What consensus emerged at the 1936 national convention?

• A. Adoption of a State-By-State Registry
• B. Consensus to Create a Board Exam and Accredit Schools to Verify that Education Standards Were Being Met
• C. Establishment of a National Ethics Code
• D. A Formal Process for Licensure by Boards

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is the shift toward ensuring professional competency by tying licensure to validated education through a national board exam and accreditation of schools. In the 1936 national convention, leaders pushed for a system that would standardize what practitioners should know and require schools to meet defined educational standards, with a board exam to verify individual competence. This approach aims to protect the public by creating uniform qualifications across states, not just keeping a registry or defining conduct. A registry would simply list who is allowed to practice, without guaranteeing education or competency; an ethics code focuses on conduct rather than preparation or testing; and licensure by boards alone could be inconsistent without a standardized exam and accredited programs. By combining a formal exam with school accreditation, the profession established a clear, verifiable pathway to quality and uniform licensure.