Licensing, certification, and issuance of credentials are common terms encountered in the field of counseling. Licenses, certifications, and credentials demonstrate various similarities and differences. In the state of New York, counselors have certain rules that govern their conduct, licensing, certification, and issuance of credentials. These rules boost the nature and quality of services delivered by the counselors.
A license, a certification, and a credential are terms that counselors come across in their daily endeavors. While a license gives individuals the permission to conduct their activities without interferences, a certification declares the qualifications of individuals to the society. Consequently, a credential informs the society that a person has the required characteristics and can successfully perform certain activities as affirmed by the issuer of the credential.
However, the three terms, a license, a certification, and a credential, have some differentiating factors. A license is a permission that enables people to undertake certain duties, while a certification confirms that someone is qualified and can undertake particular duties effectively. Conversely, a credential is a confirmation that determines individual competences. Therefore, the research locates laws that regulate and influence licensing, certification, and issuance of credentials, state requirements, and steps required to remain current on all revisions and amendments in the field of counseling.
I am a counselor in the state of New York, who deals with issues that affect families. While education, conduct, and past record are the main factors that regulate licensing and certification of individuals, the regulations also encompass the ethical codes of conduct. Junge (2010) asserts that some of the laws, which regulate counselors, include integrity, competence, respect, confidentially, and informed consent.
Although most of these laws refer to the counseling ethics, they are laws that regulate the behavior of counselors and influence the nature of services delivered to the clients. These laws ensure that clients receive superior counseling services that are free from any harm or disrespect and are within the required ethical standards. A breach of these laws results in a legal penalty that can be a jail-term of revocation of the license. In the state of New York, the laws govern counselors and ensure that they undertake their activities in an informed manner.
Internship, supervision, licensing, and continued education have certain requirements that an individual has to fulfill. In New York State, an individual has to meet the required education, which is a master’s degree, in order to acquire a license. Prior to acquisition of a license, the person has to undertake a training on family issues and engage in a supervised therapy that comprise 300 hours of contact with clients in the field of specialty (The National Certified Counselors Newsletter, 2011). Thereafter, the prospective individual applies for an examination administered by bodies that certify qualified counselors. Breach of the ethical code, provision of false information, engaging in counseling procedures that extend beyond the license’s limit, disability, and physical impairment are factors that initiate suspension or revocation of a counseling license.
Fundamentally, the laws that regulate licensing, certification, and issuance of credentials have a positive impact in the field of counseling. According to Junge (2010), application of laws that regulate counselors leads to certification and licensing of counselors, who have the required credentials, and hence, delivery of services that meet the required standards. To remain current and updated concerning frequent amendments and matters such as licensing, certification, and issuance of credentials, a counselor needs to engage in a number of steps.
Some of the steps comprise continuous research, study of books and articles that provide the requisite information, and consultations. Imminently, continuous research and study of relevant publications increases the knowledge in the field of counseling. Consultation with other experienced counselors augments the therapist’s knowledge and insights in components of counseling, and hence, delivery of superior services to clients.
References
Junge, M. (2010). The modern history of art therapy in the United States. Springfield: Charles C Thomas Publisher.
The National Certified Counselors Newsletter. (2011). The National Certified Counselor. The Official Newsletter of the National Board for Certified Counselors, 27(3), 1-19.