Advocating for Yourself at Work as an Early-Career Psychologist
Starting your career as a psychologist is an exciting time filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact. However, it can also be challenging as you navigate new roles, workplace expectations, and professional milestones like preparing for the National Psychology Examination. Advocating for yourself at work is an essential skill that ensures your needs are met while you continue to develop professionally and personally. Without it, you may find yourself overworked, underappreciated, and potentially compromising the quality of care you provide to your clients.
Here’s how to effectively advocate for yourself as an early-career psychologist and why it’s crucial for long-term success.
Understanding Reasonable Workloads
As a provisional psychologist or early-career psychologist, you may face high expectations, including managing a heavy clinical load. You’ll also need a thorough understanding about workplace policies, supervision requirements, and the expectations around completing your national psychology exam questions. The general recommendation in most workplaces is to start with 3-4 clinical hours per day and gradually build up to around 5 client facing hours in a standard workday. This structure ensures you have sufficient time for critical activities such as planning, client-related administration, and personal reflection, all of which are essential for delivering high-quality care. Unfortunately, many workplaces may push for higher productivity, which can lead to burnout. By advocating for reasonable workloads from the start, you can protect your mental health while also maintaining a high standard of practice.
Initiating Conversations with Your Employer
One of the most challenging aspects of self-advocacy is knowing how to bring up these issues with your employer or supervisor if there’s a problem. It’s important to approach the conversation in a constructive and collaborative way. Start by highlighting your commitment to providing the best care for your clients and explain how an unmanageable workload may hinder that. Discuss the benefits of having adequate time for case planning, professional development, and reflection, which are not just beneficial to you, but also to the clients and the organisation.
Make sure to reference the guidelines and standards that support your stance. For example, the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPI) provides valuable resources on managing workloads and advocating for fair conditions. By presenting your case professionally, you're more likely to gain support from your employer.If you are a member you can also review the AAPI’s resource library for additional information on advocating for better conditions.
Advocate for Supervision and Mentorship
Supervision is a cornerstone of early-career development in psychology. If you feel your current supervision isn’t meeting your needs - whether in terms of frequency, quality, or relevance - advocate for change.
You might say, “I’d like to focus more on practice scenarios related to the national psychology exam questions during our supervision sessions. Could we allocate some time for this?”
Most supervisors will appreciate your initiative and be willing to adjust their approach to better support your growth.
Knowing Your Value
As a new psychologist, it’s easy to feel that you need to accept everything that comes your way. However, it’s important to remember that you have valuable skills and insights, even at the early stages of your career. Being able to request reasonable allowances, such as time for reflection, clinical planning, and supervision, is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of professionalism. Your ability to reflect on your practice and improve as a psychologist directly contributes to better client outcomes.
Celebrate Your Achievements
Advocating for yourself also means acknowledging your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Passing a challenging set of national psychology exam questions, receiving positive feedback from a client, or presenting in a team meeting are all accomplishments worth celebrating.
Recognising your progress reinforces your confidence and demonstrates your value to your workplace. Don’t hesitate to share these milestones with your supervisor or colleagues, it’s a great way to highlight your contributions and growth.
Practical Tips for Self-Advocacy
Be clear about your needs: Understand what you require to perform your job effectively. This might include capped clinical hours, regular supervision, or more time for professional development.
Use evidence to back your request: Refer to professional guidelines and recommendations to justify your needs. Being knowledgeable about industry standards shows that your requests are reasonable and aligned with best practices.
Seek support: If advocating for yourself feels daunting, consider discussing it with colleagues or a mentor. They may offer advice on how to approach the conversation or even support you in advocating for better workplace conditions.
Self-Advocacy Matters
As an early-career psychologist, your journey is filled with opportunities to shape your professional identity and achieve your goals. Advocating for yourself is a key part of this process - it empowers you to take charge of your career, ensure your needs are met, and set the stage for long-term success.
