National Counselor Exam Study Guide (NCE)

The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a standardized test administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to certify mental health counselors in the U.S. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, including 160 scored and 40 unscored items for statistical purposes. The NCE assesses knowledge in various areas, including counseling theories and assessment. To take the exam, candidates must meet eligibility requirements, complete educational prerequisites, and apply for licensure. Preparation is essential, and resources like "The Purple Book" are recommended. The passing threshold is about 60%, with around 83% of candidates passing on their first attempt.

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What is the NCE

The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a standardized exam used in the United States for the purpose of certifying individuals as licensed professional counselors (LPCs). The exam is developed by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCE examination consists of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with 160 questions contributing to the overall score and 40 questions designated as unscored. The purpose of these 40 unscored MCQs is to gather statistical data for the development of items to be utilized in upcoming examinations. You have 3 hours and 45 minutes to take the exam.

The NCE assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for effective counseling practice. It typically covers a range of topics, including human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, counseling theories, assessment and testing, career development, and professional counseling issues. The successful completion of the NCE is often a requirement for licensure as a professional counselor in many states. 

Examination names and requirements can change, so it is advisable to check with the relevant licensing board or the National Board for Certified Counselors for the most up-to-date information on the NCE or any other counseling exams. Click here for the NCE content outline.

NCE Testing Process

To take the National Counselor Examination (NCE), you typically need to follow these steps:

• Check Eligibility Requirements: Review the eligibility requirements for taking the NCE. Eligibility criteria may vary by state, so it is important to check with your state licensing board or the NBCC for specific information.
• Educational Requirements: Ensure that you have completed the necessary education requirements for taking the NCE. This includes a master's degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Apply for Licensure: In many cases, you need to apply for licensure through your state's licensing board. Submit the required application forms and fees.
• Register for the Exam: Once your application for licensure is approved, you can register for the NCE. Visit the NBCC website or contact your state licensing board for information on registration procedures, fees, and deadlines.
• Schedule the Exam: After registering, schedule your exam through the designated testing service. The NCE is typically administered by Pearson VUE. You can choose a test center and a date that is convenient for you.
• Prepare for the Exam: Consider using study materials and resources provided by the NBCC or other reputable sources to prepare for the exam. There are review courses, study guides, and practice exams available to help you familiarize yourself with the content and format of the NCE. I recommend The Purple Book.
• Take the Exam: On the day of the exam, arrive at the test center with the required identification and any other materials specified in the exam guidelines. The NCE is a computer-based exam, and you'll be provided with instructions on how to proceed.
• Receive Scores: After completing the exam, you will receive your unofficial scores immediately. Official scores are typically available within a few weeks. The scoring process is explained in the information provided by the NBCC.
• Submit Scores to Licensing Board: NBCC should submit your official NCE scores to your state licensing board as part of the licensure application process.
• Licensure Application: Complete any additional requirements specified by your state licensing board, which may include submitting documentation of supervised experience and passing a jurisprudence exam.

Remember that specific steps and requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so it's crucial to check with your state licensing board for the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to take the NCE in your area.

Taking the NCE

No matter how thoroughly I prepared, I sensed as if I had studied for the wrong exam, a sentiment echoed by fellow therapists who had also taken the NCE. Be mentally prepared for the questions to deviate from the study material, as the NCE's question style can be quite distinctive.

Keep pushing forward; do not give up. Despite feeling like I had failed, I passed. If you find yourself in a similar situation and do not pass, remember that you can retake the exam after 30 days. Failing is not the end of the world; the worst outcome is the cost associated with a retake. Your chance to become an LPC remains intact and your educational efforts are far from wasted.

The passing threshold for the NCE is around 60%. For my exam version, I needed to get 94 out of 160 questions to pass, since 40 were excluded from the calculation, resulting in a bare minimum of 58% to pass the NCE. The passing criteria vary across test versions, with generally lenient standards. About 83% successfully pass on their initial attempt, indicating favorable odds for success.

How I Can Help

For those preparing for the AADC, I recommend allowing three months for preparation. I relied on The Purple Book for my NCE preparation and successfully passed on my first attempt. I made a concerted effort to review the questions frequently. This is called rote learning which is essentially memorization. Still, I highly recommend immersing yourself in as many practice questions as possible to build your confidence and familiarity with the exam. Our NCE flashcards are a powerful tool to support your study journey—don’t miss out! Click here to learn more!

More Resources

If you are interested in learning more, click here. For more information on this topic, we recommend the following:

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Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination (The Purple Book)

About the Author

Jessica Taylor is a licensed therapist and board certified coach who contributes to the promotion of mental health and addiction awareness by providing educational resources and information.