Students must make a passing score on the Counseling Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in order to graduate from the Counselor Education Program at NCCU. This examination is a standardized test taken the semester before the student intends to graduate.
Students are NOT permitted to take this exam any earlier than one semester before they intend on graduating - AND - have the approval of their advisor.
For example, if you intend to graduate in the Spring of 2022 (May, 2022), take the exam in the Fall of 2021. If you intend on graduating the the Fall of 2021 (December, 2021), take the exam in the Spring of 2021.
Students typically take this exam either:
- The semester they are enrolled in Practicum (if they are to complete Internship in one semester), or
- The first semester of their internship (if they complete Internship in two semesters)
These examples may not apply to everyone, especially students taking Practicum during the summer or dual-major students. The CPCE is not offered at NCCU during the summer. Dual-major students may want to wait to complete the exam until they have an idea of when they intend to graduate. Take the exam the semester just before the semester they intend to graduate.
A student who fails to pass the CPCE may, after a period of one semester, apply for and secure reexamination. Should a second failure occur, a third examination is possible upon recommendation of the program coordinator and a favorable vote from the Graduate Council. If the student’s request to take the comprehensive examination is denied, or in the event of a third failure, the student will be dismissed from the program. For more information about the CPCE go to online to www.cce-global.org.
Students living outside of the Durham area needing to take the CPCE closer to home are able to do so. Please note the registration process is different. There is an additional fee to test off NCCU's campus.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTERING FOR THE CPCE
Click HERE to download the instructions. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.
Spring 2021
The CPCE will be given during a 2-week window in March 2021 (March 15-26). A new process for the Spring of 2021 requires Dr. Barrow to provide a roster of authorized students at least 60 days before testing begins. If you are in practicum and taking the CPCE this spring, please complete the following Doodle survey by January 10th.
After completing the Doodle survey you may register for the CPCE using the instructions below.
If you will be taking the exam at NCCU, follow the directions linked above on our website (Instructions for Registering for the CPCE) entitled Registering with Pearson VUE.APB on campus. Your cost is $75.
For students that are not local to Durham/NCCU you may elect to take the CPCE closer to home for an additional fee. You still must take the exam during our March 15-26, 2021 testing window, but your directions are going to be different. Use the directions entitled Registering with Pearson VUE.CBT off campus to take the CPCE at a Pearson Vue site close to you. Your cost is $150. For Spring 2021, many Pearson Vue Sites are operating at 50% capacity and registering early will help you get the testing date and site you want and need.
Special Accommodations: If you are approved for exam accommodations, the Disabilities Office or Student Affairs at your school should email a letter on school letterhead to the Accommodations Manager at CCE via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The letter will need to be signed and dated by the school representative. DO NOT PAY for the exam until the accommodations have been applied to your account. You will then call Pearson VUE accommodations team and schedule/pay over the phone.
Pearson Vue Accommodations Line: 800-466-0450 opt 3
I sincerely hope you have a strong start to your semester and that you have your prep plans in place to successfully pass the CPCE.
Be well,
Dr. Barrow