Advocating for yourself isn’t just about asking for less work or for what you need, it’s about ensuring you have the time and space to provide the best possible care for your clients while also supporting your own professional growth. By speaking up and taking proactive steps, you’re building a foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career in psychology.
At Psychology Squared, we pride ourselves on supporting provisional psychologists to get through their internship with a range of resources and supervision support. If you need help with National Psychology Examination preparation, reach out to us today.
The Role of Reflection in Learning for Early-Career Psychologists
As an early-career psychologist or provisional psychologist, you’re navigating the challenges of developing your clinical skills while juggling the demands of supervision, client work, and your personal life. One of the most powerful tools you have during this time is reflection. This means taking the time to reflect on your experiences which can help, not just what you’re doing in therapy but also what you bring to the therapeutic relationship. This can significantly enhance your learning and growth and even help with your preparation for the National Psychology Exam. However we don’t often enough take the time to reflect.
Why Reflection Matters
Reflection is more than a required part of your logbook during internships, it’s a way to actively engage with your development. By reflecting on your own values and assumptions, you gain insights into how these influence your interactions with clients. It also helps you evaluate whether the interventions you’re using are effective. You might notice, for example, that a particular therapeutic technique resonates with some clients but not others. By reflecting on these patterns, you can adjust your approach to better meet your clients’ needs.
Using Reflection to Track Client Progress
Reflecting on client progress is key to improving your practice. Are your clients moving forward? If not, what could be adjusted in the treatment plan? Use your supervision sessions to discuss these reflections. Supervisors can provide invaluable feedback on whether your assessments are aligned with best practices or if there’s another way to interpret a client’s progress. This kind of reflective practice is especially helpful when documenting your client-related activities in your logbook. When you jot down your reflections, don’t just think about what happened in the session; consider why it happened and how it informs your future work.
Incorporating Reflection into Your Logbook
As part of the 5+1 internship program, you’re required to record reflections on your experiences in the logbook. The Psychology Squared Logbook has ideas for reflection and spaces dedicated for you to compete reflections.
Reflections aren’t just a formality or a box to tick, it's an opportunity to regularly evaluate your growth. When you complete your logbook entries, take the time to think critically about your clinical decisions. What challenges did you face this week? How did you manage them? Are there gaps in your knowledge or skills that you need to address? These reflective questions will help you monitor your development and ensure that you're meeting the core competencies required for registration.
Practical Tips for Reflective Practice
Set aside time for reflection: Carve out specific time after client sessions or at the end of the week to reflect on your practice. This dedicated space will make reflection a habit.
Ask open-ended questions: When reflecting, ask yourself questions like, “What worked well with this client?” or “What could I have done differently?”
Use supervision effectively: Bring your reflections to your supervision sessions. Discussing your thoughts with your supervisor can provide new perspectives and deepen your understanding of your own practice.
Supporting Your Learning through Reflection
Reflection isn’t just about meeting internship requirements, it’s about supporting your ongoing learning. It allows you to develop greater self-awareness, adjust your therapeutic approach, and ensure that you're on the right track with client progress. Don’t hesitate to advocate for your learning needs in supervision and placements. Use your reflections to guide these conversations, whether it’s seeking more feedback or discussing areas where you feel uncertain.
Reflection is a powerful tool that transforms experience into expertise. For early-career psychologists, it is the key to developing professional identity, improving practice, and growing both personally and professionally.
By embracing reflection as a core aspect of your journey, you’ll not only enhance your learning but also strengthen your ability to provide impactful, ethical, and empathetic care to those you serve.
Psychology Squared is here to help with provisional psychologist resources that have been developed for provisional psychologist to make their internship pathway easier. Whether it’s resources to help you prepare for the NPE or help with supervision requirements we are here to help. Contact us today to find out more.
Time Management for Busy Provisional and Early Career Psychologists
Starting a career in psychology is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming. Between managing clients, completing supervision hours, staying on top of documentation, and pursuing professional development, it’s easy for time to slip away.
