NCMHCE Standard Setting Cohort

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As counseling evolves and changes, we are also changing the way we assess the clinical skills of counselors. The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is transitioning to a new format and content outline. The new format for the NCMHCE will emphasize the long-term, ongoing therapeutic process of the counseling relationship. Standard setting is a vital component in the examination development process. We are providing the opportunity for individuals registering for the NCMHCE to be a part of the standard-setting cohort, allowing them to make a positive impact on the future of counseling!

Participation in this cohort is completely voluntary. Standard-setting cohort participants will receive a $50 registration fee discount. If you are interested in this option, be sure to select the standard-setting cohort after logging in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A standard-setting cohort is a group of individuals that are taking a new form of an examination. Their scores are used to test the examination questions.
When you are registering for the NCMHCE, you can opt-in to the standard setting cohort by selecting "Please choose your exam delivery method."
No. Participation in the standard-setting cohort is completely voluntary.
The format of the examinations is the same. The intention of the standard-setting cohort is to test examination items in a real-world setting. The items were developed and vetted by subject matter experts using the same process as other items.
Not only will you receive a $50 discount on the examination registration fee, you will be helping the counseling community by strengthening the NCMHCE.
You will receive your scores in the mail 45 days after the testing window closes.
Yes! If you receive a passing score on the NCMHCE as a participant in the standard setting cohort, you can use your score in an application for national certification AND/OR in an application for state licensure (where applicable). For state licensure candidates, your state Board will receive your official score report on or around the 15th of the next month.
No. In order to accurately gather item data, participants of the standard-setting cohort must be on their first attempt of taking the NCMHCE.
The standard-setting cohort tests through Examity, one of our online testing partners. You can conveniently test from any secure location with internet access.
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