- Prior to testing
- Checking in
- During exam
- General
Prior to testing
Q. Where can I take my exam?
A. You need to test in an enclosed, private space where you can maintain a strong and stable internet connection, prevent interruptions, and protect the integrity of your exam content.
Important: Avoid a testing space with windows or glass partitions that would allow a third party to see your screen, or your exam could be revoked.
Q. How do I know my computer will work with the OnVUE software?
A. To ensure your system will work with our software, first, review the minimum system requirements. Next, perform a system testâŻand download the OnVUE software prior to your exam day.
On exam day, before your exam begins, we strongly recommendâŻre-checking your systemâŻby running another system test. If you experience any issues, pleaseâŻlog back into your accountâŻto reschedule your exam. If you canât reschedule your exam, use the chat feature to ask your program-specific customer service team for assistance.
Q. What does the system test check for?
A. The system test checks for:
- Download of the OnVUE application and secure browser
- Unzipping and launching of the secure browser
- Microphone/webcam/speaker functionality and permissions
- Download speeds
- General communications between OnVUE and Pearson VUE servers
- A live video-streaming connection
Q. How do I schedule my OnVUE exam?
A. Once youâve verified your computer meets system requirements, sign into your account. Select the exam you want to take, then choose the âhome or officeâ option. Follow the remaining prompts to schedule your exam appointment. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and important information for exam day.
Q. Is my testing space okay for testing?
A. Your proctor will make this decision prior to starting your exam. During check-in, you will be asked toâŻtake photos of your testing space (opens in new window), which the proctor will review.
For a positive outcome, make sure your space is private and secure. Clear the room of any preparation materials or unauthorized items. Unplug and/or turn off additional monitors (and, if applicable, systems). Any visible materials on the wallsâincluding sticky notes, whiteboards or chalkboards, etc.âmay be inspected by your proctor, and we may ask you to remove any such material.
Important: If your testing space fails the room scan, you will not be permitted to take the exam and may forfeit your exam fees.
Q. Can I take my exam using an employer-issued computer?
A. Yes, however, we donât recommend it. Test-takers typically have a better experience with personal computers. This is because employer-issued computers are more likely to have firewalls, VPNs, and other security policies that may block video streaming during the exam. If you must use an employer-issued computer to take your exam, itâs crucial to review theâŻtechnical requirements.
Q. May I connect by tethering to a mobile hotspot?
A. We donât recommend it. Hotspot technology is not ideal for maintaining a reliable and consistent connection. To ensure optimal performance on exam day, perform a system test.
Checking in
Q. How do I check in for my test and download the software?
A. You may have two options:
- Refer to your confirmation, reschedule or reminder email, which might have a Check-in to start exam link. If it does, you can click this link from 30 minutes before to 15 minutes past your appointment start time.
- Click the âSign in nowâ buttonâŻon this page or your test sponsorâs external landing page. Once youâve logged into your account, your exam will appear under Open Online Exams. Select the exam link and then select Check-in.
With either process, youâll be asked to download and run OnVUE, our online proctoring software.
Q. I donât see the Check-in button. What should I do?
A. To check in for your exam, log in to your account no earlier than 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Once logged in, you should see the Check-in button. If it's not visible within 15 minutes of your exam appointment time, contact your program-specific customer service team via chat.
Q. What type of identification will I need?
A. Click theâŻView ID requirements buttonâŻon this page to make sure you have the proper ID for online-proctored testing.
Q. My proctor hasnât started my exam yet. Where is my proctor?
A. Once you've completed the required check-in steps and have completed taking photos of your face, ID and environment, you will see the following message: You are almost done with the check-in process. Next, youâll be placed in a queue and will wait momentarily while a proctor reviews your check-in steps. Please be aware, other candidates may be ahead of you in line. The OnVUE application should tell you where you are in queue. Most exams are launched by a proctor within 15 minutes of the appointment start time.
Any delay might mean thereâs a problem with your photos or internet connection. For issues with your photos, a proctor will attempt to reach you over chat or via your cell phone. You may not recognize the phone number, which will either have a 617 US area code or say âPearson VUEâ on the caller ID, but please answer so we can assist. If we haven't contacted you within 30 minutes, we may have lost connection to you. In such cases, please contact our customer service team via Pearson OnVUE Support liveâŻchat. As a reminder, mobile devices must be kept out of armâs reach during the testing sessions.
During exam
Q. Can other people be in my testing space during the exam?
A. No. You cannot allow anyone elseâincluding children, roommates, colleagues, etc.âto enter or even pass through your testing space once youâve started your exam.
Q. Can I receive any exam assistance during the test?
A. No. The proctor cannot answer questions related to exam content, and you may not get help from other individuals while taking the exam.
Q. Is technical software assistance available during the exam?
A. Should you experience technical difficulties during your exam, simply raise your hand using the OnVUE application at the top of your screen and a proctor will assist you. If for some reason this is unavailable, you can get help via the chat button on this page or the OnVUE download page.
