Latest from the CDI

Careers in Careers job board offer

Careers in Careers job board offer

Our Careers in Careers job board have partnered with The Guardian Jobs for an exclusive job board offer, giving your job posts maximum exposure and great savings.

CDI career development research directory launched

CDI Research Directory launched

The CDI has launched its career development Research Directory, enabling researchers, practitioners and policymakers to easily access research from across the profession.

New episodes of We Are Careers video and podcast

New episodes of We Are Careers podcast

Chris and Sabiha host the fortnightly We Are Careers YouTube video and Spotify podcast. Subscribe now to catch the latest episode and keep up with all things careers.

Valuing Careers research launched

Valuing Careers research launched

Read the key insights from the CDI's YouGov survey of 5,004 UK adults on their career aspirations and experiences, launched as part of the CDI's Valuing Careers campaign.


Career Development - Helping People Thrive

career development profession

What is career development?

Professional, specialist support to help young people and adults identify their career aspirations, gain new skills and experience and secure sustainable, fulfilling work.

Work in career development

Careers in Careers

Career development experts help people thrive. Explore the diverse roles within the sector and how you can qualify to make a real difference. 

Get help with your career

You and Your Career

Do you want to secure a job, access vital training, or re-skill for your next big move? 

About the CDI

About the CDI

The CDI is the professional body for career development in the UK. We support our members to help their clients and champion the profession with the public and governments.

UK Register of Career Development Professionals

Your Trusted Source for Career Professionals: The CDI Register

Looking for reliable career advice or someone to lead a careers program? The UK Register of Career Development Professionals, managed by the CDI, lists verified experts you can trust. Professionals on this Register have the right qualifications, uphold the CDI Code of Ethics, and commit to ongoing professional development.

Whether you need one-on-one support or a professional for your organisation, the Register clearly shows who meets the required standards. It's divided into two categories:

  • Registered Career Development Professionals (RCDP): Qualified to degree or master's level to offer in-depth, personal careers guidance.
  • Registered Careers Leaders (RCL): They've completed special training to manage and lead career programs in schools and colleges across England. Remember, an RCL isn't qualified to give personal guidance unless they have a separate qualification for it.

Find a professional on the Register.

Join the Register.

UK register of career development professionals

Qualifications, training and professional development

Career development qualifications

Professional qualifications

Career development qualifications up to Masters level are available for those already in careers work (including apprenticeships) or studying to enter the profession.

CDI Academy training

CDI Academy training

The CDI Academy provides accredited and non-accredited training from the level 4 diploma to the level 6 diploma, Careers Leader training and SEND courses. 

Continuous Professional Development

Continuous development

CDI members can access a wide range of free and discounted training to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge, meeting CPD requirements for the Register. 

Record training on CDP diary

CPD diary recording

Record your professional development in the CDI members' area. Login to record your activities and track progress against the CPD requirement for the Register. 


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Resources to support the profession

CDI members' resources area

CDI members' resources area

CDI members can access over 600 exclusive resources - from past webinar recordings to dissertations and documents - supporting practice, research and leadership.  

CDI career development framework

CDI Career Development Framework

The Framework states the outcomes - the skills, knowledge and attitudes - that individuals need for a positive career. It supports primary, secondary and college careers provision.

CDI best practice briefing papers

Best practice briefing papers

The CDI produces valuable briefing papers - from sector roles definitions to papers on work-related learning and personal guidance interviews - to support best practice. 

CDI Career Development research directory

Career development Research Directory

The CDI Research Directory collates research from across the profession, in the UK and internationally, to enable easy access for researchers, practitioners and policymakers. 

What Our Members Say

Read what a few of our members say about themselves and the benefits of joining the Career Development Instiute.

CDI membership provides me with access to a powerful community of careers professionals and a valuable collective body of knowledge to draw from, as well as reassurance and support when I've worked in more isolated roles.


For clients, my membership demonstrates my ongoing commitment to delivering professional and high-quality services that meet and align with the CDI Code of Ethics.


Of all my qualifications, these badges (CDI member and registered professional badges) represent the ones hardest earned. [Completing the] qualifications was so worth it to learn more, to share best practice with other professionals and to simply confirm I knew my 'stuff'!


Latest Careers News

Latest Careers News
David Morgan
David Morgan
09 May 2025

Strengthening professionalism in the updated Statutory Guidance

The updated Statutory Guidance published by the DfE yesterday sets out their expectations of schools, colleges and training providers in England. It is primarily focused on the updated Gatsby Benchmarks and the government's new policy on work experience but includes important changes related to the recognition of professionalism in career development.

  • David Morgan
    David Morgan
    27 February 2025

    Nominations open for elected CDI Board members

    Nominations for election to the CDI Board close on 27th March 2025. Open to all CDI members, standing for the Board is a great way to be involved in your professional body.

  • David Morgan
    David Morgan
    21 March 2025

    New briefing paper launched for quality assurance in careers education

    The CDI Community of Interest for Careers Education's second best practice briefing paper is on Quality Assurance of Careers Education and Guidance in Schools and Colleges. The paper supports careers leaders, careers teachers, careers advisers and others involved in the quality approaches for careers education across the UK.

  • CDI News Desk
    CDI News Desk
    18 February 2025

    CDI Launches Valuing Careers Campaign at Stormont

    The Career Development Institute (CDI) will launch its Valuing Careers campaign at Northern Ireland’s Stormont Assembly today, addressing the pressing skills crisis and its implications for economic growth.  

Book your seat for these upcoming events

QCF Level 6

QCF Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development

This work-based qualification is designed for practitioners whose role involves providing personal career guidance & development to clients.

Successful completion meets the qualification requirement for the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.

The Level 6 qualification equates to ordinary degree level so you need to be able to study and produce assignments at this level.

You also need to be in a role in which you work to the CDI Code of Ethics.

 


L4 Dip

Careers Information and Advice Level 4 Diploma

This course is suitable for you if you work in schools, colleges, pupil referral units or similar organisations that deliver career learning programmes and if you support students in finding and using career information.

Please note – this course does not qualify you to deliver personal career guidance, this requires the QCF Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development
 


Conference and exhibition

Carnival of Careers- UK Career Development Awards 2025

This year, we are excited for the return of the awards on Tuesday 17 June at the Royal National Hotel in London. The event will be themed as the 'CDI Carnival of Careers' and we welcome attendees to dress up and join in the themed fun and games! 

Attendees can look forward to a glamorous awards ceremony and enjoy celebrating the work of inspirational careers professionals, catching up with peers and friends, and making new connections! 


Having any trouble?

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.