Current CPSE Cut Off Score?

[psyman]

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And when exactly are they ditching the CPSE? I'm planning to retake it in Feb.

Aug 1, 2015 as I recall. Can't find it right now.

 

[*satori]

I took it way back in May. The person who has dealt with my stuff has been Karen Johnson; I emailed her 3-4 weeks ago to no avail and Tammy was the one I spoke with when I actually was able to reach someone. Don't be too concerned about receiving anything from the BOP in terms of passing the EPPP. I took it back in March and never received anything beyond the ASPPB email/score. As long as you passed and pay your fee to the BOP you will be clear; especially if you were told (even over the phone) your eligibility was confirmed. If I recall correctly, once my check for the CPSE cleared my bank I called a week or so later to inquire. I was informed I was cleared (with the date of confirmation) and in a couple of days I received the PSI email. Days later I received that silly little pamphlet about the CPSE/PSI information and the date I must take it by (one year from date of approval) was listed conspicuously on a sticker posted on the pamphlet (on the address label I believe). Of note, I would recommend sending in your license fee ahead of time so that once you pass it will all fall into place nicely. I did that, and my check cleared the day I failed the CPSE...such irony. However, when I PASS it this time I won't have to wait to mail in a check, have it clear the bank, post at the BOP, and wait for them to recognize it and issue me a license number. Good luck to you!!

spsyd, you suggested that sending the license fee in ahead of time will avoid the waiting time for a license number to be issued after passing the CPSE. I can't find info on the BOP site about doing this--is there a form that you sent with the fee? From what others have mentioned, it seems like a form is provided after passing the CPSE to send the fee. How did you send your fee in early?

 

[spsyd]

Hey all, this has been a nice thread to read after having failed the exam today. Scored a 72/78. To be honest, I felt pretty confident going into the exam. I had studied for a few months straight, did the psychprep and attbs practice tests and felt like I knew my stuff. For many of the questions I felt like I knew the answer to the question and then would look at my answer choices and my answer would not be there. Frustrating.

Anyone else have a similar experience? And for those who have passed it was there something special you did to study for it because I'm racking my brain trying to figure out what I did wrong and can't come up with anything. All the questions that were straightforward were easy, but many of them felt like there was no right answer or 2 or 3 correct answers. Such an odd test. Anyways, I plan to send in my application for retake tomorrow. Hopefully it is true I can take it again in Feb. and not have to wait 6 months.

Any and all advice is much appreciated!

I took it for the second time in November (after having missed by one point back in May with the other controversial version). I unfortunately failed it yet again by one point. I cannot figure out how this keeps happening. All of my practice test scores ranged from the high 80's to 100% (I used both AATBS and PsychPrep). It is so frustrating, especially when I know some people who I question their knowledge and clinical skills, yet passed their first time. I dont know what to do differently....luck perhaps? haha....sigh.

 

[spsyd]

spsyd, you suggested that sending the license fee in ahead of time will avoid the waiting time for a license number to be issued after passing the CPSE. I can't find info on the BOP site about doing this--is there a form that you sent with the fee? From what others have mentioned, it seems like a form is provided after passing the CPSE to send the fee. How did you send your fee in early?

There was no form. I mailed in the $400 check with "license fee" in the subject on the check, along with my CPSE fee and application.

 

[VPsyD]

They issued my license within 4 days of me sending in the form and check. A classmate had his issued within 6 days. So I wouldn't worry too much about waiting time for a license number.

 

[Existenz]

I took it for the second time in November (after having missed by one point back in May with the other controversial version). I unfortunately failed it yet again by one point. I cannot figure out how this keeps happening. All of my practice test scores ranged from the high 80's to 100% (I used both AATBS and PsychPrep). It is so frustrating, especially when I know some people who I question their knowledge and clinical skills, yet passed their first time. I dont know what to do differently....luck perhaps? haha....sigh.

Since you took 2 controversial versions, did you notice any significant difference between the tests? I wish the CPLEE only requirement were in effect now.

 

[spsyd]

Since you took 2 controversial versions, did you notice any significant difference between the tests? I wish the CPLEE only requirement were in effect now.

No I didn't. On both versions I was completely confident I was going to pass, no problem. Both times I missed by one point and stared in amazement when I got the print out. I will say, though, more than a couple questions seemed like I had seen them before. Not sure if that was b/c they were so close to the practice ones or b/c they were actually the "non-scored" from the previous version. In any event, I don't know what to do differently.

