Which of the following outlines specific knowledge, ability and skills, and attitudes that all school counselors should possess?

• A. ASCA School Counselor Competencies
• B. ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
• C. National Counseling Competencies
• D. Counselor Professional Standards

Answer: (A)

A framework that specifies what school counselors should know, be able to do, and the attitudes they bring is being tested. The ASCA School Counselor Competencies provide that targeted set of knowledge, abilities, skills, and professional dispositions specifically for school counseling. It serves as a practical guide for training, practice, and evaluation, helping ensure every counselor across different schools meets a common standard.

This makes it the best fit because it directly outlines the expectations for school-based practice, rather than addressing ethics, general counseling competencies, or generic standards that aren’t tailored to the K–12 context. The other options play important roles (ethics, broad counseling skills, or generic standards) but do not single out the school setting with the comprehensive, school-focused competencies needed for all school counselors.