The age of accountability, evolving from outcome- and standards-based practices, is prevalent in the education, healthcare, and counseling fields. In regards to standards, counselor education is framed by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for best practices in terms of content knowledge; however the assessment of competence of that knowledge is not easily defined. Furthermore, school counselors are held to the standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) to practice within a certain scope of competence; however, the determination of that level is also not easily or clearly defined. This research sought to investigate credentialing exams and their relationship to competence for school counselors by examining Praxis II: School Guidance and Counseling exam results based on accreditation of participants’ graduate-level school counseling program. This study found no statistically significant effect between accreditation of the participants’ graduate-level school counseling program and results on the Praxis II exam. Likewise, no statistically significant relationship between age, gender, ethnicity, or GPA and Praxis II results was found. Further research, both quantitative and qualitative, should be conducted to investigate the relationship between accreditation and exam results. Last, alignment between counselor education program objectives, standards, and assessment should be strengthened to gain a better grasp on attaining competence.

Written for undergraduate students and other prospective counselors, A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling is the first of its kind to create a comprehensive, reliable means of learning about the counseling profession, entry level preparation (i.e., master's degrees in counseling specializations), and what to consider when searching for, applying to, and ultimately selecting a graduate program in counseling that is the "perfect fit." The Guide offers vital information relative to accreditation and its importance in the counseling profession with regards to obtaining licensure, certification, and even employment opportunities after graduating. As a CACREP publication, this book is the official source of information about accredited counseling programs and includes information about what counseling programs seek in candidates, what programs can offer students in terms of professional development and job placement, and guidance on personal and practical considerations for entering the counseling profession. Authored by counseling experts and featuring insights from voices in the field, A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling is a must-have resource for anyone interested in becoming a professional counselor. This text is an official publication of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the counseling profession's recognized accreditation body. The book fulfills a need for individuals considering a career in the counseling profession. Counselors comprise 37% of all helping professions, the largest of all professions that include social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and marriage and family therapists (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2014). The counseling profession is projected to grow 29% between 2012-2022, faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you are planning to become a nationally certified counselor or preparing to take comprehensive exams in doctoral, specialist, or master′s degree programs, Becoming a Professional Counselor, Second Edition is the ideal resource for you. A best-seller in its first edition, the second edition has been updated and expanded to offer you the guidance you need to become nationally certified by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Clear and concise, the authors discuss, step by step, topics such as human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; the helping relationship; group dynamics, process, and counseling; appraisal of the individual; research and evaluation; and professional orientation. Each chapter provides an outline, summary, list of important terms and names (which are keyed to the glossary at the end of the book), and practice tests. This precise, insightful manual is an invaluable tool, with its success-proven formula of summarization, testing, and review. It facilitates the foundation building and preparation necessary for involvement in counseling and in the helping professions. Retaining the same easy-to-follow format as the first edition, this new edition updates the names of key organizations while adding new information relevant to changes in the counselor certification exam. Becoming a Professional Counselor, Second Edition facilitates the foundation building and preparation necessary for involvement in counseling and the helping professions.

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The School Counselor’s Study Guide for Credentialing Exams is the only study guide on the market based on the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, CACREP Standards, NBCC NCSCE content requirements, and the NCATE and NBPTS Standards. Designed to help users build knowledge and skills that are transferrable to any test format, it can be used to prepare for the NCSCE, Praxis II School Counseling Specialty Exam, NBPTS School Counseling national certification exam, Comprehensive School Counselor Education program exams, and state certification exams for professional school counseling. Each chapter aligns with one of the eight CACREP content areas for school counseling and covers in depth the material necessary to succeed on any of the exams. Also included in each chapter are case scenarios, guided reflection questions, and actual exam practice questions. A full-length practice exam is provided at the end with answers and explanations for correct and incorrect responses. Additional resources include a glossary of important terms and lists of ethical codes and competencies for various school counseling related organizations. Students and professionals seeking a professional school counselor credential will find this to be an invaluable tool in their exam preparation.

