|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Career development professionals (CDPs) in Canada work tirelessly to help people to craft fulfilling careers but, until recently, no national credential recognized their expertise. That changed on December 10, 2024, when Canada officially launched its first-ever National Career Development Certification Program for CDPs – a milestone that has been decades in the making.
As we move into 2025, we are witnessing the first wave of nationally certified professionals and an increasing demand for certification among career practitioners across the country. As of May 2025, the CCDP® designation has been conferred on 541 CDPs. With 964 legacy applications received and more than 300 advising sessions conducted, many more individuals will become recognized for their expertise and commitment to the field of career development over the coming months. As one National Career Development Certification Program pilot participant, Stephanie Doucet, shared, “The techniques and skills I have developed over this process of certification has improved my ability to support community members on their career, education, or training journeys. Very grateful for this opportunity that Career Certification has provided me.”
Collaboration and reflection: Strengthening the certification process
The National Certification Advisory Committee (NCAC) and the Career Certification Team (a dedicated team within the Nova Scotia Career Development Association) continue to navigate the evolving landscape of national certification. Engaging with career development associations and practitioners from across the country has been instrumental in gaining insights to further shape the process and forward recommendations to support policy and process enhancements.
Our sector, and the pathways to working in it, are diverse. With this in mind, the NCAC has been actively seeking input from key interestholders across Canada to ensure their perspectives continue to shape supportive pathways to certification. Feedback from the field has sparked critical discussions on inclusivity, accessibility and the broader impact of national certification. These conversations reinforce the need for a transparent process that recognizes CDPs’ diverse experience and expertise.
We can confirm that the voices of CDPs have prompted thoughtful reflection, reinforcing our commitment to building an inclusive and supportive path to CCDP designation. The NCAC will now take this information and work collaboratively with the Career Certification Team to explore changes that will include consideration for education and CDPs’ needs while still maintaining the integrity of the certification process.
“Feedback from the field has sparked critical discussions on inclusivity, accessibility and the broader impact of national certification.”
We are stronger together. The insights from the field and the support of national certification from key stakeholders and associations have not gone unnoticed and are met with great gratitude. We will continue to develop and maintain a strong, cohesive certification program that supports the growth and development of the career development sector and responds to the realities faced by CDPs across the country.
The response to the National Career Development Certification program has been nothing short of remarkable. Across various social media platforms, CDPs are enthusiastically celebrating the validation of their skills and experiences. Kimberley Daniels, a CDP who participated in the pilot program, expressed her excitement, saying, “It was such an amazing experience, and I am so grateful for the team from Career Certification. The process was engaging and informative …The dedication towards providing excellent support throughout the certification process was beyond measure.”
As an increasing number of CDPs successfully navigate the certification process, we anticipate a significant rise in the recognition of the invaluable contributions and expertise that career professionals offer to individuals, employers, and communities at large. We anticipate this growing acknowledgment will enhance the credibility and impact of career development professionals.
Looking ahead: What’s next for National Certification?
The road to national certification is just beginning. In the months ahead, we expect:
- More certified professionals, as we see increasing interest in the certification program.
- Ongoing refinements to improve the certification experience, including enhancements to online features and increased technical aspects, supporting greater accessibility and efficiencies.
- Continued work on policy and procedure to support recognition of diverse pathways and realities.
For those considering certification, now is the time to explore the process and take the next step in professional recognition.
To stay informed about the latest updates and receive comprehensive support, please visit careercertification.ca or contact the Career Certification Team. Together, we are shaping the future of career development in Canada – one certified professional at a time.
