Applicants will be responsible for ensuring that their application files are complete and submitted before the appropriate deadline. To this end, applicants will need to include in their application a current email address as all correspondence will be done electronically. The admission process is somewhat complex in that the Graduate College and the department have separate requirements that applicants will have to meet. Because of this, applicants will need to understand the importance of submitting the proper material to the proper places.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all application materials well in advance of the deadlines.
A listing of the program requirements is available in the UNLV Graduate Catalog.
This handbook contains information essential for graduate students in the Department of Educational and Clinical Studies Counselor Education Program. It is designed to provide students with information necessary to successfully complete graduate studies in the program. Like the Graduate Catalog, the handbook is in effect when a student enrolls and is the final authoritative document outlining the program's requirements.
Obtain your Faculty Advisor's signature and leave this form with the department's administrative assistant to be placed in your file.
For students needing permission to have a prerequisite waived or permission to get into a full class.
A complete list of forms is also available on the Graduate College Forms page.
About the Exam
A comprehensive examination is required of all students enrolled in counselor education programs. The comprehensive exam is taken during the final semester or one semester after students complete all course work. Comprehensive exams are offered only during the fall and spring semesters. Comprehensive exams are not offered during the summer. If students will be completing course work during the summer session, the comprehensive exam may be taken during the previous spring semester. Students must have applied for graduation with the Graduate College to be eligible to register for the comprehensive examination.
Exam Administration
The comprehensive examination will be administered two times per year on campus. The administration dates will typically be in October and in February. Students will be notified of the location of the exam via email. Comprehensive exam application deadlines are one month prior to the examination date. Students must register with their faculty advisor to take the comprehensive examination. The faculty advisor will advise the program coordinator of intent to take the examination. If students have not received official confirmation from the program coordinator, they will not be permitted to participate in the examination process.
The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) is administered as the comprehensive exam. There is no official study guide for this examination. However, the CPCE website does provide additional information that could prove helpful when preparing for the examination.
Exam Fees
Each student is responsible for paying the administration fee. On the day of the examination, the student will bring a personal check, money order, cashier's check, or money gram made out to CPCE. No cash accepted. This fee is non-refundable!
Retaking the Exam
Students who do not pass the comprehensive examination will be required to retake the exam at the next regular administration. Students may take the examination a maximum of three times. If after the third time a student does not pass the comprehensive exam, then the student may be dismissed from the program or may be required to complete additional coursework or training. Please Note: Students must be enrolled in at least one course in order to take the comprehensive exam.