A Factor Analysis of the Counselor Evaluation Rating Scale

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to add to the empirical data available on the Counselor Evaluation Rating Scale (CERS). Ratings on 404 students from approximately 35 different supervisors were factor‐analyzed using an oblique solution with rotation to simple loadings. Six primary factors were found: general counseling performance (I), professional attitude (II), counseling behavior (III), counseling knowledge (IV), supervision attitude (V), and supervision behavior (VI). A subsequent analysis yielded two second‐order factors; the first was composed of primary factors I, III, IV and the second of primary factors II, V, VI, which closely approximated the original counseling and supervision scales of the CERS. It was concluded that the CERS has generally achieved the purposes intended by its authors. Suggestions for minor changes in item‐scale designations are provided.