Navigating the path to becoming a licensed professional counselor involves a crucial milestone: successfully passing the National Counselor Exam (NCE). This comprehensive test assesses a candidate's knowledge and understanding of key counseling principles and practices, making thorough preparation indispensable.  Understand the Exam Structure First and foremost, it is critical to gain a deep understanding of the exam structure. The NCE consists of multiple-choice questions covering a broad spectrum of topics related to the counseling profession, including, but not limited to, theories of counseling, ethical practices, and specialized areas of counseling.