NCE
National Counselor Examination
The National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) is a 200-item multiple-choice examination designed to assess knowledge, skills and abilities determined to be important for providing effective counseling services. The NCE is a requirement for counselor licensure in many states and for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification. The NCE is also used by the military health systems.
The NCE was first used in 1983, as part of the NCC application process, and continues to undergo regular review and development to ensure it represents the current reality of practice and research in the counseling profession.
The National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification tests knowledge derived from the eight content areas of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the work behaviors determined by NBCC’s job analysis, ensuring content is based in both academic knowledge and current professional practice.
The NCE covers the following content areas:
- Human growth and development;
- Social and cultural diversity;
- Helping relationships;
- Group work;
- Career development;
- Assessment;
- Research and program evaluation; and
- Professional orientation and ethical practice.
The NCE also includes the following work behaviors:
- Fundamental counseling issues;
- Counseling process;
- Diagnostic and assessment services;
- Professional practice; and
- Professional development, supervision and consultation.
How Is the NCE Scored?
The NCE is a 200-item multiple-choice examination, but only 160 items are used to determine if you meet the minimum passing (criterion) score. The other 40 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 NCE.)
The maximum possible score on the NCE is 160, and NBCC determines the minimum passing score, which varies between versions, using a modified Angoff procedure. The NCE 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 with the NCE statistical summary.
NBCC will not release your examination score to a third party without your written permission.
State licensure application processes vary. Some use the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) and others use the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) has created a directory of state licensure board information to make the examination registration process as easy as possible.
To get started, go to the state board directory and click on the state in which you are seeking licensure. This will take you to a page that contains contact information for the state board, as well as links to an examination registration from and candidate handbook for the required examination(s). If no registration form is included, contact the state board directly for examination registration information.
On the Day of the Examination
Identification
To enter the examination site, you will need to present two valid forms of identification, one of which must include a picture. Examples of acceptable IDs include a driver’s license or picture ID issued by the department of motor vehicles, a passport, or a military ID.
Taking the Examination
Examinations are administered by appointment only, Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on authorized dates.
After the Examination
When to Expect Your Scores
If your state uses computer-based testing, you will receive an unofficial score report immediately after the exam. For your protection and confidentiality, scores are not released over the telephone.
Retaking the Examination
If you did not pass the examination, you may reregister by submitting a new registration form and fee.
NBCC and Your State Licensure Board
NBCC administers the licensure examinations used by all 50 U.S. states. Each state counselor licensure board administers the application processes and procedures in accordance with state law, including determining the requirements to sit for the examination. NBCC enforces those requirements when registering candidates for testing. If you have any questions regarding the licensure process, please contact your state licensure board.
The National Certified Counselor (NCC) (NCC) shows colleagues and the public that you have voluntarily met national standards for the general practice of counseling. NCCs may also hold specialty certifications: the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). In order to hold a specialty certification, you must also hold the NCC.
Apply for the NCC
To apply for the National Certified Counselor (NCC), you must document successful completion of a qualifying master’s degree and experience, and obtain a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Apply for a Specialty Certification
Thank you for your interest in national certification. The application requirements for the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) and the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) specialty certifications are currently under review, and these applications are unavailable until further notice. This review will not impact current NCSC or MAC certificants or applications already in progress. For questions on NBCC certification, contact us at certification@nbcc.org.
You can show your commitment and expertise in the area of clinical mental health with the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC).
To apply for the CCMHC, you must be certified as an NCC. A combination application is available, allowing you to apply for both the NCC and the CCMHC with one convenient application.
To obtain a specialty certification, you must meet all requirements, including a passing score on the applicable examination.
International Degrees
If you obtained your master’s degree outside the United States, you must obtain an equivalency evaluation before applying for certification.
Appeals
NBCC staff members review applications based on the policies and requirements of the NBCC Board of Directors. If you choose to appeal an application decision, you can do so in accordance with the Application and Certification Appeals Procedures
Learn More
NBCC has also developed a study guide to help you prepare for the NCE.
Order Examination Preparation Guides
Whether you’re taking the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) to become nationally certified or licensed in your state, preparing for the exam can be daunting.
For your convenience, NBCC is providing the following list of preparation materials, which includes our own preparation guides as well as paid advertisements for other study programs.
National Board for Certified Counselors
New Strength Counseling Service, LLC/ The NCE and NCMHCE Review
Dr. Arthur’s DSM-5 Study Programs for NCE and NCMHCE / Career Training Concepts, Inc.
Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS)
Dr. Linton's DSM-5 Online Study Programs - CounselingExam.com
Dr. Howard Rosenthal's User-Friendly Exam Prep
The Psychotherapists Training Institute
Disclaimer
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) does not endorse or uphold any claims made by vendors of study materials listed above. NBCC does not guarantee enhanced performance on any NBCC examination as a result of using study materials. No enhanced performance on any NBCC examination is expressed or implied for individuals purchasing or using any of the study materials listed above. NBCC does not guarantee the accuracy of information provided by study material advertisers.