Fifteen years have passed since an analysis of the position of rehabilitation counselors in the national counselor licensure movement by Tarvydas and Leahy. This article addresses the question of how well their efforts to achieve licensure parity with other counselors have fared. This question will be addressed by discussing (a) rehabilitation…

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between perceived percentage of time spent on rehabilitation counseling responsibilities and the possession of an educational degree, certification as a rehabilitation counselor, and years worked for a state or federal vocational rehabilitation agency. A national study was conducted…

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived percentage of time spent on particular rehabilitation counseling responsibilities, on one hand, and possession of an educational degree, certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC), and years worked for the state--federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency, on the…

Concludes special journal issue devoted to issues of credentialing in rehabilitation counseling profession. Concludes that rehabilitation counseling should take great pride in leadership role it continues to provide in accreditation and certification movement and in providing innovative strategies to enhance standard-setting mechanisms through…

Provides brief history of certification in rehabilitation counseling by focusing attention on significant milestones achieved in the development of the certification process. Provides current description of Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), along with discussion of recent innovations, current certification process, and…

This article summarizes the results of a recent role and function study completed in 2004 to determine the prevailing domains of disability management practice. The study also sought to establish an empirical basis for a certification exam for disability management specialists consistent with evolving standards of practice. Based on the expert…

Report from the joint ARCA/NRCA Certification Committee on work for self certification of rehabilitation counselors followed by reactions by Richard Thoreson, Leonard Miller, and C. H. Patterson. (Author/CJ)

Provides review of credentialing movement from social-psychological perspective that illustrates process of evolution rehabilitation counseling has undergone over the past 20 years. Points out complexity and confusing nature of various credentials available and inherent anxiety that exists among rehabilitation counselors in sorting through various…

Discusses licensure and credentialing in rehabilitation counseling in the context of larger professional and social movements. Introduces critical aspects affecting licensure movement for rehabilitation counselors; provides overview of history of counselor licensure and participation of rehabilitation counselors; and describes issues current…

Rehabilitation counselors (n=1,535) reported that they were at least moderately prepared in vocational services; foundations of rehabilitation; case management/services; group/family counseling; medical/psychosocial aspects; workers' compensation, employer services, and technology; individual counseling/development; social, cultural, and…

Provides critical assessment of this special journal issue devoted to credentialing in rehabilitation counseling and credentialing movement in general. Contends that primary purpose of professional credentialing in counseling is not to protect the weak but rather to increase the power, authority, and incomes of the strong. Advises caution in…

Article discusses the nature of certification for rehabilitation counselors and the primary purpose involved. Special features of a certification program are discussed along with a built in "grandfather clause." (EK)

Examined differences among certified rehabilitation counselors (n=1,535) in level of importance attributed to various knowledge domains. Found that grouping respondents according to employment setting and job title accounted for most frequent differences in knowledge importance among all variables examined. Respondents' educational background and…

Summarizes the regional rehabilitation continuing education programs, identifies aspects of the certification maintenance process, and assesses the ability of RRCEPs to respond to this process as they currently function. This information is useful in refinement of the certification maintenance process and continuing education for rehabilitation…

Since rehabilitation counseling is a new area many current external influences are causing changes in roles and working conditions. Disagreement and ambivalence in some areas by professional members is causing a movement to certify, classify and define the profession. (Author/CG)