Candidate Handbook

for State Credentialing

for the National Counselor Examination
(NCE)

3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403-3660
Tel: 336-482-2856 • Fax: 336-482-2852
cce@cce-global.org * www.cce-global.org

The Center for Credentialing & Education, Inc. (CCE) values diversity.
There are no barriers to credentialing on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Revised 04-2018, Published Online 04-2018

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TAKING THE EXAMINATION........................................8–10
About NBCC Identification
Independent Testing Agency Security
Nondiscrimination Policy Examination Restrictions Misconduct
Eligibility Requirements Copyrighted Examination Questions
Examination Administration Examination Process
Holidays

Registration Form Expiration Pass/Fail Score Determination
Examination Reregistration Scores Canceled by NBCC, CCE, or
Pearson VUE
Fees and Refund Policy
If You Pass the Examination
If You Do Not Pass the Examination
Testing Center Locations Appealing Examination Results Failing
Special Arrangements for Candidates with to Report for an Examination
Disabilities
Confidentiality
Examination Appointment Changes Missed
Score Verification
Appointments and Cancellations
Inclement Weather, Power Failure,
or Emergency

NCE Sample Examination Questions
Sample Questions Answer Key
Preparing for the Examination

FOR MORE INFORMATION

All questions and requests for information about state licensure requirements should be directed to the state
credentialing board to which you are applying. Refer to insert for state-specific information.

All questions and requests for information about the All questions and requests for information about
NBCC examination program should be directed to: examination scheduling should be directed to:

Center for Credentialing & Education Pearson VUE

3 Terrace Way 5601 Green Valley Dr.
Greensboro, NC 27403 Bloomington, MN 55437
Voice: 336-482-2856 Voice: 866-904-4432 Website:
Fax: 336-482-2852 www.pearsonvue.com
Website: www.cce-global.org

Copyright (C) 2015. National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or recording, or any information and retrieval system, without permission in writing from NBCC.

2
INTRODUCTION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This handbook provides information about the Please check with your state board for specific
examination and registration process for the National information about licensure application procedures and
Counselor Examination (NCE). It outlines the design and any additional requirements. If you have previously
content of the examination and guides candidates achieved a passing score on an NBCC examination,
through the examination process, from registration contact your state board to determine if you are exam-
through test taking. For your convenience, this exempt. You may be required to apply to your state
handbook can be downloaded from www.nbcc.org. board prior to sitting for the NCE. Candidates may not
schedule an examination with Pearson VUE until they
have registered with CCE.
ABOUT NBCC
The National Board for Certified Counselors EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION
(NBCC) is internationally recognized as a leading
provider of counselor credentialing examinations. All 50 The examination is delivered by computer at more than
states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia 900 Pearson VUE testing centers located throughout
administer NBCC examinations as part of their counselor the United States. Generally, there are no application
credentialing requirements. Based on its reputation for deadlines and a candidate may submit a registration
excellence in the examination field, NBCC has provided form and fee at any time. Testing is normally during the
consultation services for examination and credential first two full weeks of each month. The examination is
development to many other organizations in the United administered by appointment only on dates authorized
States and abroad, including NBCC’s affiliate the Center by CCE, Monday through Saturday beginning at 8 am
for Credentialing & Education (CCE). NBCC has with the last appointment at 5:30 pm. Please contact
contracted with CCE to oversee the examination Pearson VUE for particular locations and details.
process. Candidates are allowed three hours and 45 minutes to
take the exam. Available dates will be indicated when
scheduling your examination. Candidates are scheduled
INDEPENDENT TESTING AGENCY on a first-come, first-served basis.
CCE has contracted with Pearson VUE to assist in the
administration and scoring of the NCE. Pearson VUE is HOLIDAYS
headquartered in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, with
regional offices in Australia, China, Dubai, India, Japan, Examinations are not offered on the following holidays:
the United Kingdom, and the United States. New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Independence Day (July 4)
NBCC, CCE, and Pearson VUE do not discriminate Labor Day
against candidates on the basis of gender, race, creed, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday
age, sexual orientation, or national origin. Christmas Eve (Limited hours)
Christmas Day

