Learn About The New NCMHCE Exam Format Coming This Fall
The NCMHCE Exam Is Changing.
AATBS Has You Covered.
Purchase a Live Instruction or Self-Study Exam Prep Package today and begin studying for the current exam with confidence. If you haven't passed before the exam changes this fall, we will provide you with the updated digital study materials you'll need to succeed under the new format for free.
That's our commitment to you.
Cutoff Dates for Current & New Format
For those taking the NCMHCE for state licensure without an accompanying certification application, in order to take the current format, the NCMHCE-CBT, you must schedule your examination appointment to take place before Oct. 17, 2022. If you would like to take the new format, the NCMHCE-ABE, you must schedule your examination appointment to take place after Nov. 7, 2022. Please note that all examinations taken after Oct. 17, 2022, will be the new format. For Details Click HERE
About the 2022 NCMHCE Exam
The NCMHCE Exam Is Changing.
AATBS Has You Covered.
Purchase a Live Instruction or Self-Study Exam Prep Package today and begin studying for the current exam with confidence. If you haven't passed before the exam changes this fall, we will provide you with the updated digital study materials you'll need to succeed under the new format for free.
That's our commitment to you.
Learn About The New NCMHCE Exam Format Coming This Fall
The NCMHCE Exam Is Changing.
AATBS Has You Covered.
Purchase a Live Instruction or Self-Study Exam Prep Package today and begin studying for the current exam with confidence. If you haven't passed before the exam changes this fall, we will provide you with the updated digital study materials you'll need to succeed under the new format for free.
That's our commitment to you.
Cutoff Dates for Current & New Format
For those taking the NCMHCE for state licensure without an accompanying certification application, in order to take the current format, the NCMHCE-CBT, you must schedule your examination appointment to take place before Oct. 17, 2022. If you would like to take the new format, the NCMHCE-ABE, you must schedule your examination appointment to take place after Nov. 7, 2022. Please note that all examinations taken after Oct. 17, 2022, will be the new format. For Details Click HERE
The NCMHCE State Licensing Exam will transition to a new Content Outline and Exam Format as of November 7, 2022
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) has published a new Content Outline and format for the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) that will take effect next year. Learn more about how these changes will affect the exam below or click HERE to view the NBCC website.
Format for the New Exam:
The new format of the NCMHCE will include 11 case studies, 10 of which are scored. Each case study is a clinical narrative (representing commonly encountered presenting concerns) of 13 multiple-choice questions with 4 options and only 1 correct answer (3 of these 13 questions are unscored), which differs from the current version. Candidates will be given the client's diagnosis at the start of each case. The new format is designed to focus less on diagnosis and assessment and more on ongoing clinical skills and proficiency in competent clinical decision-making.
The majority of these questions will measure application and other higher cognitive levels of knowledge to avoid rote memorization-based responding (like in the NCE) and determine that candidates demonstrate the critical thinking and decision-making skills needed as a competent minimally qualified counselor.
Domains for the New Exam:
The NCMHCE measures the ability to apply knowledge of theoretical and skill-based tenets through response to clinical case simulations. These simulations are designed to capture an examinee’s ability to identify, analyze, diagnose, and develop plans for the treatment of clinical concerns. There will be no Areas of Clinical Focus questions because this information will be provided to candidates in the case studies. The new domains are listed below.
| Domain | Percent |
|---|---|
| 1. Professional Practice and Ethics | 10-20 |
| 2. Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis | 20-30 |
| 3. Areas of Clinical Focus | 0 |
| 4. Treatment Planning | 10-20 |
| 5. Counseling Skills and Interventions | 25-35 |
| 6. Core Counseling Attributes | 10-20 |
