Preparing for the National Psychology Exam: My Advice for Provisional Psychologists
When I started developing my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course, I approached it as if I were sitting the exam myself. I knew it would be a monumental task, and I had long been discussing how comprehensive the reading list and curriculum were. But I don’t think I fully appreciated the scale of it until I studied for it myself.
You see, I became a registered psychologist before the National Psychology Exam existed, so I didn’t want to assume I understood the challenges provisional psychologists were facing. Instead, I immersed myself in the process—reading the entire reading list, summarising every section of the curriculum, and working through it systematically.
The biggest mistake I see provisional psychologists make is underestimating how much there is to learn. One of the most common questions I get is:
🗣 “When should I start preparing for the National Psychology Exam?”
💡 My answer: As soon as possible. It is never too early to begin tackling the curriculum and reading list. Creating a structured study plan early on will set you up for success.
My Top Tips for Preparing for the National Psychology Exam
After personally studying the curriculum and working as a Board Approved Supervisor, helping hundreds of provisional psychologists prepare for the National Psychology Exam, here are my top tips:
1. Read the Curriculum and Reading List
While this seems obvious, many people don’t do it. The reading list is extensive, and I understand that cost is a major barrier—some textbooks cost hundreds of dollars each.
💡 Tips for accessing readings affordably:
✔ Check second-hand forums (Facebook groups, online marketplaces).
✔ Use university or public libraries—many textbooks are available to borrow.
✔ Focus on the most relevant chapters—not all books need to be read cover to cover.
How I approached it:
✔ I broke the curriculum into sections and matched the readings to each domain.
✔ I ensured I fully understood each topic before moving on.
✔ I summarised key points in my own words to reinforce my learning.
💡 Alternative option: If you’re using my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course, you’ll find that I’ve already summarised the key topics for you, removing the need to go through every textbook.
2. Summarise & Use Visual Aids
Simply reading isn’t enough—you need to engage with the material to retain it.
💡 Effective study techniques:
✔ Summarise topics in your own words—this strengthens understanding.
✔ Create mind maps, flashcards, or mnemonics to reinforce learning.
✔ Explain concepts to someone else—teaching helps retention.
How I did it:
✔ I read, highlighted, and summarised the material.
✔ I made visual aids for complex topics.
✔ I recorded myself presenting key concepts to ensure I understood the material.
💡 Alternative option: My NPE preparation course includes study notes, flashcards, practice NPE exam questions, and pre-recorded training videos, making it easier to retain information.
3. Start Early & Create a Study Plan
One of the biggest challenges is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content. The solution? Break it down into manageable chunks.
💡 How to create a study plan:
✔ Set a realistic timeline—whether it’s 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months.
✔ Break the curriculum into sub-sections and tackle them one at a time.
✔ Use a checklist to track your progress.
How I did it:
✔ I divided the curriculum into weekly topics.
✔ I set realistic deadlines for completing sections.
✔ I adjusted my schedule based on workload and commitments.
💡 Alternative option: If you're using my NPE preparation course, the content is already structured for you into a clear study plan.
4. Get Support
Studying for the National Psychology Exam can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone.
💡 Ways to get support:
✔ Your supervisor – They should be guiding you through the curriculum.
✔ Study groups – Connecting with peers can provide accountability and motivation.
My online community group offers weekly practice questions for free.
Why I created my NPE preparation course:
📌 Many provisional psychologists told me they felt overwhelmed and needed structured guidance.
📌 My course provides comprehensive training videos, NPE practice questions, and study notes to help you stay on track.
5. Master Time Management in the Exam
⏳ You have 210 minutes to answer 150 questions. That’s 1.4 minutes per question.
💡 Exam strategy:
✔ Don’t spend too much time on one question—if unsure, flag it and move on.
✔ Start with the easier questions to bank as many marks as possible.
✔ Practice time management using full-length NPE practice exams before the real test.
How I help with this:
📌 Free weekly practice questions in my community group.
📌 My NPE practice exam in my National Psychology Exam preparation course includes 80 questions with answers and rationale in a live simulated format.
📌 I include an additional 100 NPE practice questions in my course with answers and rationale. You can also purchase these separately if you are not considering investing in my NPE preparation course.
6. Use Assessments to Your Advantage (For 4+2 Candidates)
If you’re on the 4+2 pathway, you must complete mandatory psychometric assessments (e.g., WAIS, WISC, PAI).
💡 Why this helps:
✔ These assessments are tested in the NPE—so doing them in practice reinforces your learning.
✔ You’ll gain hands-on experience beyond rote memorisation.
If possible, schedule your NPE after completing your mandatory assessments to double up your learning.
7. Prioritise Self-Care
Your physical and mental well-being are just as important as your study routine.
💡 Self-care tips:
✔ Don’t sacrifice sleep—rest is crucial for memory and focus.
✔ Fuel your body properly—good nutrition helps with concentration.
✔ Take breaks—studying for hours without a break is ineffective.
📌 Reminder: Running yourself into the ground won’t help you pass—you need to be at your optimal level on exam day.
Nothing is worth sacrificing your physical and mental health. Please ensure you're practising self-care, not putting excessive pressure on yourself, and being kind to yourself through the process. It's tough!
Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success
The National Psychology Exam is challenging, but structured preparation makes it manageable.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Start early – The more time you give yourself, the better.
✅ Use a structured study plan – Break the curriculum into manageable sections.
✅ Practice with real exam-style questions – This improves time management.
✅ Join peer groups and get support – You don’t have to do this alone. Check out my community group for early career psychologists!
✅ Consider investing in my NPE preparation course – It saves time and provides structured guidance.
How I Can Help You Prepare for the National Psychology Exam
I offer a range of services to help provisional psychologists pass the NPE with confidence:
📌 Comprehensive, self-paced NPE Preparation Course – Covers the entire curriculum, with:
✔ 47+ hours of content
✔ NPE practice exams, study notes, and flashcards
✔ Step-by-step guidance through the curriculum
✔ On-the-go access via desktop or my app
📌 Standalone Practice Exam Component (NPE Practice quiz) – Includes:
✔ 80 multiple-choice questions
✔ Answers and rationale explained in video format
💡 Need help structuring your study? Click here to learn more about my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course.
📩 If you have previously sat and failed the NPE, feel free to reach out with your results—I can help you develop a study plan for your next attempt.
Best of luck! 🎉
Amanda