Exam Administration
The National Board for Certified Counselors proudly offers two options for taking the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Individuals can test in person at a Pearson VUE test center or online from any secure location through the OnVUE platform. Although in person provides a more user-friendly and straightforward testing experience, the information below will assist you in choosing the option that best suits your needs.
What To Expect
Pearson VUE has developed a short video to demonstrate what to expect at a test center.
Accommodations
NBCC and Pearson VUE provide reasonable and appropriate special examination accommodations (SEAs) for individuals with disabilities. The existence of a disability does not automatically necessitate an accommodation. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability is a physical or mental impairment that greatly limits a major life activity or bodily function. All accommodation requests are reviewed under the Special Examination Accommodations Policy.
If you require a special accommodation(s) during the examination (e.g., an ADA-recognized disability, or if English is your second language), you must indicate your request when you submit your examination registration. SEAs must be requested for each examination registration. A candidate may use the Accommodation Request Form or submit substantially similar documentation in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Special Examination Accommodations Policy. We also recommend uploading the appropriate documentation verifying your need for the request at the time of registration. All requests for accommodations are reviewed individually and are subject to approval.
Accommodations must be pre-approved by NBCC, or the relevant state agency, before scheduling the examination. If an examination is scheduled prior to receipt of written confirmation of SEA approval, the candidate may forfeit their accommodation request and/or their scheduled examination appointment time. Candidates who receive written confirmation of SEA approval must schedule their examination appointment by calling Pearson VUE’s toll-free number (800-466-0450) and selecting Option 3. For any questions related to accommodations, please feel free to email us.
Identification Requirements
You must bring:
Two forms of original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired) ID. One must be a government-issued ID with name, photo, and signature. The secondary ID must have name and signature or name and recent photo.
Note: The first and last name that you used to register for the examination must exactly match the first and last name on the IDs that are presented on test day. Both required IDs must be issued by the country in which you are testing. If you do not have qualifying IDs issued from the country in which you are testing, a passport from your country of citizenship is required along with a secondary ID. If you have any questions or concerns about the ID you are required to bring with you to the test center for admittance for your examination, please contact Pearson VUE customer service.
Security Requirements
The following security procedures apply during the examination:
No cell phones, cameras, notes, tape recorders, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or pagers are allowed in the examination room.
No calculators are permitted.
No guests, visitors, or family members are allowed in the examination room.
Apart from keys and wallets, no personal items, valuables, or weapons should be brought to the examination room. NBCC is not responsible for items left outside the examination room.
Break Limitations
You may take a break when you wish, but you will not be given additional time to test.
