New ways of identifying and measuring competency are needed to assure that the ability to perform competently is the determining factor in licensing and certification of professionals. Primary concern should be given to the assessment and evaluation of professional performance outcomes. (Author/MLW)

Data indicate that practice by unqualified personnel, financial exploitation, and sexual exploitation are the most frequent types of misconduct by mental health practitioners. Solutions to these problems lie in the areas of regulation, education of counselors-in-training, and education of consumers of mental health services. (Author)

Reviews the context, politics, illusions, contradictions, ironies, and possibilities involved in the search for identity in the counseling profession. Provides an overview of counseling psychology's history, its professional bodies, and the profession's political battles. Discusses attempts at establishing an identity and the need for a knowledge…

Examines current perceptions regarding the purposes and differences of the doctor of education (EdD) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees. A survey of program coordinators (N=127) of counselor preparation programs indicate that most coordinators do not differentiate between the two degrees, although those with a decided preference favor the PhD.…

An action research project conducted by British adult students pursuing National Vocational Qualifications demonstrated that learning was inseparable from a sense of personal identity. Personal motivators,such as self-esteem and confidence were vital and external motivators. Such credentials were usually not sufficient to encourage studying.…

Examines employability through the lenses of consensus theory and conflict theory. Expands the latter into positional conflict theory, which explains how the market for credentials is rigged and how individuals are ranked in it. Argues that even employable people may fail to find jobs because of positional competition in the knowledge-driven…

Training programs will continue to change to meet the needs of consumers of school psychological services in the 21st century. Provides information about the factors influencing the preparation of school psychologists whose roles and functions must change to meet these needs. Emphasis is on the overall context of training and the anticipated…

Plans for an international database that would furnish university officials with information about educational systems, institutions, and academic credentials around the world are discussed. The Trans Regional Academic Mobility and Credential Evaluation would be on a computer at the National University Computer Center in Montpellier, France. (MLW)

In Australia, different methods of assessing attainment of workplace competencies and national standards are underway. A major concern is how to report information to potential employers in sufficient detail to assist hiring decisions. Reporting methods must recognize that results are used for different purposes; a balance should be struck between…

Reviews current status of gerontological counseling specialty within counselor education. Notes that nationally endorsed competencies, certification process, and standards for specialty training in gerontological counseling have been developed and approved. Considers implementation of gerontological counseling specialty in counselor education.…

Presents four actual letters of recommendation written by the same professor within the same year, two for men and two for women. Information about the students is provided after the letters. The analytical views of professionals, after reading these letters of recommendation, are presented. Suggests ways for students to obtain more accurate and…

This literature review examines seven issues: describing minimum requirements for qualifications, distinguishing qualification levels, recognizing prior learning, using short courses, recording competency-based assessment results, keeping records of individual achievement, and deciding whether to record exact competencies. Recent movements to…

Eager to resolve a 30-year debate over the number, standards, length, and title of pharmacy degree programs, 3 of the largest pharmacy professional associations have released a joint statement calling for a new doctorate as the sole entry-level degree for pharmacists. An association of retail community pharmacies strongly opposes the move. (MSE)

Reviews the current state of differentiated practice and credentialing in nursing and proposes a national generalist certification program for professional nurses, based on achievement of the nursing baccalaureate degree and/or examination. (SK)

A survey of 400 secondary agriculture teachers (241 responses) showed that those with science credentials were more likely to teach both agriculture courses receiving science credit and nonagriculture science courses. Science credentials and credits were more likely to benefit agricultural than science programs. Ag teachers with science…