NCC (NBCC) - National Certified Counselor

The NCC is a voluntary national certification that demonstrates to the public and employers that the counselor has met national standards set by the counseling profession. It is not a license to practice, but a supplementary certification that indicates a higher standard of specialization in counseling.

Completion Time: The NCE exam is 3 hours and 45 minutes, and the NCMHCE exam is 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A Master’s degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

• Completion of required coursework in areas such as human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career development, assessment, research and program evaluation, and professional orientation and ethics.

• A minimum of 3,000 hours of post-graduate counseling experience, including at least 100 hours of supervised counseling.

• You must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

Cost: $250 without exam registration or $375 with exam registration

Exam Format

The NCE is a multiple-choice exam that assesses knowledge, skills, and abilities in effective counseling services. 

The NCMHCE consists of clinical simulations that test problem-solving abilities in various counseling scenarios.

Certification Process

Complete the necessary Master’s degree and required coursework.

Gain the required post-graduate counseling experience with supervision.

Apply for the NCC certification through the NBCC.

Register for and successfully pass the NCE or NCMHCE.

NCC certification requires renewal every five years. 

Renewal involves completing 100 hours of continuing education and adhering to the NBCC Code of Ethics.

Continuing education for NCCs may include various areas of counseling practice, ethical and legal issues, counseling theories and techniques, and specialized areas such as trauma, substance abuse, or family therapy.

For specific information regarding the National Certified Counselor certification, including detailed application processes, examination content, and guidelines for maintaining certification, it is recommended to consult directly with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NBCC provides comprehensive resources, standards, and guidelines for the counseling profession.

Career Opportunities

NCC certified professionals work in a variety of settings, including schools, private practice, community agencies, hospitals, and government organizations.

They may provide counseling, consultation, and mental health services.

The NBCC also offers the following certifications:

• Certified Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)

• Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)

• National Counselor Examination (NCE)

• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)

• National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)