Counseling Licensure

Counseling exams explained

Short answer

There is no single "counseling exam." You take the NCE (200 multiple-choice items, mainly for the NCC credential), the NCMHCE (four hours of clinical case simulations, required by most states for LMHC / LPC licensure), or both — plus a short state jurisprudence exam on your board's law and ethics.

The three exams side by side

	NCE	NCMHCE	State jurisprudence
Format	200 multiple-choice items	11 clinical case simulations	20–50 multiple-choice items
Length	3 hr 45 min	4 hours	1–2 hours
Fee	$195	$275	$50–$150
Used for	NCC credential; some state licenses	LMHC / LPC / LPCC licensure in most states	State law & ethics requirement
Tests	Knowledge recall	Clinical judgment and sequencing	State statutes and board rules
Best prep	Content review + timed MCQs	Full timed case simulations	Read your state's statute and rules

Start here, depending on your goal

Going for clinical licensure (LMHC / LPC): read the NCMHCE overview and try a free case simulation.
Going for the NCC credential: work through the NCE study guide and a free NCE practice exam.
Not sure which one: compare them in NCMHCE vs NCE, then confirm with your state board.
Budgeting: see the full cost breakdown including retakes.

Counseling exam FAQ

What is the counseling exam?

There is no single counseling exam. Counselors in the United States take one or both NBCC exams: the NCE (National Counselor Examination), a 200-item multiple-choice knowledge test, and the NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination), a four-hour exam of clinical case simulations. Most states also require a short jurisprudence or ethics exam on state law.

Which counseling exam does my state require?

Most states now require the NCMHCE for independent clinical licensure (LMHC, LPC, LPCC). A smaller number accept the NCE, and some accept either. Because fees are non-refundable and there is no credit between exams, confirm the requirement with your state board before registering.

How much do the counseling exams cost?

The NCMHCE fee is $275 and the NCE fee is $195, paid to NBCC or through your state board. State application and jurisprudence fees typically add $100 to $250, and retakes cost the full exam fee again.

What are the counseling exam pass rates?

NCE first-time pass rates from CACREP-accredited programs run near 80 to 85%. NCMHCE first-time pass rates are lower, commonly reported around 75 to 80%, because the case-simulation format cannot be studied with recall methods alone.

How long should you study for a counseling exam?

Plan 6 to 10 weeks for the NCE and 8 to 12 weeks for the NCMHCE. The NCE responds to content review plus timed multiple-choice drilling. The NCMHCE responds only to repeated full-length case simulations, because it scores decision sequencing rather than recall.

Can you take the NCE and NCMHCE at the same time?

You can hold both, but they require separate applications, separate fees, and separate preparation. Many counselors take the NCE for the NCC certification credential and the NCMHCE for state clinical licensure.

NCMHCE prep with a pass guarantee

$100 one-time, lifetime access, unlimited AI-generated case simulations in the current NBCC format. If our dashboard says you're Exam Ready and you don't pass, email annie@emdrassist.com with your Exam Ready screenshot and failed score (with dates) for a full refund.