How Long is the NCMHCE Exam?

The length of time allotted is 3 hours and 15 minutes.

How Long is the NCMHCE Exam?

The length of time allotted is 3 hours and 15 minutes.

How Long is the NCMHCE Exam?

The length of time allotted is 3 hours and 15 minutes.


How Long is the NCMHCE?

The length of time allotted for the National Clinical Mental Health Examination is 3 hours and 15 minutes. The exam consists of 10 simulated clinical mental health counseling cases. Each case study includes 5-10 sections. Each section contains prompts for information gathering and decision making. The exam covers the following: Assessment and Diagnosis; Counseling and Psychotherapy; and Administration, Consultation, and Supervision.

In order to take the NCMHCE, candidates must be a graduate of a counseling program that has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or is housed within a regionally accredited institution (National Board for Certified Counselors, 2020).

Candidates will receive an Information-Gathering (IG) and Decision Making (DM) score for the NCMHCE. The exact passing score may vary from one examination to another, depending on the questions and simulations included in that administration. A passing score is required for both IG and DM in order to successfully pass the NCMHCE. The total raw score is based on nine scored simulations. Each exam includes one unscored simulation that is included for field-testing.

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Other Frequently Asked Questions


The National Counselor Mental Health Exam can be challenging. In order to prepare for the NCMHCE there are a number of different study tools available, including meeting with a coach or attending a live online workshop. If you prefer to work at your own pace, there are also self-study packages that include study volumes and practice exams.

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LPCC stands for licensed professional clinical counselor. LPCCs who have obtained licensure treat clients who are facing behavioral disorders. The National Counselor Exam (NCE) is one requirement for becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). To become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), you must first graduate from an accredited program or a program housed within a regionally accredited institution.

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There are many different types of mental health professionals. The terms "counselor" and "therapist" are often used interchangeably, which makes sense because there are many similarities. Counselors and therapists both treat a wide variety of conditions in many different settings.

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The median annual salary for counselors was $47,500 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are many educational paths to becoming a counselor, all with varying time commitments. In order to become a licensed mental health counselor, you will need to obtain an undergraduate degree, as well as a master’s degree in Counseling or Counseling Psychology. Some mental health counselors also hold doctorate degrees.

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