Graduation from the Counseling Program requires that all degree-seeking students must complete and pass a comprehensive exam. The program uses the Counselor Preparation comprehensive Examination (CPCE) published by NBCC as its comprehensive exam. Students may also have the opportunity to take the Praxis II, National Counseling Exam (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) while in the program. If the student takes one of these exams, the CPCE requirement is waived. Students are responsible for any costs associated with the preparation for and taking of comprehensive exams.
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)
- The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) tests students on coursework covering the eight CACREP core areas, similar to the NCE.
- Students selecting this exam option, must earn a passing scored on the exam in order to meet the graduation requirement.
National Counselor Exam (NCE)
- This multiple choice exam focuses on human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career and lifestyle development, appraisal, research and program evaluation, and professional orientation and ethics.
- Completing a CACREP accredited program and passing the NCE may allow one to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC). The NCE is also used as a licensure exam in many states
- For more information about the NCE/NCC certification and NBCC, please visit the NBCC Website.
PRAXIS II Examination
- The PRAXIS II (School Counselor Exam) measures whether entry-level school counselors have the standards-relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities believed necessary for competent professional practice.
- Students must take and pass the PRAXIS II for certification in many states, including Pennsylvania.
- For more information about the PRAXIS II exam, please visit the ETS Website.
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) consists of 10 clinical simulations designed to sample a broad area of competencies.
- Completing a CACREP accredited program and passing this exam may allow one to become a Nationally Certified Counselor or Nationally Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. It is also the required counseling licensure exam in some states.
- For more information about the NCMHCE, please visit the NBCC Website.
Students who have additional questions about the comprehensive exam requirement should check the Graduate Counseling Canvas Course, or reach out to the department administrative assistant (rgrodkiewicz@messiah.edu) or their advisor.