Accreditation Model of Counselor Training Program: A Meta-Synthesis Study

Training competent counselors requires quality programs. Amongst the approaches of quality assurance in higher education, accreditation is the most extensive one with an explicit judgment about meeting the minimum necessary standards. However, there has been no specified policy for quality assurance of various counselor training programs in Iran. In this study, with the aim of identifying the minimum essential components to propose  comprehensive and concise accreditation model for a core counselor training program, the pioneer accreditation models of counselor training programs have been compared and analyzed using qualitative approach and theory-generating meta-synthesis method. According to this method, by a qualitative systematic review based on grounded theory, a model has been developed for the accreditation of the counselor training program, which is generalizable and  prescribable in different contexts. The sampling method was purposeful and the documents related to six situations at the international level have been subjected to final review. The findings specify 3 factors, 6 criteria, 18 indicators, 6 fundamental features and 6 action steps in a comprehensive counselor training program accreditation model. As a result, an accreditation model has been proposed which determines the indicator areas, practical priorities, the quality assurance and approval procedure of a counselor training program, emphasizing the culture of evidence instead of strict standards. By utilizing this model, may a greater unification emerge amongst various programs in terms of their quality, resulting in a stronger professional identity, a higher level of training for counselors and care for clients, especially when it comes to licensing.