There are no research studies or hard data that demonstrates the superiority of graduates of CACREP accredited program graduates in comparison to graduates from non-CACREP accredited programs.  There are many excellent counselor preparation programs that are not CACREP accredited.  Clearly standards and competencies are required for professional counseling practice, but to argue that CACREP is the sole arbiter of those standards is incredibly myopic.  Further, the restriction of counseling practice to CACREP program graduates only may be construed as restraint of trade.