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 2025 (May, 2025), take the exam in the Fall of 2024. If you intend on graduating the the Fall of 2025 (December, 2025), take the exam in the Spring of 2025.
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. 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.
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (also known as CPCE or comps)
Click HERE for the registration process (as of May 1, 2024)
If you have challenges after reviewing the FAQs and step-by-step directions, feel free to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
FAQs for the CPCE
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the CPCE