Most issues can be avoided by completing aâŻsystem testâŻand ensuring that you meet allâŻsystem requirementsâŻin advance of testing. Common issues include an unreliable internet connection and third-party applications trying to run during your exam. We strongly recommend that candidates confirm that all applications have been closed and that there is a sufficient and reliable internet connection prior to testing.
Q. What are the rules regarding personal belongings?
A. In general, all personal belongings must remain out of armâs reach during your exam. However, if your exam program allows personal belongings or testing tools like calculators during an exam, you will find that information in the program-specific policies section of this page.
Q. Can I eat or drink during the exam?
A. Drinking beverages is allowed during your exam, as is chewing gum. Eating or using tobacco products during your exam is prohibited.
Q. Can I take a break during the exam?
A. Each exam program establishes its own break policies. If your program allows breaks, youâll find that information in the program-specific policies section of this page.
Q. Could I be interrupted by a proctor during my testing session?
A. Yes. Proctors may interrupt exams and take action if they witness any suspicious behavior or rule violations. They may need to offer a reminder (e.g., no talking) or investigate something (e.g., show me the room, your desk, etc.).
Q. What types of prohibited behaviors will the proctor watch for during the exam?
A. Examples of prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, failing to follow proctor instructions, looking off the screen, mumbling or speaking aloud, covering your mouth or face, using unauthorized materials (e.g., mobile phones, recording equipment, writing materials), interacting with third parties intentionally or unintentionally, or leaving the webcam view.
Q. What happens if I lean outside the view of the webcam or leave completely?
A. Unless itâs during a scheduled break built into your exam, leaving the webcam view for any reason or duration, even if you have already completed the exam questions, will result in your exam session being terminated and the exam result being invalidated.
Important: Upon exam completion, you must fully close the OnVUE application before leaving the webcam view.
Q. What happens if my mobile phone rings or issues a notification during an exam?
A. You may keep your mobile phone nearby, out of armâs reach, during your exam in case the proctor needs to call you. Any mobile phone use other than speaking with a proctor is grounds for exam revocation.
When a proctor needs to reach you, they will call, not text. The number will always display as 617-379-0635, and/or caller ID may identify the number as âPearson VUE.â If this information appears, please answer the call. If your phone rings and the call is not from a Pearson VUE proctor, do not answer it.
If you receive a text or other notification, ignore it and continue testing. If you wish to silence your phone, alert the proctor so they know you are accessing your phone only to silence notifications.
Q. Can tablets or mobile devices be used for OnVUE exams? What about touchscreens?
A. At this time, OnVUE exams may only be taken on desktop and laptop computers running Windows or macOS operating systems that meet these minimum specifications. OnVUE does not support the use of tablets or touchscreens. As noted above, mobile devices are not allowed and should be placed out of armâs reach.
Q. What happens if my internet connection is disrupted during an exam or the proctor asks me to restart my application?
A. If a disconnection occurs, the exam timer will pause, and a proctor will attempt to contact you either through your computer or by phone. Note: You must respond or your testing session will be revoked.
Should you lose connection, or if a proctor asks you to restart OnVUE, you can relaunch the application as follows:
- Locate your Downloads folder and reopen the OnVUE application.
- Complete any necessary check-in steps and then click Next. Your exam should reload and begin. If your exam does not relaunch, contact our customer service team viaâŻchatâŻfor additional support.
Once your connection is reestablished and if necessary, the application restarted, you will resume your exam from the question or moment you left.
Q. Can I adjust my font size during my exam?
A. Yes. Even when the testing computer is locked down during an exam, you may still use CTRL+ and CTRL- to magnify content up to 200%. Do not use touchscreen technology at any time during your exam.
Q. Can I read questions aloud during OnVUE exams?
A. No. If this happens, a proctor will ask you to stop reading the questions aloud. If you continue, your exam may be revoked.
Q. What is the digital whiteboard?
A. Because scratch paper or note boards are not allowed when taking an OnVUE exam, some exam programs allow you to use a built-in digital whiteboardâŻto do scratch work or take notes (Opens in new window).
Q. Where can I locate my score report?
A. This differs by exam program. Please review your programâs processes to learn when and where you can access your score report.
Q. Can I use headphones?
A. Headphones and headsets (wired or Bluetooth) are not allowed unless explicitly approved by your test sponsor.
General
Q. Are OnVUE testing policies different from test center policies?
A. Yes. Because of its remote nature, testing with OnVUE requires that candidates agree to additional policies that help protect exam integrity. These include (but are not limited to) consenting to recording and monitoring throughout the exam, along with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technology techniques. Test-takers must accept these policies during the registration process prior to scheduling an exam.
Q. If an exam is offered in both test centers and via OnVUE, can I book the exam in one delivery method and reschedule it to the other?
A. No, as the rescheduling function cannot be used to change the exam delivery method. Instead, if you wish to change the delivery method, you must cancel the original appointment and then schedule a new one.
FAQs
What is the passing score for the counselor preparation comprehensive examination? âș
Results. CPCE scores will be available on your Pearson VUE account approximately 1-hour after the exam is completed. The minimum passing score for the CPCE is 90 plus or minus the standard error of the mean.
