Future Licensed Therapist Taking the NCMHCE Remotely at Home? Clean Your Room!
Why should you clean your room before taking an exam? Read on.
If you are newly graduated from your Masters program and are looking ahead at licensure, you likely are mentally preparing for the The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Apart from gathering thousands of practice and supervisory hours, this exam remains one of the most daunting things about getting licensed. Studying for this exam was the catalyst for my two year long Diet Coke addiction. I still have cravings for that battery-flavored nectar when life gets stressful!
My experience of taking the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) in person
Before the global pandemic, this exam was taken at a certified testing center. It’s a very relaxing process; with florescent lighting, cameras everywhere, and a man in a glass room watching you as your career and future are on the line. No thank you! I remembering bringing a water bottle with me for, you know, basic human needs of hydration. I was scoffed at and treated like I had been caught red handed with with pocket DSM-5. When it was finished, I treated myself to a solo meal on the North End in Boston — complete with a nice glass of wine and a cannoli.
Keep in mind, I prepared for this exam for years and studied for months. Passing this exam meant freedom and respect. If you are in this position, I get it. The testing environment at these centers are very stressful and activate the sympathetic nervous system like few other things can.
My experience of taking the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) online
Last year I had the opportunity to participate in a field test for the newest version of the NCMHCE, which will transition sometime in 2022 or 2023. The test was not facilitated in a testing center, as it was prior to COVID-19, but in my home. I knew that I would have a camera on me as I took the exam, but I had no idea how intense and serious the testing facilitators took their job.
After taking pictures of my desk and the room where my desk sits (which is my bedroom, so some random dude now knows that I keep my shoes in a pile and have a backup supply of Flonase on my nightstand), I then had to carry my computer around the room to show that there was absolutely nothing that would be distracting or compromising for the exam. I also had to show where I kept my phone and that it was not close to the desk (which was on my unmade bed, sorry mom). Whatever room you choose to take the exam in, be sure to clean it up. Create a space that feels professional. This doesn’t affect your exam results, but it will give you a bit of confidence and keep you from feeling embarrassed about what this mysterious exam facilitator thinks about your home.
Once this was done and the test was about to start, I remembered that I needed my computer charger. I was up for two seconds, and the test facilitator was furious. I had to show my test space again to prove I had no plans of cheating; and I was given a stern warning that if I stepped out of camera again I would be removed from the exam. Midway through the test, I had another warning that I would be removed because I was reading the questions out loud to myself (in the comfort of my bedroom). I had no idea I read out loud, and actually struggled to read the questions without moving my lips after this (apparently this has something to do with my reading comprehension, please don’t psychoanalyze me!) Around this time my heater had turned off for the day. I was literally shivering for the final 30 minutes of the exam, but I knew I was doomed if I attempted to grab a sweater.
Does it matter where you take your National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)?
It does not matter if you take the exam online or in person, the questions will be same and do not change based on where you are. I imagine that the testing centers have already begun accommodating for Covid-19, and taking the exam at home will not be your only option. Hopefully you are able to choose based on your comfort level. Many people struggle with test anxiety, perhaps taking the exam in the comfort of your home will be helpful. Others might find taking the exam at home to be distracting. After doing both, I think I prefer in person.
Like the previous version of the NCMHCE, the exam was in case-study format, I felt that overall the questions were straightforward, but it has also been a long time since I have been in a classroom so I did miss a few. I recommend that you take the exam around a year after graduation, when theory is fresh in your mind, but after you have some practical experience to lean on. If I were to do this again, I would definitely take the exam within months of graduating. Had I done this, it wouldn’t have weighed so heavily on me while accruing licensure hours. Another piece of advice: I highly recommend studying with the help of https://counselingexam.com, it is worth paying to take the practice exams and feel confident in the real event.
So remember: clean your room, study with practice exams, reward yourself with a cannoli, and stay away from Diet Coke if you can manage it.
TL;DR
Depending on the state of the world, you may need to take your licensure exam at home, rather than at a testing center.
Don’t think that taking the exam at home is more relaxed than in person; these people take their job very seriously. Whatever room you choose to take the exam in, it will be highly scrutinized by the facilitator. I recommend creating a testing space that feels clean and professional.
If you can, take the exam soon after graduating, and invest in a study program.
