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Practitioner Certification

Final Assessment

This online check is Part 1 practice for the capstone written examination: 30 multiple-choice items with a passing score of 80 percent, and every critical item (marked) must be answered correctly. The 5 written scenarios are saved on this device so you can copy them into your portfolio for review. The observed practice assessment and reflective portfolio are completed with GGN assessors.
About the full capstone

Final Assessment

The capstone (4 hours) has three parts. Candidates must pass all three.

Part 1: Written examination (90 minutes)

Thirty-five items drawn from all twelve modules: 30 multiple-choice questions and 5 short-answer scenarios, with particular weight on scope of practice, consent, crisis response, and referral. Passing score: 80 percent overall. Candidates must also answer every designated critical item (scope, consent, and crisis) correctly. One retake is permitted after 30 days, using an alternate form.

Part 2: Observed practice assessment (60 minutes)

The candidate conducts a 45-minute session with a standardized client (a trained actor or GGN volunteer following a script), followed by a 15-minute reflective debrief with the assessor. The scenario includes at least one moment that calls for pacing, and may include a referral or safety cue.

Part 3: Reflective portfolio (submitted before capstone)

  • Completed reflection journal entries for all twelve modules.
  • Completed Practicum Log with supervisor signatures.
  • A personal Scope of Practice statement in the candidate's own words (300 to 500 words).
  • A local referral list for the candidate's service region, verified within the past 30 days.
  • A personal sustainability plan.
  • A 1,000 to 1,500 word case reflection on one de-identified practicum session.

Observed practice rubric

Each criterion is scored 1 to 4. A passing performance requires a total of at least 30 out of 40, and a score of at least 3 on every criterion marked as critical (C).

Criterion1: Not yet2: Developing3: Competent4: Exemplary
1. Opening and scope (C)Omits scope statement or misstates roleStates scope incompletelyClear scope, confidentiality limits, and right to stopScope woven naturally and warmly; client clearly understands
2. Presence and attunementRushed, distracted, or directiveSome attunement, inconsistent paceCalm, unhurried, responsiveDeeply attuned; pace consistently matches client
3. Ongoing consent (C)Practices offered without askingAsks once, misses cuesAsks before each practice, offers optionsNotices subtle cues; normalizes "no"; equal options
4. Trauma-informed choicesEyes closed default, single optionSome choices offeredOffers choices, starts at peripheryFully adaptive; integrates culture and accessibility
5. Practice deliveryScript read mechanically or inaccuratelyAccurate but stiffClear, warm, well pacedFluent, adaptive, and personalized
6. Pacing (Small Sips, Visit and Return, Steady Ending)Pushes into intensityRecognizes need to pace, latePaces well; returns to supportsSkillful Visit and Return; client stays in the Settled Middle
7. Observation languageInterprets or diagnosesOccasional interpretationNeutral observations, checks inConsistently curious, client-led language
8. Safety and referral (C)Misses or mishandles cueRecognizes cue, unclear responseRecognizes and responds per protocolCalm, direct, caring, and complete response
9. Anchoring and closingEnds abruptly or in distressBrief, rushed closeAnchors and closes using arcClient leaves steady with clear plan
10. Reflective debriefUnable to reflect on own practiceLimited insightIdentifies strengths and growth areasRich insight; links practice to theory and ethics

Portfolio rubric

The portfolio is rated Pass or Revise. Each element must be complete, accurate, in scope, and free of diagnostic or treatment claims. The case reflection must demonstrate understanding of at least three program concepts and one ethical consideration.