Naugle, K.A. (2009). Counseling and

Naugle, K.A. (2009). Counseling and testing: What counselors need to know about state laws on assessment and testing. Counseling and Development 42(1): 31-45. Assessment has an ethical component and a legal dimension that counselors need to be aware of, according to Naugle (2009). Testing has been considered integral to the role of the counselor, who uses assessment measures to determine prognosis and treatment plans and interventions. Theoretically, testing creates a standardized method of assessment. There has been an increasing push toward more "authentic" forms of assessment other than standardized tests.

The authenticity of testing can be improved by not relying solely on quantitative designs but also on qualitative measures such as portfolios. One of the ethical issues associated with testing is the credentials of the person administering the testing. Another is the credentials of the person evaluating the results of the test. Furthermore, there are ethical issues with regards to which individuals or organizations designed the test or assessment tool. It is important to recognize biases or political undertones in the design and implementation of testing.

Other ethical issues are related to how the results of the test are used. For example, an intelligence test can be used to place a student in a remedial class, which could have a detrimental impact on that student's growth and development. To address the first of these ethical issues, test delivery competence, the Psychological Corporation offers a grading system. Tests are evaluated according to their need for professional credentials for administration.

Some tests will require a professional background with professional credentials to administer; other tests can be purchased by any consumer. Other organizations have far stricter guidelines for test administration and only permit their tests to be sold to qualified professionals. Some states have their own guidelines for psychological testing administration. Regardless of the different roles set by the different private organizations selling tests to professional counselors, the core objective is the same: to ensure the ethical administration and implementation of psychological testing.

Some states are beginning to ban the use of some psychological tests altogether due to the potential for abuse of the test or their results. This serves to protect the interests of some clients, but can have an adverse impact on qualified professionals and their job welfare. In particular, school counselors might be professionally hindered if and when testing is banned. The authors suggest that too many limitations on who can administer tests, where, when, and how is detrimental to the fundamental function of counseling services.

Assessments are critical for patient outcomes. When counselors do follow ethical guidelines for test administration, they can ensure the well-being of their clients. The authors claim discrimination against counselors who lack certain titles, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The authors call for fewer.