Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination

Download the New CPCE Handbook

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:

Provides a master’s program comprehensive exam that meets high psychometric standards.
Gives programs an objective view of the knowledge level of their students.
Allows programs to examine student functioning in various curricular areas.
Promotes longitudinal self-study.
Compares a program’s results to national data.
Stimulates student integration of knowledge learned in separate courses.
Gives students comparative strength and weakness feedback.

Download CPCE Content Outline

CPCE Study Materials

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.

CPCE Testing Modalities

CCE no longer administers CPCE exams using pencil and paper, except for approved accommodations.

University and college counseling programs have the option to offer the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) as: Anywhere Proctored Browser (APB), Computer-Based Testing (CBT), and Web Based Testing (OnVUE).

Anywhere Proctored Browser (APB)

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.

The CPCE-CBT and CPCE-OnVue formats have been merged into a unified designation called CPCE-ABE. This new designation introduces a dual modality, enabling candidates to choose between testing in person (CBT) or virtually (OnVue) without the need to register under different links or update their account for a format switch.

Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

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.

Web Based Testing (OnVUE)

The OnVue administration is delivered conveniently at home or another secure location. A live Pearson Vue proctor will monitor the exam administration through the webcam on your laptop or desktop computer to provide a secure exam delivery. A systems test is required before signing in to register for the online proctored exam. The OnVue mode provides additional flexibility with scheduling and location options. The cost for OnVue is ($150) per student.

CPCE Proctors FAQ
CPCE Students FAQ

1) I will be a CPCE exam proctor. What do I need to do?

Answer: The APB Order form will need to be submitted a minimum of 45 days prior to the on-campus exam date(s). Authorization to become a proctor for the CPCE is required.

The CPCE Program Coordinator will create a Pearson VUE Navigator account for a new proctor. An existing proctor’s account will be updated with new dates as indicated on the form.

2) What are the requirements to serve as a proctor?

Answer: The proctor must be employed by the school. However, staff, faculty, students, and graduate assistants associated with the school’s counseling or psychology departments are strictly prohibited from proctoring the CPCE.

3) How do students access the test?

Answer: On the day of the exam, the proctors will download the lockdown browser and allow the students to enter their credentials to begin the exam process.

4) I never received an email from Pearson VUE to set up my proctor account. How do I get this?

Answer: Please check the spam and junk folder for the email. If no email found, request a proctor account reset, by emailing cpce@cce-global.org. In the subject field, please include “Proctor Reset”. In the body of your email, include your name, the school’s name.

5) Are students allowed to bring anything into the test room?

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.

6) The student’s score report was not printed. What do we do?

Answer: The student can log into their Pearson VUE account to view and print their score report. The raw score report is available approximately 24 hours after the examination is completed.

7) The score report flashed on the screen after the student tested, then disappeared. Were their responses and scores saved?

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 by selecting “View Score Report” to the left of their dashboard in their Pearson Vue account. The raw score report is available approximately 24 hours after the examination is completed.

8) A student is testing right now but we need to move them to a different computer. How do we do this?

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.

9) I have a student who was approved for additional time but it is not showing on the computer. What do we do?

Answer: Additional time will display on the timer when the examination begins (after the tutorial, when the first item is presented).

10) A student does not remember their username and password. What should they do?

Answer: The student will need to log in to their Credentialing Gateway account with CCE, click on either “forgot username” or “forgot password,” and then follow the prompts to update. If additional assistance is needed, contact CCE at 336-482-2856 or email cpce@cce-global.org.

11) We are having technical issues with Pearson VUE and cannot begin the exam. Should the students wait to test?

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.

12) My password has expired. How do I reset it?

Answer: Send an email to the CPCE Coordinator at cpce@cce-global.org to reset your password. If additional assistance is required, contact CCE by phone at 336-482-2856.

13) I need to proctor the exam on a date not listed on the order form. What do I do?

Answer: Contact CCE at cpce@cce-global.org to provide the new on-campus exam date(s).

