ACA Code of Ethics Sections D–F Exam Prep:
Professional Responsibility, Assessment &
Supervision|Verified Questions and Rationales
Graded A+Latest Updated 2026
D.1.a Different Approaches
Counselors are respectful of approaches that are grounded in theory and/or have an empirical
or scientific foundation but may differ from their own. Counselors acknowledge the expertise of
other professional groups and are respectful groups and are respectful of their practices.
D.1.b.Forming Relationships
Counselors work to develop and strengthen relationships with colleagues from other disciplines
to best serve clients.
D.1.c. Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Counselors who are members of interdisciplinary teams delivering multifaceted services to
clients remain focused on how to best serve clients. They participate in and contribute to
decisions that affect the well-being of clients by drawing on the perspectives, values, and
experiences of the counseling profession and those of colleagues from other disciplines.
D.1.d. Establishing Professional and
Ethical Obligations
Counselors who are members of interdisciplinary teams work together with team members to
clarify professional and ethical obligations of the team as a whole and of its individual members.
When a team decision raises ethical concerns, counselors first attempt to resolve the concern
within the team. IF they cannot reach resolution among team members, counselors, pursue
other avenues to address their concerns consistent with client well-being.
D.1.e. Confidentiality
When counselors are required by law, institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances to
serve in more than one role in judicial or administrative proceedings, they clarify role
expectations and the parameters of confidentiality with their colleagues.
D.1.f. Personnel Selection and Assignment
,When counselors are in a position requiring personnel selection and/or assigning of
responsibilities to others, they select competent staff and assign responsibilities compatible
with their skills and experiences.
D.1.g. Employer Policies
The acceptance of employment in an agency or institution implies that counselors are in
agreement with its general policies and principles. Counselors strive to reach agreement with
employers regarding acceptable standards of client care and professional conduct that allow for
changes in institutional policy conducive to the growth and development of clients.
D.1.h. Negative Conditions
Counselors alert their employers of inappropriate policies and practices. They attempt to effect
changes in such policies or procedures through constructive action within the organization.
When such policies are potentially disruptive or damaging to clients or may limit the
effectiveness of services provided and change cannot be affected, counselors take appropriate
further action. Such action may include referral to appropriate certification, accreditation, or
state licensure organizations, or voluntary termination of employment.
D.1.i. Protection From Punitive Action
Counselors do not harass a colleague or employee or dismiss an employee who has acted in a
responsible and ethical manner to expose inappropriate employer policies or practices.
D.2. Provision of Consultation Services
D.2.
D.2.a. Consultant Competency
Counselors take reasonable steps to ensure that they have the appropriate resources and
competencies when providing consultation services. Counselors provide appropriate referral
resources when requested or needed.
D.2.b Informed Consent in Formal Consultation
When providing formal consultation services, counselors have an obligation to review, in writing
and verbally, the rights and responsibilities of both counselors and consultees. Counselors use
clear and understandable language to inform all parties involved about the purpose of the
services to be provided, relevant costs, potential risks and benefits, and the limits of
confidentiality.
Section E
Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation
, E.1.a. Assessment
The primary purpose of educational, mental health, psychological, and career assessment is to
gather information regarding the client for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to,
client decision making, treatment planning, and forensic proceedings. Assessment may include
both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
E.1.b. Client Welfare
Counselors do not misuse assessment results and interpretations and they take reasonable
steps to prevent others from misusing the information provided. They respect they clients right
to know the results, the interpretations made, and the bases for counselors' conclusions and
recommendations.
E.2.
Competence to Use and Interpret Assessment Instruments
E.2.a. Limits of Competence
Counselors use only those testing and assessment services for which they have been trained
and are competent. Counselors using technology-assisted test interpretations are trained in the
construct being measured and the specific instrument being used prior to using its technology
based application. Counselors take reasonable measures to ensure the proper use of
assessment techniques by persons under their supervision.
E.2.b. Appropriate Use
Counselors are responsible for the appropriate application, scoring, interpretation, and use of
assessment instruments relevant to the needs of the client, whether they score and interpret
such assessments themselves or use technology or other services.
E.2.c. Decisions Based on Results
Counselors responsible for decisions involving individuals or policies that are based on
assessment results have a thorough understanding of psychometrics.
E.3.
Informed Consent in Assessment
E.3.a. Explanation to Clients
Prior to assessment, counselors explain the nature and purposes of assessment and the specific
use of results by potential recipients. The explanation will be given in terms and language that
the client (or other legally authorized person on behalf of the client) can understand.
