This overview includes information to help you prepare for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC®) exam. You’ll find details about eligibility, exam format, content areas, registration, costs, scoring, retakes, and study resources.
Exam Background and Purpose
The CRC exam is developed by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The exam is used as part of the certification process for rehabilitation counselors and is designed to assess knowledge related to counseling, rehabilitation, disability, ethics, assessment, case management, career development, and related professional responsibilities.
Candidates should review CRCC’s eligibility requirements before applying. Eligibility may depend on education, coursework, supervised experience, and other certification requirements.
Eligibility
CRC eligibility requirements are set by CRCC. Candidates may need to meet specific education, internship, coursework, or work-experience requirements before they are approved to take the exam. Because eligibility categories can vary, review the current CRC certification guide before applying.
Content Areas
The CRC exam is based on 12 knowledge domains from CRCC’s 2021 Job Task Analysis blueprint:
- Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice — 10.7%
- Counseling Theories, Techniques, and Evidence-Based Practices — 11.3%
- Group and Family Counseling — 4.7%
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling and Interventions — 6.0%
- Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability — 9.3%
- Assessment/Evaluation, Occupational Analysis, and Service Implementation — 10.7%
- Career Development and Job Placement — 9.3%
- Business Engagement — 7.6%
- Community Resources and Partnerships — 8.0%
- Case Management — 10.0%
- Health Care and Disability Management — 7.3%
- Research, Methodology, and Performance Management — 5.3%
Costs and Payment Options
The CRC application fee is currently listed by CRCC as $410. This fee covers the application and examination fees. If a candidate is found ineligible to sit for the exam, a portion of the fee may be refunded. Because fees can change, review CRCC’s current fee information before applying.
Registration/Times/Locations
To register for the CRC exam, candidates must complete the application process through CRCC. After the application is approved, candidates receive an Authorization to Test letter with scheduling instructions.
CRC exam scheduling is handled through Pearson VUE. Candidates may be able to test at a Pearson VUE test center or through OnVUE online proctoring, depending on current testing options and CRCC requirements.
Test Day
On test day, follow the instructions provided by CRCC and Pearson VUE. Candidates testing at a Pearson VUE test center should bring the required identification and arrive early enough to complete check-in procedures.
Personal items, study materials, phones, watches, bags, food, notes, and other unauthorized materials are not allowed in the testing area. Online testers must also meet Pearson VUE’s workspace, identification, technology, and proctoring requirements.
Test Scores
The CRC exam uses a conjunctive scoring model. This means candidates must pass both exam parts in one exam administration: the Counseling section and the Rehabilitation and Disability section.
There is no single fixed number of correct answers required to pass because exam forms can vary in difficulty. Candidates receive a preliminary score report at the test site indicating pass or fail status. Candidates who do not pass receive diagnostic information that can help guide future study.
Official exam results packets are mailed by U.S. Postal Service approximately four weeks after the last date in the testing window.
Retaking the CRC Exam
If you do not pass the CRC exam, CRCC generally requires reexamination to occur in the next exam window after the original exam. Retake fees, testing-window rules, and reapplication requirements may apply, so review CRCC’s current retake instructions before registering again.
How Can I Prepare for the CRC Exam?
Preparing for the CRC exam is easier when you understand the exam format and the 12 knowledge domains. Start by reviewing the current CRC certification guide and exam content outline. A study guide can help you review major concepts, flashcards can reinforce important terms, and practice questions can help you become familiar with the exam format.
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CRC® is a registered trademark of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification is not involved with or affiliated with Mometrix Media LLC, nor does it endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by Mometrix Media LLC.