Item Writing

Call for NCMHCE Narrative Writers

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) are excited to announce the new format of the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). We are currently contracting clinical narrative writers for the NCMHCE.

If you want to have an impact on the counseling profession, are an experienced licensed clinical mental health counselor, and would like to supplement your income, NBCC and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) are recruiting narrative writers for the NCMHCE.

This new format of the NCMHCE will be comprised of case studies consisting of a clinical narrative and multiple-choice questions. Clinical narratives are used as examination prompts for writing test items to measure an individual’s ability to apply and evaluate knowledge necessary to perform as a minimally competent counselor. Clinical narratives on the NCMHCE represent identified clients with presenting concerns and/or diagnoses frequently encountered by practicing clinical mental health counselors.

Requirements

A minimum of a master’s degree in counseling from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Program (CACREP) or regionally accredited university counselor education program;
Licensure as a clinical mental health counselor;
Experience as a provider of clinical counseling services, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for 10 or more clients per week for two or more years;
Demonstrated excellence with English writing skills;
Ability to accept constructive criticism when working with others.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to write multiple-choice questions;
Credentialed as a clinical supervisor (e.g., LPC-S or ACS);
Previously taken and passed the NCMHCE.

Selected Participants Must Complete a Complimentary Narrative Writing Training to Learn How To

Complete NBCC’s template clinical intake form to create case studies for the NCMHCE;
Critique case studies;
Provide an appropriate citation for the narratives.

How to Apply

In order to be considered for this role, submit a copy of your current CV, a copy of your active license, and a professional letter of endorsement from an employer or colleague to itemwriter@cce-global.org.

NBCC will review each individual’s submitted materials and will direct them to a survey to determine how their skills and expertise align with the requirements of the examination. After the completion of the survey, invitations are sent out on an individual basis to attend follow-up trainings and meetings. Time commitments can vary. Narrative writers will be compensated for each narrative as outlined in the agreement with NBCC. Most of the training and work on narrative items will be done virtually. Some of the training and work may take place at the NBCC office in Greensboro, North Carolina. NBCC does cover travel and accommodation expenses during your trip. If you need additional information, please email itemwriter@cce-global.org.