3
REGISTERING FOR AN EXAMINATION SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION
Examinees have the option to register online or via a After you have completed the registration process and
paper registration form. Online registration is the are approved to schedule your examination, you will
preferred method, as it requires a shorter processing receive an email from Pearson VUE with your candidate
time. ID number. There are two ways to schedule an
appointment for the examination:
To begin the online registration process, go to
http://www.cce-global.org and choose the 1. Online scheduling is the preferred method. To
“ProCounselor” tab. Candidates cannot schedule an use this service:
examination appointment with Pearson VUE until • Retrieve your candidate ID number from
CCE has processed their registration. Pearson will the email.
then send email notification to registered candidates • Go to www.pearsonvue.com/cce and
with examination scheduling procedures. select “Create Account.”
To request a paper registration form instead, contact • Follow the simple, step-by-step
paperreg@cce-global.org. Be aware that a paper instructions to select your examination
registration will require an extended processing time. program and register for an examination.

Or
REGISTRATION EXPIRATION
A candidate who fails to test within six months after 2. Telephone: Call Pearson VUE at 866-904-4432
registering with CCE forfeits the registration and all fees to schedule an examination appointment. This
paid to take the examination. toll-free number is answered from 7 am to 7 pm.
Central time Monday through Friday. You may
experience extended hold times.
EXAMINATION REREGISTRATION
When scheduling an examination, be prepared to
If you are unsuccessful in your examination attempt, you
confirm a location and a preferred date and time for
may reregister at any time by following the same
testing, and to provide your client candidate ID number.
registration process; however, you will not be permitted
Pearson VUE uses this number only for identification in
to test until you have completed a three-month waiting
maintaining your record. When you contact Pearson
period. The actual retest date will depend on the
VUE to schedule an examination appointment, you will
monthly testing schedule and site availability. A separate
be notified of the time to report to the testing center.
fee is required each time you register for the exam.
Please make a note of it, because you will not receive
additional communications confirming your scheduled
FEES AND REFUND POLICY appointment.
Candidates must submit the appropriate fee to register.
Online payment must be made by credit card (VISA, TESTING CENTER LOCATIONS
MasterCard, or American Express). Paper registration
forms must include a cashier’s check or money order Pearson VUE testing centers have been selected to
payable to NBCC. Personal checks are not accepted. provide accessibility to most candidates in all states and
Examination fees are not refundable or transferable and major metropolitan areas. A current listing of Pearson
expire if the registration process is not completed within VUE testing centers, including addresses and driving
one year. directions, is available at Pearson VUE’s website
(www.pearsonvue.com). Specific address information
will also be provided when a candidate schedules an
examination appointment.

4
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES WITH MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
DISABILITIES A candidate forfeits the examination registration and all
fees paid to take the examination when he or she:
CCE and Pearson VUE comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act and strive to ensure that no individual • Intends to reschedule an examination but fails
with a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take an to contact Pearson VUE at least 24 hours
examination solely by reason of that disability. With before the examination appointment.
supporting documentation, CCE and Pearson VUE will
provide reasonable accommodations for candidates • Arrives more than 15 minutes late for an
examination.
with permanent or temporary disabilities or for whom
English is a second language. Please note that • Fails to report for an examination appointment
accommodations must be pre-approved by your state for any reason.
board and/or CCE. Visit www.nbcc.org/directory for
state-specific information on special accommodations. A separate registration and examination fee are
required to reregister for the examination.
Candidates testing with approved special
accommodations must schedule their examination via INCLEMENT WEATHER, POWER FAILURE, OR
Pearson VUE’s toll-free number (800-466-0450) and
inform Pearson VUE of the need for special EMERGENCY
accommodations. Please note, in order for an
accommodation to be approved, the candidate must Candidates should call in emergencies that occur the
submit supporting documentation to day of testing and qualification for a retest will be
accommodations@cce-global.org. Supporting considered on a case-by-base basis.
documentation must be submitted on letterhead; dated
In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen
within five years of the request; include the candidate’s
emergencies on the day of an examination, Pearson
full name, date of birth, diagnosis, and recommended
VUE will determine whether circumstances warrant the
accommodation(s); and be signed by a licensed,
cancellation and subsequent rescheduling of an
qualified professional.
examination. The examination will usually be
Candidates should not schedule the exam without rescheduled if the testing center personnel are unable
confirmation of the approved special accommodations. to open the facility. If power to a testing center is
Candidates who schedule their examination date prior temporarily interrupted during an administration, your
to confirmation of the approved special examination will restart where you left off and you may
accommodations will forfeit the scheduled exam and continue the examination. You may appeal a power
the exam date will be rescheduled. outage only if you are not returned to where you left off
prior to the power outage.
EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT CHANGES Every attempt is made to administer the examination as
scheduled; however, should an examination be
You may reschedule an examination appointment for a
canceled at a testing center, all scheduled candidates
$50 fee by calling Pearson VUE at 866- 904-4432. You
will receive notification by email or telephone regarding
cannot reschedule less than 24 hours prior to your
rescheduling or reregistration procedures.
appointment.