As a provisional psychologist or early-career psychologist, managing the competing demands of your internship, study, and personal life isn’t easy. You’re learning new skills, adjusting to different work environments, and trying to meet deadlines - all while likely feeling like there’s just not enough time in the day. It’s hard, but with a few clever time management strategies and some self-compassion, you can ease the pressure and find a better balance.
Acknowledge That Learning Takes Time
One of the most important things to remember is that you’re still in the learning phase. Tasks that will eventually become second nature often take much longer in the beginning. Whether it’s writing detailed case notes or preparing a treatment plan, allow yourself the space to take longer than you would like. Being new to the field means you’ll need time to hone your skills, and that’s completely normal. Try not to compare yourself to more experienced colleagues, as their efficiency is the result of years of practice.
Prioritise Tasks and Set Boundaries
With so many responsibilities, it’s essential to prioritise. Break down your tasks into what needs to be done immediately, what can wait, and what can be delegated or simplified. For instance, you can be better prepared for the National Psychology Exam if you set a study schedule. If you’re finding it difficult to juggle everything, talk to your supervisor or mentor. Let them know where you’re struggling - they can offer guidance on what truly requires your immediate attention and what can be postponed. This is also where setting boundaries becomes crucial. It’s okay to say no or to request more time if you’re feeling stretched too thin. Advocating for your needs in your placement or work environment isn’t a weakness - it’s a strength.
Create Structure with a Flexible Schedule
It can be tempting to jump from task to task as things come up, but creating some structure around your day can make a huge difference. Start by setting realistic goals for what you want to accomplish each day and week. While you can’t control everything, a flexible schedule allows you to stay on track while leaving room for unexpected situations. Try blocking out specific times for case work, client sessions, study for the NPE practice exam, and self-care. Be kind to yourself if things don’t always go to plan - adapt as necessary but stick to your priorities.
Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout
With the pressure to perform, you might feel like you need to work non-stop to get everything done. But pushing yourself too hard can lead to burnout, which only makes time management more difficult. Schedule regular breaks, even if it’s just a short walk or stepping away from your desk for five minutes. These small breaks give you a chance to reset, clear your mind, and return to your tasks with renewed focus.
Advocate for Your Needs
As a provisional psychologist, you’re in a unique position where you’re both learning and working, and it’s perfectly okay to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s negotiating deadlines, asking for more supervision, or requesting adjustments to your workload, don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. By managing your time effectively and setting boundaries, you’ll not only improve your productivity but also maintain your wellbeing as you continue to grow into your role.
The early years of a psychology career are filled with challenges, but mastering time management can make them more manageable. By prioritising tasks, setting boundaries, and creating a manageable routine, you’ll set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.
Remember, even the best plans can fall apart sometimes. Be kind to yourself, adapt as needed, and celebrate your progress along the way. You’ve got this!
At Psychology Squared, we are psychologists ourselves so we understand the challenges and needs of both provisional and registered psychologists. It’s our mission to provide the guidance and resources to help your learning. Check out our Australian national psychology exam resources including our study groups, quizzes and videos to get the support you need.
If you want a more seamless log book experience, see our amazing logbook.
We also sell a Case Report Pack which can assist you complete the Case Report with heaps of example case reports, videos and a comprehensive guide.
Maximising Supervision During Your Internship
Supervision is an essential part of any provisional psychologist’s journey, especially during the psychology internship or early career phase of becoming fully registered. Providing guidance and support that enhances the learning experience, effective supervision ensures that you’re not only completing tasks but that you’re also gaining valuable insights, feedback and encouragement.
Whether you're just starting out or juggling the demands of study and practice, supervision offers a critical opportunity to grow, reflect, and develop your professional identity. But how can you truly make the most of these sessions?
