Exam Development
Examination Integrity Starts Here:
Explore how the NCE, NCMHCE, and other NBCC or CCE exams are created with scientific rigor, expert oversight, and a commitment to protecting the public.
Overview
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) play a central role in promoting excellence in the counseling profession through rigorous credentialing processes and examination development. At the heart of these efforts are the examination programs, which are carefully developed and maintained to reflect the current realities of professional practice. Through subject matter expert (SME) collaboration, psychometric precision, and a commitment to fairness, NBCC and CCE ensure that each examination upholds the highest standards of validity and reliability.
Why It Matters
Rigorous examination development ensures:
Public protection
Professional readiness
Consistency across credentialing
Confidence in the profession
Purpose
Credentialing examinations are more than assessments; they are essential tools to ensure public safety, professional readiness, and ethical practice. These examinations are designed to evaluate whether candidates possess the foundational knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills required for effective and responsible professional practice. By maintaining rigorous standards and continually updating content, NBCC and CCE help uphold the integrity of the counseling profession and all other professions that we serve.
Examination Development With Accommodations in Mind
NBCC and CCE are committed to ensuring that all qualified candidates have equitable access to credentialing examinations. From the earliest stages of development, accessibility and inclusion are prioritized. Examination content is reviewed not only for validity and fairness but also for potential barriers that may impact individuals with disabilities. The item writing and review process includes experts who consider language clarity, cognitive load, and diverse testing needs. NBCC and CCE work to design examinations that accommodate a wide range of abilities, without compromising the rigor or integrity of the assessment. This approach reflects a deep commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all examinees.
