Which organization was founded in 1981 to establish accreditation standards for counseling programs?

• A. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• B. National Board for Certified Counselors
• C. American Counseling Association
• D. American Association for Counseling and Development

Answer: (A)

Accreditation standards for counseling programs are set by CACREP, the organization founded in 1981 to establish and maintain the criteria used to evaluate and accredit counseling education programs. CACREP concentrates on accrediting master’s and doctoral programs in counseling and related areas, ensuring programs meet consistent quality benchmarks that prepare graduates for professional practice. The other groups serve different roles: the National Board for Certified Counselors focuses on certifying individual counselors, while the American Counseling Association and the American Association for Counseling and Development are professional associations that promote the field rather than issuing program accreditation standards.