Both the Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) are used by counseling programs as exit exams to assess students’ mastery of essential counseling knowledge. However, there are key differences between the two.
CECE vs. CPCE: A Quick Comparison
- Content Areas: Both exams cover the eight core areas defined by CACREP, but the CECE has 120 questions (15 per area), while the CPCE has 160 questions (20 per area, with 3 being pilot questions).
- Cost: The CECE is often free for students, while the CPCE typically requires a fee.
- Administration: The CECE is commonly administered online via platforms like Blackboard and Zoom, while the CPCE can be taken at approved testing centers.
- Score Reporting: CECE scores are determined by the student’s program, meaning there is no national standard. In contrast, CPCE scores are standardized across participating institutions.
Why Schools Are Switching to the CECE
The CECE’s flexibility and cost-effectiveness have made it an attractive alternative to the CPCE. Additionally, the CECE was developed with significant input from counselor educators across the country, ensuring that it remains a relevant and rigorous assessment.
Which Exam Should You Prepare For?
If your program uses the CECE, your preparation should be similar to that for the CPCE, as both exams test the same CACREP core areas. The primary difference lies in the structure and administration of the exams.
