The relationship between intellective and non‐intellective variables and counseling competence was investigated by comparing student counselors rated as falling within the top 25 percent in overall competence at the end of an evaluation seminar with their counterparts rated in the bottom 25 percent. Competence was operationally defined as a composite of knowledge of counseling theories and techniques, knowledge of and ability to use test data in counseling, and counseling skill. Significant differences between the high‐rated and low‐rated student counselors were observed on the dimension of chronological age, five of six intellective variables, and five of 11 non‐intellective variables.

Peer ratings of counselors in a graduate practicum were explored. First, the associations between peer rankings on three different dimensions (competency, knowledge, and likability) were determined. Second, the intellective and nonintellective characteristics of counselors chosen and rejected by their peers were analyzed. A close association between the three sets of rankings was observed. The nature and direction of the differences between the subjects ranked in the highest and lowest quarters by their peers suggested valid discriminations between graduate students of both sexes with regard to potential as counselors.

Normative MMPI data for 85 clergymen entering counseling training at a state hospital were computed. Basically, the mean MMPI scores of Ss were similar to those reported previously for male marriage counselors. The correlation between supervisor's and peers' ratings of counseling effectiveness was .64. Three MMPI clinical scales showed negative correlations of more than .30 with supervisor's ratings, whereas six clinical scales and one validity scale correlated –.30 or more with peers' ratings of effectiveness. Two two-scale combinations showed a negative multiple correlation of .50 or more with supervisor's ratings of effectiveness, while six such combinations correlated –.50 or more with peers' ratings of effectiveness.