Certification FAQs

A certificate program is a short-term educational program that typically takes a few weeks or months to complete. A certification program is a more rigorous program that typically takes several months or longer to complete. Certification programs are offered by professional organizations and typically require passing a written exam or completing a project. They are designed to demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a particular job or task. Learn more about certificates versus certification!

Certification adds credibility and visibility as a DEI leader, leading to positive benefits for you and your organization.

For individuals:

• Advance your career: A certification in DEI can make you more marketable to employers by helping you develop the knowledge and skills you need to take on more senior roles in DEI.
• Increase your knowledge and skills: A certification in DEI will give you a comprehensive understanding of the latest research and best practices in DEI. This knowledge can help you make a positive impact on your organization and the world.
• Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion: A certification in DEI is a public declaration of your commitment to diversity and inclusion. This can help you build trust and credibility with your colleagues and stakeholders.
• Networking opportunities: Certification programs often offer networking opportunities  ith other DEI professionals. This can be a great way to learn from others while building your professional network.
• Personal development: Learning about DEI can help you become a more well-rounded individual. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and how you can help create a more just and equitable society.

For organizations:

• Create a more inclusive workplace: A more inclusive workplace is a more productive workplace. Diversity certification can help you create a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
• Improve employee morale: Employees who feel included are more likely to be engaged and productive. Diversity and inclusion certification can help you improve employee morale and retention.
• Attract and retain top talent: Top talent is looking for organizations that are committed to diversity and inclusion. Credentialed teams can help you better attract and retain top talent.

If you're looking to advance your career in DEI or want to help your organization create a more inclusive workplace, then getting certified is a great way to get started!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a critical issue for organizations of all sizes. In today's globalized and interconnected world, businesses can no longer afford to ignore the diversity of their customers, employees, and partners. Additionally, a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential for innovation, creativity, and productivity.

Many DEI practitioners have ambition, drive, and passion, but not all have the professional training to truly drive culture change at work. Professional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to create interventions that drive positive outcomes. A diversity certification program will teach you the history and theory of DEI, as well as the practical skills you need to apply inclusive initiatives in your organization.

Studies show that certification is an asset for both job seekers and employees. These data-driven sources support the value of professional diversity, equity, and inclusion certification:

• Society for Human Resource Management – organizations with DEI initiatives in place are more likely to have higher employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Harvard Business Review – companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely to be innovative and successful.
• Credit Suisse – companies with more women on their boards of directors are more likely to outperform their peers on financial metrics such as return on equity and return on assets.
• McKinsey Global Institute – closing the gender gap could add $12 trillion to the global GDP by 2025.
• National Association of Colleges and Employers – 72% of employers said they would be more likely to hire a job candidate who had a certification.
• Society for Human Resource Management – certified professionals earn an average of 10-15% more than non-certified professionals.
• American Society for Training and Development – employees who are certified are more likely to be engaged in their work and stay with their company.

The Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® are designed to help professionals develop the knowledge and skills they need to lead DEI efforts in their organizations. However, there are key differences between the two.

The CDP® covers a broad range of topics related to DEI, including:

• Manage DEI planning, budget, and return on investment
• Lead DEI organizational integration efforts
• Promote DEI organizational culture and engagement
• Manage DEI initiatives

The CDE® builds on the foundation of the CDP® and covers more advanced topics, such as:

• Advance leadership for organizational DEI
• Manage DEI strategic planning and budget
• Champion organizational DEI policies, compliance, and governance
• Champion organizational values and inclusive culture

The CDP® is a good choice for professionals who are new to the field of DEI and want to gain a foundational understanding of the industry. The CDE® is a good choice for organizational and DEI leaders who want to level-up their DEI knowledge and skills, take on more leadership roles in DEI initiatives, and create inclusive excellence.

Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® requirements:

• At least 2 years of experience
• A passing score on the CDP® exam (at least 73.0%)
• A passing score on the Candidate Project or approved professional work
• Compliance with IDC’s Code of Ethics
• Compliance with IDC’s Standard of Practice
• Apply for the CDP®

Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience
• A current leadership role
• A passing score on the CDE® exam (at least 74.0%)
• A passing score on the Candidate Project or approved professional work
• Compliance with IDC’s Code of Ethics
• Compliance with IDC’s Standard of Practice
• Apply for the CDE®

Yes, IDC offers a few ways to customize your organization's certification experience. Please visit our Group Certification program page for details.

