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NBCC 2027 examination specifications

NCMHCE Exam Cost for Licensure and Certification

The NCMHCE cost depends on whether you are testing for state licensure or NBCC certification. Confirm the exact amount, recipient, and retake charge for your pathway before paying.

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What changes between state licensure pathways?

Your board determines which exam you need and whether it must approve your eligibility before you register. Use the board’s current instructions and follow its referral to the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) or the applicable examination portal. Keep your board and exam deadlines together so you can see which one comes first.

Florida’s board directs mental health counseling candidates to apply to CCE for the NCMHCE without prior board approval. The Florida page lists US$350 for the initial exam and US$275 for re-examination. California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences requires approval of the LPCC licensure application and a passing result on the separate California Law and Ethics Exam before NCMHCE registration. California also publishes deadlines for the first attempt and for re-examination.

These examples were checked November 12, 2026. Use the rules and fees for the jurisdiction where you are applying, even if you plan to test at a center in a different state. Check the board’s instructions if you need an exam score sent to a different jurisdiction or intend to use a result obtained under another pathway.

How do you register through NBCC certification?

Read the eligibility policy for NCC or CCMHC before starting in the Credentialing Gateway. In the NCC pathway, select the exam that satisfies your application. To qualify for the CCMHC specialty, you must already be an NCC in good standing. Ask NBCC which exam documentation it has on file and which steps are still due.

As checked November 12, 2026, NBCC lists US$375 for either credential application when exam registration is included and US$250 when it is excluded. Those are national credential application fees. Review the application summary and ask NBCC which option applies if you already have an exam result. A state board may charge separate fees for a state licensure pathway.

NBCC’s national scheduling page describes year-round administration and a six-month testing window. Use the dates in your own authorization, especially for a specialty application, extension or repeat attempt. Book within both the start and end dates shown in that authorization.

If your application dashboard and a general scheduling page give different instructions, ask NBCC about your application before paying again or moving an appointment. Keep the confirmation that identifies your program so you can refer to it if you need help with accommodations, timing or a repeat attempt.

Study resources for this exam

Use the issuer’s current candidate materials for the exam rules. TestCertify provides free guides and a sample ZIP, plus an optional independent prep kit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a universal NCMHCE fee?

No. State licensure and NBCC national certification use different payment routes. Check the fee for your own application.

Does an exam fee include a state licence?

Licensing boards set their own application and licensing charges. Check what you pay to the board and what you pay for the exam.

Will a retake cost the same as a first attempt?

Check your program’s current fee schedule. Some state pathways list a separate re-examination price.

Official sources