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Testing CPCE

Department of Counseling College of Education and P-16 Integration

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Contact Us

Dr. Suzanne Maniss
Department Chair/ Professor
Department of Counseling
E: EEDUC 1.506, B: BNOBL 108
Email: coug@utrgv.edu
Phone: Edinburg: (956) 665-2816
Phone Alt: Brownsville: (956) 882-7678

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CPCE

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination

Over 400 college and university counseling programs across the country use CCE’s Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).

Counseling programs benefit from the CPCE in various ways.

The CPCE:

  • Provides a master’s program comprehensive exam that meets high psychometric standards.
  • Gives programs an objective view of the knowledge level of their students.
  • Allows programs to examine student functioning in various curricular areas.
  • Promotes longitudinal self-study.
  • Compares a program’s results to national data.
  • Stimulates student integration of knowledge learned in separate courses.
  • Gives students comparative strength and weakness feedback.

The CPCE order registration can be found on the High School to University Programs and Testing Services UTRGV ePay registration site.

How Is the CPCE Scored?

The CPCE is a 160-item multiple-choice examination, but only 136 items are used to determine if you meet the minimum passing (criterion) score. The other 24 items are undergoing field testing, to determine suitability for future use. (You will not know which items are being field-tested when you take the CPCE.)

The maximum possible score on the CPCE is 136, and NBCC determines the minimum passing score, which varies between versions, using a modified Angoff procedure. The CPCE is not scored on a “curve,” so your passing score is not influenced by other examinees’ results, but you can compare your score to national results.

What does the CPCE cover?

The CPCE covers the following content areas:

  • Human growth and development (COUN 6304)
  • Social and cultural diversity (COUN 6364)
  • Helping relationships (COUN 6327 & 6328)
  • Group work (COUN 6368)
  • Career development (COUN 6345)
  • Assessment (COUN 6314)
  • Research and program evaluation (COUN 6301)
  • Professional orientation and ethical practice (COUN 6310 & 6313)

The CPCE also includes the following work behaviors:

  • Fundamental counseling issues;
  • Counseling process;
  • Diagnostic and assessment services (COUN 6340)
  • Professional practice; and
  • Professional development, supervision and consultation.

CPCE Study Materials

While CCE does not offer an official study guide for the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), we do provide a list of textbook resources frequently used in CACREP-accredited counselor preparation programs.

The list of resources can be found at CPCE Textbook Guide.

Recommended Resources for Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination CPCE:

**Passing the CPCE is graduation requirement, and may initially be attempted during COUN 6365 Practicum I. Make plans accordingly.**

  • Gregoire, J., & Jungers, C. M. (2007).  The counselor’s companion: What every beginning counselor needs to know. (1st ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0805856842  

  • Rosenthal, H. G. (2008). Encyclopedia of counseling: Master review and tutorial for the national counselor examination and state exams. (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0415958622  

  • Helwig, A. A. (2015). Study guide for the NCE and CPCE. (7th ed.). Broomfield, CO: Author. ISBN: 978-0964837775  

CPCE Brochure

Learn more about the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) from the CPCE Brochure.

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