The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a licensing and certification exam used in the counseling profession. As an important step for counselors-in-training, the NCE tests knowledge and applied skills across key areas. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the exam.
We’ll start by defining the NCE and its role. Then we’ll cover eligibility, registration, preparation strategies, detailed content breakdowns, sample questions, national certification benefits, and final tips. By the end, you’ll feel ready to take this test required for professional practice. Let’s get started!
About the NCE
| Article | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| NCMHCE Candidate Handbook | – Assesses ability to apply core counselor skills and competencies – 11 case studies with 100 scored multiple-choice questions – Measures knowledge in areas like ethics, assessment, treatment planning |
| NCE Content Outline | – 200 questions, 160 scored and 40 unscored – Aligns with 8 CACREP content areas – Assesses theoretical and skill-based knowledge |
| NCE Candidate Handbook | – Required for counselor licensure and NCC certification – Developed from job analysis of 16,000+ counselors – Measures skills vital for effective counseling |
| NCE Handbook for National Certification | – Passing NCE + 3,000 supervised hours required for NCC – Submit certification application within 6 years – Certification provides professional credibility |
| Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering Journal | – Multidisciplinary, open access journal – Publishes research on neural networks and systems – Offers guidance on article structure and references |
The National Counselor Examination is developed and administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). First introduced in 1982, the NCE measures entry-level counseling competencies across eight CACREP content areas.
The exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions, with 160 scored questions and 40 pretest questions. It assesses knowledge and skills related to six work behavior domains: Professional Practice and Ethics, Intake Assessment and Diagnosis, Areas of Clinical Focus, Treatment Planning, Counseling Skills and Interventions, and Core Counseling Attributes.
Passing the NCE is required for licensure in many states and for National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification. By establishing a national standard, the NCE protects public health and safety.
NCE Eligibility and Registration
To qualify for the NCE, you must have a graduate degree in counseling or be enrolled in your final term of a counseling graduate program. Some states allow students to take the exam prior to graduation.
Visit the NBCC website to create an account, submit eligibility documentation, and register for a test date. You can schedule the computer-based NCE year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays) at Prometric test centers. The $275 exam fee is paid during registration.
Once approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. This contains your ID number and outlines the next steps to schedule your appointment.
Preparing for the NCE
Start preparing early, especially if counseling concepts don’t come easy. Allocate 2-3 months for thorough review. Useful resources include:
- NBCC’s official NCE preparation guide
- NBCC’s online practice exams
- Counseling exam prep books
- Study groups with peers
As you study:
- Focus on your weaker CACREP areas
- Learn counseling theories in depth
- Review the NCE content outline
- Take timed practice tests
- Simulate real testing conditions
This comprehensive preparation will help you pass the NCE on your first try!
NCE Content and Development
| Takeaway | Description |
|---|---|
| NCE measures counseling competencies | The NCE assesses knowledge and skills across 8 CACREP areas and 6 work behaviors needed for safe, ethical practice as an entry-level counselor. |
| NCMHCE tests clinical judgment | The NCMHCE uses case studies to evaluate clinical mental health counseling skills in areas like diagnosis, treatment planning, and interventions. |
| Exams align with practice analyses | Both exams are developed and updated based on job analyses surveying practicing counselors to determine essential tasks and knowledge. |
| NCMHCE format changed in 2022 | The NCMHCE previously had 10 simulations in 3 parts. The new 130-150 item test has 11 case studies with multiple-choice questions only. |
| Passing scores set by experts | Standard setting with subject matter experts determines the passing score representing minimum competence. For NCE it’s 60% correct, while NCMHCE uses total correctly answered scored questions. |
Let’s explore the exam content and development process. This inside look will help you know what to expect.
The NBCC regularly conducts job analyses to determine essential counseling tasks and validate test content. Practicing counselors across specialties are surveyed about the frequency and importance of work behaviors.
The test blueprint aligns with updated task and knowledge ratings. There is balanced representation of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counseling theory, interventions, ethics, social diversity, and other core areas. Pretest questions are also included for analysis before appearing as scored items on future exams.
Ongoing practice analyses and input from counseling professionals ensure the NCE measures skills vital for safe, ethical practice.
