Oral Examination Review for the Professional Practice of Psychology

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Oral Examination Review for the Professional
Practice of Psychology

• Jeff Baker, Ph.D. - UTMB
• Kathlyn Dailey, Ph.D. - SWT

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Eligibility

• Completed a Doctoral Degree in Psychology
• Completed the Written Examination for the
  Professional Practice of Psychology and Scored at
  or above 70
• Paid the fees to the State Board
• Have been sent a letter from the board telling
  you when and where to report on the day of the
  examination.

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Background of Examiners

• Has been licensed for five years as a
  psychologist
• Has been trained by the State Board of Examiners
• Only has access to your name the night before the
  exam
• Does not recognize your name as a former trainee
  or colleague

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Process of the Exam

• Check in at least 15-30 minutes before you are
  scheduled for the exam.
• Youre given a picture ID and escorted to the IN
  ROOM.
• Interaction with the Examiners
• After the Exam
• The OUT Room

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Testing Environment

• Introductions
• Taping
• Vignette
• Scratch Paper
• 2 Way Mirror Room Temp
• 60 Minutes told ½ way through exam

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Vignette

• 10 Areas that are generally assessed
• 5-10 minutes to read vignette
• Alternating Questions

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Diagnose the Problem

• Identify the Presenting Concern
• Provide as many concerns and possible presenting
  problems as possible
• Think it through and look for symptoms that may
  identify DSMIV Axis I and Axis II disorders

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Evaluation

• Clinical Interview
• Assessment Instruments
• Be general, but only suggest those that you are
  truly familiar with and that are applicable to
  this presenting concern

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Treatment

• Specifically, what would you recommend be done
  regarding this client
• Consult, psychotherapy, more testing, physical
  exam, neurological exam, group, vocational, etc.

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Cross Cultural Issues

• Identify cross cultural issues

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Ethical Issues

• Respond with an understanding of APA, State,
  Legal

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Crisis Intervention

• Reflect back on what kind of protocol you have
  used in the past to respond to a crisis
  situation.
• More than likely you will need to be able to
  identify how you would respond in a crisis
  situation.
• Consider ethical dilemmas, complicating factors,
  suicidal response, who the client is, and
  appropriate medical issues.

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Professional Development

• What professional limitations might you have
  regarding this case
• What should a person do when faced with personal
  do when faced with such limitations.
• What personal limitations do you have that might
  affect your practice of psychology

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Evaluation

• Independent Rating
• Pass Plus, Pass, Split, Fail
• Dismissed or given option to retake exam

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Questions

• Other Issues
• Details