When preparing for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam, it can feel a bit overwhelming, and you might have a lot of questions.
On a recent episode of Inside Rehabilitation Counseling, we spoke with our Certification Department and Certification Supervisor Jennifer Marcu. In this episode, Jennifer discusses the top 10 most asked questions she receives about the CRC Exam every day.
Common Application and Eligibility Questions for the CRC Exam
- Who Is Eligible to Take the CRC Exam?
Eligibility to sit for the CRC exam falls into three application categories,
Category 1: This is someone who is enrolled in or will be a graduate from a master’s-level rehabilitation counseling or clinical rehabilitation program accredited by CACREP. We have a CACREP list on our website that you can use to verify if you are unsure.
Category 2: Individuals enrolled in or will be a graduate from a master’s level rehabilitation counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling program that is not or was not accredited by CACREP.
Category 3: Individuals with a master’s or doctoral degree in one of seven approved related fields of study:
- Addictions/Substance Abuse Counseling
- Psychology
- School/Guidance Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
- Mental Health Counseling
- Social Work
- Counselor Education & Supervision-Doctoral Degree
- Where Do You Apply for the CRC Exam?
All CRC exam applications are submitted on CRC Connect through the login button at the top of our website. After creating an account, applicants answer a few initial questions that automatically place them into the correct eligibility category.
From there, the Certification Department reviews applications based on academic background and experience. These categories are not rankings; they are three types of stepping stones to apply for the exam.
- Can You Take the CRC Exam While Still in School?
Yes, students may apply to sit for the CRC exam once they are at least 75% through their coursework.
This requirement ensures candidates have covered enough foundational content to be well prepared. Since the exam is offered three times per year (March, July, and October), students should work with their academic advisors to determine the best timing.
CRC Exam Questions About Content and Study Materials
- What Content Is Covered on the CRC Exam?
CRC exam questions are based on CRCC’s Job Task Analysis (JTA) and the 12 knowledge domains.
We encourage anyone looking to study or prepare for the exam to review both those and any other study materials available on our website. It is a lot, but a clear understanding of the domains is very beneficial.
- What Study Resources Does CRCC Offer?
CRCC provides several exam preparation resources, including:
- CRC Self-Assessment (450 practice questions).
- Flashcards (available in online cards and audio formats).
- Free study planner to help organize preparation over 12 weeks.
- Recommended textbooks and materials are listed.
Once the self-assessment and flashcards are purchased, you can use them for as long as you need until you pass the exam.
One thing to note about the flashcards is that there are both audio and standard versions.
If you get the audio version, please note it’s just speaking to you, and the regular cards are online flashcards; they are separate products.
- What Happens If You Don’t Pass the Exam?
Candidates are allowed two attempts per application.
If you do not pass, you may retake the exam at the next available testing window, meaning that if you failed the March exam, you can only retake it for the July exam.
If both attempts are unsuccessful, a new application is required.
You can also defer to the next available exam if you feel unprepared, as we do want you to pass and go in with confidence.
What Happens After the Exam?
- What Happens After You Pass the CRC Exam?
After completing the exam, candidates receive a preliminary score from Pearson VUE.
Official results are confirmed by CRCC within 24–48 hours.
Students must submit official transcripts once they have completed their coursework and their degree has been conferred.
Graduates have already submitted their transcripts, so once you receive the pass and it’s in our system, you’ll receive the congratulations email.
CRC Exam Accommodations and Testing Center Questions
- Where Can You Take the CRC Exam?
The CRC exam is administered through Pearson VUE, with two options: in-person testing at Pearson VUE testing centers and OnVUE online proctoring.
In person, you would go to a specific Pearson VUE center nationwide and schedule early with them through their website, by creating an account, or by calling them directly. If you choose to take the exam online, we encourage you to research OnVUE.
Ensure you have a clear, stable internet connection with no outside interruptions.
They have strict policies for online proctoring to ensure the exam is conducted properly and to standard, so there’s little leeway on technology issues.
- How Do You Request Exam Accommodations?
Accommodation requests are built directly into the CRC exam application process.
Applicants can indicate the need for accommodations during the application process, select the requested accommodations, and submit the required documentation completed by a licensed professional. You’re always welcome to email it over if needed.
Because accommodations require additional review time, we recommend submitting applications early.
What’s Ahead After Passing the CRC Exam?
- How Do You Maintain Your CRC Certification?
Once certified, CRCs must complete 100 continuing education (CE) hours every five years, including 10 hours in ethics.
Ways to earn CEs are listed in the renewal guide on CRCC’s website, including CRCC’s eUniversity, Pre-approved CE providers, and Post-Approved coursework.
It sounds like a lot, but if you break it down and complete about 20 a year, it’s not as bad. We encourage everyone to hit the ground running with CEs as quickly as possible to avoid last-minute panic.
If you are preparing for the CRC exam, hopefully, breaking it down into the most common questions helped you gain some clarity in the areas you needed.
The certification department is always available to clarify and answer any questions you may have, so absolutely reach out when needed.
CRCC is always here to help you feel as confident as you can be going into the exam.
Recent Comments