Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) - Complete Exam Review with Actual Questions, Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations | Latest Update 2026/2027

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive
Examination (CPCE) - Complete Exam Review
with Actual Questions, Correct Answers and
Detailed Explanations | Latest Update 2026/2027

Question 1
Wellness is the state of:
A. Physical well-being
B. Spiritual well-being
C. Psychological well-being
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Wellness encompasses physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being,
representing a holistic state of health.


Question 2
The individual self model of wellness is based on _____ psychological theory.
A. Freud
B. Adler
C. Rogers
D. Ellis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The individual self model of wellness is based on Adlerian psychological
theory, which emphasizes holism and social interest.


Question 3
A person who loves to travel to new destinations and once there, enjoys exploring
cultural epicenters and new types of food probably has a high score on the _____ factor
of the Five Factor Model.


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,A. Adventurous
B. Openness
C. Agreeableness
D. Intellectual
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Openness to experience is the Five Factor trait associated with curiosity,
travel, and cultural exploration.


Question 4
______ is NOT one of the five factors in the Five Factor Model.
A. Conscientiousness
B. Neuroticism
C. Introversion
D. Agreeableness
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Five Factor Model includes Openness, Conscientiousness,
Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN). Introversion is the opposite of
Extraversion, not a separate factor.


Question 5
A counselor collaborates with clients to set goals in the ____ stage of counseling.
A. Initial
B. Action
C. Termination
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Goal setting occurs during the action (working) stage of counseling.


Question 6
_____ is NOT a minimal encourager.
A. "Hmm"
B. "I'm with you"
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,C. "Tell me more about that"
D. "I've got you"
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: "Tell me more about that" is an open-ended question, not a minimal
encourager. Minimal encouragers are brief prompts like "Hmm" or "I see."


Question 7
"You say you want to get better grades, but you have not completed any homework in
the last week" is an example of:
A. A reflection
B. A confrontation
C. Giving feedback
D. A paraphrase
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This statement highlights a discrepancy between the client's words and
actions, which is a confrontation.


Question 8
Summaries are used by counselors to:
A. Begin sessions
B. End sessions
C. Highlight important themes
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Summaries can be used to begin sessions, end sessions, and highlight
important themes.


Question 9
Repeating a client's statement back to them in different words is called:
A. Paraphrasing
B. Reflecting


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, C. Summarizing
D. Attending
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Paraphrasing is restating the client's message in different words.


Question 10
The ____ operates according to the reality principle.
A. Id
B. Ego
C. Superego
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The ego operates on the reality principle, mediating between the id and
the external world.


Question 11
Images and tendencies that are inherent in all human beings are contained in the:
A. Preconscious
B. Unconscious
C. Collective unconscious
D. Subconscious
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Carl Jung's collective unconscious contains universal archetypes and
inherited tendencies.


Question 12
This Adlerian technique can help reduce the desirability of unhealthy client behaviors:
A. Asking the question
B. The pushbutton
C. Catching oneself
D. Spitting in the client's soup


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