Qualifications overview
The CDI is the independent professional body for practitioners working in careers education, information, advice, guidance and career management. We encourage and support individuals working in the sector (members and non-members alike) to attain the highest education, training and professional standards in career development.
Lead Body for the Sector
As the lead body for the sector, we manage the UK Register of Career Development Professionals, also referred to as the Professional Register and Register. The UK Government is supportive of the Register and although registration is voluntary, qualified practitioners are strongly encouraged to join.
We are custodians of the National Occupational Standards: Career Development , having revised and refreshed these in 2014. These are used to inform qualifications in the sector and provide the framework for our Career Development Sector Progression Pathway
In 2016 we published the CDI Blueprint of learning Outcomes for Professional Roles in the Career Development Sector. This is used to inform professional qualifications across the sector and to raise awareness amongst politicians, government officials, employers and other stakeholders of the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge required for these roles. There will be an updated version of this document in ealry 2021.
We also award the Modern and Technical Apprenticeships in Career Development in Scotland. For further information please contact the CDI Professional Development Manager, Claire.Johnson@thecdi.net
Awarding Body Status
The CDI is the awarding body for the Qualification in Career Guidance/Development (QCG/QCGD). From January 2017 these qualifications were replaced by the Qualification in Career Development.
CDI Academy: Professional courses
The CDI Academy is an approved OCR Centre. Please see the CDI Academy section of the website for details of all qualifications offered.
Training and events
The CDI provides a wide range of CPD and training opportunities that are of benefit to members and the wider career development sector. The programme includes:
- Traditional one-day themed conferences – eg Careers Leaders' Conference; Research Conference; Student Conferences.
- Expert Online Training
- Master Classes
- Digital bytes
- On-line webinars
- CDI Conference and Exhibition
- National conferences with partners - eg National Career Guidance Show
For more information see Skills and Training Events.
Managing your CPD
There is a CPD recording system built into the members' area of this website. If you are not already keeping a log of your CPD, this will help you to identify and record CPD activities. If you are on the UK Register of Career Development Professionals, you need to keep your CPD record up to date on the CDI site and be able to evidence at least 25 hours CPD annually.
We also have a members' only CPD Resources area providing information on 600+ sources of online, published and face to face CPD opportunities.