NCE Sample Examination Questions
Here are some examples of actual past NCE questions to give you an idea of what test items assess:
A counselor is facilitating a group for parents seeking skills to discipline their young children. One parent advocates spanking, reasoning that they “turned out fine.” What concept does the counselor need to explain to address this parent’s underlying assumption?
A. Unconditional positive regard
B. Cognitive dissonance
C. Modeling
D. Operant conditioning
A client taking medication for depression returns from a medical appointment upset. Their physician warned about possible drug interactions with an herbal supplement they recently started. What should the counselor do first?
A. Consult with the physician about the specific drug interaction risk
B. Advise the client to stop taking the herbal supplement
C. Ask about the herbal supplement’s intended benefits
D. Review the medication’s common side effects
A counselor is seeking ideas to better engage a group of adolescent clients in discussions about risky behaviors. The counselor wants to incorporate the clients’ interests and frame concepts meaningfully. What counseling theory would offer relevant techniques?
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy
B. Adlerian theory
C. Existential therapy
D. Psychoanalysis
These questions represent the NCE’s application of knowledge across topics like theory, ethics, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling practice. Answering correctly requires analyzing information, evaluating options, and applying concepts.
National Certification
| Key Takeaways | NCE (National Counselor Examination) | NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination) | New Chemical Entity (NCE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Measures knowledge and skills for entry-level counselors | Focuses on clinical decision-making for mental health counselors | A drug with an active moiety not previously approved by the FDA |
| Content Areas | Covers 8 CACREP areas and 6 work behaviors | Professional Practice and Ethics; Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis; Treatment Planning; Counseling Skills and Interventions; Core Counseling Attributes | Involves drug development, clinical trials, and FDA approval process |
| Exam Format | 200 multiple-choice questions with 160 scored | Old: 10 clinical simulations; New: 130-150 multiple-choice questions based on case studies | N/A |
| Duration | N/A | Old: 195 minutes; New: 255 minutes | N/A |
| Scoring | 160 scored questions determine passing score | Old: Negative marking; New: No negative marking | N/A |
| Development | Based on national job analysis of credentialed counselors | Updated to reflect current professional practice | Undergoes clinical trials and regulatory review for drug product transformation |
| Exclusivity | N/A | N/A | 5-year market exclusivity for the drug substance under certain FDA applications |
| Administration Mode | In test centers | Both in test centers and online | N/A |
| Availability | N/A | Old: Until Spring/October 2022; New: Beginning Fall/November 2022 | N/A |
Earning National Certified Counselor (NCC) credentials shows your ongoing commitment to the profession. This distinguished certification is recognized worldwide.
To qualify, you must pass the NCE and accrue 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience after graduation. Submit your certification application to the NBCC within 6 years of passing the exam.
Benefits include:
- Professional credibility and recognition
- Increased job and career opportunities
- Access to liability insurance and legal resources
- Client referrals through the NBCC website
- Discounts on professional development resources
National certification validates specialized knowledge and showcases your counseling expertise.
Conclusion
We’ve covered the NCE’s vital role in counselor licensure and certification. This guide reviewed need-to-know details about eligibility, registration, preparation strategies, exam development, sample questions, and national certification advantages.
With hard work and comprehensive study, you can demonstrate the ethical competencies and clinical skills needed to pass the NCE. Use the tips and resources provided to support your success. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions About the NCE
What is the NCE?
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a 200-item, multiple-choice test that measures professional counseling knowledge and skills. The exam covers content areas like human development, assessment, counseling theory, group work, ethics, social diversity, and research. It is required for licensure and certification.
What is a passing score on the NCE?
Of the 200 questions, 160 are scored. You must answer 96 of the 160 scored questions correctly to pass the NCE. That equates to a minimum passing score of 60%.
Is the NCE a difficult exam?
The NCE covers a broad range of counseling topics, so thorough preparation is important. It is written at the difficulty level of an entry-level counselor. While challenging for some, it is very reasonable with proper study.
What happens if I don’t pass the NCE?
You must wait at least 90 days before retaking the exam. It is wise to identify areas of weakness, create a study plan, and allow ample time to reprepare. With commitment to learning key concepts, many candidates pass on their second attempt.
References
- National Board for Certified Counselors. (2023). National counselor examination (NCE) 2023 candidate handbook. https://www.nbcc.org/assets/exam/handbooks/nce.pdf
