Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

What ethical guideline was violated when a counselor releases test results to an untrained case manager?

1. Informed consent

2. Release of results to qualified professionals

3. Communicating test results

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Release of results to qualified professionals

The violation of ethical guidelines occurs when a counselor releases test results to an untrained case manager because the integrity and appropriateness of handling such sensitive information require that only qualified professionals receive it. Test results often contain personal, psychological, or diagnostic information that can significantly impact a client's treatment and well-being. The ethical guideline emphasizing the release of results to qualified professionals is in place to ensure that such sensitive data is interpreted and communicated accurately. Only individuals with the proper training and expertise are equipped to understand the nuances of psychological assessments and convey this information to clients or other stakeholders effectively. Releasing these results to someone who lacks the necessary qualifications poses a risk of misinterpretation, potential misuse, or undue influence on treatment planning, all of which could be detrimental to the client. In this context, informed consent and communicating test results, while important, are not the primary concerns here. The fundamental issue at hand is the appropriateness of the recipient's qualifications to receive and interpret the results, thus reinforcing the importance of adhering to this ethical guideline.