Do you already know a lot about the fundamentals of counseling? If you have extensive knowledge about the counseling profession – such as the role of the counselor, the counseling relationship, and psychological theories about counseling – you may be able to receive college credit for this knowledge by taking the DSST Fundamentals of Counseling exam.
A DSST Test is a prior learning assessment program meant to measure what you already know and provide college credit for that knowledge. The DSST program is accepted by thousands of colleges and universities nationwide and is approved by the American Council of Education (ACE).
If you are interested in taking the DSST Fundamentals of Counseling exam you should make an appointment with your academic advisor, who will confirm whether DSST exams are a valid form of college credit at your university. The DSST Fundamentals of Counseling exam is worth three lower-level baccalaureate semester hours.
The DSST Fundamentals of Counseling exam covers these basic topics (percentage of questions from each topic listed):
- Historical Development 5%
- Counselor Roles and Functions 20%
- The Counseling Relationship 15%
- Theoretical Approaches 20%
- Social and Cultural Foundations 15%
- Career Development 7%
- Human Growth and Development 8%
- Assessment and Appraisal Techniques 10%.
You should also check out a DSST Fundamentals of Counseling exam study guide, which offers sample questions and a list of reference materials.
DSST Fundamentals of Counseling Practice Questions
1. Which of the following men is credited with developing the field of counseling when he founded the Psychological Institute at the University of Leipzig?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Wilhelm Wundt
C. Carl Jung
D. Alfred Adler
2. Who is considered the father of psychotherapy?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Wilhelm Wundt
C. Carl Jung
D. Alfred Adler
3. Which of these statements best describes the relationship between counseling with psychotherapy?
A. Counseling is more intensive than psychotherapy
B. Counseling and psychotherapy are the same
C. Counseling is less intensive than psychotherapy
D. Counseling does not require a medical degree but psychotherapy does
4. What function is a counselor performing when she speaks with teachers about issues and factors associated with low socioeconomic status children and families?
A. Supervision
B. Training
C. Consultation
D. Organizational development
5. A. counselor who is ethnocentric would most likely need training for:
A. Listening skills
B. Cultural diversity skills
C. Therapeutic techniques
D. Ethics
6. An individual in the “integrity vs. despair” phase of life, according to Erik Erikson is most likely in what age group?
A. Infancy
B. Adolescent
C. Adulthood
D. Elderly
Question 7 pertains to the following passage:
Susan has been feeling overwhelmed at home and at work. Six months ago, she had a baby and recently returned to work. However, since she has been at work she has been making more mistakes; her boss has to talk to her about this several times. She feels she may lose her job; however, the boss suggests she see a counselor to talk about the stressors in her life. Susan sees a male counselor in the community. After a few sessions, the counselor suggests she try to get more sleep so she can focus better at work. He also suggests that she take time for herself at home from time to time.
7. According to the passage, in what way is the counselor being insensitive to Susan’s issues at work?
A. He did not ask her if she now has more work
B. He suggested that getting more sleep and remaining focused is all she needs
C. He did not suggest she take more time off from work
D. He suggested she is not taking care of herself
8. Which best describes the role of a counselor?
A. To change people
B. To give good advice
C. To facilitate healing
D. To solve people’s problems
9. A counselor focusing on the unconscious would most likely use which therapeutic approach?
A. Psychoanalytic therapy
B. Existential therapy
C. Person-centered therapy
D. Behavior therapy
10. Which of the following best describes the therapeutic approach that focuses on how one thinks?
A. Gestalt therapy
B. Behavior therapy
C. Cognitive behavior therapy
D. Reality therapy
DSST Fundamentals of Counseling Practice Questions Answer Key