Is the Cpce exam difficult? âșThe CPCE exam assesses test-takers based on the eight common core areas that counseling degree-awarding programs emphasize. For a student of good standing, the test will not be difficult, but rather an overview of knowledge already synthesized.
What happens if I don't pass the Cpce exam? âșANSWER: A student will be given three opportunities to pass all sections of the CPCE. If the student fails to receive a passing score on their first attempt, they must retake the exam a second time. If the student fails to receive a passing score on their second attempt, they must retake the exam a third time.
Do you have to pass the CPCE? âșWhat is a passing score? There is no set passing score for the CPCE, as each school will set their own.
How many questions do I need to get right on the NCE? âșThere are many forms of the NCE and typically the cutoff for passing the exam is in the 90s (97, 91, 99, etc.) â out of 160 questions. One hundred questions correct out of 160 is 62.5%. Never has the cutoff for the NCE been higher than 65% correct out of 160 so it is a very passable exam, with your preparation.
How long should comprehensive exam answers be? âșHow long does an answer to a specific section (question) need to be? Between 1200 and 1500 words, each, not including references. Of that, most must be your original writing, not citations. A few well-chosen quotes are fine to include, but do NOT cite excessively to fill the pages.
What happens if you fail the Cpce 3 times? âșFAILURE OF THE EXAM
A subsequent failure will postpone graduation. Students who fail the exam three (3) times should consult with their advisor to discuss a remedial plan in order to graduate. The CPCE national norms are used to determine the minimum passing score.
Fortunately, it is my understanding a pass rate is usually established at 72% and above. Perhaps the purpose of this exit exam is to prep you for the NCE. I understand it is even harder. the way the CPCE score notification process will work.
How many people fail NCE? âșNOTE: In recent years the fail rate for the first time administration of this exam is close to 60%.
How many questions are on each section of the CPCE? âșHow many questions are on the CPCE Exam? The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) asks 160 multiple-choice questions, with 20 questions in each of the core areas.
Do you know if you pass the NCE right away? âș
A: You will know your score as soon as you are finished; however, NBCC will notify you several weeks after the completion of the exam if your score meets the requirements for a pass or fail.
What is a passing CPCE score for Liberty university? âșThe exam coordinator will not be able to confirm a student's passing score until receiving the official results from the CCE. Ex: The passing score for version 100122 is a 75/136 or higher.
What is the purpose of the Cpce exam? âșThe Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) is an evaluation tool that assesses students' competence of foundational, counseling-related knowledge. The CPCE is designed to assess students who have completed graduate-level courses; courses that are grounded primarily in a counseling curriculum.
What is the purpose of Cpce? âșThe Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) has developed the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). The purpose of the CPCE is to assess a student's knowledge of core counseling areas taught in counselor education programs.
What percent of people pass NCE first-time? âșThe pass rate for the 2,508 first-time candidates is 84.5%. The pass rate is lower for repeat examinees.
How many hours a week should I study for NCE? âșIf you are diligently preparing for the exam, you are devoting roughly 10 hours a week to dedicated study time. Those 10 hours are taking you away from your family, your free time, your school work, your life.
Is a 92 passing the NCE? âșThere are 200 questions on the NCE exam. The cutoff score to be considered as passing is in the high 90s.
What is the passing score for the NCE 2023? âșNCE Scores
A passing score is usually between 98 and 105, fluctuating slightly with each test administration. Scores take eight weeks to get back.
- Take notes. Establish a note taking system. ...
- Educate yourself. ...
- Learn from others. ...
- Role play. ...
- Dress rehearsal. ...
- Practice, Practice, Practice. ...
- Rephrase. ...
- It's okay to say, âI don't know.â The oral exam is meant to find out what you knowâŠand what you don't.
As the name implies, the âcomprehensive examination" evaluates students' understanding of the broad endeavors of psychologists and psychological researchers via a 170-item multiple-choice exam, not unlike the Psychology GRE or various state licensing exams.
How long should you spend preparing for an exam? âș
âThe 5-Day Planâ
Ideally, studying should start at least five days in advance of the exam to allow students an ample amount of time to go over course concepts and materials, and reach out to their instructor or peers if they find they have any questions.
What is the NCE Passing Score? No score is known to be considered a passing score.
What is the pass mark for comprehensive exam? âșBelow 70% is unsatisfactory, 70% to 90% is satisfactory, and above 90% is excellent. For a student to pass their written comprehensive examinations, they must have at least a total score of satisfactory or above and four out of the six have to be satisfactory.
What is the average score for national counselor exam? âșThe NCE Handbook contains a comprehensive explanation of the grading system that is used for the NCE. The average of the NCE is 50, which is also the case for many other scales connected to the normal curve.
What is the criteria for comprehensive exam? âșStudents who take a comprehensive exam must have completed all of the coursework, and if relevant to their field of study, they may need to have completed a doctoral residency prior to taking the exam. Other requirements include a request form for the comprehensive exam that must be filled out and submitted.