Professional profile in Guidance Counseling in Costa Rica: design and validation

Abstract

This article presents the construction of the professional profile of guidance counselors in Costa Rica, based on their initial university training. The profile comprises twenty areas of knowledge, twelve skills, and fifteen attitudes. A quantitative methodology using content analysis and content validation instruments was employed. Expert judgment involved nine practicing guidance professionals who are also educators in the field, representing three universities: Universidad Católica, Universidad de Costa Rica, and Universidad Nacional. Notable aspects in the validation process include knowledge of vocational guidance theories and approaches, the ability to foster life skills development, and an open attitude towards personal development. The validation results indicate high relevance for all knowledge, skills, and attitudes, with most exceeding 40 points on a scale of 0 to 45. Additionally, 98% of these elements were evaluated as clear traits.