 

[VPsyD]

No I didn't. On both versions I was completely confident I was going to pass, no problem. Both times I missed by one point and stared in amazement when I got the print out. I will say, though, more than a couple questions seemed like I had seen them before. Not sure if that was b/c they were so close to the practice ones or b/c they were actually the "non-scored" from the previous version. In any event, I don't know what to do differently.

I didn't notice any real difference either. As for seeing questions before... I got my hands on a psych prep practice test the day before I took the test because a classmate told me they had some of the exact same questions. I went over that practice test multiple times that day. And yes, some were the exact same questions as that psych prep test, and others were very similar. So maybe you had seen them in the practice tests.

 

[Wookie333]

If anyone is in the Bay Area and wants a study buddy, let me know. I'll be studying January and taking it in Feb.

 

[sandibeatles]

Since you took 2 controversial versions, did you notice any significant difference between the tests? I wish the CPLEE only requirement were in effect now.

Have you seen the previous pass rates for the CPLEE? They are NOT good :-(

 

[Existenz]

I'm happy to report that I just passed the CPSE today on the first try.
I wanted to give this version (aug 2014) a go despite hearing how hard it was from at least 5 people who said they failed it. I will admit it was difficult (it seemed worse than the EPPP) and felt a good shock when I got my print-out! I was in disbelief because I thought I did poorly.

I sent everything in right afterwards, so that takes care of that; no more ridiculous Cali exams/requirements!

 

[Psych20133]

I'm happy to report that I just passed the CPSE today on the first try.
I wanted to give this version (aug 2014) a go despite hearing how hard it was from at least 5 people who said they failed it. I will admit it was difficult (it seemed worse than the EPPP) and felt a good shock when I got my print-out! I was in disbelief because I thought I did poorly.

I sent everything in right afterwards, so that takes care of that; no more ridiculous Cali exams/requirements!

Congratulations my friend. Well done. looking forward to next month new version and passing score.

 

[*satori]

I'm happy to report that I just passed the CPSE today on the first try.
I wanted to give this version (aug 2014) a go despite hearing how hard it was from at least 5 people who said they failed it. I will admit it was difficult (it seemed worse than the EPPP) and felt a good shock when I got my print-out! I was in disbelief because I thought I did poorly.

I sent everything in right afterwards, so that takes care of that; no more ridiculous Cali exams/requirements!

Congrats! Do you mind sharing any particular study strategies that seemed useful?

 

[Existenz]

Congrats! Do you mind sharing any particular study strategies that seemed useful?

Sure! I used some hand-me-down Psychprep stuff (a powerpoint from a workshop, pretest and one test) and AATBS legal and ethics chapter from 2011. I'm pretty familiar with the DSM 5 changes as I gave a presentation about them as compared to DSM4. The problem was some of the laws changed since 2011 so I actually used the knowledge areas on the board site to look up stuff via google (e.g. like the differences between HIPAA and CA law). Then, I had one legal and ethics test from AATBS.

I studied about 3 weeks on and off and took the test somewhat on a whim before Feb 1 (thinking, that if I didn't pass i'd actually pony up the money for newer materials; but i passed the first time).

 

[*satori]

Sure! I used some hand-me-down Psychprep stuff (a powerpoint from a workshop, pretest and one test) and AATBS legal and ethics chapter from 2011. I'm pretty familiar with the DSM 5 changes as I gave a presentation about them as compared to DSM4. The problem was some of the laws changed since 2011 so I actually used the knowledge areas on the board site to look up stuff via google (e.g. like the differences between HIPAA and CA law). Then, I had one legal and ethics test from AATBS.

I studied about 3 weeks on and off and took the test somewhat on a whim before Feb 1 (thinking, that if I didn't pass i'd actually pony up the money for newer materials; but i passed the first time).

Thanks! Sounds like I'm on the same page, and I've been using the newer PsychPrep and AATBS materials. I'm definitely discovering the value of reading questions carefully.

 

[Psych20133]

Just got off the phone with the Board next week is the new version of the CPSE the passing score is unbelievable
85

 

[Psych20133]

If someone else can verify the passing score because I can't believe it

 

[Psych20133]

I called again and spoke to another specialist. it is 85 maybe the questions will be easier

 

[psyman]

Just got off the phone with the Board next week is the new version of the CPSE the passing score is unbelievable
85

Are you freaking kidding me? Can anyone site the source? I mean, printed material anywhere? I need to see that in black and white.

 

[psyman]

I called again and spoke to another specialist. it is 85 maybe the questions will be easier

It'll be easier? You have a lot of faith in them, huh?

85? That sounds ridiculous. Can't be true...right?

 

[Psych20133]

It'll be easier? You have a lot of faith in them, huh?

85? That sounds ridiculous. Can't be true...right?

