A Letter to Those Who Have Failed the National Psychology Exam
There’s something that isn’t often spoken about among provisional psychologists—what happens if you fail the National Psychology Exam?
As someone who has had the privilege of supervising and training many provisional psychologists, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that failing the National Psychology Exam can have. I’ve worked with many individuals who have come to me after failing once, twice, or even three times. None of these attempts define their competency or potential as a psychologist.
If you’ve failed—or if you’re worried you might—I want you to know this:
💡 Failing the NPE does not define your worth as a psychologist.
This letter is for you.
The National Psychology Exam Is Challenging—You’re Not Alone
Many provisional psychologists underestimate the difficulty of the National Psychology Exam. The curriculum is vast, and passing isn’t just about competence—it’s also about:
Memory and recall under pressure
Managing exam anxiety
Using the right exam strategy
Studying with ‘meaningful learning’ rather than just ‘rote learning’
While memorising information (rote learning) has its place, it will only take you so far. Many exam questions are case vignettes, requiring more than just factual recall. You need to understand concepts in context, connect information across different domains, and apply your knowledge strategically.
Some people excel at multiple-choice exams, while others struggle with overanalysing options and would perform better in an essay-based format.
💡 Does any of this determine whether you’ll be a great psychologist? No. But it can determine whether you pass the exam.
If you’ve failed or are worried about failing, here’s my advice.
1. Separate the Exam From Your Worth as a Psychologist
Failing the National Psychology Exam does not mean you aren’t smart enough or competent enough.
💡 It is not a reflection of how good a psychologist you are, but rather how good you are at taking high-stakes multiple-choice exams.
Many people fail the NPE—but not everyone talks about it, so there is often a lot of shame around failing. Instead of focusing on self-doubt, shift your mindset toward mastering the curriculum so you can re-sit the exam with confidence.
2. Reflect on Your Exam Results and Identify Patterns
After receiving your results, ask yourself:
Where did I struggle the most?
Which areas were my strongest?
Did time pressure affect my performance?
Which types of questions did I get stuck on?
Did I overestimate my competence in certain domains?
💡 Use this insight to tailor your study plan and focus on areas that need improvement.
3. Develop a Strong Exam Strategy
Did you have a strategy for sitting the exam?
How did you approach time management?
Did you read all answer options carefully before selecting one?
Were you able to eliminate incorrect answers efficiently, or did you often get stuck between two choices?
💡 If you want strategic exam tips, check out my blog post on NPE strategies or my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course, where I discuss exam strategy in detail..
4. Reassess Your Study Methods
Think about how you prepared for the last attempt:
How many months did you spend preparing?
What study methods and resources did you use?
Were any study methods particularly helpful or unhelpful?
Did you focus more on memorising facts or on fully understanding concepts?
Did you practice applying your knowledge to case scenarios?
Using this reflection, consider what you can adjust:
✔ Use active recall methods (e.g., flashcards, summarising concepts in your own words). ✔ Practice with realistic case vignettes to improve applied reasoning. ✔ Simulate timed multiple-choice practice to improve test-taking speed. ✔ Revise weak areas strategically rather than re-reading everything. ✔ Focus on understanding the material—not just memorising it.
5. Seek Support—You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
💡 Reaching out for help can make all the difference.
✔ Talk to your supervisor—they can provide guidance and reassurance.
✔ Join a study group—collaborating with others can increase accountability and support. (We have one in my online community group!)
✔ Consider a comprehensive NPE preparation course—my course is currently the most comprehensive available, with 47+ hours of content covering the entire curriculum.
💡 I also offer free result reviews for those who have failed the exam. If you’d like me to review your results and help you create a tailored plan, reach out—I’d love to help.
Want a More Structured Approach to Passing the NPE?
💡 I offer a self-paced National Psychology Exam Preparation Course designed to help you study smarter, not harder.
📌 What’s included?
✔ Comprehensive learning on the entire AHPRA NPE curriculum
✔ Case vignette practice questions
✔ Study notes, flashcards, and additional resources
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This
Failing the National Psychology Exam can feel discouraging, but it is not the end of your journey. I have worked with many provisional psychologists who have failed the NPE several times. Even if it takes you a little longer to get there, don’t let it deter you from your final goal—general registration.
Please remember:
✔ You are still capable.
✔ You can pass this exam—you just need to rework your approach.
✔ You can be an amazing psychologist and still find multiple-choice exams difficult.
You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and one setback does not define your future.
💡 If you need support, I’m here to help.
📩 Reach out anytime or explore my NPE study resources here.
Amanda