The NCE practice test from Prephow was incredibly helpful in preparing me for the exam. It covered key topics like Human Growth and Development, and helped me get comfortable with the format. Thanks to this resource, I passed the exam with confidence!
NCE Practice Test
Your Proven Shortcut to National Counselor (NCE) Success
Get exam-style questions, detailed explanations, and realistic timing to master the latest National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Prepare NCE practice test then walk into your Counseling and Social Work exam with confidence.
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How Our Practice Exam Works?
Study wherever, whenever with these quiz practice questions for NCE:
Pick a Mode
You can choose Study Mode for course preparation and Exam Mode (timed 90-minute) for simulation.
Realistic Mix
NCE exam questions reflect both multiple-choice and scenario/performance-style prompts aligned to exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Every question includes a clear explanation, so you know why an answer is correct.
Domain Analytics
See strengths/weaknesses by the domains & sub-topics to focus your revision.
Reattempts
Retake National Counselor (NCE) practice exam to improve your speed and accuracy; watch your score trend toward the benchmark.
Exam Simulator
Get a feel for the real exam with our National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) practice test.
Why Choose PrepHOW for NCE Practice Questions
Train the way you'll be tested. With the most clinically accurate, expertly written question bank, you’ll build the speed, accuracy, and confidence needed to pass the National Counselor (NCE) on your first attempt.
- 1. Practice & Exam modes to switch between learning and testing
- 2. Detailed answer explanations for every question
- 3. Instant scoring & feedback to show what you missed and why
- 4. Smart dashboard to track strengths, weaknesses, and progress
- 5. Study anywhere with mobile-friendly design
- 6. Updated NCE questions bank to match the latest exam changes
- 7. Free practice test to start - no credit card required
Real Exam Feel
Mock Exam/Study modes, question flagging, and instant or end-of-exam feedback.
Smarter Analytics, Faster Improvement
Trend charts so you can see when you're consistently above the passing scrore.
Quality You Can Trust
Clear, teach-back explanations with why the correct answer is right and why others aren't.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCE exam and who needs to take it?
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a standardized test required by most states for counselor licensure. If you want to work as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), you'll need to pass this exam. It's administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and tests your knowledge across all the major counseling domains.
What are the main content areas or domains covered on the NCE?
The exam tests knowledge across six major work behaviors, which are weighted based on a national job analysis of professional counselors:
- Skills and Interventions (30%)
- Areas of Clinical Focus (29%)
- Professional Practice and Ethics (12%)
- Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis (12%)
- Treatment Planning (9%)
- Core Counseling Attributes (8%)
How many questions are on the NCE exam?
The NCE contains 200 multiple-choice questions. You'll have 4 hours to complete the entire exam, though most test takers finish in 2 to 3 hours. The questions cover a wide range of counseling topics, from clinical assessment to ethical issues to group work.
What score do I need to pass the NCE?
The passing score for the NCE is typically 171 out of 200 questions correct, which comes out to about 85.5%. This benchmark is set by the NBCC, though some states may have slightly different requirements. It's a challenging exam, so thorough preparation matters.
How long is the NCE exam valid for?
Your NCE score is valid for three years from the date you pass. However, different states have different requirements about how long that certification lasts. You may need to renew your license every one to three years, depending on your state's regulations.
Can I use a calculator or notes during the NCE exam?
No, the NCE is a closed-note, closed-book exam. You won't have access to calculators, study materials, or reference notes during the test. You'll be given scratch paper for notes during the exam, but that's it. The exam is designed to test your knowledge and critical thinking, not your ability to look things up.
What is the difference between the NCE and the NCMHCE?
Both exams are developed by the NBCC, but they test different competencies:
- NCE: Measures general counseling knowledge across all practice areas. It is generally required for general professional counseling licensure in many states.
- NCMHCE: Measures clinical mental health counseling knowledge and is often required for licensure specifically as a Clinical Professional Counselor. The format is different, using clinical simulations and case studies rather than standard multiple-choice questions.
What's the best way to prepare for the NCE exam?
Most test takers benefit from a combination of strategies:
- Reviewing your graduate coursework materials
- Working through Prephow NCE practice tests
- Studying specific weak areas
- Using study guides that align with the eight domains
Practice tests are especially helpful because they show you the question format, build your test-taking stamina, and highlight which topics need more review. Aim for at least 4 to 8 weeks of consistent study time.
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I found the NCE practice questions from Prephow very thorough, with plenty of questions on Assessment and Testing as well as helping relationships. It boosted my confidence and understanding, which was key to passing the exam on my first try.
Brian
The questions were spot on. I felt fully prepared walking into the NCE.