Quick Answers
Browse the most common questions about the NCMHCE, your subscription, and how to use the platform effectively.
Browse 48 questions across 5 categories.
Site Info
What percentage of people who subscribe to this site pass the exam?
We ask past subscribers to rate our services, and we’ve found that many of our subscribers would recommend our site to a colleague. Click here to read what past customers have to say.
How are the narratives on this site different than the real exam?
Our practice narratives are divided into two different categories:
- Individual narratives in “practice mode”. When you are studying the practice mode narratives, you will see explanations for each answer and know immediately whether you chose the correct answer.
- Full length exams in “exam mode”:
- There will not be any explanations for answers (on our site, you will have an opportunity to review your exam results at the end of the exam and see the answer rationales).
- You will not know if you have chosen a correct response.
Can you guarantee that I will pass my exam?
No, but we are so confident we offer the best online preparation material that if you don’t pass your exam, we will put you back on the site for the length of your original subscription for free. All you need to do is send us a screenshot of your results and we’ll get you back online right away! And, if you still don’t pass, don’t worry, you will qualify for a reduced rate on future subscriptions.
Do you offer discounts for institutions?
Yes, depending on group size we offer institutional discounts. Please contact us to discuss special rates for institutions.
What computer equipment do I need to study?
You can access the site with any device that has a browser and an internet connection. Using a desktop or laptop computer will probably make taking the quizzes easier, but the site works just as well on tablets and smartphones.
Can I pause the free practice exam and pick it up later?
Yes. If you need to step away from the free practice exam for a little while, you can come back to it any time. You don’t need to save anything — it automatically saves wherever you left off!
Am I allowed to print out the test questions in the practice exams?
Yes, feel free to print out anything you like. We encourage you to study in whatever way works best for you. Please keep in mind that all of our study material is copyrighted and is intended for single users only.
Where do you get the information that is provided for study?
Content specialists who are experts in the field create our content, questions, and case studies.
How many questions are available to me when I sign up?
We maintain a database of thousands of questions so you can take unlimited practice exams. For more information on what else is available when you subscribe, click here.
How many times can I take the free practice exam?
You can take the free practice exam as many times as you would like. However, you’ll get the same set of two narratives each time that you take the exam.
Purchase Information
How much does the study material cost?
Check out our products page for current prices.
I just paid for the wrong exam subscription. How do I change it?
If that happens, contact us so that we can switch your subscription.
How do I extend my current subscription and how much does it cost?
We offer reduced rates for existing subscribers to add more time to their subscriptions. Log in to your account and click on the “My Menu” link at the top right-hand side of the page. Your name should appear at the top of the page, followed by a note detailing when your subscription will expire. Directly under that, click on the button “Add more time” and you will see our reduced rates! Any additional subscription time that you purchase will be added to your current subscription, so you won’t lose any precious moments of study time.
What are group rates?
If you have a study group of 5 or more people, we offer a discounted rate on each group member’s subscription. Contact us so that we can set up discounted rates for you today!
How much does it cost to resubscribe?
We offer reduced subscription rates for those of you who have subscribed with us in the past and would like some more time to study. Log in to your account and click on the “My Menu” link at the top right-hand side of the page. Your name should appear at the top of the page, followed by a note detailing when your subscription will expire. Directly under that, click on the button “Add more time” and you will see our reduced rates!
What's the password to open my study guide or tidbits PDF file?
Both the study guide and tidbits PDF files are passcode protected. The key to unlock these files is in your confirmation of purchase email. If you are unable to find that email, please let us know and we’ll send you the key again.
I just ordered my paperback study guide. When will I receive it?
All of our paperback study guides are published by Lulu. Once you place your order, Lulu gets a notification to print your study guide and ship it to you. It may take 5–10 business days for your study guide to go from production to your front door. If you would like to check on the status of your study guide, please contact us and we’ll do our best to get you a more detailed shipping estimate.
I ordered a paperback study guide, and I'm having trouble with my order.
If you are having trouble with your order or have questions regarding payments, shipping, etc., please let us know.
I ordered a PDF study guide and/or tidbits, and I can't find it.
If you ordered a PDF study guide and/or tidbits, it was sent as an attachment to your purchase confirmation receipt email. That confirmation email also includes the password to open your PDF study guide and/or tidbits. If you no longer have that email, please contact us and we’ll resend the password. You can also find your PDF study guide and/or tidbits under the menu item My Account → My Orders.
How can I convert my PDF study guide to an e-reader compatible version?
If you’re having trouble converting your PDF file to your e-reader, there are two apps you might try that allow you to read PDF files on your phone or eReader: ezPDF and Foxit PDF.
How do I update my mobile app?
For Android apps, visit the Google Play Store and search for our app to update manually or enable automatic updates in your settings. For iPhone apps, visit the App Store and follow the same steps.
How do I use the mobile app?
- Select the number of questions you want to work on.
- Hit “Start Quiz.”
- Answer questions by tapping one of the options.
- View the correct answer and read the explanation.
