Applying and Registering for the NCE
Applying for the National Counselor Exam (NCE) for licensure and certification can be complicated, if not downright frustrating. We’re here to show you how and some useful tips along the way.
The process begins by going to the NBCC website and creating a ProCounselor account (https://my.nbcc.org/). This is the portal that the NBCC will use to contact you through the application, registration, and testing process.
This registration will require you to fill out your information as well as submit/upload documentation demonstrating that you have fulfilled the certification requirements [For more on that, check out our article “What documentation do you need for the NCE?”]. This includes graduate-level coursework in nine content areas, a professional endorsement from someone in the field, and your supervision and practice hours. These can be waived in some situations, but you will likely know your required hour requirements based on your state and location.
Finally, you will need to pay the application fee to submit the application. This fee is not refundable and non-transferable. The current fee is $275 as of 2023.
Registering for an Exam Date
Once your registration is complete, the NBCC will provide you with the link to register for an exam through Pearson VUE, which runs the testing centers used for the exam. Based on your location, you will see available testing dates and VUE testing facilities.
Studying and Preparing for the NCE
Once you’ve registered for the exam, it’s time to start studying. Because the exam primarily tests you on comprehension in multiple choice questions, we recommend practicing with 10-20 multiple choice quizzes daily for between 1-3 months before your exam.
While the NCE doesn’t focus on rote definition memorization, it does test you on comprehension and situational problem-solving. As you’re preparing for the NCE, here are a few helpful resources.
The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Content Outline
The NCE Study App, conveniently located on this site. The app has been designed by industry professionals to cover all portions of the exam in proportional amounts dynamically based on the difficulty level you choose. It is free to try on iOS.
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