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.
Pearson VUE has developed a short video to demonstrate what to expect at a test center.
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.
You must bring:
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.
The following security procedures apply during the examination:
You may take a break when you wish, but you will not be given additional time to test.
Pearson VUE continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust test center operations as needed. For updated guidance on health and safety practices, testing candidate policies, and location-specific testing information, visit the Pearson VUE website.
Although in-person testing at a Pearson VUE test center is the preferred option and provides a more user-friendly and straightforward testing experience, we recognize this is not feasible for all candidates. Before scheduling an online examination administration, individuals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the below information, requirements, and specifications to ensure they can meet all criteria before registering.
Visit our OnVUE page to explore what to expect when testing through the OnVUE platform.
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.
Only specific, limited accommodations may be available for those candidates opting for the OnVUE online administration of any examination. For security reasons, no unscheduled breaks will be permitted during the OnVUE test administration, regardless of approved accommodations. If a candidate anticipates needing additional breaks outside the scheduled 15-minute break, or is approved for frequent or scheduled breaks, the candidate is urged to test in person. 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.
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.
You will be prompted to capture:
Note: The first and last name that you used to register for the examination must exactly match the first and last name on the ID that is presented on test day. If the identification that you submit does not pass the initial review, you may be asked to submit an alternative option. All required IDs must be issued by the country in which you are testing If you do not have a qualifying ID 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.
Before choosing OnVUE, evaluate your equipment and intended testing location to ensure that you meet ALL requirements for online testing: home.pearsonvue.com/op/OnVUE-technical-requirements. If you have questions about these system requirements, please contact Pearson VUE customer service.
Absolutely no other individuals (including children) or pets (except service animals) are allowed in the testing environment. We recommend using a room that has a door with a lock to reduce the likelihood of an interruption. Interruptions (including contact with any person other than the examination proctor) will result in disqualification from the online examination. In this case, the examinee will need to reregister for the examination with a new fee and plan to schedule an in-person appointment at a Pearson VUE test center.
Examinees must keep their webcam, speakers, and microphone on for the duration of the examination. Headphones and headsets are not allowed during testing (unless as part of an approved SEA). Additionally, examinees are not allowed to have textbooks, cell phones, smart watches, or other materials on their desks or within reach in the testing environment.
Unscheduled breaks are not allowed when testing via OnVUE. There is a scheduled 15-minute break in the middle of the NCE and the NCMHCE. Candidates who take an unscheduled break outside of the 15-minute scheduled break will have their examination session revoked.
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