The National Psychology Exam (NPE) is a significant step toward general registration, and when you start preparing can make a big difference in your confidence and performance. Whether you choose to start 12 months, 6 months, or 3 months before your exam, having a structured National Psychology Exam preparation plan will help you balance study with work, supervision, and life commitments. If you’re using my NPE preparation course, you already have access to comprehensive study materials, practice exams, study notes, and flashcards, making your study process more streamlined and efficient.
This guide provides customised study timelines for 12 months, 6 months, and 3 months, helping you determine when to start practice exams, how to use your study resources effectively, and how to pace your revision.
How Much Time Do You Need to Prepare for the National Psychology Exam?
Your ideal study timeline depends on your schedule, study habits, and existing knowledge.
12 Months: Best for those who prefer gradual, low-pressure study.
6 Months: Ideal for those who need a structured, steady approach while balancing work and life.
3 Months: A high-intensity plan for those with limited time or strong prior knowledge.
Regardless of your timeline, you’ll need to cover four core domains:
✔ Assessment (30%) – Psychological testing, DSM diagnostic criteria, risk assessment, and more.
✔ Intervention (30%) – Therapy modalities, psychopharmacology, evidence-based guidelines.
✔ Ethics (30%) – APS Code of Ethics, AHPRA guidelines, legal responsibilities.
✔ Communication (10%) – Professional writing, record-keeping.
💡 Tip: Aim to take at least 2–3 full-length NPE practice exams before your test date.
12-Month Study Plan: Slow and Steady Approach
Ideal for those who prefer a gradual approach, this plan allows you to study at a comfortable pace while balancing work, supervision, and personal commitments.
Months 1–3: Foundations & Familiarisation
✅ Review the AHPRA NPE curriculum to understand the key areas of study.
✅ If you’re using my NPE preparation course, start watching the training videos to build foundational knowledge.
✅ Study one domain at a time, creating concise notes and summaries in your own words—this improves retention and understanding.
💡 Not using my NPE preparation course?
Ensure that you source relevant readings from the AHPRA recommended reading list for each domain.
Months 4–6: Deep Study & Application
✅ Continue working through each domain, using study notes to reinforce learning.
✅ If you're in my NPE course, start using the included flashcards and study notes to test recall and consolidate key concepts.
✅ Begin applying knowledge through case vignettes and practice questions.
💡 Not using my course?
Consider using my NPE practice questions or flash cards to help you test your knowledge.
Summarise key ethical and clinical concepts in a format that makes revision easier.
Months 7–9: Practice & Exam Strategy
✅ Take your first full-length practice exam and review your answers.
✅ Focus on scenario-based learning—practising ethical dilemmas and clinical decision-making.
💡 Not using my course?
Consider joining my community group, I create new NPE practice questions weekly to help provisional psychologists test their knowledge, or seek supervision to discuss practice questions.
Use case studies and ethical decision-making frameworks to apply theory to real-world scenarios.
Months 10–12: Exam Simulation & Final Review
✅ Take two more full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
✅ If you're using my NPE preparation course, review flashcards and study notes for quick revision.
✅ Identify weak areas and revisit those topics before the exam.
💡 Not using my course?
Use your own revision materials (mind maps, summaries) for quick refreshers.
Ensure you complete at least two full-length mock exams.
6-Month Study Plan: Balanced & Efficient
This is a structured yet flexible plan, allowing for deep learning without feeling rushed.
Months 1–2: Focused Learning
✅ Study two domains per month, using my NPE training videos and study notes.
✅ Test understanding using the included flashcards and short quizzes.
💡 Not using my course?
Use textbooks and recommended readings from the AHPRA list.
Take notes in a structured format to help with later revision.
Months 3–4: Application & Practice Questions
✅ Shift to scenario-based practice using my NPE practice exam questions.
✅ Take your first full-length NPE practice exam to assess strengths and weaknesses. I have a live simulated quiz included in my NPE preparation course.
✅ Attend live Q&A sessions or supervision discussions to refine your understanding.
💡 Not using my course?
Seek out quality NPE-style practice questions to develop critical thinking.
Begin timed mock exams to improve test-taking stamina.
Months 5–6: Exam Readiness & Strategy
✅ Take two more full-length NPE practice exams under real test conditions.
✅ Focus on ethics, psychometric assessments, and case vignettes—common problem areas.
✅ Use the included study notes and flashcards in my NPE preparation course for quick, last-minute revision.
💡 Not using my course?
Prioritise reviewing high-yield materials and mock exams.
Use a structured revision plan for the final month.
3-Month Study Plan: High-Intensity Approach
If you only have three months, you’ll need to study efficiently and consistently.
Month 1: Rapid Learning & Content Review
✅ Study one domain per week using my NPE training videos and study notes.
✅ Start testing knowledge immediately with the included NPE practice questions and flashcards.
💡 Not using my course?
Create structured summaries and notes from AHPRA’s recommended readings.
Begin reviewing NPE question formats early.
Month 2: Application & Scenario-Based Learning
✅ Take your first full-length NPE practice exam to identify weak areas.
✅ Focus on case studies, ethical dilemmas, and best-practice interventions.
💡 Not using my course?
Seek out scenario-based practice questions to reinforce real-world application.
Prioritise mock exams to test time management.
Month 3: Exam Simulation & Refinement
✅ Take two more full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
✅ Use my study notes and flash cards for quick refreshers on key topics.
💡 Not using my course?
Ensure you’ve done at least three full-length practice exams before the real test.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best National Psychology Exam Study Timeline
Regardless of how much time you have, structured preparation is key.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Choose a timeline that fits your schedule and learning style.
✅ Take at least three full-length NPE practice exams before the real test.
✅ If you're using my NPE preparation course, take advantage of the training videos, study notes, flashcards, and practice questions.
✅ If you're studying independently, ensure you have reliable materials from AHPRA’s reading list.
Want Extra Support?
🔹 Check out my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course – It covers all four domains with structured learning materials.
🔹 If you are looking for NPE Practice exam questions only, I have these resources which you can purchase individually.
With the right plan, strategy, and resources, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the NPE with confidence! 🎉