Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What was the original name of the ACA?

1. American Academy of Counseling

2. Association for Counseling and Development

3. American Association of Clinical Counselors

4. American Psychology and Guidance Association

The correct answer is: American Psychology and Guidance Association

The original name of the American Counseling Association (ACA) was the American Personnel and Guidance Association, which later changed its name to the Association for Counseling and Development before adopting the current name. The significant development from its early stages was its focus on personnel and guidance services in education and workplace settings. Therefore, the correct choice highlights how the organization's founding name reflected its focus on guidance, aligning with the broader movement at the time to professionalize and unify counseling as a field. Recognizing the historical context of these organizations provides valuable insight into how the profession has evolved over time, from a focus on personnel guidance to a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to counseling. All of the alternative options reflect different entities or concepts related to counseling and psychology but do not represent the original name of the ACA.