NCMHCE New Format Information
The NBCC has announced that it will begin the New Format for the NCMHCE on November 7, 2022 (or mid-October for those applying for NCC National Certification). This new format will look very different from the current format.
Here are the most significant changes that are coming:
- The new format will be a longer exam. According to the NBCC, the new NCMHCE test format will contain 11 case studies. Test takers will be given 225 minutes to complete the exam.
- Each case study will comprise one client narrative (which will include the diagnosis) followed by 13 multiple-choice questions. Each question will offer four answer choices of which only one will be correct.
- Your score will be based on how many correct answers you select. The exam will have 143 total questions, but only 100 will be scored. The remaining 43 questions will be used for 'field testing'.
- The final date for the current format exam will be October 17th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What options does ClinicalExamWorkshop.com have for the NCMHCE?
Both versions of the NCMHCE are very challenging exams. This exam is notorious for being a highly subjective test. Without a clear understanding of the exam's bias, it is very easy to fail. I fully explain how to 'Think Like the Test' in both versions of my study program so that you can give the exam the sorts of answers that it is looking for.
How do the 2 formats compare?
The 'current format' is 180 minutes for 10 sims of 7 to 8 questions each. The main challenge of the 'current format' is the long, 'choose as many as apply' questions. These questions are notoriously subjective and may have up to 14 answers of which anywhere between 1 and 14 may be correct. The 'new format' is 225 minutes for 11 sims of 13 questions each. On the 'new format' each question only has 4 answers and only 1 will be correct. The main challenge of the new format is the use of lots of 'what would you say, how would you interpret' sorts of questions that are also highly subjective.
Is one format harder than the other?
Over the last year, I've studied the sample cases the NBCC has released for the New Format as well as the NBCC's Content Outline. At this point, I'd say that it is a toss up. Both formats are highly subjective and challenging in different ways. I fully address all of this in both versions of my program. I'd say the more significant question for each therapist to answer is 'When do I want to take the exam?' The exam will change on 11/7. So, if you want to take it before 11/7, study for the Current Format. If you want to take it on 11/7 or later, study for the New Format.
What will this mean for my subscription?
You receive a 6 month subscription when you order my program. Once summer hits, there will be some therapists preparing to test for the current format while others may be preparing for the new format. During this transition period, therapists who have a subscription with my program will have access to study material for BOTH formats (at no additional charge).
If I know your study material for the current format, will that be 'good enough' for the new format?
The current format and new format are very different exams. You need to study my current material for the current format. You will need my new format material for the new format.
Where do I order your program?
You can order my program here: Order
Where can I find additional information on the new format?
You can access additional information from the NBCC's website here: www.nbcc.org/exams/ncmhce
NBCC® and NCMHCE® are registered trademarks solely owned and controlled by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC). I am not affiliated with NBCC. NBCC does not endorse, sponsor, or otherwise support my services or products, including the examination preparation services provided on the www.ClinicalExamWorkshop.com website.