Becoming a fully registered psychologist in Australia involves several key milestones, one of which is passing the National Psychology Exam (NPE). This exam ensures that provisional psychologists have the competencies and knowledge required for ethical and effective practice.
The NPE is an essential requirement for those completing the 4+2 and 5+1 pathways to general registration. You must pass this exam before applying for general registration with AHPRA.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of sitting a 150-question multiple-choice exam, you’re not alone. But with the right preparation strategy, success is achievable. This guide will walk you through effective study techniques, test-taking strategies, and practical tips to help you pass the National Psychology Exam with confidence.
Laying the Groundwork: Essential Preparations
1. Follow a Structured Study Plan
The National Psychology Exam covers four domains:
✔ Assessment (30%) – Psychometric testing, risk assessment, DSM diagnostic criteria.
✔ Intervention (30%) – Therapy modalities, evidence-based practice, psychopharmacology.
✔ Ethics (30%) – APS Code of Ethics, legal responsibilities, professional conduct.
✔ Communication (10%) – Professional writing, record-keeping, cultural competence.
💡 Tip: Use the AHPRA NPE curriculum as a roadmap for structuring your study sessions. Focus on one domain at a time rather than jumping between topics.
2. Use Practice Questions and Mock Exams
✅ Get Familiar with the Exam Format:
AHPRA provides sample questions after you register for the exam—use them!
My "Exam Prep Tuesday" in my closed community group offers free weekly NPE-style questions to help you practice.
Full-length NPE practice exams help simulate real test conditions and improve time management.
3. Condense Key Learnings into Study Notes
Rewriting large chunks of text isn’t effective. Instead:
Summarise key concepts into mind maps or flashcards.
In my NPE preparation course, I provide study guides and training videos to streamline your revision.
Write concepts in your own words—this improves retention and deepens understanding.
💡 Tip: Focus on high-yield information—what is actually tested on the NPE!
4. Seek Support From Your Supervisor or an NPE Course
Your supervisor should be helping you navigate the NPE curriculum and clarifying complex areas. If you need structured support, my comprehensive NPE preparation course covers:
✔ Training videos for each exam domain.
✔ NPE Practice questions and mock exams.
✔ Ethical decision-making frameworks and clinical applications.
💡 Tip: A well-structured National Psychology Exam preparation course can save you time and ensure you cover all essential topics.
Exam Day Tactics: Maximising Performance
Even with thorough preparation, how you approach the National Psychology Exam itself is crucial.
1. Read the Question Carefully
✔ All the information you need is in the question stem.
✔ Do not assume extra details or overcomplicate the scenario.
💡 Tip: Identify which domain the question falls under—this changes how you answer! (e.g., an Intervention questionmay require best practice therapy choices, whereas an Ethics question requires prioritising client welfare and professional guidelines).
2. Manage Your Time Effectively
You have 210 minutes to answer 150 questions.
Aim for one minute per question, leaving time for reviewing flagged questions.
Don’t get stuck! Move on and return to difficult questions later.
3. Answer the Easy Questions First
Lock in sure-thing answers before spending too much time on tricky ones.
Return to difficult questions with a fresh perspective.
4. Use the Process of Elimination
If unsure, eliminate obviously wrong answers first. This increases your chances of selecting the correct option.
🚫 Watch out for absolutes—words like "always" or "never" are often incorrect.
5. Attempt Every Question—No Blanks!
There’s no penalty for guessing—so if you’re stuck, make an educated guess rather than leaving a question blank.
💡 Tip: Trust your first instinct! Overthinking often leads to changing a correct answer to an incorrect one.
Beyond the Books: Looking After Yourself
Studying is only part of the equation—your physical and mental well-being plays a major role in your exam performance.
1. Prioritise Sleep and Rest
Sleep boosts memory consolidation and cognitive performance.
Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep the night before the exam.
2. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Avoid caffeine overload—it can increase anxiety.
Eat a balanced meal before the exam to maintain energy levels.
Drink water before and during the test to stay hydrated.
3. Manage Stress on Exam Day
✔ Use grounding techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation).
✔ Take short mental breaks if you feel overwhelmed.
✔ Stay confident—remind yourself that you’ve prepared thoroughly!
Final Words: Tackling the NPE with Confidence
Passing the National Psychology Exam is completely achievable with the right preparation.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Study smart—follow the AHPRA curriculum and use targeted resources.
✅ Practice with real NPE-style questions—don’t just memorise theory.
✅ Refine your test-taking strategy—eliminate wrong answers and manage your time effectively.
✅ Invest in a structured National Psychology Exam preparation course to support your learning.
✅ Look after your mental and physical well-being—a clear mind performs better.
Need Extra Support?
🔹 Check out my NPE Preparation Course – A structured study program covering all four domains which includes NPE practice exam questions.
🔹 Join the Free "Exam Prep Tuesday" in My Community Group – Weekly practice questions to keep you on track!
With structured preparation and strategic test-taking, you’ll be well on your way to passing the National Psychology Exam and securing your general registration.
Best of luck! You’ve got this! 🎉
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