NCE Prep
Below are some suggestions and options for preparing for the NCE.
About the NCE
The National Counselor Examination (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 (NBCC, 2024). You have a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete it. Only 160 questions are graded (4p questions are "in development") and a passing score depends on the exam form. Typically, it is around 98 - 105.
Studying
By far, the most recommended resource is the Purple Book. In fact, I have yet to hear of a different resource from my supervisees and colleagues. The NBCC has some other options listed here: Exam Prep Options
Registering & Taking the Exam
Registration (NBCC, 2024): Candidates must register online using their Credentialing Gateway account as part of the NCC application. Candidates should navigate to nbcc.org and choose “Login,” located in the top right corner of the screen. This will take them to a log-in screen where they can either log in or create a Credentialing Gateway account. The Credentialing Gateway can also be accessed directly at my.nbcc.org.
After a candidate has successfully registered with NBCC via the NCC application in their Credentialing Gateway account and has been approved to schedule their examination appointment, they will receive an Authorization to Test email from NBCC. This email will arrive 2 to 3 weeks prior to the opening of the examination window. To Schedule Online:
• Log into your my.nbcc.org account.
• Click your NCC Application Button.
• Under NCC Options, click Go To Pearson.
• Use the Pearson Vue website to select a test date.
Taking the Exam: You can choose to take the NCE at a testing center or at your own residence (or someone else's - if it's quieter!). Taking the test at home will require a reliable internet connection and you'll need a laptop/computer that is able to utilize the testing software, called OnVUE. It's essential that you run a systems check beforehand, as some computers are too old to be compatible with the software. Here is a helpful info sheet from NBCC that guides you through the process: Taking the NCE Remotely
I've heard from some folks that OnVUE does not work well with Mac computers or Macbooks, so it's a good idea to think about borrowing someone's PC as a backup, in case your Apple computer doesn't work.
Some people have worried about their internet dropping while taking the test. From MBCC: During an OnVUE online NCE administration, if the candidate experiences a power outage that temporarily interrupts the administration of the examination, the NCE will restart at the last question completed. The candidate will need to log back in to restart the examination
After a candidate has successfully registered with NBCC via the NCC application in their Credentialing Gateway account and has been approved to schedule their examination appointment, they will receive an Authorization to Test email from NBCC. This email will arrive 2 to 3 weeks prior to the opening of the examination window. To Schedule Online:
• Log into your my.nbcc.org account.
• Click your NCC Application Button.
• Under NCC Options, click Go To Pearson.
• Use the Pearson Vue website to select a test date.
Taking the Exam: You can choose to take the NCE at a testing center or at your own residence (or someone else's - if it's quieter!). Taking the test at home will require a reliable internet connection and you'll need a laptop/computer that is able to utilize the testing software, called OnVUE. It's essential that you run a systems check beforehand, as some computers are too old to be compatible with the software. Here is a helpful info sheet from NBCC that guides you through the process: Taking the NCE Remotely
I've heard from some folks that OnVUE does not work well with Mac computers or Macbooks, so it's a good idea to think about borrowing someone's PC as a backup, in case your Apple computer doesn't work.
Some people have worried about their internet dropping while taking the test. From MBCC: During an OnVUE online NCE administration, if the candidate experiences a power outage that temporarily interrupts the administration of the examination, the NCE will restart at the last question completed. The candidate will need to log back in to restart the examination
NCE Handbook
For additional details, you can review the NBCC's comprehensive resource: NCE Candidate Handbook
