In 1983, the National Board for Certified Counselors began offering the national certification NCC for counselors. In 2010, Lauren Ostrowski completed her NCC. Today, I’m happy to have Lauren back with us sharing her own considerations in taking a national exam. Check out her advice and feel free to leave you own, too!
(If you are interested in writing a guest post, check out the guidelines here.)
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A Guest Post by Lauren Ostrowski, MA, LPC, NCC, DCC
National Counselor Examination (NCE): What Is It?
The American Counseling Association (ACA) and other organizations are working feverishly to have licensure portability available across the United States, but that hasn’t been accomplished yet. This means that the licensure process includes different requirements in different states. The most widely accepted exam for counselors is the National Counselor Examination (NCE), which is offered through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Quick Facts
- The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (160 count toward your score and 40 are test items for future exams).
- You’ll have 4 hours to take the exam.
- The score that is considered “passing” is different for each exam, but the consensus among professionals seems to be that 110-115 is a good benchmark for passing.
- You will have to sign and turn in scrap paper, which is provided to you.
- If you are taking the test on the computer, be prepared to have your picture taken and to complete a few sample items (these are not scored) not related to counseling so you can familiarize yourself with the computer program.
- You will likely have to complete a required survey at the end of the test about the quality of the site where the test was administered (room temperature, noise level, etc.).
- What’s the most frustrating part? Among counselors I have met, there is always discussion about how some questions have similar answer choices and more than one seems to be correct.
Materials Needed to Prep for the NCE
- Always make sure you have the most current editions of study materials.
- The Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS) offers feedback about some recent changes to the NCE, but also states that these changes should not affect studying.
- The National Board for Certified Counselors recommends using Howard Rosenthal’s book Encyclopedia of Counseling.
- Audio tapes by Howard Rosenthal are also available and offer a different method of studying the information; these may be helpful in the car or while completing other projects. (Always be mindful of safety.)
- AATBS also offers several different study packages that may be helpful for individuals or study groups.
- There is a Test Master collection of sample tests offered by AATBS that can be taken in several different modes, including a “study mode” where reasons for answers can be viewed while testing. (This typically needs to be ordered by calling on the phone if it is not purchased as part of a larger package.)
- Keep an eye out for new and different study materials – especially those listed in the NBCC study section – and try to ask for feedback before purchasing them, if possible.
I Know I Have To Take It, But How Do I Keep My Sanity?
There is a big difference between knowing that taking the NCE is a requirement and actually understanding how to not allow the stress to get the better of you. Knowledge is power! It’s important to know both the material for the exam and what you need to maintain your own mental health.
- Trust your own test-taking habits. For example, if you know not to change an answer unless you have thought of a specific reason to do so, do the same thing on this exam.
- Examine your own study habits. While you may choose to add a study group or another method of studying you didn’t use in graduate school, that doesn’t require that you simultaneously change what has worked for you in the past.
- It may be helpful to switch to a different content area if you become particularly frustrated after studying a certain one for a while.
- Take a look at any FAQs included with study materials. They may teach you something you didn’t know about the structure of the test or there may be a common stress management strategy listed there.
- Consider study partners or groups. These connections may form naturally when you least expect them.
- Remember the small stuff. If you find that you are feeling confused, take a break or change the scenery.
- If it’s been a while since you’ve taken an exam or if you are especially anxious when taking tests, evaluate your confidence level about your test taking ability and find ways to bolster it.
Other Stress Management Tips
- The Yerkes–Dodson Law notes that performance increases with arousal (stress), but there also becomes a point when stress is counterproductive. It’s important to find your balance between useful and excessive stress.
- Contemplate using a stress management CD (there is one in the Rosenthal audio tape program discussed in an earlier post), a CD of nature sounds, or the sound of rain.
- Consider asking for support from a supervisor or professor who knows your strengths and has already taken a licensure exam.
- Get support from family and friends. People who have taken the NCE commonly say that only people who have been through that exam can truly understand it. It’s important to think about which family members or friends you want to support you with the process of studying and taking the exam and who may be better able to help you to de-stress by not talking about the test.
- Tell people what you need or want. Most of us probably remind our clients of this all the time, but if you need a place to vent about your frustrations, ask for this and whatever else you need.
- In a sense, you’re preventing burnout by studying, which can definitely affect your interactions with clients.
I Took the NCE . . . . What’s Next?
When you’re studying for the NCE, the most important goal is to get through the test and pass. While this is most assuredly your main focus while preparing for the exam, you might want to spend a few minutes thinking about what will happen after the exam.
- If you took the test on a computer, you may get your scores immediately. If you took a paper-and-pencil examination, you will have to wait six to eight weeks for your scores.
