Registering for the NCE in Michigan
Several steps in the process of applying for LLPC in Michigan are confusing. What to do first, find a Michigan LLPC supervisor? What questions do you ask, how do you even go about finding a supervisor that you feel will be a good fit? What about finding a job, do you apply for jobs prior to actually getting your limited license (LLPC in Michigan) or do you wait? So many things. And you thought there was a lot to organize during graduate school? Hang on! It get’s better. This is part of the reason why the first step after graduation should be researching, interviewing and finally selecting an LLPC Supervisor in Michigan (I’m sure this is the case in other states as well). A Michigan LLPC supervisor is going to be able to help navigate you through what to do and when, while at the same time guiding you on where to find answers on your own (this is important….as counselors, we do this for clients).
Registering for the NCE is quite the undertaking for new LLPCs in Michigan. I was first licensed in Texas, and the process was 100x easier, let me tell you. But here we are, and I’m here to help guide you!
First - the NCE, the National Counselor Examination is the assessment that Michigan LARA (Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - the governing body over professional counselor licenses to practice in the state of Michigan) accepts as part of your application for FULL licensure (LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor). You have to pass the NCE in order to become a fully licensed LPC. I recommend as a new graduate you consider taking the NCE sooner vs. later (check out that blog post linked to learn why).
How to register for the NCE in Michigan has a lot of steps, and in my opinion it’s gotten a little more challenging since COVID 19 slowed everything down a bit. LARA has a brief “How to Register” on their website here.
Step # 1: Go to the Center for Credentialing and Education’s Website
Step # 2: Click on “Assessments/Exams” then “Schedule Your Exam” then “State Counselor Licensure” (“state counselor licensure should already be highlighted, so the webpage may not change)
Step #3: Click the “ProCounselor” link that will direct you to ProCounselor services online website
Step #4: Register a new account; you’ll just need name, address, phone number. After entering your info, it will ask what state you’re wanting to register for the exam in - MICHIGAN!
Step # 5: The State Board info will come up (confirm that you’ve got all info entered correctly, LARA’s address and phone number should be listed there)
Step # 5: Click acknowledge that you’ve read and understand the polices in Michigan for licensure (oh…and actually read them)
Step #6: Click “Submit Registration Request” for the National Counselor Examination (NCE)” Cost is $275. The payment will process, you’ll be sent a confirmation email. The wait time for confirmation and scheduling instructions is about 4-6 weeks (thanks COVID 19).
You may also choose “NCE for Licensure OnVUE”. This is a newer program that allows you to take the exam at home on your own computer, but prevents you from accessing other programs (ie.Google) while taking the exam. The program also monitors your eye movements to ensure you’re not using notes, a friend, or cheating in any other way. WILD!
Step # 7: You’ll get an email saying you have to wait 4-6 weeks for an email from Pearson with your testing schedule window. A week after completing the payment, I’d recommend calling NBCC. NBCC needs to send some information to Pearson in order to generate your final registration. I recently had a supervisee wait 6 weeks without receiving next steps. She called to inquire and NBCC said they’d never sent the info Pearson needed. By calling, NBCC can send the approval to Pearson over the phone. NBCC: (336) 547-0607.
The most confusing part - at least for me - is that you sign up, register and pay for the exam through CCE (the process above). Then CCE sends your info to Pearson Testing Centers, who then reaches out to you to schedule a date/time to actually take the exam.
Finally - the best material for studying for the NCE is still The Encyclopedia of Counseling by Howard Rosenthal
Best of luck!
