Preparing for the National Psychology Exam can feel overwhelming, especially with the updated curriculum coming into effect in 2026. Many provisional psychologists find themselves unsure about where to start, what to prioritise, and how to structure their study in a way that feels manageable alongside work, supervision, and life in general. This checklist brings everything back to basics, giving you a clear roadmap you can follow from day one of exam prep through to the final week.
The 2026 National Psychology Exam Dates
To study effectively, anchor your preparation to the exam window you intend to sit. Below is the full 2026 schedule, including exam periods and registration deadlines.
February 2026 Exam Window
Exam: Monday 2 February – Friday 20 February 2026
Registration: Tuesday 9 December – Friday 16 January
May 2026 Exam Window
Exam: Monday 4 May – Friday 22 May 2026
Registration: Tuesday 10 March – Friday 17 April
August 2026 Exam Window
Exam: Monday 3 August – Friday 21 August 2026
Registration: Tuesday 9 June – Friday 17 July
November 2026 Exam Window
Exam: Monday 2 November – Friday 27 November 2026
Registration: Tuesday 8 September – Friday 16 October
Mark these dates in your calendar early. Many provisional psychologists underestimate how quickly registration deadlines pass.
1. Understand the 2026 Curriculum Structure
Before you begin studying, make sure you’re clear on what the exam is assessing. The 2026 National Psychology Exam is organised into four domains:
- Ethics (30%)
- Assessment (30%)
- Intervention (30%)
- Communication (10%)
Understanding the structure will guide your study plan and help you prioritise high-value areas.
2. Gather Your Core Study Materials
A focused study plan starts with the right materials. At minimum, you’ll need:
- The official NPE curriculum
- The AHPRA Code of Conduct and Core Competencies — ensure you are using the versions effective from 1 December 2025, as they differ from earlier guidelines
- Practice vignettes or NPE-style MCQs
- A structured study support tool or companion
- The NPE recommended reading list (if you plan to study without a course)
Avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary documents. Stick to the materials that directly align with the NPE curriculum.
Understanding how camouflaging works—and who it affects—is essential if we are to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce harm, and offer truly affirming support.
3. Start with Ethics
Ethics underpins every domain and appears in the majority of vignette questions. Make sure you review:
- Ethical principles
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Professional boundaries
- Record keeping
- Mandatory reporting
- Risk management
- Communication principles
Avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary documents. Stick to the materials that directly align with the NPE curriculum.
5. Strengthen Your Assessment Knowledge
Ethics underpins every domain and appears in the majority of vignette questions. Make sure you review:
- Ethical principles
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Professional boundaries
- Record keeping
- Mandatory reporting
- Risk management
- Communication principles
Avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary documents. Stick to the materials that directly align with the NPE curriculum.
6. Understand Evidence-Based Interventions
Ethics underpins every domain and appears in the majority of vignette questions. Make sure you review:
- Ethical principles
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Professional boundaries
- Record keeping
- Mandatory reporting
- Risk management
- Communication principles
Avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary documents. Stick to the materials that directly align with the NPE curriculum.
7. Review Communication and Professional Conduct
Ethics underpins every domain and appears in the majority of vignette questions. Make sure you review:
- Ethical principles
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Professional boundaries
- Record keeping
- Mandatory reporting
- Risk management
- Communication principles
Avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary documents. Stick to the materials that directly align with the NPE curriculum.
8. Complete Regular NPE Practice Questions
Ethics underpins every domain and appears in the majority of vignette questions. Make sure you review:
- Ethical principles
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Professional boundaries
- Record keeping
- Mandatory reporting
- Risk management
- Communication principles
Avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary documents. Stick to the materials that directly align with the NPE curriculum.
9. Use a Study Checklist to Stay Organised
Ethics underpins every domain and appears in the majority of vignette questions. Make sure you review:
- Ethical principles
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Professional boundaries
- Record keeping
- Mandatory reporting
- Risk management
- Communication principles
Avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary documents. Stick to the materials that directly align with the NPE curriculum.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the 2026 National Psychology Exam is entirely manageable when you have a clear structure, the right materials, and a realistic timeline. Whether you’re balancing work, supervision, or life outside training, steady and intentional progress will get you there.
If you want guided support, access to hundreds of practice questions, and a structured study system designed specifically for the 2026 curriculum, my NPE Course is fully updated — including a custom AI study companion, exclusive to course members, to help you revise more effectively.
