Predictors of Success on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between 403 counseling graduate students' scores on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE; Center for Credentialing and Education, n.d.) and 3 admissions requirements used as predictor variables: undergraduate grade point average (UGPA), Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test Verbal Reasoning (GRE‐V) score, and GRE General Test Quantitative Reasoning (GRE‐Q) score. Multiple regression analyses revealed that all predictor variables accounted for somewhat limited, yet significant variations in the CPCE‐Total scores (R2 = .21). Results indicated that UGPAs, GRE‐V scores, and GRE‐Q scores are valid criteria for determining counseling graduate student success on the CPCE.

Exploring the Relationships Between Counseling Students’ Cultural Factors, Academic Aptitude, and Self‐Efficacy

“…Students with higher GRE scores showed a significantly greater increase in their CSE scores as compared with students with lower GRE scores. Although not directly related, this result can align with previous research that found that GRE scores predicted graduate counseling students’ success on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (Schmidt, Homeyer, & Walker, ; Smaby et al, ). Similarly, the finding in this study is similar to Smaby et al’s () findings, which indicated that there were significant relationships between students’ GRE scores and their perceived acquisition of counseling skills.…”

Most Likely to Succeed: Exploring Predictor Variables for the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination

“… Note . The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scale was changed between Schmidt et al's () study and the current study.…”

“…Schmidt, Homeyer, and Walker () conducted a study similar to Smaby et al's () but used a sample five times larger ( N = 403) than the sample Smaby et al used ( N = 80). Similarly, they found that GRE‐V, GRE‐Q, and UGPAs were positive predictors of CPCE total scores.…”

“…The Schmidt et al () and Smaby et al () studies did not include demographic variables in their analyses, which is potentially problematic because GRE scores vary significantly by sex, ethnicity, and age (Educational Testing Service [ETS], 2014b). Excluding these demographic variables could systematically bias the relationship between GRE scores and CPCE scores, especially for students of color.…”

The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision Volume 3, Number 2

“…We have conceptualized our admissions process under the assumption that there are quantifiable criteria that are predictive of successful completion of a graduate level program in counseling (Schmidt, Homeyer & Walker, 2009;Smaby, Maddox, Richmond, Lepowski, & Packman, 2005) and begin our admissions process with an application review. Using an Application File Review Rating Form (see Appendix A), faculty rate applicants on (a), writing proficiency (as evidenced in a written statement required with each application), (b), academic potential (as evidenced by undergraduate grade point average and grades in any graduate coursework that have been completed), (c), dispositional potential (as evidenced by experience as well as letters of recommendation), and (d), overall fit with the counseling profession and this program (as evidenced by the completed application packet).…”