NCC

NBCC describes the NCE as a 200-item multiple-choice examination built to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities determined to be important for providing effective counseling services. The source material for this page does not state a time limit, so check your candidate handbook for administration details.

NBCC states the NCE is a requirement for counselor licensure in many states, is one of two examination options for NCC certification, and may be accepted by military health systems for recognized-provider status. Your state board determines whether it is required for your license.

NBCC lists the NCC application at $250 without exam registration and $375 with exam registration included. Fees for sitting the NCE through a state licensure route are set outside this source, so confirm current amounts with your state board before you apply.

NBCC describes taking the examination as part of the NCC application, which it says lets you get a head start on earning professional credentials, or taking it on its own as part of the state licensure process. NBCC maintains separate handbooks for each route; review the one that matches your path.

Yes. NBCC announces an upcoming 2027 version of the NCE and references 2027 exam specifications and a new examination FAQ. NBCC states the page will be updated as more information becomes available and encourages candidates to check back for the transition timeline and resources.

NBCC directs candidates to an NCE content outline, sample questions, and study guides to help them prepare. Start with the content outline to map the tested areas, then use sample questions to practice applying concepts rather than memorizing definitions, and build a study schedule that covers every content area.

NBCC provides accommodation request forms, with separate forms for certification and credentialing candidates and for state licensure candidates. For scheduling changes, NBCC points candidates to its Extension Request Policy, which explains the details for extending an exam window.

The source material for this page does not state a passing score, a scoring scale, or a retake policy. Because these details are set by NBCC and can change, confirm them directly with NBCC or in your candidate handbook rather than relying on secondhand reports.

Two recurring risks are treating a single study guide as a complete curriculum and testing on outdated specifications. Since NBCC has announced a 2027 version with new exam specifications, verify which specifications apply to your test date and confirm all logistics through official NBCC handbooks.