We understand that the cost of certification can be a barrier for some people. IDC offers discounts to current Society members and organizations seeking group certification solutions. We also occasionally offer promo codes to save on our online or self-study programs (see the News page for current promotions).

We do not currently offer scholarships or other reductions. However, we believe that certification is a valuable investment, and we are committed to making it accessible to everyone.

Did you know that diversity certification is a fraction of the cost of most certificate programs? They're also less rigorous and typically do not require continuing education to ensure you remain abreast of industry best practices and trends, making certification a more valuable investment for the long-term.

Exam preparation can occur through professional experiences, college certificates, graduate programs, and other educational offerings.

Self-Study

The self-study program consists of a hard copy of the most recent study guide, the live online exam review session, and the test. You also have access to the online tutorial.

An excellent choice for disciplined learners, self-study allows you to set your own pace. IDC recommends reading 1-2 chapters per week until you finish the study guide.

8-Week Online Prep Course

The online prep course includes the 8-week class, a hard copy of the current study guide, a live online exam review session, learning management system, and the test. It includes a series of webinars with CDP® and CDE® Designees from the corporate, government, nonprofit, and education sectors.

Cohort facilitators cover one chapter (or competency) each class. Candidates may ask questions and obtain deeper insight into each competency, as well as compare how diversity and inclusion are different across organizations, industries, states, countries, etc. 

3-Day Virtual Academy

The 3-day Virtual Academy includes the prep course, a hard copy of the current study guide, the live online exam review session, learning management system, and the test. The academy provides a deep-dive educational experience, whereby candidates may learn from the instructor, the materials, and cohorts. It is designed to challenge current paradigms and motivate candidates to strive for inclusive excellence.

This 3-day Virtual Academy is quite intense, as it covers the entire study guide and encompasses robust discussions about the nature of equity, diversity, and inclusion work.

Note: IDC’s preparatory course and/or materials are NOT a requirement for this examination or certification. IDC's materials are not the only method to prepare for the certification exam.

All Candidates must take the exam within 12 months of their registration date. 

Situations arise that prevent Candidates from taking their exam. There is no fee to reschedule the exam within 48 hours of the test. Simply login to the CN and reschedule your exam.

IDC only needs to be notified if testing falls outside of the 1-year period. After this, you must pay the exam change fee to continue.

• This policy applies to all Candidates.
• Your LMS access will automatically expire at the end of the one-year period if you do not pay the exam change fee.
• Remember, IDC's curriculum evolves every 2 years.
• If you will test in December, plan for the exam with plenty of time for holiday schedules.
• Exam change fee with digital study guide: $350 (pay exam change fee)

IDC exam and recertification fees and Society membership fees are nonrefundable; substitutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

CDP® Knowledge Examination Score

The passing score on the CDP® knowledge examination is 73.0%. The overall exam score is calculated by the total number correct of ALL questions divided by the total number of questions in the entire exam. IDC does not round or offer extra credit. Also, passing the CDP® knowledge exam will not automatically result in IDC conferring credentials. Candidates must also pass the peer review portion of the assessment, via the Candidate Project.

CDE® Knowledge Examination Score

The passing score on the CDE® knowledge examination is 74.0%. The overall exam score is calculated by the total number correct of ALL questions divided by the total number of questions in the entire exam. IDC does not round or offer extra credit. Also, passing the CDE® knowledge exam will not automatically result in IDC conferring credentials. Candidates must also pass the peer review portion of the assessment, via the Candidate Project.

Your score report is a vital component for your professional development. After the exam, you can access your score report in the CN.  Use it to develop competencies that need improvement, identify any blind spots, and pinpoint continuing education opportunities.

Unsuccessful Candidates will be afforded an opportunity to retake the exam.

• IDC does not provide extra credit, nor does it round (e.g., a 72.23% is not a passing score). 
• If you do not pass, IDC recommends listening to the exam review session prior to retesting.
• Candidates must wait 28 days (approximately 4 weeks) before retesting. 
• Candidates may test three times in one year, including the original exam and two re-tests. The retest fee applies each time.
• Retest fee (either credential): $617 (pay the retest fee)

No. Certification and membership are separate. You have the option of doing both for an additional fee, but renewing your membership does not renew your certification and vice versa. Certification must be renewed every three (3) years with IDC, and membership must be renewed annually with The Society for Diversity.