Passed the NCE today, in person! I was scheduled to take it on Monday 5/4, at home. Due to technical issues, I rescheduled in person, on military base, since slots were available, for the same week.
My cutoff was a 91 and I scored 112. I really had to slow down and reread the questions, quite often. Focused on the important factors of the question.
For studying I tried a lot of different options:
- Read and listened to the Purple Book. The review section of the book, was a lifesaver. I reviewed it twice. I wish I would have started, in the back of the book first and then went through the questions and answers.
- I used Pocket Prep, months in advance, after pre prac, but I stopped once practicum and internship started. Ended up taking one mock exam the morning of the test and scored a 75%.
- Mometrix flashcards and 2 of the full mock exams. Didn’t find the flash cards helpful but the exams gave me an idea of what I needed to work on.
- nationalcounselingexam.com - didn‘t find it helpful. Very overwhelming as far as study material.
-study.com - took a quiz and a mock exam. Didn‘t seem challenging enough.
- Purchased Helwig book about a month out but didn’t use it since I was used to the Purple Book, set up.
- Watched Dr. Pam early on in my studying. Focused on the shorts and short videos that she has posted.
What was very heavily present on the test:
- Group counseling - almost everything group!
- Career counseling
- Individual counseling such as intakes, assessments, and theories
- Family Counseling
- Ethical guidelines
What was hardly on test:
- Research, approximately 3 but could have been more but at least under 10.
The test was hard to me and I thought I failed. In my opinion, no amount of practice exams will prepare you for how the test is presented. In order to feel comfortable you just have to truly be familiar with the content, in order to pass. Most questions were presented in a direct manner with a direct answer.