I Passed the EPPP on My First Try and It Nearly Broke Me (And That’s Okay)  

My name is Taylor Lassiter, and I’m a registered psychologist here in Calgary, Alberta.  If you’re reading this and you’re preparing to write the EPPP, I want to tell you something that most people don’t: this exam is brutal. Not because you’re not smart. Not because you’re not capable. But because it demands everything.  

I passed the EPPP on my first try while working full-time. But I won’t sugarcoat it, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I want to share my story with you (not to scare you and definitely not to discourage you), but to prepare you. Realistically. Compassionately. Honestly.  

When I first registered for the EPPP, I was hit with a wave of dread. The sheer volume of material was overwhelming. Eleven domains, hundreds of concepts, a seemingly endless supply of acronyms and nuances. The people in my life would say things like, “It’s just a test, you’ll get through it,” “Don’t overthink it, you’ll be fine,” or “Taylor, when have you ever failed a test before?”. Even my fully registered colleagues would share with me these thoughts. But I want you to know: people forget how hard it is once it’s behind them. That doesn’t make them bad supports, because it’s just human nature to do so. But that distance, that softened memory, can be an isolating invalidation for those just starting out.  

So let me be clear: it’s okay to be overwhelmed. I was too. I still feel that way in my dreams about this exam months after the fact.  

I knew going into this exam while working full-time that I needed a plan. A real one. And I needed support, because willpower alone was not going to carry me through this.  

This is what kept me moving when everything in me wanted to stop: I created flashcards for every domain. It helped me actively engage and made reviewing manageable on the go. I followed the structured material through preparation companies rigorously, dedicating two weeks per domain. That took me through 22 weeks of focused, paced studying. I had one person I paced myself with and we held each other accountable (Jade, if you are reading this: I love you). This changed the game because every “I’m too tired” or “I can’t do this” turned into someone else saying “You’ve got this”. Every week, without fail, we reviewed/vented/encouraged. Morning and night I completed quizzes on various apps. It wasn’t about acing every quiz, but rather about consistency. I purchased various exams and simulated real test conditions while taking them. No distractions, music, or people. Just me, the timer, and the pressure. I only reattempted each test once after some time had passed, to avoid memorization traps. I filled my commutes with audio content. My car became a mobile classroom (boy did I miss my music). I dedicated the final month to review and practice exams, where everything came together. I did all of this while prioritizing sleep (fiercely) because my brain needed it. I made time for things that soothed me: yoga, reading before bed, breathing space. These things didn’t take time away from studying, but in fact made studying possible.  

This is how I used others to help keep me moving, because I sure didn’t do this alone. My partner took on the heavy lifting at home (groceries, cleaning, laundry. If my partner is reading this: I love you too). I am still so grateful. I set clear boundaries with friends and family. I also found other colleagues (now good friends) who were taking the EPPP on and created a nugget of support to vent, ask for clarification, and overall feel the support. It truly takes a village to pass this EPPP.  

When exam day came, I didn’t feel invincible, but I did feel ready. I didn’t master everything (because that would be impossible), but I had prepared for uncertainty.  

I passed.  

And when I saw that result, I cried (quite literally on the floor of the testing center). This wasn’t about relief, but from recognition: I had done something extraordinary.  

In hindsight, all of this sounds lovely so let me be clear. There were breakdowns. Full-body panic moments when I thought, “What if I fail? What if this all means nothing?” There were nights I couldn’t focus, moments I couldn’t stop crying, and mornings I woke up questioning everything.  

This is normal.  

I share this because it’s okay for people to feel this way. It doesn’t mean you aren’t cut out for this. If you’re feeling this now, I want you to know: those moments don’t mean you’re weak. They mean you’re human. They mean you’re fighting for something that matters. This exam is designed to test you (and boy was I tested). It’s meant to challenge not only your intellect, but your endurance, your mindset, your ability to keep moving even when your tank feels empty.  

On the other side of this test, there’s a version of you who is stronger, braver, and profoundly proud of everything you have put towards this process, regardless of the outcome.  

Keep showing up.  

My reasons were because I had structure. I had people. I had a reason.  

Let me help you define your reasons. I believe that with the right structure, with honest pacing, with support, with kindness to yourself, you can do this exam.   

If you’re looking for EPPP study help in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, I created WE PREP EPPP at Through the Woods Psychology to support future psychologists who are navigating the same mountain I climbed. Whether you’re studying full-time, balancing work and life, or just feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, you don’t have to do this alone.  

Check out our Groups & Events page for upcoming offerings, and let’s get YOU ready. You can learn more about the WE PREP EPPP workshop here. You can also find study help options on my Jane booking page for more tailored support!   

Learn more about Through the Woods Psychology here.