Be Prepared and Proactive
Supervision isn't just about passively showing up. To get the most value, it’s important to be proactive, meaning you should come prepared for each session. Take some time beforehand to reflect on your recent experiences – think about what cases have challenged you, which clients left you with unanswered questions, and how you’re feeling about your development. Bringing this awareness into your session will help you focus on areas where you need guidance and support. It’s a good idea to keep a running list of topics or questions between sessions so that nothing gets lost in the shuffle. This proactive approach not only reflects well on you but also reassures supervisors of their investment in mentoring you throughout the internship.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions
Many provisional psychologists, especially those new to the field, may feel unsure about what they should ask in supervision. The truth is there’s no wrong questions. Supervisors are there to help guide you, so whether it’s about clinical techniques, ethical concerns, or your own emotional reactions to clients, feel free to ask. They may be able to assist with preparation for the National Psychology Exam. If you're discussing a case and feel uncertain, break it down with your supervisor: What’s happening with the client? What are the treatment goals? What strategies have worked or fallen short? This kind of reflective practice will help you deepen your clinical thinking.
Discussing Cases Effectively
One of the most valuable parts of supervision is getting feedback on your clinical work. When discussing cases, try to present a clear picture to your supervisor. Start with a concise overview of the client’s background, the presenting issue, and any treatment plans or interventions you’ve implemented. Then, focus on areas where you need feedback. Do you feel stuck? Are you unsure about the next step in treatment? Be open to hearing feedback, even if it challenges your initial perspective. This is all part of learning and refining your skills as a psychologist.
Build a Collaborative Relationship
The relationship you develop with your supervisor is a crucial part of the learning process, so think of it as a partnership. A good supervisory relationship is one where you feel comfortable sharing your struggles, doubts, and triumphs. Remember, supervision is a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and grow. If something isn’t working in your supervision, don’t be afraid to discuss it with your supervisor. They can help adjust the focus to better meet your needs.
Establishing a positive relationship with your supervisor can also lead to networking opportunities that may benefit your future career. A supportive supervisor with which you have a positive rapport is more likely to introduce you to key contacts within the field or provide recommendations for future job openings based on their firsthand experience with your work ethic and skills.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid of Your Supervisor
It’s natural to feel nervous about supervision, especially when you’re starting out. But it’s important to remember that supervisors are there to help, not to judge. They’ve walked the path before you and understand the learning curve involved. By being open, prepared, and engaged, you’ll find that supervision is not only a requirement but an invaluable tool in becoming the best psychologist you can be.
Whether you are pre-registration, or on the 4+2 or 5+1 pathway and even if you are recently registered, Psychology Squared offers supervision. Get in touch with us online now.
Anxiety, Stress, and the National Psychology Exam
Sitting the National Psychology Exam (NPE) is a significant requirement for many provisional psychologists on their journey to becoming fully registered. The high stakes, extensive preparation, and financial cost involved can understandably lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and worried. Here are some practical tips to help you manage these feelings and maintain focus during the exam.
Understanding the Exam Format
The NPE consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you have 210 minutes to complete it. Exam questions are typically structured with a vignette or scenario, a lead-in question, and a set of five options. Regardless of where you sit the NPE, remotely or at a venue, you will complete it on a computer. Remember, any time used to take the toilet break or drink water comes out of your allocated time; you are not given extra. Considering these constraints, maintaining focus and managing your time effectively is crucial.
The Day Before the Exam
Familiarise Yourself with the Exam Environment: If sitting at a venue, plan your route the day before and allow time for unplanned events (e.g cancelled trains, high traffic, difficulty parking). If possible, visit the exam venue beforehand. Knowing the logistics can help reduce anxiety on the day. Aim to arrive 30+ minutes early to give yourself time to settle in.
Organise Your Materials/Space: Pack everything you need to get to the venue the night before to avoid last-minute stress or not being able to find something you need, such as your water bottle, exam location details and confirmation email. If sitting at home, ensure your environment is clear, test all technology, and have a clear water bottle. You will need to present the exam supervisor with the following documents:
The printed email confirmation containing your exam authorisation code.
Two types of formal identification (one must be a photo ID). Examples of photo identification include a passport, driver's licence, or current student photo ID card. Non-photo ID can include a Medicare card, birth certificate, or Australian government concession/health care card.
