDS, Strong Interest Inventory)
Personality assessments (e.g., 16PF, NEO)
Clinical and diagnostic tools (e.g., SCID, PHQ-9, WHO-DAS)
You will also need a comprehensive understanding of:
Risk assessments
Mental Status Examinations
DSM criteria for a range of conditions
Many questions in this domain use case vignettes where you’ll need to choose the most appropriate assessment for a given client.
💡 Tip: Expect questions on interpreting test results and matching assessments to clinical presentations.
Domain 2: Intervention (30%)
What This Domain Covers
This section assesses your understanding of:
✔ Core therapy modalities and when to use them.
✔ Evidence-based practice guidelines for different conditions.
✔ Psychopharmacology – how medications interact with certain conditions.
✔ Counselling skills – rapport building, active listening, and client engagement.
Therapy Modalities to Know for the NPE
You should be familiar with the following intervention models, including their key principles and when they are most effective:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Narrative Therapy
In addition, you should understand evidence-based guidelines for treating common conditions, including what is considered first-line, second-line, and subsequent treatment options.
Example Question
💡 Tip: Many questions in this domain present a clinical scenario where you must select the most appropriate therapy approach based on your knowledge of best practice guidelines.
Domain 3: Ethics (30%)
What This Domain Covers
The ethics domain assesses your ability to make sound professional decisions while adhering to the legal and ethical frameworks that govern psychological practice in Australia. You will be tested on:
✔ The APS Code of Ethics – Understanding and applying the three general ethical principles:
Respect for the rights and dignity of people
Propriety (competence, beneficence, and avoiding harm)
Integrity (honesty, objectivity, and transparency)
✔ AHPRA's Code of Conduct – The professional standards all registered psychologists must follow.
✔ Legal obligations – This includes:
Mandatory reporting laws (e.g., reporting child abuse, elder abuse, or harm to self/others).
Privacy and confidentiality laws (e.g., the Privacy Act 1988 and how it applies to client records).
Informed consent and when it can be overridden.
Subpoenas and legal requests for records.
✔ Applying ethical decision-making frameworks – Recognising and resolving ethical dilemmas using best practice decision-making.
💡 Tip:
Ethics questions often involve complex, real-world scenarios where you must prioritise client welfare and follow ethical guidelines.
Some questions may seem to focus on assessment or intervention, but the real test is whether you consider the ethical implications of your response.
When in doubt, take the most conservative and client-centred approach while staying within legal and ethical boundaries.
Domain 4: Communication (10%)
What This Domain Covers
Effective and professional communication is at the core of psychological practice. This domain assesses your ability to document, convey, and interpret information professionally and ethically. It includes:
✔ Responsibilities around clear and professional written communication
Writing concise, accurate, and objective case notes and psychological reports.
Ensuring documentation is free from bias, opinion, or subjective language.
Adapting reports based on the intended audience (e.g., clinical reports vs. medico-legal reports).
✔ Clinical documentation and record-keeping requirements
AHPRA standards for record-keeping, including what must be documented and how long records should be retained.
Managing client confidentiality in documentation while ensuring records are legally compliant.
Understanding how to handle amendments, errors, and requests for client records.
✔ Effective communication with clients and colleagues
How to structure clinical feedback to clients in an understandable and respectful manner.
Collaborative communication with other healthcare professionals (e.g., referrals, handovers).
Managing challenging conversations, such as breaking difficult news or addressing ethical concerns with a colleague.
✔ Cultural competence and inclusive language in psychological practice
Using language that is affirming, respectful, and free from stigma.
Demonstrating cultural humility in interactions with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Ensuring reports and communication accommodate neurodivergent clients, individuals with disabilities, and those with different linguistic backgrounds.
💡 Tip: Questions in this domain focus on professional documentation and appropriate language use. Many of these topics are also ethical issues too!
How to Prepare for the National Psychology Exam
✔ Study each domain separately – Focus on one area at a time.
✔ Use practice exams – Timed NPE practice exams improve recall and test-taking skills.
✔ Prioritise ethics and assessment – These are common areas where candidates struggle.
✔ Follow a structured study plan – My National Psychology Exam preparation course can help.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect in the NPE
The National Psychology Exam assesses your ability to apply psychology principles in real-world practice. Understanding the domains and question structure will help you prepare effectively.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The NPE has four domains: assessment, intervention, ethics, and communication.
✅ Ethics, intervention, and assessment each contribute 30% of the total score.
✅ Questions focus on application, not just theory.
✅ NPE practice exams are essential for familiarising yourself with the question style.
✅ A National Psychology Exam preparation course can help structure your study and improve confidence.