Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)

For students graduating in Spring or Summer 2011, the CPCE, or the exit exam, will be held on February 19th, 2011, from 10am to 2pm. The cost of taking the exam is $40.00 for UDC students and $75.00 for non-UDC students.

Contact Dr. Jefferson to make a payment and to put your name in the list. Payments have to be made in cash or by Money Order. Dr. Jefferson can be reached at her office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 1pm to 4pm. Office number is (202)274-5439.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it a required exam?

Yes, all graduate students in  the counseling program will have to take and pass CPCE exam to exit this program.

What does CPCE cover?

The exam covers eight content areas studied in core classes: Appraisal Techniques, Research & Program Evaluation, Professional Ethics, Career Development, Theories of Counseling, Human Growth & Development, Counseling Philosophies, and Group Counseling.

How many questions are in CPCE?

160 questions, 136 of which are graded (17 per content area).

How much time is allotted to complete the exam?

Examinees are given four hours to complete the exam.

Where does it take place?

The exam will be administered on campus. Building 44, room 205.

What is the testing protocol?

The student will need to be in the testing room at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled time of the exam. No phone, pagers, or texting is allowed during the testing. An exam sheet and pencil will be provided for test takers.

How long will it take to get the results?

The results will become available 30 days after the exam day (around March 21st).

What happens if I do not get a passing score?

There are several options for those who do not pass the exam: a) retake the exam in the Fall (the details will be announced later); b) study and then take an alternative exit exam prepared by faculty; c) take a class or classes that cover the weakness areas.

Can I still graduate without passing this exit exam?

No, students who do not take or

do not pass the exit exam will not be able to graduate.

How can I study for CPCE?

Students are encouraged to purchase a study guide called Mastering the National Counselor Examination and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (Bradley at al., 2010). 

This guide offers a review of the eight content areas included in the exam. At the end of the guide the authors provide two sample test forms that include questions in each content area. The guide is concluded with a glossary that contains theorists, theories, words associated with each content area and common research studies that may appear on the exams.

What is the difference between the National Counselor Examination and CPCE?

CPCE is used as an exit exam in accredited programs and NCE is used for obtaining professional licensure. Both exams cover the same eight content areas. In CPCE the amount of questions from each content area is equal (20 per area, 160 total) and in NCE the number of questions in each area varies (200 questions total). 

Is there a study group for exam preparation?

Contact Counseling Club if you need assistance in starting a study group.

I still have a few questions about the exam. Who do I ask?

If you have additional questions about the exam please email Counseling Club: counselingclubudc@gmail.com