The Masters Comprehensive Examination is required of all degree-seeking and school counselor deficiency plan students. It is designed as a summative evaluation that measures the pertinent and professional relevant knowledge students have obtained during their counselor preparation program at Texas A&M University- Commerce.

The Masters Comprehensive Examination consists of two parts: a core section and a specialty section. The Department of Counseling uses the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) for the core section. THE CPCE, a nationally used examination, reflects the eight core curriculum areas approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The specialty section, which covers the student's chosen specialization in community counseling, school counseling, or student affairs in higher education, is generated by the Department.

Students should plan to sit for the Masters Comprehensive Examination when the majority of coursework is completed; often this occurs during internship semesters. There is a fee and non-negotiable deadlines for application and completion. Be sure to check the website and/or the office for dates, deadlines, and applications. The following FAQ further clarifies the procedures:

QUESTION: Is there a cost to the Masters Comprehensive Examination?
ANSWER: Yes, there is a $40.00 fee to cover the core section (CPCE). There is no fee for the speciality section.

QUESTION: How many questions are on the Masters Comprehensive Examination?
ANSWER: There are 160 questions on the core section (CPCE) and 30 questions in the speciality section.

QUESTION: How do I sign up to take the Masters Comprehensive Examination?
ANSWER: A student should register with the Department of Counseling office according to published deadlines - at least 10 business days prior to the administration of the exam. No late registrations will be accepted.

QUESTION: Are both core and speciality sections of the Masters Comprehensive Examination given at the same time?
ANSWER: Yes; the Masters Comprehensive Examination includes both core and speciality sections.

QUESTION: What constitutes a passing score?
ANSWER: The passing score of core section (CPCE) is calculated after each administration. A student will need to obtain a score that is equal to or great than a z score of -1.25(1.25 standard deviation units below the national mean score). The passing score on the speciality section is 70% (21 correct).

QUESTION: If I should not pass the first time, how many times may I retake the exam?
ANSWER: If a student fails in their first attempt, he or she must meet with their advisor or a faculty member of their choice and develop a plan of study that will help him/her be successful in their next attempt. That plan is then filed in the student's Department file. Should a student fail in their second attempt, their program is terminated. Under extenuating circumstances, a third attempt may be granted but only upon the recommendation of the Departmental Examination Appeals Committee (DEAC) and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. The student must file an appeal with the DEAC within four weeks of being notified of the second failure.

QUESTION: What if I fail one section and pass the other?
ANSWER: The student will need to retake the section that he/she fails. (see previous item).

QUESTION: Is there a preparation guide or book available?
ANSWER: The Department does not have a preparation guide and does not endorse any particular guide. Students are encouraged to match their course syllabi objectives to the CACREP objectives and then to their course notes and textbooks. A CPCE/CACREP review providing more details is accessed at the link below.

QUESTION: What are the eight core CACREP areas and what counseling classes relate to those areas?
ANSWER: The eight core CACREP areas include:

Click HERE for the Review Guide for the Master's Comprehensive Examination

Masters Comprehensive Exams are given on the Commerce campus.

BRING WITH YOU THE DAY OF EXAM: Picture ID & a Check or Money order for $40.00 made payable to CCE. If you do not have these items, You will not be allowed to take the exam.

If you signed up to take an exam and did not do so, then you must sign up again for the next date you plan to take the exam.

If you require accommodation through the office of Student Disability Resources and Services (SDRS) for test taking, please contact SDRS at 903-886-5835 to discuss services available. Make sure you inform the staff in the Department of Counseling that SDRS will be assisting you with your exam needs. Keep in mind that SDRS can only proctor exams between the hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Fall 2009	Spring 2010	Summer 2010
Registration Deadline-8/28/09 Saturday September 12, 2009 8:00 – 1:00 pm Education South, Room 104	Registration Deadline-1/15/10 Saturday January 30, 2010 8:00 – 1:00 pm Education South , Room 104	Registration Deadline-5/28/10 Saturday June 12, 2010 8:00 – 1:00 pm Business Administration Bldg. Room 340