- You will probably have a significant amount of extra time on your hands. Consider what professional and recreational activities would be advantageous or enjoyable to you during this period.
- Think about how you’re going to celebrate the fact that you successfully completed the exam (whether or not you have scores).
- Evaluate whether or not you want to remain in touch with people who were in your study groups or who were supportive of you throughout this process. Chances are that you will need strong professional relationships throughout other hurdles in your career as well.
The National Certified Counselor (NCC) Credential
- Always make sure you have the most current information, whether it is related to requesting your exam scores oranything else related to NBCC or your licensing board as forms change frequently.
- The NCC requires specific courses, a specific number of hours worked, supervision hours, and other criteria to satisfy credentialing standards.
- At times, having the NCC credential may shorten the application process for other credentials because some other associations will accept your NCC status and not request transcripts or other documents.
- NBCC used to state that NCE scores were only available for five years unless the NCC credential was attained within that time, though this is not currently listed on the NBCC website.
- Some students choose to begin the NCC credentialing process while still in graduate school.
- NBCC requires that all signatures be in blue ink.
- NBCC reserves time from 8-11 AM daily to review applications so they do not answer the phone until after this time.
- All applications and forms for NBCC are available online.
Taking a licensure exam is only a part of an ongoing process for your professional development Remember that only part of the learning comes from formal educational training.
(Congratulations to everyone who has passed a licensure exam and the best of luck to all of you who are getting ready to take one, too!)
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About the Author: Lauren C. Ostrowski, MA, LPC, NCC, DCC is a counselor in a community mental health agency in Pennsylvania. She is also a Distance Credentialed Counselor and is excited about beginning a limited private practice using distance (online) counseling.
I used the Rosenthal book and study CDs I found they complimented each other well and it was nice to study different ways and in the car. I was fortunate enough to take the NCE about a month after my comp exams in the masters program so I could study for both at the same time.
Jill, I suppose you found a silver lining to what was likely a very stressful time for you. Who knew the ride home could be so educational? 🙂
I have no idea how long ago you took the test, but do you remember any techniques that made it easier on you?
Thanks, again, Lauren, for writing this guest post. So many counselors out there needing this information every single year! Anything we can do to support you on your journey?
At this point, I’m just grateful to be involved in this community. 🙂 The reason I asked you about writing something about this is because I found myself constantly talking about it, so I figured there was a real need.
Oh, Lauren! It sounds like you and I have similar policies. I say if I have to tell something three different times or recreate something three different times, it’s time to create a system (or a blog post) to streamline the process:) It’s so much easier to send a link to info or document than it is to keep reinventing that wheel!
Tamara, Indeed we do think alike on this one. If I myself repeating similar concepts in session, I often make a worksheet to accompany explanations that are tailored to each client. The first time I did that, it was about time out for children because I felt like a broken record. I still go over it in great detail, but now I also give them a handout. I figured, if it is repeated, it’s worth writing down. 🙂
Nice!
Lauren what helped,e was studying and I also studied with classmates, and got a good night sleep the night before, I took it the last semester of my masters program in 2006 so it’s been awhile. It helped that the material was still pretty fresh. Some folks have taken prep corses, those an be expensive. I did not do that, the books, my class notes seemed to be sufficient.
Thanks, Jill, for chiming in to share your process for preparing. I think it’s so helpful to those who have yet to take it to hear how many different ways there are to prep for a big exam. Social workers, psychologists, and addictions professionals all have to take something comparable to get their own certifications or licensures so this information applies to thousands of mental health professionals who are reading this blog.
I know several people who have taken it at the end of their master’s program as well. That seems to be a really smart way to do it because the material is so fresh. Unfortunately, it seems that if people are not in a program that is focused on making sure you understand licensure and certification requirements, people don’t know what the credentialing is about prior to graduation. I was in that boat for several years. That’s one of the reasons I think it’s important to get the word out.
Lauren, that’s a really great point! When I entered graduate school – mind you that was pre-computers – I don’t think any of us knew that licensure was needed to practice independently so we didn’t even consider which graduate programs would prepare us for that. I just got lucky in attending the University of North Texas – a CACREP program that made it clear that licensure was part of the process and emphasized it along the way.
I talk to counselors every day who didn’t know and didn’t get as lucky as me who chose different programs – some of whom flat out lied to students about their accreditation! I know of schools that, when confronted by students and threatened with a lawsuit, bargained with them for free classes (which still didn’t get them the graduations from accredited programs that the students really wanted and needed.
I’m so happy that CORE and CACREP have finally affiliated and are continuing to talk about ways to come together. It is in counselors’ best interests to do whatever we can to increase portability of licensure and this is one step closer.
Jill, Rosenthal’s text and CDs have been the ones that I’ve heard recommended for over a decade. They must be the ones!
