NCMHCE FAQs
The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is one of the most comprehensive exams required by currently 33 out of 50 states for licensure, developed by a panel of experts after extensive research and development. While the NCE is currently the most portable and utilized counseling exam for licensure (42 out of 50 states) and is required to obtain several certifications including the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, use of the NCMHCE has expanded quickly and is being recognized as more of a clinical specialty exam encompassing the highest standard of clinical practice. The NCMHCE is intended for use in not only to become licensed or obtain the NCC, but required for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential as well.
The NCMHCE uses multiple-choice questions based on a case study including intake notes and session notes. The case studies of the NCMHCE are designed to replicate the actual work of a clinical mental health counselor. Each case study will comprise one narrative and a range of 9-15 multiple-choice questions. These questions measure application and other higher cognitive levels as defined in the Bloom's Taxonomy classification framework. Each case study is broken down into three sections: initial intake summary and two subsequent counseling sessions. Each of the sections starts with a piece of the narrative followed by a set of multiple-choice questions. The test measures an entry level counselor's ability to apply knowledge of professional practice and ethics, intake, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, counseling skills and interventions, and core counseling attributes in a real world clinical mental health session.
The NCMHCE is composed of 11 case studies (one of these will be unscored) with 9-15 multiple-questions each. There are 100 multiple-choice questions in total.
You have four hours and fifteen minutes to complete the NCMHCE.
The NCMHCE is taken on a computer at a Pearson VUE testing center as part of a state licensure process or as part of the National Certified Counselor (NCC) application.
The score needed to pass will vary based on the state where you take the NCMHCE to obtain a counselor license.
The NCMHCE covers the following six domains:
- Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis (20-30%)
- Treatment Planning (10-20%)
- Counseling Skills and Interventions (25-35%)
- Professional Practice and Ethics (10-20%)
- Core Counseling Attributes (10-20%)
- Areas of Clinical Focus, which is the given information provided in each case study
The NCMHCE was developed by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). A committee of subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop exam items built on the core knowledge base of practicing counselors was established by the NBCC. Led by psychometric experts with expertise on counseling, the exam reflects the central requirements of counselors, clinical and practical, through real-world simulated case questions.
The NBCC uses Pearson VUE to administer and score the NCMHCE. Candidates may choose the in-person test administration at a Pearson VUE test center by making an appointment during advertised business hours during an approved test authorization window. It may be taken throughout the year.
Counselors can work in a variety of specialties and settings with a basic license, but certain national certifications, such as the National Certified Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor designations, demonstrate that a counselor has met additional requirements generally accepted as indicative of expertise in the profession. The National Counselor Certification not only verifies that a counselor meets certain professional standards, but the certification also can improve a counselor's career prospects and provide access to valuable counseling resources. Passing the NCMHCE gives the individual a competitive edge in the job market and/or for marketing a solo counseling practice as proof of meeting the highest professional and ethical standards in the clinical field not only verifies that a counselor meets certain professional standards, but the certification can also improve a counselor's career prospects and provide access to valuable counseling resources.
Passing the NCMHCE allows the counselor to use the "NCC" after their name. The National Counselor Certification and the NCMHCE not only verifies that a counselor meets certain professional standards, but the certification also can improve a counselor's career prospects and provide access to valuable counseling resources. Taking and passing the NCMHCE as part of a state board licensing application, allows the counselor to use the "LPC" after their name, for Licensed Professional Counselor.
NBCC uses Pearson VUE to administer and score the NCMHCE. It has test centers all over the U.S. Pearson VUE has two options for taking the NCMHCE:
- Taking the test at a Pearson VUE test center.
- Taking the test at home through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform.
Yes, NBCC uses Pearson VUE to administer and score the NCMHCE. It has test centers all over the U.S. Pearson VUE has two options for taking the NCMHCE:
- Taking the test at a Pearson VUE test center.
- Taking the test at home through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform.
Each state has unique licensing and exam requirements for professional counselors. Many jurisdictions require a candidate to have a graduate degree in an degree in counseling from an accredited school meeting credit limits. Additionally, they must meet supervised clinical experience requirements of a certain number of hours of post-graduate professional counseling, and weeks of supervision, sometimes including at least one hour of individual supervision per week, or two hours of group supervision per week as well as pass an ethics exam.
The NBCC uses Pearson VUE to administer and score the NCMHCE. It has test centers all over the U.S. Pearson VUE has two options for taking the NCMHCE:
- Taking the test at a Pearson VUE test center.
- Taking the test at home through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform.
Generally, you can retake the NCMHCE three times in a two year period.
Each state has unique licensing and exam requirements for professional counselors (NCC).
NBCC will email you once your score is available and you can follow the link in the email.
Practice tests, such as Tests.com's NCMHCE Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools. It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Tests.com has worked with instructors in counseling to create an NCMHCE Practice Test to help you prepare for the NCMHCE. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual NCMHCE by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your NCMHCE on your way to a successful career as a licensed counselor. Click here for a free NCMHCE Practice Test.
