For Katrena, passing the NCE wasn’t just about passing an exam—it was about completing a goal that had been waiting for more than 25 years.

After earning her counseling degree, Katrena’s career took her into Human Resources, where she has spent more than two decades helping people navigate grief, loss, career changes, and difficult life transitions. But counseling never stopped being a passion, and the fact that she had never completed the NCE remained unfinished business.

In 2026, Katrena decided it was finally time.

In this episode of the NCE Success Stories Podcast, Katrena shares how she returned to studying after decades away from graduate school, built a structured study plan, discovered which study strategies worked for her—and which ones definitely didn’t—and used repeated practice questions to identify and strengthen her weaker areas.

She also talks about why simply memorizing information isn’t enough for today’s NCE, how she protected her study time and involved her family in the process, and the surprisingly emotional story of receiving her results—then driving all the way home before she could bring herself to look at them.

Most importantly, Katrena offers encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the NCE: this exam does not determine whether you will be a good counselor.

Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, Katrena’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to come back to a goal, commit to the process, and finish what you started.

Learn more about NCE Exam Prep and find resources to help you prepare with confidence at NCEExamPrep.com.

How do you stay motivated when the journey to becoming a counselor takes longer than expected?

In this episode of NCE Success Stories, I sit down with Stefhanie Howe to discuss her path to passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the lessons she learned along the way, and the excitement of beginning the next chapter of her counseling career.

Stefhanie earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mount Olive in 2023. After recently passing the NCE, she is now pursuing licensure in North Carolina and looks forward to building a career centered on compassionate, client-focused care. She also shares her growing interest in EMDR and how she hopes to incorporate trauma-informed approaches into her future practice.

In our conversation, Stefhanie shares:

What inspired her to pursue a career in counseling

Her experience preparing for the NCE

The study habits and strategies that helped her succeed

How she stayed motivated throughout the process

Advice and encouragement for future counselors preparing for their own exam

Whether you're just beginning graduate school or counting down the days until your NCE, Stefhanie's story is a reminder that perseverance, preparation, and confidence can carry you across the finish line.

Ready to prepare for the NCE with confidence?

Learn more about the NCE Guaranteed Study Package:
https://pass.nceexamprep.com/guaranteedstudypackage

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another future counselor who could benefit from Stefhanie's story. Every success story has the power to encourage someone else on their journey to becoming a licensed counselor.

What does it take to go from graduate student to licensed counselor—and successfully pass the NCE along the way?

In this episode of NCE Success Stories, I sit down with Ashleigh, who shares her journey through graduate school, preparing for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and taking the next steps in her counseling career.

Ashleigh is both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She earned her Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy with an additional concentration in Professional Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University in December 2025. Before that, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University.

In our conversation, Ashleigh discusses:

Her path into the counseling profession

What graduate school was really like

How she approached studying for the NCE

The strategies that helped her pass

Advice for current counseling students preparing for their own exam

Whether you're in graduate school, getting ready to take the NCE, or simply looking for encouragement from someone who's recently been in your shoes, Ashleigh's story offers practical insights and motivation for the journey ahead.

Ready to prepare for the NCE with confidence?

Learn more about the NCE Guaranteed Study Package:
https://pass.nceexamprep.com/guaranteedstudypackage

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another future counselor who could benefit from hearing Ashleigh's story.

What happens when you begin an entirely new career at 65?

In this episode of NCE Success Stories, I sit down with Deb, who passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE) on June 11, 2026, to talk about her inspiring journey into the counseling profession.

Deb began her career as a paralegal in 1983 and spent 23 years working in the oil and gas industry. After earning a doctorate in organizational leadership, she made the remarkable decision to return to school at age 65 to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Along the way, she gained experience working with teens in a residential treatment center, served youth and unwed mothers at a therapeutic ranch, and now works as a case manager conducting assessments for a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team.

In our conversation, Deb shares:

Why she decided to change careers later in life

The challenges and rewards of returning to graduate school

How she prepared for and passed the NCE

The study strategies that helped her succeed

Encouragement for anyone who feels it's "too late" to pursue their calling

Whether you're preparing for the NCE or considering a career change of your own, Deb's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue meaningful work.

Learn more about the NCE Guaranteed Study Package:
https://pass.nceexamprep.com/guaranteedstudypackage

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with another future counselor who could use a little encouragement.

Ashton is currently in her ninth year as a school counselor. She has a passion for talking with people and helping them grow personally. Her dream is to one day become a therapist and work with family and adolescents. Now that she has successfully passed the NCE with the help of Josh Kellar and his program, she is one step closer to achieving that dream!

Ashley serves humans through the hills and valleys of life as a Camp Program Manager, Ordained Minister, and now LPC! She never planned to pursue a master's program while working 50+ hour weeks. She beat test anxiety, and so can you!

Sergio Villarreal is a retired Army Major with multiple deployments as a Military Advisor to foreign countries in conflict areas. He is a published author and expert in Guerrilla Warfare. He decided to go back to school to earn a Master's in Clinical Mental Health in the hopes of someday helping combat veterans and others suffering the effects of trauma.

Annelise received her master's degree from Hope International University in California. Her passion is working with teens, tweens and young adults. She’d love to do marriage counseling and to work with women of all ages in her career. She’s planning to develop skills to help people with depression, anxiety, and grief and loss.

Robert received his master's degree from Amberton University in Garland, TX. He currently serves the homeless population by leveraging strategies and methods to help residents regain their independence and sense of hope. Robert loves listening to live music and vacationing with his wife.

Kevin completed his MA in Counseling in 2005 from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. He has been in church ministry for over 30 years and is looking forward to pursuing a career in counsel. Kevin is a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan!