National Counselor Examination (NCE) guideThe NCE in 2027
Can You Take the NCE in Spanish? What NBCC's 2027 Specifications Say
NBCC's specifications for the NCE that starts July 1, 2027 describe translated Spanish forms, an on-screen glossary of counseling terms, and an English pop-up for each question. Here's what is confirmed, what isn't yet, and what to ask before you plan on it.
Short answer
NBCC's specifications for the NCE that takes effect July 1, 2027 say the exam has been translated into Spanish for people who prefer to test in Spanish. The Spanish forms use NCE questions translated by a panel of bilingual National Certified Counselors, a glossary of counseling terms with their Spanish translations is visible during the exam, and you can view each question in English through a pop-up. NBCC's current NCE candidate handbooks don't describe a Spanish version, and NBCC hadn't published registration details for the Spanish forms as of October 26, 2026, so ask NBCC and your state board before you plan on it.
What NBCC has published about the Spanish forms
Section 7 of NBCC's 2027 NCE specifications, titled "Translated Forms of the NCE," makes three concrete points:
| What the specifications say | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| The NCE has been translated into Spanish for individuals who prefer to test in Spanish | A Spanish-language form is part of the version that starts July 1, 2027 |
| The Spanish forms use NCE questions translated by a panel of bilingual National Certified Counselors from across the country | The questions are the same exam content, translated by counselors rather than by general translators |
| Specific counseling terms and their Spanish translations are available online and visible during the exam, and each question can be reviewed in English through a pop-up | You can check a technical term in both languages, and see the English wording if a translation is unclear |
Everything else about the 2027 exam applies to the Spanish forms as described: 170 three-option questions, 140 of them scored, 225 minutes with a break halfway, and a 100–500 scaled score with 360 to pass. The 2027 changes guide covers the rest of the new format.
What isn't confirmed yet
As of October 26, 2026, the official sources leave several practical questions open:
- Registration. NBCC's current candidate handbooks, for both the NCC application and state licensure routes, don't describe a Spanish version or how to request one.
- Board acceptance. Your state licensure board decides which exams it accepts. A board may have its own rules about language; ask before you register.
- Before July 2027. The specifications describe the Spanish forms as part of the new version. The current handbooks, which cover the exam before the change, don't mention them.
- The glossary. The specifications say the term list is available online; check NBCC's NCE page for where to find it.
NBCC's NCE page says it will be updated as more information about the new examination becomes available. Until then, treat the Spanish forms as confirmed for the 2027 version but without published registration steps.
Questions to send NBCC and your board
- Will the Spanish form be available on both the NCC application route and the state licensure route from July 1, 2027?
- How do I request the Spanish form when I register?
- Does my state board accept a passing score from the Spanish form for licensure?
- Where is the glossary of counseling terms published, and can I review it before the exam?
- Are accommodations, such as extra time, handled the same way for the Spanish form?
Preparing if you plan to test in Spanish
The content is the same as the English version, so the 2027 outline is still your study map. Two habits can help:
- Learn key terms in both languages. Since the exam shows a bilingual term glossary, practice recognizing core concepts, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and treatment planning, in Spanish and English.
- Use the English pop-up deliberately. Decide in practice when you'd check the English wording, for example only when a translated term seems ambiguous, so it doesn't eat into your 225 minutes.
If you're deciding between the current English exam and the new version, the before-or-after guide compares timing and format.
Trust the source
Official sources
Exam policies can change. Use these primary sources for the most current details.