This one-day licensure course covers crucial content and test-taking strategies for the NCMHCE examination.
This workshop covers:
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Mastering the exam format
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Assessment
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Diagnosis (review of the entire DSM-IV-TR)
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Treatment (with case review)
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Assessment instruments
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Other Questions to expect
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Test taking strategies
"The course is extremely well organized and includes so many helpful handouts."
What you get for your money:
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Comprehensive handout to help you with your studying
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Thumbdrive filled with useful articles and links
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Simulation Examination booklets, published by NBCC
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Special highlighting marker
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A day packed full of useful information to calm your pre-test anxiety
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The opportunity to hook up with a study buddy or two.
Current Prep Course Offerings
Lisa Mayfield has been teaching this prep course for over six years and has helped hundreds of clinicians pass the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get licensed as a mental health counselor (LMHC) in Washington State?
The following information is taken from the Department of Health website: www.doh.wa.gov
1. Educational Requirements: Graduation from a master's or doctoral level educational program in mental health counseling or a related field from an approved college or university.
2. Supervised Post Graduate Experience: Minimum of 36 months of full-time counseling or three thousand (3000) hours of post-graduate mental health counseling under the supervision of an approved licensed mental health counselor or equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner in an approved setting.
At least 100 hours must be in immediate supervision with an approved licensed mental health counselor or equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner.
At least 1200 hours must be direct counseling with individuals, couples, groups or families.
3. Exam: Either of the following National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams is accepted: National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Exam (NCMHCE) or National Counselors Exam (NCE).
The following must be completed in order to qualify to apply for a license:
Completed application with application fee and initial application fees.
Completed out of state verification forms sent directly from each state (if applicable).
Four (4) hours of HIV/AIDS education and training.
Official transcripts from college where the degree was granted.
Supervision forms showing completion of the experience requirements.
Exam scores sent directly from NBCC.
What Exam do I need to take to get licensed in Washington State?
Washington accepts either the NCMHCE or NCE. Both exams are administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and are national exams. To learn more visit: www.nbcc.org
What is the difference between the NCMHCE and the NCE?
The NCMHCE is based on ten case studies. The NCMHCE questions are focused on assessment, diagnosis, treatment and clinical practice. The NCE is a 200 multiple choice exam covering a broad range of topics. For more information, the attached handbook has been prepared by NBCC. Handbook
When can I take the exam?
In Washington state, clinicians can take an exam as soon as they have completed a related master's level degree (clinicians used to have to wait until after they had completed all of their supervised hours).
Is it true the exam in now computerized?
The NCMHCE and NCE are now offered in a computer-based version. The computerized versions are only available in certain states, visit NBCC to see which states offer a computer based version. Washington state is one of the states offering the computer based testing.
According to NBCC, they have contracted with Applied Measurements Professionals, INC. (AMP) to assist in the administration and scoring of the NCMHCE and NCE examinations. AMP, located in the greater Kansas City area, is a leading provider of licensing and certification examinations for professional organizations.
How do I register for the exam?
Registration in Washington state is done directly through NBCC. For more information visit: www.nbcc.org.
How much does the exam cost?
$185.00
When is the exam offered?
According to the NBCC, testing is the first week of each month, Monday thru Saturday at 9:00am and 1:30pm, with fours hours allowed for the exam. However, only certain sites offer Saturday testing; candidates should contact AMP for particular locations and dates. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served bases.
Where are the exam sites located?
The exams are offered in four locations in Washington state: Bellevue, Tacoma, Spokane, Wenatchee and Yakima.
What if I don't pass?
Don't worry; you can take the exam again. NBCC does require a three month wait time between exams. If you took our prep course and failed the exam, you can take the course again for free. We have limited spaces available in all our prep classes so contact Cascadia Training right away.
Why should I take this prep course?
It can be hard to know how to begin to study and what to focus on. It can be invaluable to take a prep course which can help you focus your studying efforts. Narrowing your study focus saves you valuable time and relieves your anxiety.
After I sign up for this course is there anything I need to bring with me?
Yes, please bring your DSM-IV...and then if you tend to get cold, your favorite warm sweater or jacket...or maybe that afghan your grandma made for you that makes you feel warm and safe.
How soon after I complete this course should I take the test?
Well that depends upon you. We've actually had a few people take our class on Friday then take the test and pass on the following Tuesday. This is not recommended. We find that for a lot of people our class is their first step in the study process. Our class provides you with information to help focus your study and also helps you to recognize what particular areas you need to focus on. While the information is still in your head, it is probably a good idea to schedule the test a month or two after taking the class.
This workshop is sponsored by two non-profit organizations: Cascadia Training and Washington Mental Health Counselors Association: www.wmhca.org.
