National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)

The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is an examination managed by NBCC. The examination consists of 10 simulated clinical mental health counseling cases that are designed to sample a broad area of competencies, not merely the recall of isolated facts. The cases assess clinical problem-solving ability, including identifying, analyzing, diagnosing and treating clinical issues. Each case is divided into approximately five to eight sections that are classified as either information gathering or decision-making. The areas covered by the exam are listed here.

NCMHCE for National Certification and State Counselor Licensure

The NCMHCE is primarily used for two purposes: national certification as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) and state counselor licensure. For information about taking the examination for national certification as a CCMHC, please click here. To determine if your state board uses the NCMHCE for licensure purposes, click here.

NCMHCE for Counselors Interested in Military Employment

Some individuals may be interested in this examination for the purpose of potential employment within the military or the military health systems. Eligibility for a particular position is not guaranteed.

Army Substance Abuse Program: For more information, please visit http://acsap.army.mil/sso/pages/index.jsp or http://medcell.army.mil/default.asp. Please direct employment qualification questions to the contact person listed in the job announcement. To download the NCMHCE Registration form, please click here.
TRICARE Certified Mental Health Counselor: For more information, please visit https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/12/27/2011-33109/tricare-certified-mental-health-counselors. Please direct TRICARE certification qualification questions to the TRICARE Management Activities Office. To download the NCMHCE Military Registration Form, please click here.