TESTING

NCE and NCMHCE testing is computer based testing. The procedure to test in the state of North Dakota is as follows:

• Applicant will fill out and submit an application for licensure to the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. If the applicant has not taken and passed the NCE, the application will be reviewed for approval to test. Once the applicant is approved to test, the NDBCE will notify the applicant via letter, which will include the Licensure Examination Registration Form, to be filled out and sent to NBCC. Approval to test is good for one year.
• NBCC will notify the applicant with further instructions to schedule the exam. Exams are offered one week a month in Bismarck and Fargo. The applicant will have six months to schedule and take the exam.
• Any special accommodations will be approved through the NDBCE and approval will be good for one year. This will require a signed letter from a doctor or other professional verifying the request and outlining what accommodations will be needed.
• Requests for extra time for English as a Second Language will require an additional fee to NBCC.
• Please note: use of the NCE score for licensure in any other state cannot occur until the applicant becomes licensed in the state under which the exam was approved and taken.
• Once the applicant has taken and passed the exam, and the scores are received in the NDBCE office, the Board will then continue with the review process for licensure once all other requirements are complete.
• Any applicant who fails the exam will be allowed to test twice in one year.

Please contact NDBCE with any questions regarding the process for computer based testing.

Additional information:

• NCE Candidate Handbook for State Credentialing 2017 (240 KB PDF)
• NCMHCE Candidate Handbook for State Credentialing Aug2015 (235 KB PDF)