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 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.