"I absolutely believe that our use of the CPCE has benefited our counseling programs.”
—Dr. Keith Cates, Clinical Director of Counselor Education, Troy University
CCE no longer administers CPCE exams using pencil and paper, except for approved accommodations.
Over 400 college and university counseling programs across the country use CCE’s Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).
Counseling programs benefit from the CPCE in various ways.
The CPCE:
While CCE does not offer an official study guide for the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), we do provide a list of textbook resources frequently used in CACREP-accredited counselor preparation programs.
The list of resources can be found at CPCE Textbook Guide.
University and college counseling programs have the option to offer the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) as:
APB administrations can be delivered on any school campus via desktop or laptop computers that meet specific system specifications. With this mode of administration, the examination is delivered via the Internet using a secure browser. This option is appealing because it’s less expensive per student ($75) and allows the most flexibility. Schools decide the date, time and location for their administration(s), thereby giving students the opportunity to test as a cohort in the comfort of their programs. Complete the order form to register your school for an APB administration.
CBT administrations can only be delivered at an approved Pearson VUE facility. This option is appealing because it allows students more flexibility with scheduling and excludes the school from the exam administration process. Although this mode of testing is more expensive per student ($150), it ensures a standardized testing experience.
Answer: You need to create your proctor account and password with Pearson VUE. The day before the exam, check your password and test dates for accuracy through Navigator.
Answer: The proctor must be affiliated with the school. However, staff, faculty, students, and graduate assistants associated with the school’s counseling or psychology departments are strictly prohibited.
Answer: On the day of the exam, go to Pearson VUE and click on “I am an exam proctor.” Under number four, click on either “Start Windows Test Process” or “Start Mac Test Process,” depending on your operating system. The CCE Sign In page will appear and the student will enter their username and password.
Answer: If the email is not in your junk/spam folder, request a proctor reset by contacting us at cpce@cce-global.org. In the subject field, please list ‘Proctor Reset’. In the body of your email, specify the nature of your request (proctor reset), and indicate your name and school.
Answer: Students are permitted to bring their photo ID only, unless they have prior approval or special accommodations. If other items are brought into the testing room, they must be kept in a designated area on the proctor’s desk at the front of the room. Students may not access these items (including papers or cell phones) during the exam.
Answer: The student can log into their Pearson VUE account to view and print their score report. Scores are available within 24 hours of the examination.
Answer: Yes, there is a record of their examination. The student can log into their Pearson VUE account to view and print their score report later. Scores are available within 24 hours of the examination.
Answer: Stop the exam by holding the ctrl+alt+delete keys simultaneously. After the student is moved, they should sign back into the exam by entering the necessary credentials (student first, then proctor). The student’s exam will continue from the item and time that was displayed prior to closing the exam.
Answer: Additional time will display on the timer when the examination begins (after the tutorial, when the first item is presented).
Answer: Go to Pearson VUE and click on “Forgot my username” or “Forgot my password”. Pearson VUE will send reset instructions to the email address on file. If additional assistance is required, contact a Pearson VUE customer service representative at +1 866.904.4432.
Answer: You may give students the option to wait. If there is no resolution after 30 minutes, we recommend rescheduling the test for another date. If students choose to wait, they cannot later appeal their exam score for reasons associated with the delay.
When necessary, CCE will work with the school to allow students to test at a Pearson VUE test center at no additional charge.
Answer: Go to Pearson VUE's login page, select “forgot password”, then enter your username. Pearson VUE will send you an email to the address on file so you can reset your password. If additional assistance is required, contact a Pearson VUE customer service representative at +1 866.904.4432.
Answer: Contact CCE at cpce@cce-global.org to confirm the administration date.
Answer: Go to Pearson VUE. Select Outage Schedule under the “Having Issues?” heading.
Answer: If your exam will end by 5 p.m. CST, the outage will not impact you. Otherwise, the exam session should be rescheduled.
Helpful Numbers:
Pearson VUE customer service: +1 866.904.4432; open Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST
Pearson VUE technical support: +1 866.377.1493; open 24/7
Pearson VUE exam accommodations: +1 800.466.0450, option 3
CCE: +1 336.217.4111, open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Answer: Your University must approve you to take the CPCE. Please contact your school’s CPCE program coordinator to receive details about testing.
Answer: Yes. You must register with CCE and Pearson VUE. Contact your school’s CPCE program coordinator to receive details about completing the registration process.
Answer: Email CCE at cpce@cce-global.org and provide your name and the date you completed the registration. One of our team members will assist you with next steps. Do not complete the CCE registration again, as this may delay your registration process.
Answer: Only CCE can update your personal information. Email us at cpce@cce-global.org to request an update. Include the following in your email: candidate ID number, name, and detailed instructions for correcting the error.
Answer: To receive accommodations you must submit documentation from your school’s disabilities office to cpce@cce-global.org. The supporting letter(s) must be on the school’s letterhead, list your name and specific, approved accommodations, and be signed and dated. Do not register with Pearson VUE or pay for your exam until you receive an authorization to test email confirming your accommodations from Pearson VUE.
Answer: You will receive an Authorization to Test email from Pearson VUE, listing your approved accommodations. When you receive this email, call the Pearson Accommodations Team at +1 800.466.0450 and select option three to register and pay for your exam. Students testing with accommodations must call Pearson VUE to complete their registration and cannot register or pay online.
Answer: The CPCE does not use a private access code.
Answer: Contact your school’s CPCE program coordinator; they must authorize CCE to grant an extension.
Answer: Contact your school’s CPCE program coordinator; they must authorize CCE to grant an additional authorization.
Answer: Registration processing cannot be expedited. If you do not receive your Authorization to Test email prior to your scheduled examination, contact your program coordinator to determine alternative testing options.
Answer: Go to Pearson VUE CPCE and click on “Forgot my username” or “Forgot my password”. Pearson VUE will email you instructions to reset your login information. If additional assistance is required, contact a Pearson VUE customer service representative at +1 866.904.4432.
Answer: To view your score, log into your Pearson VUE account and select the option to view/print your score report. Scores are available to view within 24 hours of your examination.
Answer: You can call Pearson VUE customer service at +1 866.904.4432 to request receipt of your score report via email. Please have your candidate ID number ready when you call.
Answer: Log into your Pearson VUE account at Pearson VUE CPCE, confirm your eligibility will not expire before you test, and then complete the remaining registration steps.
Answer: No, you must take the exam in a proctored environment on campus or at a Pearson VUE facility.
Pearson VUE customer service is open Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST. (Phone: +1 866.904.4432)
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