I'm trying to keep it positive, if it's not easier then I rather donate the $129 to a good cause … I called the board yes 85. Again I wish someone else will call and make sure, I will be so happy to be wrong.

 

[*satori]

With great stress and relief, I passed on Thursday (first try). I definitely recommend careful reading and practice tests. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread, and best of luck to those taking the new version.

 

[Psych20133]

With great stress and relief, I passed on Thursday (first try). I definitely recommend careful reading and practice tests. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread, and best of luck to those taking the new version.

Congratulations!

Do you think the AATBS is a must for study? Is psych prep not enough?

 

[*satori]

Congratulations!

Do you think the AATBS is a must for study? Is psych prep not enough?

I found PsychPrep to be much more helpful than AATBS, so I wouldn't consider the latter a must for studying. AATBS is excessively detailed, which may have been helpful for the EPPP, but I think the PsychPrep exams are a better reflection of the CPSE and did the best job preparing me (I also used PP for the EPPP). If anything seemed vague or confusing, I referred to the actual CA Laws & Regulations, which you can download as a PDF, for quick clarification.

 

[Psych20133]

I found PsychPrep to be much more helpful than AATBS, so I wouldn't consider the latter a must for studying. AATBS is excessively detailed, which may have been helpful for the EPPP, but I think the PsychPrep exams are a better reflection of the CPSE and did the best job preparing me (I also used PP for the EPPP). If anything seemed vague or confusing, I referred to the actual CA Laws & Regulations, which you can download as a PDF, for quick clarification.

Thank you this is very helpful. Enjoy your new license🙂

 

[psy_alot]

Unbelievable! I just received an email notifying me that the passing score for the current version is 85%. I missed the passing score by 1 point on my previous try (with 78% needed to pass). I scored in the high 600s on my first attempt at the EPPP. How is it more difficult to pass this exam than the EPPP? I am beyond frustrated with the process! Is there anything that can be done about this?

 

[psyman]

Unbelievable! I just received an email notifying me that the passing score for the current version is 85%. I missed the passing score by 1 point on my previous try (with 78% needed to pass). I scored in the high 600s on my first attempt at the EPPP. How is it more difficult to pass this exam than the EPPP? I am beyond frustrated with the process! Is there anything that can be done about this?

Lawsuit.

 

[spsyd]

Are you freaking kidding me? Can anyone site the source? I mean, printed material anywhere? I need to see that in black and white.

It's true--I received my email of eligibility today from Tammy Bailey. Passing score is 85.....
If we think about test construction and Stats, that SHOULD suggest this version is on the easier side hence the higher passing score requirement. We shall see....But with the horrible passing rate over the last 2 versions, I'm not convinced.
I wish you all luck on this test!! I'm sure I"m not the only one here who agrees that the material on this exam is not rocket science yet it's almost as if people pass simply by "luck". I don't mean that to say that people passing are not smart or good at taking tests, I just mean that I missed by one point on both tries; I do excellent on my practice tests and cannot concentrate on the reading materials any longer because I honestly know the information. I'd be curious to see the range of scores (for those who failed as well as for those who pass--especially since those who pass do not know their score).

 

[psyman]

It's true--I received my email of eligibility today from Tammy Bailey. Passing score is 85.....
If we think about test construction and Stats, that SHOULD suggest this version is on the easier side hence the higher passing score requirement. We shall see....But with the horrible passing rate over the last 2 versions, I'm not convinced.
I wish you all luck on this test!! I'm sure I"m not the only one here who agrees that the material on this exam is not rocket science yet it's almost as if people pass simply by "luck". I don't mean that to say that people passing are not smart or good at taking tests, I just mean that I missed by one point on both tries; I do excellent on my practice tests and cannot concentrate on the reading materials any longer because I honestly know the information. I'd be curious to see the range of scores (for those who failed as well as for those who pass--especially since those who pass do not know their score).

Yeah, by now we've all gotten that email. The pass rate for the last 2 forms is about 60%, with a cut off of 78%. So yeah, I have no faith in them and their "valid" test. I think the distribution of scores should be made available for transparency. I don't trust them.

 

[bycpsyd]

It's true--I received my email of eligibility today from Tammy Bailey. Passing score is 85.....
If we think about test construction and Stats, that SHOULD suggest this version is on the easier side hence the higher passing score requirement. We shall see....But with the horrible passing rate over the last 2 versions, I'm not convinced.
I wish you all luck on this test!! I'm sure I"m not the only one here who agrees that the material on this exam is not rocket science yet it's almost as if people pass simply by "luck". I don't mean that to say that people passing are not smart or good at taking tests, I just mean that I missed by one point on both tries; I do excellent on my practice tests and cannot concentrate on the reading materials any longer because I honestly know the information. I'd be curious to see the range of scores (for those who failed as well as for those who pass--especially since those who pass do not know their score).

