Read Faster, Stress Less: 3 Essential Reading Drills for the NCMHCE

Read Faster, Stress Less: 3 Essential Reading Drills for the NCMHCE

One of the most common things I hear from future counselors studying for the NCMHCE is:
"I run out of time because I read too slowly."

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a speed reader to pass this exam. You just need to train your brain to read strategically. Focusing on purpose, pace, and precision.

Whether you're neurodivergent, anxious, or just overwhelmed by the amount of text, these 3 drills will help you get faster and understand more.

Drill #1: Chunk & Echo

Most test-takers read the question as one long sentence. But your brain isn’t wired to absorb it that way when you're stressed (which we all know happens on test day!).

Do this instead:

1. Read 3–4 words at a time.
2. Pause
3. Say it back to yourself in your own words (aloud or in your head).

This “chunk and echo” method slows you just enough to boost comprehension while helping you move faster through the material over time.

Bonus tip: Practice this with random CounselingExam.com questions or narrative prompts from your study guides.

 Drill #2: Answer-First Preview

Instead of diving straight into the narrative, preview the answer choices first.

Why? Because the answers give away what the test is really asking. I typically don't like to recommend this option too much as you do have to read the narrative for this exam, but if you're truly struggling with the pacing, give it a go!

Ask yourself:

• Are they testing assessment, diagnosis, or intervention?
• Are there any red flags in the answers like risk, safety, or ethics?

Once your brain knows what to look for, it stops wasting energy on unnecessary details. That means faster processing and better focus.

Drill #3: 60-Second Skim Scan

Set a timer for 60 seconds.
Now skim the narrative for key information:

•  Risk factors (suicidality, abuse, harm)
• Timeline and setting (when, where, how long)
• Presenting concerns and symptoms

You’re training your brain to spot patterns and prioritize what matters. The goal is efficiency, not perfection. Try this daily with one case, and watch how quickly your speed and confidence grow. 

Reading faster for the NCMHCE isn’t about rushing. It’s about reading smarter.
With the right strategies, you can move through questions with clarity and calm.

And as always, if you're looking for study guides, tutoring, or practical tools to help you pass the NCMHCE with confidence, check out The Good Neuron study guides

 

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