5
EXAMINATION CONTENT Research and Program Evaluation—Studies that
provide an understanding of types of research
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a 200- methods, basic statistics, and ethical and legal
question, multiple-choice, non-sectioned examination considerations in research.
representing each of the original eight CACREP
(Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice—
Educational Programs) content areas, with question Studies that provide an understanding of all aspects of
content also emerging from the five work behaviors professional functioning, including history, roles,
determined by NBCC’s national job analysis. Thus, the organizational structures, ethics, standards, and
content validity of the NCE is anchored in the five credentialing.
empirically derived work behaviors most relevant to
The following is an outline of the five work behavior
competent counseling practice and the eight CACREP
domains derived from a job analysis of professional
curriculum educational standards.
counselors. The descriptions of the work behaviors are
A different form (version) of the NCE is compiled for intended to be broad examples and are not exhaustive.
each administration of the examination. Each form’s
Fundamental Counseling Issues—Theory and
questions, which are drawn from the item pool for the
application of counseling clients with conditions that
NCE, have undergone extensive review and field-
may be a focus of clinical attention, and clients with
testing.
various disorders including but not limited to
Although each form of the NCE contains different neurocognitive, personality, anxiety, and depressive
questions, the content areas and the respective disorders.
numbers of questions representing those areas are
Counseling Process—Assessing a client’s course of
consistent. Within the set of 200 questions on each
development or one’s appropriateness for working with
form of the NCE, 160 of the questions are counted for
a specific client. Conducting diagnostic interviews,
the purpose of determining whether you surpass the
distance counseling, and school/community outreach.
minimum criterion (i.e., “passing”) score for that form.
Thus, the maximum possible score a respondent can Diagnostic and Assessment Services—Assessing
achieve is 160. The remaining 40 items are unscored clients’ educational preparation and potential for harm
field-test items. Field-test items are included on the to self and others. Conducting biopsychosocial
exam to gather item statistics to evaluate their interviews, initial assessments, and custody
performance for use on future exams. evaluations.
The following is an outline of the eight CACREP Professional Practice—Advocating for client needs
domains on which the examination questions are and the profession of counseling. Applying career
based: counseling interventions, current counseling, and
multicultural counseling models.
Human Growth and Development—Studies that
provide an understanding of the nature and needs of Professional Development, Supervision
individuals at all developmental levels. and Consultation—Communicating with credentialing
boards and consulting with the justice system, peers or
Social and Cultural Diversity—Studies that provide
other professionals, prescribers of medications, and
an understanding of issues and trends in a multicultural
professional organizations.
and diverse society.
The National Board for Certified Counselors
Helping Relationships—Studies that provide an
(NBCC) has developed a preparation guide for the NCE
understanding of counseling and consultation
that includes general information about the exam, a
processes.
practice test, tips and strategies for test-taking, and
Group Work—Studies that provide an understanding additional references. This is the only guide that
of group development, dynamics, counseling theories, includes actual retired test items. This guide can be
group counseling methods and skills, and other group purchased for $34.95 at www.nbcc.org.
work approaches.