Same here. I missed by 2 points for two times but passed my EPPP on the first try. I can't really study anymore, everytime when I study, I felt so redundant. Any tips?

 

[psyman]

Same here. I missed by 2 points for two times but passed my EPPP on the first try. I can't really study anymore, everytime when I study, I felt so redundant. Any tips?

I feel the same. At least regardless, this will be the last time we take the CPSE.

 

[psyman]

Anyone taken it yet?

 

[Libby21]

I just took it this week and got an 82. And yes I failed. Didn't know there was a test out there where 82 could be a fail.

 

[Psych20133]

I just took it this week and got an 82. And yes I failed. Didn't know there was a test out there where 82 could be a fail.

Sorry to hear that! It is unbelievable that you can fail with an 82. How were the questions? straight forward or difficult?

 

[Libby21]

They were somewhat straightforward but some of them were frustrating and tricky. It's funny because I feel like I blocked out the questions after being shocked that my score was a fail.

 

[Libby21]

I will say that I personally felt the test was slightly more challenging then the psych prep practice tests.

 

[Psych20133]

Since the passing rate is 85 all you need is a few tricky questions to fail it. The good new is that for the next test you will only need to study for ethics.
Again, I'm sorry that you didn't pass it, with 82 you should be able to pass any test.

 

[Libby21]

Since the passing rate is 85 all you need is a few tricky questions to fail it. The good new is that for the next test you will only need to study for ethics.
Again, I'm sorry that you didn't pass it, with 82 you should be able to pass any test.

Thank you! So bummed about it, good luck to all who plan on taking it soon!

 

[sandibeatles]

I am so sorry you didn't pass. This is definitely a frustrating process! If you don't mind sharing, how were you scoring on the PsychPrep exams before you took the CPSE? I took the exam in September and didn't pass and I was scoring 85+ on the PsychPrep questions. The cutoff for the fall version was 78. I plan to retake it next month.

I will say that I personally felt the test was slightly more challenging then the psych prep practice tests.

 

[psyman]

Anyone hear of someone passing this month?

 

[Libby21]

I am so sorry you didn't pass. This is definitely a frustrating process! If you don't mind sharing, how were you scoring on the PsychPrep exams before you took the CPSE? I took the exam in September and didn't pass and I was scoring 85+ on the PsychPrep questions. The cutoff for the fall version was 78. I plan to retake it next month.

I was scoring 81-85 on those practice tests.

 

[psyman]

I was scoring 81-85 on those practice tests.

You mean on your first attempt?

 

[Libby21]

You mean on your first attempt?

Yes

 

[JCApsych]

I'm taking the new version on Friday after failing the last version in November. Anyone heard whether the new version is any easier? The last was ridiculous...

 

[psyman]

I'm taking the new version on Friday after failing the last version in November. Anyone heard whether the new version is any easier? The last was ridiculous...

I'm not aware of anyone who has passed it this month. Any 3 hour test that requires an 85% is tough I think.

 

[Psych20133]

I'm taking the new version on Friday after failing the last version in November. Anyone heard whether the new version is any easier? The last was ridiculous...

Good luck!!! and hopefully you'll come back to us with a passing score!
I'm soooo over this, I'm all about hard work but this is just not right for any of us, we got our doctoral degree, more than 3000 hours, EPPP, I think this should be enough, so ok I get it ethnic is important if the material is straightforward so should be the exam. Just venting. Good luck.

 

[psyman]

Even more frustrating is that I passed the ethics part of the CPSE I took. They emailed me my breakdown when I asked.

 

[PhamPsyD]

I took it for the second time in November (after having missed by one point back in May with the other controversial version). I unfortunately failed it yet again by one point. I cannot figure out how this keeps happening. All of my practice test scores ranged from the high 80's to 100% (I used both AATBS and PsychPrep). It is so frustrating, especially when I know some people who I question their knowledge and clinical skills, yet passed their first time. I dont know what to do differently....luck perhaps? haha....sigh.

I'm at my wits end at having failed 3 times already! I don't know how to study anymore and seeing the passing rate at 85%, I've already given up and that should not be the attitude to have =(

 

[Skywalker2014]

If they raised the pass cutoff by that much when the test is still at a 65% pass rate, it HAS to be an easier version....

 

[spsyd]

Even more frustrating is that I passed the ethics part of the CPSE I took. They emailed me my breakdown when I asked.

Interesting! We can request a breakdown??