Question: Hi Anthony:
I am a counselor and member of the ACA…I unfortunately am not licensed. I took the test three times and failed..the last time by two points…with that being said…do you think there will ever be a ‘grandfathering clause’ for counselors that work within the state and other non-profit that would allow us ‘in’ based on our experience and education? Thanks for responding.
Answer: Hi Diane,
I’m sorry to hear about your troubles with the licensure exam!
Have you taken any test-prep materials? Before I took the NCMHCE exam, I used AATBS exam prep, and I know taking the practice questions (and reading all the justifications) helped my score a lot. The NCMHCE is an interesting test–it’s not your average “multiple choice.” One can lose points for both choosing the wrong items and for not choosing enough correct items!
To answer your question, I do not suspect there will be any way for unlicensed counselors to become licensed simply by working in the field for a number of years. I think, if you really want it, you’re going to need to prepare a lot and take the test again.
I hope this helps,
Anthony
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Anthony Centore
I have taken the exam now twice. I have done exceptionally well in the Information gather both times, but failed the Decision Making by 12, then 1 point yesterday. I’ve been doing therapy now for a while. I refuse to give up, and will continue until I pass.
I have failed the test 3 times now. By 12, 3, and 10 points. I have purchased every study guide available. The test is designed to fail you. No credit for all you do correctly and too many points for those you miss. Too subjective.
I understand this feeling quite well. I’ve taken this exam 7 times. I’ve been a Therapist since 2006 and has worked in various settings. I consider myself a competent Therapist, but the “Decision Making” part of the exam has and continues to be a stumbling block for me. I’ve used Dr. Linton’s material and Jonathan Malerzt material on line, still I fail. Any suggestions?
I hear you I am preparing myself to take this annoying exam on May 18. Unfortunately I have herd more negative things about this test than positive. What happens with this test is that is a very subjective test unfortunately subjective test are test that are pass by way of I call it kind of luck. The reason I say this is that no matter if you know all your assessment which when you think about it, it is insane that they expect us to know all the assessments that are out there (that should be for psychologist not counselors) and even if you know your theories again because if it a subjective test is a test of passing by chance. The most annoying part of this test is that they do not give credit for what you have right. I believe that missing one should not be grounds to fail a student on a scenario. The people who make these test they really need to revised this test and be fair to all of us that have work so hard not only in school but in our fields. For me this test does not prove anything. In real life scenario we are not perfect and we will make mistakes. Do know your dx and study the most common theories Gestalt, psychoanalysis, Rogerian, cognetive behavioral, humanistic, ect but more than that it crucial to know the assessments and practice scenarios practice practice. Hope that you can pass next time. I will let you know how it goes for me. Still skeptical about this test.
Did you pass? If so how did you pass?