• Discover our NEW CPD programme

    Boost your skills, knowledge and tool kit with our new 12 month CPD programme, offering more choice than ever - plan ahead and book your next event now.
    Book now
    New CPD programme

  • Join us for the National Conference

    The CDI National Conference & Dinner takes place on 18 & 19 November in Birmingham. This flagship annual event is for all professionals across the sector to explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in career development.
    Book now
    National Conference 2025

  • Explore the CDI's jobs platform

    Showcase your vacancies or find your next role on Careers in Careers - the CDI's dedicated jobs platform for the career development sector.
    Visit site
    The CDI jobs platform, Careers in Careers

  • Get qualified with the CDI Academy

    Advance your career with the CDI Academy - flexible, expert-led training designed for career development professionals. Find out about our courses.
    Register today
    Get qualified with the CDI Academy

  • Stay updated on Technical Education

    Visit the Technical Education Resource Hub for up-to-date resources and insights to help CDPs in England raise awareness of technical pathways and qualification reforms.
    Visit Resource Hub
    Technical Education resource hub

Welcome to the Career Development Institute (CDI)

The CDI is proud to be the professional body for all aspects of career development, supporting members across the UK and internationally in their work with clients of all ages. We champion the profession and the vital role it plays in empowering individuals, strengthening the economy, and enriching society.

Membership is essential for careers practitioners who want to access our full range of benefits - from professional recognition and resources to training, networking, and advocacy. Join us and be part of a thriving community dedicated to excellence in career development.

Latest from the CDI

Technical education resource hub

Technical Education Resource Hub

Our one-stop-shop for the latest information and resources created specifically for career development professionals, covering technical education pathways and qualifications in England. 

View resource hub
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.

Learn more
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.

Access research
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.

Read the report

Latest career development news

View all
Creative Futures: 5,000 Young People to Benefit from New Creative Careers Initiative
Creative Futures: 5,000 Young People to Benefit from New Creative...

A major new programme will conn...

CDI News Desk
CDI News Desk
30 September 2025
Empowering Educators: Careers Wales Launches New CWRE Training Programme
Empowering Educators: Careers Wales Launches New CWRE Training Pr...

CDI News Desk
CDI News Desk
30 September 2025
AI and the Welsh Economy: Implications for careers advisers
AI and the Welsh Economy: Implications for careers advisers

CDI News Desk
CDI News Desk
30 September 2025


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.

About career development
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. 

Work in career development
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? 

How to find career support
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.

Learn about the CDI

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.

Careers qualifications
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. 

Learn with the CDI Academy
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. 

View training and events
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. 

Login to access the Diary

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.  

Members' resource library
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.

View CDI Framework
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. 

Search briefing papers
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. 

Access Research Directory

What Our Members Say

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

Become a Member

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.

Ann Tunsall

Chris Webb

RCDP and co-host of the #WeAreCareers Show

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.

Ann Tunsall

Debbie Dymock

RCDP, MCDI, MIEP

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'!

Ann Tunsall

Fiona Long

RCDP

Book your seat for these upcoming events

VIEW ALL
Webinars

Trotman - Meet the Author: Emma Bolger

Emma Bolger talks about her new book, The Career Development Practitioner's Guide to Research

09 Oct. 2025
12:00 PM
EXPLORE MORE
Webinars

EDI Lunchtime Webinar Series - Intersectionality: Understanding Complex Identities

Join Us for Monthly EDI Sessions: Your Voice, Our Future

10 Oct. 2025
12:00 PM
EXPLORE MORE
Webinars

Applying for healthcare courses panel event

Supporting students considering healthcare careers? This panel event is for you.

14 Oct. 2025
03:00 PM
EXPLORE MORE
Having any trouble?

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.

01384 376464