Note: Failure to bring sufficient identification and the exam authorisation code may result in being excluded from sitting the exam.
Treat Yourself Like a Client: Think about what you would tell someone else to do when preparing for the NPE. Spend some time practising deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided sessions tailored for stress relief. Eat balanced meals and avoid heavy, greasy foods that might make you sluggish. Stay hydrated and try your best to get a good night’s sleep.
Keep a Positive Mindset: Remind yourself that you have prepared well. Visualise yourself successfully completing the exam. Positive self-talk can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
During the Exam
1. Manage Your Time: Allocate specific time slots for each section of the exam, for example aiming to be at question 75 by 1 hour 40 minutes. You have exactly 1.4 minutes per question; perhaps aim for 1.2 minutes and use any extra time to review your answers. Don’t spend too long on any question, just use your best guess, and flag the question to come back to.
2. Take Mini Breaks: Though formal breaks are limited, take mini mental breaks. Close your eyes for a few seconds, take deep breaths, and stretch your hands and feet discreetly under the desk to relieve tension.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink water before the exam starts and use the toilet before going in. While you may not have frequent access during the exam, staying hydrated beforehand can help maintain your focus. Eat a light meal or snack that provides lasting energy, such as nuts, fruits, or a protein bar.
Post-Exam Reflection
After the exam, take some time to relax and reflect, and acknowledge your efforts. It might feel like you have just run a marathon, so be gentle on yourself and have a low-demand evening. Commonly, people have no idea how well they performed immediately after. Remember, many psychologists before you have successfully passed the NPE, and so can you.
Final Thoughts
Facing the National Psychology Exam can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can manage your anxiety and stress effectively. Good luck, and remember, many psychologists have passed the NPE before you. You got this!
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Provisional Psychologist
Imposter syndrome is a common experience among provisional psychologists, particularly those who are completing their studies or internships. It manifests as persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a "fraud," at times even with evidence of competence and success.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome can be particularly challenging for provisional psychologists, where in many ways you're still learning the ropes. In your clinical work there's a significant power imbalance, as you're often working with vulnerable people who rely on your expertise. This internal conflict can create significant stress and anxiety. Personality traits, such as perfectionism, which likely helped you in your study may make it more likely you experience imposter syndrome.
Emotions Have Jobs
Our emotions are powerful communicators. They provide us with essential information about our internal states and can motivate us for action. When you experience self-doubt, it might be a sign that you need to focus more on certain areas of your professional development. For instance, if you're feeling unsure about your intervention skills, it might be time to seek additional training or supervision in that area.
Cognitive Distortions and Thinking Mistakes
However, not all self-doubt is constructive. Sometimes, our thoughts are clouded by cognitive distortions, which are unrealistic and unhelpful ways of thinking that can reinforce imposter syndrome. Common cognitive distortions include:
All-or-Nothing Thinking: Viewing situations in black-and-white terms, without recognising the grey areas.
Over-generalisation: Seeing a single negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeat.
Disqualifying the Positive: Ignoring or dismissing positive accomplishments and feedback.
Recognising these patterns in your thinking can help you challenge and reframe them, leading to a more balanced and accurate self-assessment.
Turning Doubt into Development
When self-doubt strikes, it can be an opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge. Engage in professional development activities such as attending workshops, seeking supervision, and participating in peer discussions. This proactive approach not only improves your competence but can reinforce your confidence. Don’t forget to look for evidence to fact check your thinking. Ask yourself:
What evidence do I have that supports my feelings of inadequacy?
What evidence do I have that opposes these feelings?
Are there examples of my success and positive feedback that I’m ignoring?
By systematically evaluating the evidence, you can develop a more objective view of your abilities and achievements. Ask others how you are performing and trust in the feedback from your supervisors and peers. Remember that everyone experiences doubts at times, you've completed rigorous academic and practical training to reach this point.
