National Career Development Certification
The National Career Development Certification (NCDC) program recognizes your skills and experience through a structured Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, leading to the Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP®) designation. It uses reliable assessment tools to ensure a fair and consistent evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and experience.
The program measures your abilities against the National Competency Profile for Career Development Professionals, which defines the key skills and knowledge needed for those providing career development services.
The NCDC program is open to both new and experienced professionals. It helps those entering the field or transitioning from related roles while allowing seasoned practitioners to formalize their expertise.
Candidates with at least three years of career development or related experience with foundational knowledge can demonstrate their competence through assessment, providing a valuable way to validate their skills and dedication to the profession.
Career Pathways
Career Pathways to Certification (Career Pathways) is a self-directed, mentorship-based program that focuses on competency building based on the National Competency Profile for Career Development Professionals (National Profile) with intent and purpose as individuals accumulate their experience to be eligible for the National Career Development Certification program.
When an individual reaches the minimum three years of career development experience needed to be eligible for the NCDC program and feels ready to be assessed based on the competencies in the National Profile, the individual will then move to the NCDC program to obtain the Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) designation.
For more information, please contact the Program Advisor, Ashley Halverson using the form below.
Certification
Certification is official recognition, typically granted after an assessment, that verifies an individual has the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities for a specific job or role within an industry.
In the career development field, certification demonstrates that practitioners are skilled and competent, reinforcing the profession’s credibility. It acknowledges the evolving nature of the work while upholding high standards that benefit employers, funders, and the public. By valuing both formal and informal learning and hands-on experience, certification fosters a shared professional language and understanding among practitioners.
WHAT IS A CCDP?
A Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP®) has earned their designation by meeting the standards outlined in The National Competency Profile for Career Development Professionals. This designation confirms their industry-recognized skills, commitment to ethical practice, and professional expertise, helping to build public trust. Maintaining CCDP® certification provides a transparent and credible way to demonstrate expertise to clients, employers, and stakeholders.
Contact Certification Team