6
NCE SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 4. A counselor designs a study in which two
experimental groups and one control group
The following are sample questions in the same style complete pre- and post-experiment measures of
and with similar content as will be on your examination. self-concept. The subjects were not randomly
Use the sample questions to verify your understanding assigned to the groups because of scheduling
of the topics on the examination. Answers are provided problems. Which of the following techniques is
for the sample questions. MOST appropriate for analyzing the resultant
data?
1. Counselors know that groups are formed for A. Analysis of covariance
different purposes. For example, in some B. Correlated t-tests
groups the primary goal is to yield some
specified outcome, or “product,” while in others C. Analysis of variance
the primary goal is to focus on the D. Wilcox on matched-pairs signed-ranks test
“process” of interaction within the group. Which
of the following types of groups is more 5. You have been providing career counseling to a
product- than process-oriented? client who is seeking employment. Concurrent
with the counseling, and with your knowledge, the
A. Behavioral
client has made application for employment with
B. Transactional-analysis several employers. A potential employer calls you
C. Adlerian and asks for your opinion as to your client’s
suitability for the employer’s job opening. Under
D. Client-centered which of the following conditions are you free (i.e.,
not in violation of professional ethics) to provide
2. Person A and Person B both took the same
the information requested?
test. Person A got a score of 100, while Person
B got a score of 75. In order for a counselor to A. When it is clear that the client will not get
determine whether the difference between their the job unless the information is given
scores was because of “chance,” the counselor B. When you are certain that the information
would need to know which of the following you would provide would assure that the
characteristics of the test? client would get the job
A. Mean C. When in your best judgment you believe the
B. Standard deviation information would enhance the client’s
chances for getting the job
C. Standard error of measurement
D. None of the above
D. Standard error of the mean
6. What is the expected counseling outcome of
3. A counselor conducted a study intended to applied person-centered counseling with a client?
evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing group
A. Rational thoughts
career counseling on the vocational maturity of
high school sophomores. The study began in B. Self-awareness
September and continued until June. This study
C. Personal responsibility
is particularly susceptible to which of the
following threats to the validity of an D. Self-actualization
experiment?
7. What counseling theory would a counselor use to
A. Regression prompt a client to envision how the future will be
B. Maturation different if a particular problem no longer exists?

C. Reactive effects of experimentation A. Existential therapy

D. Multiple treatment interference B. Solution-focused brief therapy
C. Bibliotherapy
D. Dialectal behavioral therapy

7
8. A client asks a counselor if abortion is morally PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION
acceptable. Which of the following would be an
ethical response? Developing an effective study plan is essential for
A. “I am pro-life, but respect others who successfully passing the NCE. A good study strategy
disagree. Do you?” includes preparation. To prepare, first determine what you
need to learn by reviewing the content areas for the NCE
B. “I am pro-choice and support clients who
(CACREP areas and work behavior areas).
make tough choices.”
C. “I believe morals and our behaviors should be Choose your study materials and select a quiet,
guided by our religion.” comfortable place that allows you to focus. Before you
begin, check to make sure you have everything you need.
D. “My opinion about this topic seems important
Try to avoid interruptions.
to you. Can you tell me more?”
Developing a study plan will allow you to learn the most
as you study. Include setting goals in your study plan.
9. During a group counseling session a client says,
Review what you have studied as often as possible.
“I realized I am not the only one struggling with
relationship problems after listening to others in the
group talk about their experiences.” The group TAKING THE EXAMINATION
member’s comment is best defined as which
Your examination will be delivered by computer at a
group factor identified by Yalom?
Pearson VUE testing center. You do not need advanced
A. Catharsis computer experience or typing skills to take the
B. examination. You will be required to select answer
Imparting information
choices and in some instances scroll to the end of the
C. Interpersonal learning current page using a mouse. On the day of your
D. Universality examination appointment, please plan to arrive at the
testing center early. Prior to testing at the Pearson VUE
testing center you are are required to read the Pearson
10. A counselor is using a developmental career VUE Candidate Agreement. You will be required to sign
counseling approach with a client. Which of the this agreement before you are allowed into the testing
following would the counselor measure to determine center. The document outlines what test takers should
if the counseling approach is effective? do if they need help with the examination and other
policies. A sample of the agreement is found in the
A. Measure the degree of similarity between the appendix of this handbook.
client’s personality and job environment.
For your convenience, signs indicating Pearson VUE
B. Assess how well the client is mastering testing center check-in will be posted at the testing
identified developmental career tasks. center.
C. Evaluate whether the client developed a belief
about their ability to obtain a career. A candidate who arrives more than 15 minutes after
the scheduled testing time will not be admitted and
D. Rate how well the client’s vocational choice is will forfeit their registration fee.
matched to the needs of the client.