Imposter syndrome is a common hurdle for provisional psychologists, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. By understanding the role of emotions, identifying cognitive distortions, seeking evidence, and engaging in ongoing professional development, you can build the confidence needed to thrive in your career. Remember, your journey as a psychologist is a continual learning process, and each step you take brings you closer to becoming the competent professional you aspire to be.
How to Maintain Motivation in the Last 4 Weeks Before Sitting the NPE
As the countdown to the National Psychology Exam (NPE) begins, maintaining motivation can be a challenge for many provisional psychologists. The final four weeks are crucial, and it's essential to stay focused and motivated. Here are some practical strategies to help you make the most of this critical period.
1. Plan Your Time
Creating a detailed study schedule can provide structure and keep you on track. Start by assessing where you are in your confidence with each domain of the exam. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, allocate less time to areas you are already confident in and dedicate more time to domains where you need improvement. Break down your study material into manageable chunks and allocate specific times for each topic. Be realistic about how much time you have and how you will use it. This approach helps prevent feeling overwhelmed and ensures that you cover all necessary content.
2. Take Leave if Possible
If you can, consider taking some time off work or reducing your professional commitments, particularly in the last week or two. This will allow you to dedicate more time to your studies without the added stress of balancing work and exam preparation. Use this period to focus intensively on your exam preparation.
3. Prioritise Self-Care
Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is crucial during this intense period. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to ensure your brain is well-rested. Eat a balanced diet, fuel your body with nutritious foods to maintain energy levels. Exercise regularly, physical activity can boost your mood and improve concentration.
4. Reduce Other Commitments
Minimise social engagements and other non-essential commitments to free up more time for studying. Politely inform friends and family that you'll be less available during this period and request for support with some of your usual activities that are time consuming or draining.
5. Practise Self-Compassion
It's normal to feel anxious or stressed as the exam approaches. Practise self-compassion by acknowledging your efforts and avoiding self-criticism. Remember, it's okay to take breaks and give yourself permission to rest when needed.
6. Use Active Study Techniques
Engage in active study techniques such as:
Practice exams: Simulate the exam environment to get accustomed to the pressure.
Flashcards: Use them for quick revision and memory reinforcement.
Group study sessions: Collaborate with peers to discuss challenging topics and gain new perspectives.
7. Visualise Success
Spend a few minutes each day visualising yourself successfully completing the exam. Positive visualisation can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety. Imagine walking out of the exam room feeling accomplished and proud of your hard work.
8. Stay Connected with Your Support System
Lean on your support system for encouragement and motivation. Whether it’s talking to a mentor, a study group, or family and friends, sharing your feelings and progress can help you stay positive and focused.
The last four weeks before the NPE can be intense, but with the right strategies, you can maintain your motivation and perform your best. Be realistic about your time and allocate tasks wisely. Prioritise self-care, reduce other commitments, practise self-compassion, and use active study techniques. You've worked hard to get to this point, it’s almost over, don’t lose focus now!
Pros and Cons of Sitting the National Psychology Exam (NPE) Online
As a provisional psychologist in Australia, you have the option to sit the National Psychology Exam (NPE) either online through an online proctored format or at a designated test centre. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and your choice will depend on your personal circumstances, preferences, and access to necessary resources. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to sit the NPE online.
Pros of Sitting the NPE Online
Flexibility and Convenience: One of the biggest perks of taking the NPE online is the flexibility it offers. You can take the exam from the comfort of your home or any suitable location, eliminating the need for travel. This can be especially beneficial if you live far from a test centre or have a busy schedule.
Reduced Stress: Taking the exam in a familiar environment can help reduce anxiety and stress associated with unfamiliar exam settings. You can set up your exam space to be as comfortable as possible, including adjusting the lighting, temperature, and seating. This level of control can make a significant difference in your comfort and performance during the exam.
Safety: Taking the exam online reduces the risk of exposure to illnesses and reduces difficulties with accessibility needs, as not all exam centres will be wheelchair accessible. This is particularly important for those who are vulnerable or have underlying health conditions or disabilities.
