National Counselor Examinations Accepted for LPC Licensure in Texas
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) accepts either of the following exams for licensure in Texas:
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National Counselor Examination (NCE)
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National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
The national exams are administered by the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) on behalf of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Exam Registration and Eligibility
Texas does not require prior approval to register for the NCE or NCMHCE. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of times you may attempt the exam for Texas licensure. However, applicants should consult directly with NBCC/CCE to confirm if any limits or additional requirements apply on their end.
To check your eligibility, schedule an exam, or track the status of your request to test, please contact CCE directly. Visit the CCE website for full instructions and details.
Score Reporting to BHEC
After completing the exam, CCE will validate and process your scores. This process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
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If you took the exam specifically for Texas licensure, your scores will be automatically released to BHEC upon validation.
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If you took the exam for another state or purpose and now wish to apply for licensure in Texas, you must request that CCE send your scores to the Texas Licensing Portal.
About the NBCC Exams
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National Counselor Examination (NCE):
The (NCE) is a 200-item multiple-choice examination designed to assess knowledge, skills and abilities determined to be important for providing effective counseling services. -
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE):
The NCMHCE is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities determined to be important for providing effective counseling services.