Sample Answer Key

1. A 6. D
2. C 7. B
3. B 8. D
4. A 9. D
5. D 10. B

8
IDENTIFICATION EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS
To gain admission to the testing center, you must present • Writing materials will be provided during check-in.
two forms of identification, one with a photograph. The • You must return all writing materials to the proctor
name on your registration and on your photo ID must be at the completion of testing, or you will not
identical. Both forms of identification must be current and receive a score report. No documents or notes of
include your current name and signature. You will be any kind may be removed from the examination
required to sign a roster for verification of identity. room.
Acceptable forms of photo identification include a current • No questions concerning the content of the exam
driver’s license, a current state identification card, a may be asked during the examination.
current passport, or a current military identification card. • You may take a break when you choose, but you
Employment ID cards, student ID cards, and any type of will not be given additional time to test.
temporary identification are not acceptable as the primary
form of identification • Eating, drinking, or smoking is not permitted in
the testing center.
You must have proper identification to gain admission to
the testing center. Failure to provide appropriate
identification at the time of the examination is considered MISCONDUCT
a missed appointment, and a refund of your examination
fee will not be granted. Individuals who engage in any of the following conduct
may be dismissed from the examination and forfeit
SECURITY their scores and fees:
• Creating a disturbance or being abusive or
NBCC, CCE, and Pearson VUE maintain the highest otherwise uncooperative.
degree of administration and security standards. The
testing center is continuously monitored by audio and • Displaying and/or using electronic
video surveillance equipment for security purposes. communications equipment such as pagers,
cellphones, or PDAs.
The following security procedures apply during the • Giving or receiving help or being suspected of
examination: doing so.
• No cameras, notes, tape recorders, personal digital • Attempting to record examination questions or
assistants (PDAs), pagers, or cellphones are make notes.
allowed in the testing room.
• Attempting to take the examination for someone
• No calculators are permitted. else.
• No guests, visitors, or family members are allowed • Being observed with notes, books, or other aids.
in the testing room or reception areas.
• No personal items, valuables, or weapons should
be brought to the testing center. COPYRIGHTED EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
• A locker is provided for storing keys, All examination questions are the copyrighted property
wallets, and cellphones. Pearson VUE is not of NBCC. It is forbidden under federal copyright law to
responsible for items left in the reception areas. copy, reproduce, record, distribute, display, or share
these examination questions by any means, in whole or
SCREENING in part. Those who do so may be subject to severe civil
and criminal penalties.
Prior to entering the testing center Pearson VUE test
administrators security screen you to make sure you do
not have notes or cameras. You may be asked to:
• roll up your sleeves.
• pull up pant legs to show that no notes are taped
to the legs.
• turn out your pockets.
• pull back your hair to examine ears for earphones
or microphones.
• scan palms on a scanner.

9
EXAMINATION PROCESS FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION
After your identification has been confirmed, you will be
After completing the examination, you are asked to
directed to a testing carrel. The system will monitor you
complete a short evaluation of your examination
via video throughout your examination session.
experience. Then, you will be instructed to report to the
Following the examination instructions, you will begin
examination proctor to receive your unofficial score
the timed examination.
report, which includes your photograph. Your scores will
You will have three hours and 45 minutes to complete be presented by CACREP area and by work behavior.
this examination. The computer tracks the time you
After verifying that you have abided by testing policies
spend on the examination. The examination begins
and procedures during the administration of your exam,
when you select “start.” A nondisclosure agreement
CCE will report your official scores to your licensing
(NDA) appears on the screen; you must agree to the
organization.
terms of the agreement to proceed with the exam. You
will have five minutes to agree to the NDA, or the Passing the examination does not guarantee licensure.
examination will terminate. NBCC, CCE, and Pearson VUE reserve the right to
withdraw or void official scores if it is found a candidate
After you agree to the terms of the NDA, you will click
engaged in misconduct, wrongfully sat for the
the “Next” button and arrive at the tutorial for the
examination, or violated the regulations of the respective
examination. You have 10 minutes to review how to
organizations. Scores are reported in written form only
navigate and respond to the examination items.
and not over the telephone, by email, or by fax.
The examination will terminate if you exceed the time
allowed. A digital clock indicates PASS/FAIL SCORE DETERMINATION
the time remaining for you to complete the examination.
Examination scores are only determined by an
Only one examination question is presented at a time. individual’s performance on the exam. Neither individual
The question number appears in the upper right portion scores nor passing scores are compared to or
of the screen. Answer choices are identified as A, B, C, influenced by the performance of other examinees.
or D. Indicate your choice by clicking the option using
the mouse. To change your answer, simply click on the The passing point for the NCE is calculated using a
alternate option using the mouse. You may change your modified Angoff method, which requires subject matter
answer as many times as you wish before the experts of the NCE examination committee to review
examination time limit. and evaluate each question on the examination in order
to determine the passing score that would be expected
Be sure to provide an answer for each examination of a minimally competent professional counselor.
question before ending the examination. There is no
penalty for guessing. Passing scores may vary slightly for each version of the
examination. To ensure fairness to all candidates, a
process of statistical equating is used to determine the
passing score for different versions of the examination.
Statistical equating adjusts the passing score up or
down by accounting for the overall difficulty of each
version of the examination.

