This standardized test is used to assess knowledge, skills and abilities determined to be important for providing effective counseling services. The NCE is a requirement for counselor licensure in many states and for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification.

As a reminder, the NCE is an optional exam that is not needed to graduate. Passing the National Counselor Exam is a requirement for licensure in many states, including the State of Texas. See the Applying for a License page of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (LPC Board) for more information.

• Since our counseling program is CACREP-accredited, students can choose to take the NCE before or after graduation. If you apply to take the NCE while you are still in the counseling program, you will actually be applying to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC). As part of this certification application, you will be able to take the NCE.  If you choose to take the NCE after graduation, you will apply to take the NCE though the LPC Board and will not include application for the NCC. See the table below for more information about the differences between these two options.
• Students do not have to take the NCE prior to graduation. The NCE is not the Comprehensive Exam (CPCE), which is a requirement/exit examination for graduation from the Counseling Program.

If you are interested to register, email Karl.Mitchell@tamuc.edu the following information

• Name (legal name)
• Degree
• Track
• Expected graduation

Registration deadlines for the NCE are usually early in the semester before the NCE administration.

Taking the NCE During Graduate School	Taking the NCE After Graduate School
Cost: $335  ($210 for the NCC and $125 for the exam)	Cost: $275 (exam only)
NCE is each month.	NCE is offered each month.
NCE is administered as a computer-based exam either at Pearson VUE test centers or as an online, remotely proctored exam.	NCE is administered as a computer-based exam either at Pearson VUE test centers or as an online, remotely proctored exam.
Scores are available right after you take the NCE.	Scores are available right after you take the NCE.
You are applying to become an NCC and take the National Counselor Exam.	You are applying with the LPC Board to take the National Counselor Exam for licensure.
The NCC is a credential (certification), not a clinical license. Being an NCC offers several benefits such as having a professional credential and access to professional resources, products, and discounts.	You can choose if you want to pursue becoming an NCC or not.
You can request that your scores be sent to the Texas board (or any 3rd party) immediately upon receiving a passing score.	There may be a delay in working toward your LPC, because you have to graduate and then take the NCE. You can register for the NCE as soon as you graduate and then apply for the license after you pass the exam.
Sign up through TAMUC and then register and pay through NBCC. NBCC sends you a link to the registration process via email.	Sign up by completing the form found on this site: www.nbcc.org/licensure/examregistration