상담자의 자격증 취득 재도전 경험과 전문성 발달에 대한 질적 연구 = A Qualitative Study on the Experience of Retaking Certification Exams and Professional Development Among Counselors

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The present study explored the process and structure by which the experience of failing and reattempting the Level 1 certification examination administered by a professional association influences counselors’ ongoing professional development. To this end, 15 counselors who had failed the Level 1 certification exam of either the Korean Counseling Association or the Korean Counseling Psychological Association at least once and subsequently obtained the certification were purposively sampled. In-depth interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. The analysis yielded 80 concepts, 28 subcategories, and 10 categories. The core phenomenon was identified as “facing one’s inadequacies as a counselor after failing the Level 1 certification examination.” The causal condition was “the decision to pursue Level 1 certification,” and the contextual condition was “external factors influencing the decision to obtain certification.” Intervening conditions included “intrinsic traits that drive persistent reattempts” and “receiving support through relationships.” Action/interaction strategies were identified as “specifically addressing areas of weakness during the reattempt,” “reflecting on the identity of a Level 1 certified counselor during the reattempt,” and “actively seeking support resources.” The resulting outcomes were categorized into two main areas: “experiencing holistic growth as a counselor” and “enhancement of professional competence and practical skills as a counselor.” The core category derived from the study was: “The paradoxical process of counselor development, in which initial failure and reattempt in the Level 1 certification examination, driven by a strong need for professional recognition, leads to profound self-reflection, sophisticated efforts to overcome deficiencies, culminating in holistic growth and enhanced professional competence, and ultimately fostering a continuous, self-reinforcing cycle of professional development.” Based on these findings, implications for counselor certification and professional development were discussed, and suggestions for future research were presented.