NCE Success Stories brings the lives of those who have prepared for and passed the National Counseling Examination directly to you! You will hear about their strategies for success that helped them to be able to pass the NCE with confidence!Hosted by Josh Kellar, owner of NCEExamPrep.com
Katrena’s NCE Success Story: Coming Back After 25 Years and Finishing What She Started
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.
4 Jul 2026
NCE Success Story - Stefhanie
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.
3 Jul 2026
NCE Success Story - Ashleigh
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.
22 Jun 2026
NCE Success Stories - Deb
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.
13 Jan 2025
NCE Success Story - Ashton
School counselor Ashton discusses her journey to passing the NCE exam with host Josh Kellar, highlighting the importance of perseverance in achieving career goals in this interview.
2 Jan 2025
NCE Success Story - Ashley
Ashley, a Camp Program Manager and LPC, shares her journey of overcoming test anxiety while working long hours to pursue a master's program, offering inspiration for others facing similar challenges in this interview.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Sergio
Retired Army Major Sergio Villarreal discusses his transition to higher education to earn a Master's in Clinical Mental Health and help combat veterans, in this interview.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Annelise
Annelise shares her journey of pursuing a master's degree and her passion for counseling teens, young adults, and women, aiming to specialize in depression, anxiety, and grief support.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Robert
Robert, an Amberton University graduate, shares his strategies for helping the homeless population regain independence and hope in this interview.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Kevin
Kevin discusses his master's degree in counseling and his 30 years in church ministry as he transitions to a career in counseling in this interview.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Jessica
Jessica, a Licensed Professional Counselor, shares her experience and relief after passing the NCE exam, which has now freed up more family time, in this interview.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Consuelo
Consuelo shares her journey of passing the NCE exam on September 8th, 2022, after transitioning from insurance to counseling with a focus on trauma, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Stephanie
Stephanie, a Lincoln Christian University graduate, shares her experiences working in community mental health and private practice in this interview episode.
4 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Dana
Dana, a recent University of Mary Hardin Baylor graduate, discusses her work with trauma-affected women and her strength-based approach in partnership with the local police department in this interview.
3 Apr 2024
NCE Success Story - Julie
Julie, a drug and alcohol therapist with two master's degrees, recounts her experience and success in passing the National Counselor Exam in Pennsylvania in October 2021; this is an interview.
Who has been a guest on NCE Success Stories
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Ashton
Ashley
Sergio Villarreal
Annelise
Robert
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