Certified Counselor - Exam Information

Applicants must create an account to schedule their certified counselor or certified adviser examination with the exam company, Webassessor.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail, once all other credentialing requirements have been met. Once approved, you may register for the exam.

The computer-based exam will be administered individually at various test center locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. When scheduling exam applicants must:

  • Select test center location.
  • Choose date and time.
  • Pay online, via credit/debit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may take the computer based exam for certified counselor and certified adviser?

We will send the applicant an email approval informing them of their eligibility to take the exam. To take the exam, the applicant must:

  • Submit the application
  • Pay the application fee
  • Meet the education requirements
  • Receive a notice of eligibility to sit for the exam from the department
  • Register/pay for exam thru the testing company, Webassessor. Payment must be made by debit/credit card.
When, where and how will the exam be administered?

Webassessor administers the exam individually by appointment at various test center locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is an online-only exam.

We will send emailed instructions on how to register online for the exam. Applicants will be able to:

  • Choose test center location.
  • Select date and time.
  • Pay for the exam with a credit/debit card.

You cannot register for an exam with less than 24 hours notice.

How do I request ADA accommodations for an exam?

You must submit requests for ADA accommodations in writing 30 days prior to the date of the exam you would like to schedule. Please note, you must make the request before you schedule an exam in the Webassessor testing system.

Requests must include:

  • Written verification from a healthcare provider indicating the nature and extent of the disability, and how the disability affects the applicant's ability to take the exam. The verification should also include recommended accommodations.
  • Date, time and location of the exam you would like to schedule. Requests can be faxed to 360-236-2901 or mailed to:

Certified Counselor Program
P.O. Box 47852
Olympia, WA 98504-7852

How do I reschedule or cancel an exam?

If you need to cancel or reschedule an exam within 72 hours of exam you must contact the Department of Health, Counselor Program by email.

If it's more than 72 hours prior to the scheduled exam, you can reschedule or cancel an exam yourself by going to www.webassessor.com/dohcounselingexam and logging into your account.

If you cancel or reschedule without at least 72-hours notice you'll be subject to a cancellation fee of $66.98. Refunds for failure to appear for a scheduled exam are limited to medical emergencies. Webassessor will require written verification from a healthcare provider.

How many questions are on the exam?

The exam will have 50 multiple choice questions.

How long does the exam take?

You're allowed two hours to complete the exam.

Can I bring reference materials and my own notes to the exam?

No. You're not allowed to bring anything into the testing room.

How much does the exam cost?

The cost of the exam is $85. You must pay the exam fee to Webassessor by credit/debit card.

What topics are covered on the exam?

The exam covers risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral and Washington State law.

What should I study to prepare for the exam?

Exam content will come from a variety of sources, the primary references for the exam are:

Are there sample exam questions?

Below are a few samples of exam questions. These samples will not be on the exam.

  1. According to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), in some settings, scales in addition to the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) may be useful. These other scales include all of the following EXCEPT the:

A. Defensive Functioning Scale

B. Psychometric Functioning Scale

C. Social and Occupational Functioning Scale

D. Global Assessment of Relational Functioning

  1. According to the Counselor statute, RCW 18.19, which of the following persons is EXEMPT from the requirement to be credentialed in the state of Washington?

A. A person practicing peer counseling

B. A student practicing counseling as part of a course at a university

C. A person practicing counseling under the auspices of their church

D. All of the above

  1. According to the Counselor statute, RCW 18.19, which one of the following is required to complete continuing education?

A. Certified adviser

B. Registered counselor

C. Registered hypnotherapist

D. Certified human services counselor

  1. According to Chapter 70.02 RCW - Medical Records, when an authorization permits the disclosure of healthcare information to an employer of a patient for purposes other than payment, unless renewed the authorization shall expire after:

A. 60 days

B. 90 days

C. 180 days

D. One year

  1. According to the American Association of Suicidology Suicide Fact Sheets, all of the following are "Acute Risk Factors" EXCEPT:

A. Early widowhood

B. Agitation

C. Insomnia

D. Persistent nightmares

Answers: 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-D, 5-A

What is the passing score for the exam?

State law requires certified counselors and certified advisers to pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening and referral, and Washington State law. (Chapter RCW 18.19) The legislature established that applicants must pass the examination to become credentialed. Legislature did not establish provisions or resources to use the examination results for purposes other than as a pass/fail mechanism. For this reason, we only provide applicants with pass or fail results for the examination.

When will I receive exam results?

We will send the exam results by email to the email address on file with the Department of Health within five business days. Please do not contact the testing company for exam results.

If I don't pass the exam, when can I retake it?

You must wait at least one week from the date of your last exam.

Can I find out which questions I missed on the exam?

State law prohibits us from releasing examination questions. (RCW 42.56.250) Whether you pass or fail the exam, we cannot provide you with the questions you answered incorrectly.