Test scores will not be modified based on work history,

quality of clinical work, or other personal or professional
variables (e.g., taking the test multiple times, belonging
to honor societies, or holding other professional
credentials).

10
SCORES CANCELLED BY NBCC, CCE, OR PEARSON In order to submit an administration-based appeal, the
candidate must immediately report the testing problem
VUE to the testing center staff to allow them the opportunity
to provide help (e.g, earplugs, noise canceling
NBCC, CCE, and Pearson VUE are responsible for the headphones or other solutions. The test taker is
validity and integrity of the scores they report. NBCC, required to have testing staff file a report of the testing
CCE, and Pearson VUE reserve the right to void or
problem while the test taker is on site. Before
withhold examination results if, upon investigation,
considering the appeal, CCE must be able to confirm
violation of regulations is discovered.
the issue filed in the report through system logs or
Pearson staff. If an incident report was not created at
IF YOU PASS THE EXAMINATION the testing site during the time of testing, the
administration appeal will not be considered.
Your official scores will be forwarded to your state
licensure board within 30 days of the end of the testing Filling out an online report is only for certification
cycle. Candidates who pass the examination should candidates. Those sitting at a Pearson VUE test center
follow their state board requirements for licensure. to obtain a license to counsel must request a Pearson
VUE incident report while they are on-site. Reports
IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE EXAMINATION created by phone after the examinee has left the test
center will not be considered.
Candidates may take the examination once every three
months. You can reregister by submitting a new If properly submitted, examinees should expect to
examination registration with the appropriate fee. receive a decision regarding administration errors
within 60 days.
Examinees may submit comments about the
examination content, which will be shared with the NCE Special Exam Accommodations Appeals
examination committee.
An individual can only submit an appeal of
APPEALING EXAMINATION RESULTS accommodations if initially approved for them. For the
appeal to be considered, the candidate must file a
Examinees may appeal exam score results. To be detailed incident report while on site at the Pearson
considered, appeals must follow the guidelines below. Testing Center, showing that the approved
accommodations were not provided. If properly
Administration Appeals submitted, examinees should expect to receive a
decision regarding special exam accommodations
Candidates may base their appeal on: within 60 days.

• Proctoring errors (e.g., proctor failed to check Content Appeals

candidates in properly, improper materials in the
testing area). In order for the appeal to be considered, the candidate
• Site conditions (e.g., distractions, lighting failures). must provide a summary of the item in question and
complete primary or secondary references (citations
• Computer failure (e.g., error messages, screen alone are not sufficient to support the appeal. Primary
failures). and secondary source data comes from the pool of
knowledge generally acknowledged by counseling
professionals (e.g., commonly referenced in research
or textbooks). All content appeals must be reviewed by
subject matter experts during secure committee
meetings; therefore, content appeal decisions may take
up to eight months.

11
Filing an Appeal FAILING TO REPORT FOR AN EXAMINATION
To be considered, an exam score appeal must: A candidate who fails to report for an examination
forfeits the registration and all fees paid to take the
• Be submitted within one week of the exam.
examination. A completed registration form and
• Be e-mailed to appeal@cce-global.org. examination fee is required to re-register for an
(Appeals are not accepted by telephone or other examination.
e-mail addresses.)
• Include the candidate’s full legal name, NBCC/ CONFIDENTIALITY
CCE ID number, Pearson candidate ID number,
test date, and testing center location. Information about candidates for testing and their
examination results are confidential. Studies and
reports concerning candidates will not contain
Issues Not Valid for Appeal personally identifiable information unless authorized by
the candidate.
Candidates are not eligible to appeal exam results
based on the following: SCORE VERIFICATION
• Failing the exam by one or two points. All
examinations are carefully reviewed for accuracy. Candidates may request score verification
for themselves or a third party by submitting a
• Sound. Noise-cancelling headphones and ear completed Score Verification Request form and
plugs are provided at each testing center. Pearson payment. This form is available at www.cce-global.org.
VUE will give each examinee the option to test if
construction noise is detected in the area.
• Candidates cannot appeal if Pearson VUE grants
them the chance to reschedule when test taking is
not optimal.
• Testing errors on the part of the candidate (e.g.,
failing to scroll through all possible alternatives or
unintentionally clicking an item);
• Test anxiety;
• Late arrival for the testing appointment;
• Failure to follow examination instructions as
provided;
• Cut score determination; and
• The construction or criterion-related validity of the
examination.