Cons of Sitting the NPE Online
Technical Requirements and Issues: To sit the exam online, you must have a reliable computer, webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. Ensuring that all technical requirements are met can be challenging and unpredictable! There's also the risk of technical glitches, such as internet outages or computer malfunctions, which can disrupt the exam and make it take much longer. Unfortunately, if there are significant technological issues, there is the risk that the exam is discontinued.
Strict Proctoring Rules: Online exams require a distraction-free environment, which can be difficult if you live with others or do not have a quite clutter free dedicated space. Additionally, you aren’t permitted to read questions aloud or talk during the exam, which might feel restrictive if you're used to verbalising your thoughts.
Security Concerns: Online exams require multiple forms of identity verification, including photo ID checks and biometric data like keystroke and facial recognition. Any suspicious behaviour or inability to comply with proctor instructions can lead to exam termination and potential disciplinary actions.
Final Considerations
When deciding whether to sit the NPE online, consider your personal comfort with technology, your home environment, and your ability to manage potential technical issues. If you have a stable and quiet home setup and feel comfortable with the technical requirements, the online exam might offer the convenience and flexibility you need. However, if you prefer a structured environment with fewer technical concerns, sitting the exam at a test centre might be a better option.
Regardless of your choice, thorough preparation and familiarising yourself with the exam guidelines will help you approach the NPE with confidence and clarity. If you have any questions or concerns about the exam format, reach out to your supervisor.
Do not forget you must contact the National Psychology Exam Coordinator for any accommodations at least 30 days before your exam date.
See also this discussion on why to sit the exam at the centre.
NPE Study Techniques and Ideas
If you’re just starting your National Psychology Exam (NPE) preparation, this post has some effective techniques that may help you study. Remember we all learn differently and tailoring your study to what works for you is important. For example, thinking about the time we absorb information best is key. Do you learn better early in the morning or later in the day?
Tips for Retaining Information
Retaining information can be challenging, but these evidence-based techniques can help:
Active Learning: Engage actively with the material instead of passively reading information. This might look like asking questions, making notes, and summarising key ideas in your own words. Take what you are learning about to another person or study groups to deepen understanding.
Mind Maps: Mind maps help you see connections between concepts and make the material more memorable. Create mind maps for each domain or topic to visualise the relationships between different pieces of information. You might like to look at videos on YouTube about how to create a mindmap.
Teaching Others: Teaching NPE material to someone else is a powerful way to reinforce your understanding. This might be forming study groups and taking turns teaching each other different topics to maximise your time or telling your patient dog about the ethical considerations for using hypnosis and related practices. Explaining concepts to others helps clarify your own understanding and identify any gaps in knowledge.
Storytelling: Create stories or scenarios that incorporate the information you’re learning or trying to solidify in your mind. This technique makes abstract concepts more concrete and relatable.
Spaced Repetition: Review information at spaced intervals to enhance long-term retention. This may involve regularly revisiting previously studied material to reinforce your memory or using flashcards.
Practice Questions: Regularly complete practice questions and simulate exam conditions if you can. Practising under exam-like conditions helps you become comfortable with the format and time constraints of answering questions. Regularly completing practice questions helps identify areas where you need further study and improves test-taking skills. We have some great practice questions that allow you to get immediate feedback and under exam-like conditions.
Personal Study Strategies
When I prepared for the NPE, I found mind maps, storytelling, and teaching others to be particularly effective. Here’s how I used these techniques:
Mind Maps: I created mind maps for each exam domain and then for individual topics within them, which helped me visualise and connect different concepts. This was especially useful for understanding complex relationships and processes.
Storytelling: When studying the DSM and specific disorders we needed to have detailed knowledge on I developed stories and scenarios around the information I was learning. This made the material more engaging and easier to remember. I also found drawing Venn diagrams of overlapping disorders and traits helpful to tease ideas that were similar apart.
Teaching Others: I formed a small study group with a work colleague and joined Psychology Squared 10 week NPE study program. My work colleague and I took turns teaching each other different topics and explaining concepts to my peers reinforced my understanding and helped identify any gaps in my knowledge.
