Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

What was the original name of the American Counseling Association?

1. American Association of Counseling and Development

2. American Personnel and Guidance Association

3. National Vocational Guidance Association

4. American Association of Counseling Professionals

The correct answer is: American Personnel and Guidance Association

The American Counseling Association (ACA) was originally founded as the American Personnel and Guidance Association (APGA) in 1952. This name reflected the focus at that time on guidance counseling, which was particularly influential in the context of vocational guidance and personal development. The organization aimed to support professionals in the fields of counseling and development, helping to set standards and promote best practices within the profession. As the field of counseling evolved and expanded to include various areas such as mental health, career development, and school counseling, the APA underwent a name change to more accurately represent its broader mission. However, its roots as the American Personnel and Guidance Association are a crucial part of its history, illustrating the transition and growth of the counseling profession over the decades.