NCE / NCMHCE

The NCE and NCMHCE are the two primary standardized examinations used in the United States for counselor licensure and certification. Both are administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), but they serve slightly different purposes and test different types of knowledge and skills.

Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about each exam.

National Counselor Examination (NCE)

The NCE is a foundational exam designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities determined to be important for providing effective, general counseling services. It is often taken immediately after or near the end of a master’s program in counseling.

• Format: 200 multiple-choice questions (160 are scored; 40 are unscored field-test items).

• Time Limit: 3 hours and 45 minutes.

• What it Tests: It evaluates your academic knowledge based on the eight core curriculum areas defined by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP):

  1. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice

  2. Social and Cultural Diversity

  3. Human Growth and Development

  4. Career Development

  5. Counseling and Helping Relationships

  6. Group Counseling and Group Work

  7. Assessment and Testing

  8. Research and Program Evaluation

      

• Purpose: Primarily used for initial state licensure (e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor – LPC) and to earn the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.