On Being a Profession: A Historical Perspective on Counselor Licensure and Accreditation

ABSTRACT State regulatory boards and counseling professional organizations are adopting positions that require a degree from a CACREP-accredited program as a prerequisite for licensure as a professional counselor. This article highlights some of the history of counseling licensure and accreditation for counseling programs and situates the objections of those who oppose CACREP accreditation in the context of the counseling profession’s history and development as a unique profession with a distinct identity.