CDI Approved Qualifications

Become a professionally qualified career development practitioner

If you are looking to develop a career in career guidance and development, choosing a CDI Approved Qualification gives you confidence that your university programme meets the professional standards expected by the Career Development Institute.

CDI Approved Qualifications combine academic learning with the development of the professional knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to work effectively as a career development practitioner.

They also provide a recognised route towards joining the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.

What is a CDI-approved qualification?

A CDI Approved Qualification is a university programme that has been reviewed and approved by the Career Development Institute, the UK professional body for career development.

For a course to receive CDI approval, the university must demonstrate that the programme:

  • provides appropriate higher-level study in career development
  • covers the relevant professional and occupational standards
  • develops the skills needed to provide effective career guidance
  • includes opportunities to develop and demonstrate one-to-one and group work practice
  • provides appropriate work-based or practical experience
  • enables students to reflect on and develop their professional practice.

CDI works directly with each approved university to maintain these standards and provide ongoing support.

Why choose a CDI Approved Qualification?

Choosing an approved course gives you more than an academic qualification.

  • Professional recognition

Your course has been reviewed by the CDI and has demonstrated that it provides the knowledge, skills and professional practice expected of career development professionals.

  • A route to the UK Professional Register

Successful completion of an approved qualification provides a recognised route to apply to join the UK Register of Career Development Professionals, subject to meeting the CDI's Register requirements.

The Register provides employers and clients with assurance that registered practitioners are appropriately qualified, adhere to the CDI Code of Ethics, and maintain their professional knowledge through continuing professional development.

  • CDI certification

Students studying on a CDI Approved Qualification will need to join the CDI as Student Members and will receive a CDI Approved Qualification certificate following successful completion of their approved programme.

This provides additional professional recognition alongside the university award and helps streamline the process of demonstrating that the qualification requirement for the UK Register has been met.

  • Professional membership while you study

All students on CDI Approved Qualifications are to join the CDI from the beginning of their studies.

Student membership connects you with the wider career development profession and provides access to professional development, resources, sector updates, networking and CDI communities.

It also enables you to start building your professional identity and relationship with the CDI before you graduate.

  • A qualification connected to the profession

CDI Approved Qualifications are not approved once and then left unchanged.

We work in partnership with each university, including an annual review and support visit, to ensure that programmes continue to reflect professional standards and developments within career development practice.

This also creates opportunities for universities to share good practice and remain connected with developments across the profession.

Find a CDI-approved qualification

The following universities currently offer programmes approved by the Career Development Institute.

Which course is right for me?

Each university structures and delivers its programme differently.

Depending on the provider, options may include:

  • full-time or part-time study
  • campus-based or online learning
  • different approaches to work-based learning and professional practice
  • different entry points and programme lengths.

We therefore recommend looking at the individual university course pages and speaking directly to the university about its programme, entry requirements, fees and study arrangements.

Whichever CDI-approved qualification you choose, you can be confident that the professional elements of the programme have been reviewed against the standards expected by the Career Development Institute.

International students and practitioners

Career development is an international profession, and we welcome students and practitioners from outside the UK.

CDI Approved Qualifications provide the opportunity to study career development within a programme aligned with UK professional standards while developing knowledge and skills that can be applied across a wide range of educational, employment and career development contexts.

International students can also become CDI Student Members, giving them access to the CDI's professional community, resources, learning opportunities and sector networks while they study.

Students intending to practise outside the UK should check any professional or regulatory requirements that apply in the country where they intend to work.

From Student to Registered Professional

Your relationship with the CDI can continue beyond your qualification.

  • Choose a CDI-approved qualification

Study with one of our approved university partners.

  • Join the CDI as a Student Member

Connect with the profession and access CDI membership support while you study.

  • Successfully complete your approved course

Eligible Student Members receive a CDI Approved Qualification certificate confirming successful completion of a programme recognised by the CDI.

  • Apply to join the UK Register of Career Development Professionals

Once qualified and meeting the relevant requirements, you can progress to Registered Professional membership and apply to join the UK Register.

  • Continue your professional development

Registered Career Development Professionals maintain their professional status through ethical practice and ongoing CPD.

Start your career in career development

Whether you are beginning your career, changing profession or developing your existing practice, a CDI Approved Qualification provides a professionally recognised route into career development.

Explore the approved university courses above and find the programme that is right for you.

Having any trouble?

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.

01384 376464