Program

About the Program

We prepare competent professional school counselors to significantly impact diverse individuals in a variety of settings (e.g., K-12) through the implementation of a data-driven comprehensive school counseling program. Our program trains counselors to meet the challenges involved in working in a multiethnic, multicultural and urban school environment.

We provide both educational experiences that emphasize multiculturalism in practice and theory as well as opportunities for professional and personal growth. It is our intent to produce ethical and responsible school counselors who facilitate learning, development, and achieve positive change within urban, diverse school settings.

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination

The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) is a multiple choice exam taken by students in the Counselor Education Program, Mental Health and Rehabilitation Majors, program who have completed at least 30 semester hours. A passing grade on the CPCE is required for program completion and graduation. The exam tests students’ knowledge of material covered in the counseling program. Students who have completed 30 semester hours can choose the best semester to take the exam. The exam is offered during the fall and spring semesters.

The CPCE is a standardized exam developed by the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE). The CCE is the same company that assists with credentialing and assessment for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The multiple choice exam is currently 160 questions, consisting of 8 subsections. The subsections include, Human Growth and Development; Social and Cultural Foundations; Helping Relationships; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation & Ethics. All of these areas correspond with your FIU Counselor Education Program coursework. Each section on the exam will be 20 questions long.

In order to take the CPCE, you will need to submit the CPCE application form to Dr. Russell by the application deadline. There is a $75 fee that will be paid individually during the CPCE online student registration process once applications are approved. Any student who does not submit all required paperwork prior to the deadline will not be allowed to take the exam. The deadlines to apply for the CPCE and administration dates are as follows. There will be no summer administration but students are able to take the exam during Summer semesters at other local sites in the area.