Understanding Assessment and Testing – Clarity, Confidence, and Client Protection (Study Group Summary, May 3rd, 2025)

NCE Study Guide

Episode Description

In this episode of the NCE Study Guide, we explore the domain of Assessment and Testing, one of the most technical—and crucial—areas of the NCE. This session is grounded in our May 3rd, 2025 study group, where Tiffany shared her journey navigating complex concepts like z-scores, validity types, and ethical test use.

You’ll learn why assessment is not just about test-taking but about making accurate, client-centered decisions in practice. We break down key terms, offer metaphors to simplify abstract ideas, and model how these topics appear on the NCE. You'll also get a quiz with detailed explanations to sharpen your test-taking strategy.

This episode aligns with the Assessment and Testing Work Behavior Domain and the CACREP core area of Assessment, helping you build both confidence and competence.

If you find this helpful, please leave a 5-star review—it helps more future counselors find their way. And don’t forget to join our free weekly study group (email [email protected]).

CACREP Core Area: Assessment and Testing

In this episode:

• Learn how to differentiate reliability vs. validity
• Understand z-scores, bell curves, and percentile ranks
• Explore how assessments protect client well-being
• Practice with 5 NCE-style questions and explanations
• Hear how Tiffany uses real-world context to retain testing concepts

Takeaways:

• Think like a counselor, not a memorizer
• Ethical test use = accurate, equitable care
• Assessment is your decision-making flashlight

Study Group Highlight:
Tiffany’s story inspired this module. Her insight into struggling with technical content—and learning how to visualize it with clients in mind—makes this one of our most relatable and practical episodes yet.

Join us Saturdays at 11 AM Pacific – email [email protected] to attend!