I was just wondering how far in advance would you recommend to start studying for this exam? 6 months? 8 months in advance?
Brianna, I don’t really know how far ahead it would be best for you to start to study. I studied for six months, and this was about four years after completing my coursework. I have heard from some people that it’s easier if it’s taken closer to graduation. There are also a number of other factors to consider, like how well you do on standardized tests, how much studying you have done for other comprehensive exams and what the results were, and more. I’d be happy to talk with you directly about it if you want to ask Tamara for my contact information.
Hi, Brianna! Lauren is right. It’s best if you can take your exam immediately after you graduate. That’s when the info you learned will be freshest and easiest to recall. If you went to a good graduate program, you should pass with no problem. However, if you delay taking the test – and especially if you are not currently practicing in the field, you may need to brush up in one or more areas. The best way to gauge that is to take a trial test or two, notice the areas that you need to improve in, and then schedule time on a weekly basis to start refreshing your knowledge. Depending on your sample test scores, you may e able to get up to speed in a few weeks or require much longer. The key is to not put it off out of fear. Make a plan to get that test taken!
I found the Rosenthal book incredibly helpful! I would definitely recommend it. Also, with 40 questions being for future tests, if you come across a question that doesn’t just make sense, assume its a future question they are trying out and dont worry about. I came across at least 2 questions that literally did not make sense at all. I was ready to bet money that they were future questions.
Thanks, Sarah! That’s a great tip! How is your day going?
hi Tamara, my day is going pretty well, thanks for asking. I’m out perusing your site and other websites looking for other things I can be doing to get my name out there and bring in clients!
Cool! I’m so glad you’ve stopped by, Sarah! Let me know if there is anything I / we can do to support you as you grow your practice!
Sarah, I agree wholeheartedly. I remember that there were five or six questions on my test where I was thinking… “I have never even heard of such a thing.” I just chose to take an educated guess and move onto something else. Even if some of them were questions that were scored, those five or six are not going to make or break anything. Also, looking at it that way probably changes the way the rest of the test goes because then your mindset can remain positive.
I only recently read that someone was calling herself a “nationally certified counselor” and I wasn’t sure what it meant, perhaps because my graduate work was in Art Therapy and Clinical Psychology, not Counseling. I believe that exam is the one I had to take to be licensed in Florida. That happened more than 5 years ago. Do you know if I can continue the process this late after taking the exam? Thanks for bringing this up as a search some time ago didn’t return any helpful results. And, for those who haven’t taken it yet, best of luck. There’s a good chance you will have done better than you thought/feared you did! A colleague of mine was actually sorry she spent months and months studying for it as she felt she had been well prepared by her course of study. I borrowed someone’s study books, one of which contained scenarios. That was the most helpful one I looked at. I’m sorry I don’t know the name of it as I gave it back and she passed it along to someone else.
Hi, Susan! I’ve missed your voice here!
I don’t know if you can continue the application process but I’ll bet the NBCC has a FAQs page on their website that will tell you.
In my experience, if you are taking the exam as quickly as you can right after you graduate from a good program, you won’t need to study much at all. It’s a difficult but fair test. No one is trying to trip you up. Their just verifying that you learned what you were supposed to learn.
Susan,
Here is a link to the FAQs page: http://nbcc.org/FAQ , but I recommend calling NBCC because you have such a specific question. I would ask to speak with somebody in the certification department. Remember, NBCC does not answer the phone prior to 11 AM because they use that time for application review. Their number is 336-547-0607. Remember, you’re asking about the National Certified Counselor credential (a lot of people, including myself, want to call it a “nationally certified counselor,” but that’s not the official title).
If you run into problems, ask Tamara to connect you with me back channel and we can further discuss it.
I’ve heard from some people who believe that they studied more than they had to, but I also find myself wondering whether that was just because they were really confident in their knowledge and abilities because of all of the studying. Having said that, I think using some case studies would be helpful because it would frame the information in a different light. I would always suggest using those materials in conjunction with material that NBCC recommends, as they are probably asking questions in a similar manner to the ones on the actual test.
It’s important to do what works for you, however! 🙂
I’m curious about who’s continued their mbccc credential after the initial certification? I had to cut put some costs and dropped mine.
Great question, Jill! Looking forward to see who has those, too.
Jill, Could you provide some more info on that credential? I just quickly googled it and didn’t find anything in the first couple minutes, so I don’t know whether there’s a typo there…
I’m a visual/audio learner so what would be the best material to prepare for LPC?
Just ran across this post on Counseling Today and wanted you guys to have access to it from here – Why Failing the NCMHCE Felt So Good – http://ct.counseling.org/2016/01/why-failing-the-ncmhce-felt-so-good/#comment-809544