Buyer's Guide · Updated July 2026
Best NCE Exam Prep
The NCE rewards breadth, 200 items across the whole counseling curriculum. Prep splits between structured packages and practice platforms; the honest ranking:
#1 · Best practice volume & value
C3RT Behavioral Health Exam Prep
A dedicated NCE bank inside the 52,750-question behavioral app, with the NCMHCE also included for two-exam states, plus flashcards, audio lessons, reels, and mock exams, native on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Strengths
- +NCE and NCMHCE in one subscription
- +Full supplementary stack included
- +Deepest question volume in the field
Trade-offs
- −No structured curriculum
- −Apple devices only
Pricing: $17.99/month, $39.99/3 months, $69.99/6 months, or $99.99/year, free to download and evaluate.
#2 · Best structured curriculum
AATBS
The legacy provider’s NCE packages, with organized study volumes, live-online options, and its pass guarantee on qualifying packages.
Strengths
- +Structured taught curriculum
- +Pass guarantee on qualifying packages
Trade-offs
- −Premium pricing, time-boxed access
- −No mobile app
Pricing: Published per package on aatbs.com (its EPPP packages run $849–$1,799 for scale), as of July 2026.
#3 · Best for Android users
Pocket Prep (Behavioral Health)
A 2,000-question NCE bank (plus a 700-question NCMHCE bank) on iOS, Android, and web with a pass guarantee.
Strengths
- +Solid 2,000-question NCE bank
- +Android and web support
Trade-offs
- −Quizzing only, no flashcards, audio, or curriculum
Pricing: $20.99/month or $124.99/year, as of July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best NCE prep?
Practice-first candidates get the most from C3RT, the deepest bank plus flashcards and audio, with the NCMHCE included if your state requires both. AATBS suits those who want a taught curriculum with a guarantee; Pocket Prep serves Android users well.
Do I need NCMHCE prep too?
Depends on your state board: many accept the NCE alone for initial licensure, several require the NCMHCE for the clinical tier. C3RT covers both under one subscription, which is the cheapest way to keep the second exam covered.
C3RT publishes this guide and makes the C3RT apps, we rank ourselves where our published numbers earn it, and we link full side-by-side comparisons so you can check the work. Competitor details are from publicly available information as of July 2026 and may change; verify with each provider. All product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners; certification bodies do not endorse any product listed. Read how we compare →