Guidance Counsellors

Recognition of Competence in Psychometric Testing

Background

In 2005 the Department of Education and Science issued circular no. PPT12/05, the contents of which related to the provision of guidance in second level schools. The Circular set out the allocation of hours for the provision of guidance in schools and the conditions of appointment for guidance counsellors. The Department of Education and Science also listed ‘recognised courses’ for the purposes of training and recognition as a guidance counsellor in a post primary school.

At the same time, the Department approached the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), with the intention of PSI becoming the ‘certification body’ for the psychometric testing component of the programmes in guidance counselling which were members of the Directors of Studies in Guidance Counselling group convened by the National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE). The PSI agreed to take on this role, and an agreement on the certification of psychometric training for guidance counsellors with the Directors of Studies in Guidance Counselling was signed to this effect. As the provider of the NUI Maynooth Adult Guidance and Counselling programme is a member of this group this programme was included as part of the agreement.

The Agreement

In 2006 the PSI and the Directors of Studies in Guidance Counselling signed the agreement that would allow for the recognition of Competence in Psychometric Testing for guidance counsellors by the PSI. According to the agreement, programmes recognised by the Department of Education and Science could apply for PSI recognition of their psychometric testing modules. Under the agreement a guidance counsellor who has completed a course in psychometric testing as part of initial education in Guidance Counselling, referred to in this document, is competent to administer and interpret psychometric tests of aptitude and ability in accordance with the Psychological Society of Ireland’s policy for appropriate test use. To qualify for PSI recognition of competence in psychometric testing, individual guidance counsellors are required to submit an authenticated copy of their graduation certificate or a signed statement agreeing to abide by the PSI guidelines of best practice for psychometric testing, as well as the scrutiny fee.

For guidance counsellors who meet the criteria, a certificate of competence in psychometric testing will be issued to them which is valid for a period of 5 years from date of issue. Further, guidance counsellors will appear on the ‘Register of Guidance Counsellors’ operated by the PSI. PSI holds the final determination on eligibility for membership of the Register and for the issuing of a certificate of competence in psychometric testing for guidance counsellors.

The agreement allows for a mechanism for guidance counsellors who graduated from courses in countries other than Ireland to be assessed. Such individuals may be required to attend a refresher course or fulfil other requirements that PSI may deem necessary to meet equivalence with their Irish counterparts.

Guidelines for Test Use

The PSI has worked with the International Test Commission (ITC) to develop an Irish policy on psychometric test use. These guidelines have been published by the National Centre for Guidance in Education (NGCE) as a supplement to the Guidance Counsellor’s Handbook and are available from www.ncge.ie These guidelines can also be found on our website. The key policy statement is;
‘A competent test user will use tests appropriately, professionally, and in an ethical manner, paying due regard to the needs and rights of those involved in the testing process, the reasons for testing, and the broader context in which the testing takes place.
This outcome will be achieved by ensuring that the test user has the necessary competencies to carry out the testing process, and the knowledge and understanding of tests and test use that inform and underpin this process.’

Eligibility to register

Under the agreement, a guidance counsellor who has graduated from one of the following programmes since 1999, is eligible to apply for a Certificate of Competence in Psychometric Testing from the PSI. The programmes are as follows:

• Higher Diploma in Guidance and Counselling [pre 2005] University College Cork
• Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling [post 2006] University College Cork
• The Higher Diploma in Arts (Adult Guidance and Counselling) NUI Maynooth
• Diploma in Arts (Adult Guidance and Counselling) NUI Maynooth
• Higher Diploma in School Guidance and Counselling [pre 2007] NUI Maynooth
• Post Graduate Diploma in School Guidance and Counselling [2007 onwards] NUI Maynooth
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling University of Limerick
• Masters in Education (Guidance and Counselling Specialisation) [pre 2001] Trinity College Dublin
• Masters in Education (Educational Guidance and Counselling) [2001 onwards] Trinity College Dublin
• MSc in Educational Guidance and Counselling (Mode B specialisation)
Trinity College Dublin

How to register

Download and complete the Application Form, attach relevant documents and submit with your payment. On the Application Form please indicate which course you graduated from, and

1. Attach an authenticated copy of your certificate/parchment to this application
or

2. Provide a signed letter from the course Director confirming your successful completion of one of the courses listed. Please click here for a sample letter.

You should hear back from PSI within one month of applying.

What it will cost

The certificate is valid for 5 years and the cost of registration is €100.

Benefits of registration for you

Professional recognition of competence in psychometric testing from the professional body for Psychology in Ireland. Guidance counsellors holding certification will have access to aptitude and ability tests.

Benefits of registration for others

Peace of mind for your clients and employers that you are competent in the area of administering and interpreting psychometric tests.

With a view to looking ahead, PSI will accept applications for recognition of competence in psychometric testing from other Guidance Counselling programmes as they are established.

Back to Top