HSCE Human Services Comprehensive Examination

NBCC and CCE believe in the value of the human services professions and the importance of a credential to designate appropriate skill and competency.

The Human Services Comprehensive Examination (HSCE) was created to assess a student’s understanding of and ability to apply cited competencies, theories, knowledge, values, ethical standards, and skills. This work is supported by the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) and is consistent with the standards set by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).

The HSCE can also provide human services programs with the ability to gain an objective view of the effectiveness of their curriculum, standardize expectations regarding curricular structure across different geographical regions, offer pre- and post-test comparisons at various points during matriculation, compare student data to national averages, and utilize data in self-studies. HSCE scores can also help support programs in obtaining the necessary resources for providing adequate preparation for students entering the human services professions.

Examination Content

The HSCE includes content aligned with the curriculum section of the National Standards Associate Degree in Human Services, put forth by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). The HSCE contains nine content areas (domains):

• History of Human Services
• Human Systems
• Human Service Delivery Systems
• Information Literacy
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• Client Interventions and Strategies
• Interpersonal Communication
• Client-Related Values and Attitudes
• Self-Development

Download HSCE Content Outline

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Examination Format

The HSCE will consist of 108 multiple-choice questions with 12 items per domain area. Of the 12 items, 10 will be scored, leading to 90 total maximum points on the examination. The remaining 18 items are unscored items used for examination development purposes. Candidates will have 3 hours to complete the examination.

The HSCE will be offered in test centers or via online administration through our testing partner PearsonVUE. The examination will be available starting in October 2024.

For more information about the HSCE, contact CCE Customer Service: 336-482-2856, Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm EST.

Download HSCE Candidate Handbook