Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)

The comprehensive examination is a summative evaluation to the core knowledge areas of counseling.  It is an essential benchmark to the preparation and readiness of students to graduate with an advanced degree in Counseling.  The Counseling Department at CMU requires students to complete the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) published by the Center for Credentialing and Education, a corporate affiliate of the National Board of Certified Counselors.  It is a multiple choice examination to assess student comprehension in the eight knowledge areas of counseling as approved by the by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). These are:

• Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice
• Social and Cultural Foundations
• Human Growth and Development
• Career Development
• Helping Relationships
• Group Work
• Assessment
• Research and Program Evaluation

The CPCE allows students to compare their scores on a national level as well as prepare them for the National Counseling Exam which is required for all Licensed Professional Counselors in Michigan. Students will be eligible to take the comprehensive exams upon completion of 75% of the credits necessary to complete their program OR the core CED coursework for their particular program (Community and/or School Counseling).  To apply for taking the CPCE, please review the steps below.

1. Notify the department the semester before your intent to take the CPCE (deadlines will soon be posted online).  This is accomplished by submitting an application available in the CSE department office.
2. Upon approval to take the CPCE, students will send the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) a 40 dollar money order. Details will be enclosed in your approval letter.
3. The exams are administered in the Education and Human Services Building, according to the posted schedule and protocol established by the CCE.  
4. The Center for Credentialing and Education will release only those scores of students who have provided payment.

There is not an official study guide for the CPCE. Since the CPCE and the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) are based on the same eight knowledge areas, any study materials developed for the NCE should be useful for the CPCE.  The Counseling department at CMU does not have a preparation guide and does not endorse any particular guide.

 If you have not achieved a passing score, you will be required to apply for and complete the entire exam during the next semester the exam is offered. You must make an appointment with your advisor before retaking the exam. (You must fill out a new application).