14) How do I check to make sure we are not administering the exam on a Pearson VUE outage date?

Answer: Go to Pearson VUE. Select Outage Schedule under the “Having Issues?” heading.

15) We have a test date scheduled on a Pearson VUE outage date. Are we required to reschedule the exam?

Answer: The outage will not impact your test date if your session ends by 5pm CST. Otherwise, the exam session should be rescheduled.

1) How do I take the CPCE?

Answer: Your University must approve you to take the CPCE. Please contact your school’s CPCE program coordinator to receive details about testing.

2) Are there additional steps after I register with my school to take the CPCE?

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.

3) I completed the CCE registration and waited the required seven business days, but have not received my authorization to test email/candidate ID number. What should I do?

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.

4) My name, email address, or date of birth is incorrect in my Pearson VUE account. How do I correct the information?

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.

5) How do I request exam accommodations?

Answer: To receive accommodations you must submit documentation from your school’s disabilities office to accommodations@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 CCE or pay for your exam if you have an existing account until after you receive an authorization to test email confirming your accommodations from Pearson VUE.

6) Where can I find the private access code?

Answer: The CPCE does not use a private access code.

7) My eligibility has expired, but I still need to test. What do I do?

Answer: Contact your school’s CPCE program coordinator; they must authorize CCE to grant an extension.

8) I don’t have any remaining attempts on my current authorization, but I need to retest. What do I do?

Answer: Contact your school’s CPCE program coordinator; they must authorize CCE to grant an additional authorization.

9) Can my CCE registration process be expedited?

Answer: Registration processing cannot be expedited. If you have not received your Authorization to Test email from Pearson VUE, contact your university program coordinator to determine testing options.

10) I do not remember my username and password. How do I obtain these?

11) I finished my exam on campus and my score report was not printed. How can I see my scores?

Answer: To view your score, log in to your Credentialing Gateway account, select the CPCE tile, then click on the “Go to Pearson” button. The “View Score Report” option is on the far right of your dashboard. Scores are available to view within 24 hours of completing your exam.

12) I tested at a Pearson VUE test center and did not receive my score report. What do I do?

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.

13) I need to retest and have a candidate ID number already. How do I do this?

Answer: The authorization allows two attempts within the 6-month window. If you have an attempt remaining, log in to your Credentialing Gateway account, select the CPCE tile, then click on the “Go to Pearson” button and follow the prompts to schedule and pay for an appointment. To register for a new authorization window, contact your university program coordinator for approval.

14) Is it possible to take my exam at home?

Answer: Yes, the OnVue format is the web administration for the CPCE. Please correspond with your CPCE program coordinator to inquire if this is an option for your university.

15) I am testing OnVue, what should I do to prepare myself for my exam?

Answer: Before registering for the OnVue format, please run the systems test, and read the policies for the OnVue Interface.

16) I have scheduled an examination appointment, but I am unable to complete the exam on the date I selected. How do I reschedule or cancel my examination appointment

Answer: To reschedule, please log into your Pearson Vue account, click on your appointment link, and select reschedule to the far right. You can also contact Pearson Vue customer service for assistance with rescheduling.

To cancel, log into your Pearson Vue account, click the appointment link at the top of the dashboard under “View or Launch Online Exam”, and then select cancel on the next screen to the far right.

If you are unable to cancel or reschedule the exam appointment from your Pearson Vue account, you may contact Pearson Vue customer service by phone, 866-904-4432.

17) Can I cancel or reschedule my exam appointment on the day I am set to take the exam?

Answer: To reschedule or cancel a scheduled appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE by phone or online a minimum of 24 hours prior to the scheduled exam date and time, to receive a refund.

Helpful Numbers

Pearson VUE Customer Service: +1 866-904-4432; M–F, 7AM-7PM CST
Pearson VUE Technical Support: +1 866-377-1493; 24/7
Pearson VUE Exam Accommodations: +1 800-466-0450, Option 3
CCE Customer Service: 336-482-2856, open M-F, 8:30AM-5PM EST

CPCE Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination