The CDI is the UK’s professional body for career development, supporting more than 5,000 members who work with young people and adults in a range of settings.
We champion the profession - and the value it can bring for individuals, the economy and society - with the public, employers and policymakers.
Joining the CDI unlocks a wealth of valuable benefits, showcases your commitment to professionalism and amplifies your voice within the sector.
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 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 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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Qualifications, training and professional development
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
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 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.
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.
Resources to support the profession
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
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.
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.
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'!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Following on from the 13th May Digital Byte featuring Springpod, this Digital Byte will showcase two innovative providers of virtual work experience, both with substantial expertise and both demonstrating very positive impact with both learners and employers
Curious about making Group Career Guidance more impactful? Join us for an interactive South Central CDI session led by Emma Hill, where we’ll explore practical ways to facilitate group sessions. Whether you’re looking for new ways to support your clients, or are seeking a boost in confidence/ideas for existing projects, we look forward to welcoming you.
Throughout the career development sector, supervision plays a critical role in personal development and sustaining good practice within ethical and organisational standards. *This course does not have a specific start date. We will be running a 6 week ongoing enrollment scheme so please do not worry about dates/deadlines.
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