NCMHCE vs NCE vs CPCE: Which Exam Do You Need?
Published 2026-11-01 · Facts and text checked 2026-10-16 · Questions from our NCMHCE study guide · Reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer
NCMHCE vs NCE vs CPCE: the CPCE is a 160-question comprehensive exam inside your counseling program, from CCE. The NCE and the NCMHCE are NBCC exams used for licensure: the NCE has 200 multiple-choice items, the NCMHCE 11 clinical case studies. Your state board decides which licensure exam you need.
Counselors meet three exams with similar names. The CPCE is a comprehensive exam inside your graduate program; the NCE and the NCMHCE are NBCC exams that state boards use for licensure, and which one you need depends on your state and license.
NCMHCE · NBCC
Who can sit it: Licensure candidates approved by their state board; also used for NCC and CCMHC certification
Exam: 11 clinical case studies, 100 scored multiple-choice questions, 225 minutes
Official page · checked 2026-10-16
NCE · NBCC
Who can sit it: A requirement for counselor licensure in many states
Exam: 200-item multiple-choice examination
Official page · checked 2026-10-16
CPCE · CCE
Who can sit it: Graduate counseling students whose program uses it
Exam: 160 multiple-choice questions, 20 per CACREP area, 225 minutes
Official page · checked 2026-10-16
Rules and exam formats change: confirm with each organization before you apply. Practice for the NCMHCE: free questions.
Want the full NCMHCE preparation?
These questions come from our NCMHCE study guide: full-length practice tests with every answer explained, flashcards, an AI study tutor and the audiobook.