The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) is an exit exam that is designed to help test takers synthesize their learning about counseling and to ensure that test takers have a thorough understanding of professional attitudes, skills, and knowledge related to the eight (8) common–core areas defined by CACREP’S Standards for Preparation. The exit exam is also used to assess counseling curriculum strengths and opportunities for improvement.
While CCE does not offer an official study guide for the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE), there is a list of textbook resources frequently used in CACREP-accredited counselor preparation programs. The list of resources can be found at CPCE Textbook Guide.
The CPCE is a knowledge-based exam that consists of approximately 160 items with 20 items per CACREP area. Test takers will have four (4) hours to complete the test.
The exam will cover 8 core curriculum areas of the CPCE which includes the following:
Semester
Test Date(s)
Medical Test Date*
Retake Test Date*
Fall 2020
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Spring 2021
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Friday, February 19, 2021
Friday, March 26, 2021
Summer 2021
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Friday, June 18, 2021
Friday, July 23, 2021
Fall 2021
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Friday, October 15, 2021
Friday, November 19, 2021
*Students must have permission from the UCF Counselor Education Program in order to test on the medical test date or the retake test date.
Test takers who do not pass the exam the first time will be able to re-take the exam during the current semester. The retake will involve the entire exam and the test taker is responsible for reapplying and repaying for the exam.
In the event a test takers does not pass the comprehensive examination the second time, he/she will work directly with a Counselor Education faculty for additional retake options.
CPCE scores will be available on their Pearson VUE account approximately 1-hour after the exam is completed.
The minimum passing score for the CPCE is 90 plus or minus the standard error of the mean. This score may be adjusted from time to time in response to national needs.