Test Prep Books' NCMHCE Study Guide: NCMHCE Exam Prep and Practice Test Questions for the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination [2nd Edition] Made by Test Prep Books experts for test takers trying to achieve a great score on the NCMHCE exam. This comprehensive study guide includes: Quick Overview Find out what's inside this guide! Test-Taking Strategies Learn the best tips to help overcome your exam! Introduction to the Exam Get a thorough breakdown of what the test is and what's on it! Assessment and Diagnosis Client Assessment and Observational Data, Precipitating Problems or Symptoms, Individual and/or Relationship Functioning, and Relevant Family Issues Counseling and Psychotherapy Ethical Standards and Practice, Counselor/Client Roles, Counseling in Relation to a Plan of Treatment, and Referral Information Administration, Consultation, and Supervision Case Notes, Records, and/or Files, Services and Client Needs, Professional Communications, and Obtaining Services DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and Section III (Emerging Measures and Models) Case Analysis Practice Simulations NCMHCE Simulations Answer Explanations Figure out where you went wrong and how to improve! Studying can be hard. We get it. That's why we created this guide with these great features and benefits: Comprehensive Review: Each section of the test has a comprehensive review created by Test Prep Books that goes into detail to cover all of the content likely to appear on the test. NCMHCE Practice Test Questions: We want to give you the best practice you can find. That's why the Test Prep Books practice questions are as close as you can get to the actual test. Answer Explanations: Every single problem is followed by an answer explanation. We know it's frustrating to miss a question and not understand why. The answer explanations will help you learn from your mistakes. That way, you can avoid missing it again in the future. Test-Taking Strategies: A test taker has to understand the material that is being covered and be familiar with the latest test taking strategies. These strategies are necessary to properly use the time provided. They also help test takers complete the test without making any errors. Test Prep Books has provided the top test-taking tips. Customer Service: We love taking care of our test takers. We make sure that you interact with a real human being when you email your comments or concerns. Anyone planning to take this exam should take advantage of this NCMHCE study guide. Purchase it today to receive access to: NCMHCE review materials Practice questions Test-taking strategies

Named an Outstanding Academic Title for 2009 byChoice! "Marini and Stebnicki, both professors and scholars in rehabilitation counseling, have compiled an extremely useful and practical counseling resource covering a variety of topics...[U]ndergraduates, graduate students, and new counselors will find this a valuable tool....This unique volume is a great addition for college and university libraries...Highly recommended." ---Choice "An excellent resource for the counseling student as well as the practicing counselor. It is well-written and comprehensive without being overwhelming. A must for every counselor's and future counselor's library!" --Donna Falvo, PhD, CRC, Professor, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medical School "I found the chapters to be well-written, organized in a clear manner, and presented in a balanced wayÖ.This is a reference work that people will want to keep." --Gerald Corey, EdD, ABPP, Professor, California State University (From the Foreword) The Professional Counselor's Desk Reference (PCDR) is the first resource of its kind, serving as an authoritative guide for both pre-professionals working towards counselor licensure and certification, as well as seasoned counselors, counselor educators, clinical supervisors, psychologists, and social workers. Drs. Marini and Stebnicki present this quick, user-friendly desk reference guide based on the core content and knowledge areas outlined in both the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) and Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) accreditation standards. With contributions from 95 experts in counselor education, research, and practice, this book includes: Bulleted "how to" strategies for working with clients under various models in counseling and psychology Easy-to-read tables, graphics, and figures to capture a holistic picture of specific client issues Guidelines for conducting interviews and assessments with culturally diverse clients, as well as treatment protocols that suggest evidence-based practices Discussions on counselor impairments such as empathy fatigue, and developing a plan of self-care to prevent counselor burnout A comprehensive self-exam of 323 multiple-choice items based on the CORE/CACREP core content and knowledge areas for counselor education and training This invaluable reference guide is the most current source related to professional counseling issues, ethics, theories, and practices. Marini and Stebnicki provide a wide range of culturally diverse treatment approaches that will expand the counseling profession's knowledge, awareness, and skills.