Effective preparation for the NPE involves a combination of structured planning, using the right resources, and employing strategies to retain information. We hope the above ideas are helpful in enhancing your study sessions and improve your chances of success. Remember, every psychologist who has passed the NPE started where you are now. With dedication and the right approach, you can pass the exam too.
Have you found any particular study strategies helpful in your preparation for the NPE? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! Your insights could help fellow provisional psychologists in their journey.
Tackling the National Psychology Exam
Preparing for the National Psychology Exam (NPE) can be a daunting and overwhelming task, but with the right study strategies, you can approach the NPE with confidence. This post is about where to start once you have decided to sit the NPE. As you read below it is vital that you think about how you learn best and tailor your study plan to what works for you. Usually looking back without judgement about what you have done in the past can give good insight.
Create a Study Schedule
Research has shown that goal setting and study planning not only improves performance but can even alter your thinking and engagement about your study. A structured study schedule may be helpful for some, where you actively block out study periods and topics in your calendar. Alternatively, a less structured approach may involve a list of goals or topics you will learn about and how you will review the information over the next 4 weeks. However, it will work for you, having an idea of what you want to do, how you will do it and what time you realistically have is crucial for effective NPE preparation.
Here are some ideas to get you started creating a study plan:
1. Review Your Timeline: Determine how many weeks or months you have until you plan to sit the NPE, this will give you a baseline for how long you must prepare. Next block out any planned events where you will be unable to study, such as school holidays, leave, demanding work periods or any other commitment. After this overview, reflect on your usual week and calculate how many hours you can realistically dedicate to study. Be realistic and do not forget to set aside time to relax your brain too!
2. Incorporate Breaks: Ensure you have planned regular breaks in your study schedule to avoid overwhelm, losing interest or experiencing burnout. The Pomodoro Technique may be helpful, where you do 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break. Some people will find short 30-minute blocks best and others prefer longer 90-120 minute study sessions. If you do a longer study session, make sure you take longer breaks between starting another to rest your brain. Reflect on what has worked for you before and try to make that fit into your schedule.
3. Divide the Content: Break down the exam content into manageable sections. Reflect on what you need to know and how much you have used the required knowledge from each domain in your work experience. Then allocate time for each domain: Ethics, Assessment, Interventions, and Communication. Focus more time on areas where you feel less confident and have less experience.
4. Set Specific Goals: Set clear, achievable goals for each study session or milestone. For example, "Complete 10 practice questions from Pelling and Burton, choosing a correct answer and explaining why the other answers are incorrect." Track your progress in a structured study plan to monitor what you need to know, and adjust your schedule as needed.
5. Review Regularly: Plan for regular review sessions to reinforce what you have learned. Use spaced repetition techniques to enhance long-term retention and review your notes, flashcards, and recommended readings.
Recommended Study Materials and Resources
Using the right study materials can make a significant difference in your preparation. Here are some resources to consider:
Official Guidelines: Start with the NPE Candidate Manual, the curriculum and reading list provided by the Psychology Board of Australia. These documents outline the exam structure and content in detail. It literally provides you with a list of what you will need to know to sit the NPE. Don’t just review it once at the beginning, continue to refer to this list to make sure you are on progress. It can be less overwhelming to break down the reading list by domain and review one at a time.
Textbooks and Articles: Select NPE focussed textbooks. Books we have found provide a good overview are The Elements of Applied Psychological Practice in Australia by Pelling and Burton and Ethical Practice in Applied Psychology by Boyle and Gamble.
Study Groups, Online Courses, and Webinars: Explore online resources, including webinars, study groups or courses that focus on exam preparation and specific psychological topics. At Psychology Squared we offer many NPE related products, such a peer facilitated discussion group, recorded webinars, Kahoot quizzes, and have a Facebook group dedicated to the NPE. Even just having someone to study with is likely to be helpful.
Have you found a different approach helpful for you to start your NPE planning or gained a new insight from this post? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!