Exam Guide
Four exams cover the path to licensure for counselors and social workers in the United States: the ASWB Clinical (LCSW), ASWB Masters (LMSW), NCE, and NCMHCE. Each exam is tailored to a specific credential and career level, from masters-level social work to clinical mental health counseling.
4
Exams Covered
170-200
Questions per Exam
70-75%
Avg Pass Rate
$230-$275
Exam Fees
Required for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure. Covers human development, assessment, psychotherapy, clinical interventions, professional ethics, and supervision. The most advanced ASWB exam level.
Required for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure. Covers human development, assessment, direct and indirect practice, and professional values and ethics at the masters level.
The most widely used exam for counselor licensure in the United States. A 200-item multiple-choice exam covering 8 content areas aligned with CACREP standards. Required for NCC certification and accepted for licensure in most states.
A clinical simulation exam with 10 case studies testing diagnostic and treatment planning skills. Uses a unique format where you make clinical decisions at each stage of a case. Required for CCMHC certification and clinical licensure in many states.
LCSW (ASWB Clinical): Requires a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program plus supervised clinical experience (typically 2-3 years / 3,000+ hours depending on state). You must hold an LMSW or equivalent before applying.
LMSW (ASWB Masters): Requires a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. Some states require the exam before granting the initial license; others allow provisional practice during supervised hours.
NCE: Requires a master's degree in counseling or a closely related field from a CACREP-accredited program (or equivalent). Most states require 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience for full licensure.
NCMHCE: Requires a master's degree in counseling with a clinical mental health focus. Typically requires more advanced supervised clinical experience than the NCE. Used for the CCMHC credential and clinical-level licensure.
Most successful candidates study for 6 to 12 weeks using a combination of flashcards for key concepts and terminology, timed practice exams for pacing and test stamina, and clinical vignette practice for applying theory to real-world scenarios. The ASWB exams emphasize ethical decision-making and clinical judgment, while the NCE tests breadth across all 8 CACREP content areas.
CounselingPrep provides 2,000+ flashcards, 200+ timed mini exams, and 40 full-length practice tests covering all four licensing exams (LCSW, LMSW, NCE, NCMHCE) with content that mirrors the real exam in style, difficulty, and coverage.