In addition, administration appeals must be

accompanied by a Pearson Incident Report.
Administration appeals will not be considered
without a properly filed Pearson Incident Report.

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 Pearson VUE Candidate Rules Agreement
Please review and sign the following exam rules, and ask the administrator if you have questions.
ˆ I will not take the following types of personal items into the testing room: cellular phones, hand-held computers/personal digital
assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, hats, bags, coats, books and notes. Studying is not
allowed in the test center.
ˆ I will store these items in a secure area indicated by the administrator. Cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic devices must
be turned off prior to placing them in the designated secure area. The testing center is not responsible for lost, stolen or misplaced
personal items.
ˆ If I am given an erasable noteboard or exam-specific materials, I will not use them until after the exam has started. I will not
remove these items from the testing room at any time during the exam, and I will return them to the administrator immediately
after the exam.

ˆ The administrator will log me in to my assigned workstation, verify that I am taking the intended exam and start the exam. I will
sit in my assigned seat. I understand that eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum and making noise that creates a disturbance for
other candidates are prohibited during the exam.
ˆ The administrator will monitor me continuously while I take my exam. The session may be videotaped or otherwise recorded for
security or other purposes.
ˆ If I experience problems that affect my ability to take the exam, I will notify the administrator immediately.
ˆ The administrator cannot answer questions related to exam content. If I have questions of this nature, I will contact the exam
sponsor after I leave the testing center.

ˆ Break policies are established by the exam sponsor. Some exams may include scheduled breaks, and instructions will appear on
the computer screen at the appropriate time; whether or not the exam timer stops depends on the sponsor’s policy. If I take a break
at any other time, the exam timer will not be stopped. The administrator will set my workstation to the break mode, and I will
take my ID with me when I leave the room. The administrator will check my ID before I return to my seat and will then restart my
exam.
ˆ While I am taking a break, I am permitted to access personal items that I stored during the exam only if necessary—for example,
if I need to take medication at a specific time. I am NOT allowed access to other items, including cellular phones, exam notes and
study guides, unless the exam sponsor specifically permits this.
ˆ I will not try to remove copies of exam questions and answers from the testing center, and I will not share the questions or
answers seen in my exam with other candidates.

ˆ After the exam ends, the administrator will come to my workstation and ensure my exam has ended properly. The exam sponsors
may display my score on the screen after the exam or may provide a printed score report. If a printed score report is provided, I
will receive it after returning the erasable noteboard and other materials to the administrator.
Your Privacy – Your exam results will be encrypted and transmitted to Pearson VUE and to the exam sponsor. The testing center
does not keep any information other than when and where your exam was taken. The Pearson VUE Privacy Policy Statement
provides additional information regarding this; you can obtain this by visiting the Pearson VUE Web site (www.pearsonvue.com)
or by contacting a Pearson VUE Call Center.
Candidate Statement: By signing below or providing a digital signature, I give Pearson VUE my explicit consent to retain and
transmit my personal data and test responses to Pearson VUE and to the exam sponsor (either of which may be outside of the
country in which I am testing). I understand the information provided above and agree to follow the Rules. If I do not follow the
Rules, or I am suspected of cheating or tampering with the computer, this will be reported to Pearson VUE and the exam sponsor,
my exam may be invalidated, the sponsor may take other action such as decertifying me, and I will not be refunded my exam fee.
Name (Please print): ________________________________________________Date:__________________________
Signature_________________________________________________________Exam:__________________________

Publication Number: 7125-2 (7-January-2008) Pearson VUE Candidate Rules Agreement 1.4