CCA CCA Career Transitions & Life-Span Development

Question 1

According to Donald Super's life-span theory, which stage involves an individual exploring career options and making tentative choices, typically occurring in adolescence and early adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Exploration stage

Answer

Super's Exploration stage (roughly ages 15-24) involves trying out different roles, gathering information, and making tentative career decisions through education and early work experience.

Question 2

A 52-year-old client who was recently laid off after 20 years in manufacturing is seeking a new career direction. According to Super's theory, this client is most likely in which stage experiencing a 'recycling' phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance stage, cycling back through exploration due to an unexpected career disruption

Answer

Super recognized that adults can recycle through earlier developmental stages (mini-cycles) when faced with career disruptions, returning to exploration and re-establishment even in midlife.

Question 3

Which theorist developed the concept of 'planful competence' as a key predictor of career success?

Accepted Answer

Glen Elder

Answer

Glen Elder's life course theory identified planful competence—the ability to set goals, plan strategically, and adapt—as a key predictor of positive career and life outcomes.

Question 4

In career counseling, a 'bridge job' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Employment that serves as a transition between a primary career and full retirement

Answer

Bridge jobs are typically taken by older workers who have left their career jobs but are not yet fully retired, providing income, purpose, and a gradual transition to retirement.

Question 5

A mid-career client describes feeling disconnected from their work despite having financial stability and job security. This experience is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Midlife career plateau or meaning crisis requiring values clarification and purpose-driven exploration

Answer

A meaning crisis in mid-career often reflects unmet higher-order needs—not lack of information or instability—and requires existential exploration of values, purpose, and identity.

(CCA) Certified Career Analyst Practice Test

(CCA) Certified Career Analyst Practice Test

CCA CCA Career Transitions & Life-Span Development