- Tap the Next button to go to the next question until you have completed the set.
- Review your final score.
- Tap “Restart Quiz” if you wish to do more.
What's your refund policy?
We offer a no-questions-asked refund policy for all subscription purchases within 7 days. For one-week subscriptions, refunds must be requested within 2 days of purchase. Digital items (Tidbits, PDF e-book and study guide) and paperback study guides are non-refundable. Subscription purchases that include digital extras and/or a paperback study guide will be refunded minus the cost of those items.
Account Information
Can I share my account?
No, it is against our terms of agreement to share your account with other people. Accounts in violation will be deactivated. To protect your personal information, we track user IP addresses and freeze accounts when more than one user is detected. There are two important practical reasons for this: 1) your personal information will no longer be secure if someone else knows your username and password, and 2) since our subscription service is designed to be customized to your personal study goals, several features will not be effective if you are sharing an account (e.g. your missed questions, your progress, and your personal stats). Please contact us if you’re interested in a group discount rate (for 5 or more individuals). We’re happy to help set that up for you!
Can I pause my subscription?
Yes, you can have your subscription put on hold up to three times. Please contact us to let us know and we’ll put your subscription on hold so that you can postpone your studying until you’re ready.
I'm having trouble logging on.
If you know your username, go to the Login Page to reset your password. Otherwise, go to the Contact Page to let us know, and we’ll help you.
I forgot my username. What do I do?
Go to the Contact Page to let us know and we’ll help you recover your account.
I forgot my password. What do I do?
Go to the Login Page and on the right side enter your email address to reset your password.
When does my subscription start and end?
Your subscription starts immediately. As soon as you sign up, you can log in and start studying right away. For example, if you sign up for one day, your 24 hours starts the moment you hit submit on the checkout page. Click here to check your subscription status to find out when your subscription ends.
Things don't look right on the website.
If you’re using an older browser, our website can sometimes display incorrectly. We recommend downloading Google Chrome — it’s faster, more secure, and may resolve display issues.
I need technical support. How can I get help?
If you’re having technical issues, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.
What happens if I fail the exam?
We are so confident we offer the best online preparation material that if you don’t pass your exam, we will put you back on the site for the length of your original subscription for free. All you need to do is send us a screenshot of your results and we’ll get you back online right away! And, if you still don’t pass, don’t worry, you will qualify for a reduced rate on future subscriptions.
I'm not receiving my daily emails anymore. How do I get back on the list?
Contact us and we’ll be happy to get you back on our mailing list.
How do I get off of your mailing list?
If you are on our mailing list and wish to unsubscribe from our emails, go to your Manage Account page and make sure the “Receive Emails” checkbox is unchecked, then save your account changes.
I have not been getting any of the daily emails. What do I do?
If you’re not receiving our daily emails in your inbox, your email provider might be routing them to your spam/junk folder — check there first. If so, add us to your contact list so future emails go directly to your inbox. If you signed up for the free exam, you will receive daily emails for 7 days. If you have a subscription, you will receive daily emails for the length of your subscription.
Study Help
Where can I find additional information for studying for the exam?
Our Information Page has many links that should be helpful to you.
Do you offer tutoring services?
No. Our Resources Page is a great place to find tutors and webinar information!
How much time should I spend studying?
Generally, we’ve found that people who spend at least 200–300 hours studying are successful with the exam.
How do I find a study group?
You can use LinkedIn to search for a study buddy.
The Exam
Does your site administer the test?
No. We offer study materials for you to prepare for the exam. You’ll want to go to the NBCC website to find out where the exam you need to take is being given.
What is the minimum score needed to pass?
The passing score for the narrative format of the NCMHCE takes into account the overall difficulty of each test form, so passing scores vary depending on which version of the exam that you are given. In other words, there is not one set passing score for the narrative format of the NCMHCE.
How do I get licensed?
The NBCC has all of the information you need to know about the licensing process.
Which counseling exam do I take - the NCE or the NCMHCE?
The exam that you need to take depends on which state you practice in. Click here to find out more.
When and where can I take the test?
You can find out when and where to take the exam on the NBCC website.
When will I be notified of my results?
When you finish the narrative format exam, you will get an unofficial copy of your exam scores at the testing center. According to the NBCC, your official scores will be sent to your state licensure board within 30 days of the end of the testing cycle.
Can licenses be transferred between states?
You’ll want to check with your state board to see if your license can be transferred to another state.
What is the format of the exam?
The NCMHCE is an examination that spans 4 hours and 15 minutes and comprises 11 detailed case studies. Within each case study, you will encounter 9–15 multiple-choice questions. As with standard multiple-choice questions, there will be four possible answers, but only one will be accurate. Out of the exam’s total questions, which range from 130–150, only 100 contribute to your score; the rest are being assessed for potential inclusion in subsequent exams.
What are they testing me on?
Click here for the exam content outline provided by NBCC.
Still have questions?
Our clinical coaches and support team are available to help you navigate your study plan or resolve technical issues.