Professional Responsibility, Assessment &
Supervision|Verified Questions and Rationales
Graded A+Latest Updated 2026
D.1.a Different Approaches
Counselors are respectful of approaches that are grounded in theory and/or have an empirical
or scientific foundation but may differ from their own. Counselors acknowledge the expertise of
other professional groups and are respectful groups and are respectful of their practices.
D.1.b.Forming Relationships
Counselors work to develop and strengthen relationships with colleagues from other disciplines
to best serve clients.
D.1.c. Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Counselors who are members of interdisciplinary teams delivering multifaceted services to
clients remain focused on how to best serve clients. They participate in and contribute to
decisions that affect the well-being of clients by drawing on the perspectives, values, and
experiences of the counseling profession and those of colleagues from other disciplines.
D.1.d. Establishing Professional and
Ethical Obligations
Counselors who are members of interdisciplinary teams work together with team members to
clarify professional and ethical obligations of the team as a whole and of its individual members.
When a team decision raises ethical concerns, counselors first attempt to resolve the concern
within the team. IF they cannot reach resolution among team members, counselors, pursue
other avenues to address their concerns consistent with client well-being.
D.1.e. Confidentiality
When counselors are required by law, institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances to
serve in more than one role in judicial or administrative proceedings, they clarify role
expectations and the parameters of confidentiality with their colleagues.
D.1.f. Personnel Selection and Assignment
,When counselors are in a position requiring personnel selection and/or assigning of
responsibilities to others, they select competent staff and assign responsibilities compatible
with their skills and experiences.
D.1.g. Employer Policies
The acceptance of employment in an agency or institution implies that counselors are in
agreement with its general policies and principles. Counselors strive to reach agreement with
employers regarding acceptable standards of client care and professional conduct that allow for
changes in institutional policy conducive to the growth and development of clients.
D.1.h. Negative Conditions
Counselors alert their employers of inappropriate policies and practices. They attempt to effect
changes in such policies or procedures through constructive action within the organization.
When such policies are potentially disruptive or damaging to clients or may limit the
effectiveness of services provided and change cannot be affected, counselors take appropriate
further action. Such action may include referral to appropriate certification, accreditation, or
state licensure organizations, or voluntary termination of employment.
D.1.i. Protection From Punitive Action
Counselors do not harass a colleague or employee or dismiss an employee who has acted in a
responsible and ethical manner to expose inappropriate employer policies or practices.
D.2. Provision of Consultation Services
D.2.
D.2.a. Consultant Competency
Counselors take reasonable steps to ensure that they have the appropriate resources and
competencies when providing consultation services. Counselors provide appropriate referral
resources when requested or needed.
D.2.b Informed Consent in Formal Consultation
When providing formal consultation services, counselors have an obligation to review, in writing
and verbally, the rights and responsibilities of both counselors and consultees. Counselors use
clear and understandable language to inform all parties involved about the purpose of the
services to be provided, relevant costs, potential risks and benefits, and the limits of
confidentiality.
Section E
Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation
, E.1.a. Assessment
The primary purpose of educational, mental health, psychological, and career assessment is to
gather information regarding the client for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to,
client decision making, treatment planning, and forensic proceedings. Assessment may include
both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
E.1.b. Client Welfare
Counselors do not misuse assessment results and interpretations and they take reasonable
steps to prevent others from misusing the information provided. They respect they clients right
to know the results, the interpretations made, and the bases for counselors' conclusions and
recommendations.
E.2.
Competence to Use and Interpret Assessment Instruments
E.2.a. Limits of Competence
Counselors use only those testing and assessment services for which they have been trained
and are competent. Counselors using technology-assisted test interpretations are trained in the
construct being measured and the specific instrument being used prior to using its technology
based application. Counselors take reasonable measures to ensure the proper use of
assessment techniques by persons under their supervision.
E.2.b. Appropriate Use
Counselors are responsible for the appropriate application, scoring, interpretation, and use of
assessment instruments relevant to the needs of the client, whether they score and interpret
such assessments themselves or use technology or other services.
E.2.c. Decisions Based on Results
Counselors responsible for decisions involving individuals or policies that are based on
assessment results have a thorough understanding of psychometrics.
E.3.
Informed Consent in Assessment
E.3.a. Explanation to Clients
Prior to assessment, counselors explain the nature and purposes of assessment and the specific
use of results by potential recipients. The explanation will be given in terms and language that
the client (or other legally authorized person on behalf of the client) can understand.
