A Proven Process for Inclusive Excellence
Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®
For executives and DEIA leaders responsible for setting the vision and strategy for their organizations
Empowering Intentional, Strategic DEIA Champions
Anyone can claim to be a DEIA expert. But a growing number of organizations want proof of inclusive excellence before spending budget on programming or facing public humiliation for discrimination, harassment, or other inequities. Diversity and Inclusion certification can help set you apart.
The Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)®'s Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® credential is the gold standard for organizational executives and DEI leaders. Designed for senior executives who are responsible for managing or overseeing large scale and/or complex strategic efforts, the CDE® is a knowledgeable and skilled leader who can help their organization remove systemic barriers to equity, align enterprise-wide strategies for inclusion, lead culture change, and transform the brand.
Employees expect their leadership teams to lead by example, including diversity and inclusion initiatives. As such, a CDE® may be any executive in an organization; the certification is not restricted diversity and inclusion officers.
A CDE® qualification assures the public, employers, and colleagues that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to thrive in the next generation of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility work.
Promotion Potential
55% of CDP® and CDE® designees report a promotion or new position after receiving their credentials.
Recognition
Half of IDC designees report receiving a raise or bonus after earning their diversity and inclusion certification.
Leading Change
46% of CDP® and CDE® designees report leading a new DEI initiative after receiving their credentials.
Proctored, Online Exam
We use the same testing centers that other standardized exams employ. Participate from anywhere at any time!
State-of-the-Art Technology
From our learning management system to the certification testing platform, you'll love IDC's flexible, easy-to-use format.
Gold Star Support
Get the support you need to ensure your training runs smoothly. We’re here to help!
What is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®?
A Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® is a knowledgeable and skilled senior executive who manages or oversees large scale and/or complex diversity and inclusion efforts at a college or university, business, government agency, non-governmental organization, or other institution. The CDE® may also apply advanced DEIA insights to industry trends, stakeholder engagement activities, and research and development efforts, to name a few.
Using a business process transformation approach, the CDE® works to advance the organization beyond diverse representation towards thought leadership, as well as manage enterprise risks. The CDE® champions organizational values; models belonging and inclusive excellence; fosters a safe and healthy work culture; and/or leads enterprise-wide integration efforts. The level of learning is advanced.
The CDE® Process
It takes a next-gen approach to get better results!
APPLY
Submit your application with IDC or any of our licensed partners.
STUDY
Dive into CDE® domains and competencies. CDE® candidates have a variety of exam preparation options to accommodate different learning styles.
EXAM
Candidates have up to 2.5 hours to complete a standardized, multiple choice exam. A passing score is 74.0% or greater.
PROJECT
A Candidate Project completed within the past year that is your original work for peer review.
CDE® diversity and inclusion certifications are valid for 3 years. Practitioners must complete 60 continuing education units (CEUs) and pay a $50 recertification fee to maintain the qualification.
CDE® Eligibility
The Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® credential challenges conventional equity and diversity work, and reinforces the need for organizations to lead inclusion from the top. Developed for DEIA leaders and organizational executives, the CDE® enables you to champion organizational values; model belonging and inclusive excellence; foster a safe and healthy work culture; and/or lead enterprise-wide integration efforts. The level of learning is advanced.
Required:
- 5+ years professional experience being directly accountable for DEIA, planning, operations, talent management, finances, legal/risk management, marketing/sales, and technology. The work may consist of administration, on-the-job training, past employment performance, or other senior level knowledge and responsibilities within an organization
- A current leadership role includes those who have terminated employment within the last six (6) months. Candidates may serve on a board; oversee an agency, town/city/state/nation, or enterprise; manage (or aspire to manage) a division or department; lead a resource group or diversity council; or work in any other decision-making capacity. Additionally, the individual may or may not have direct reports.
Note: IDC’s preparatory course and/or materials are NOT a requirement for eligibility of this examination or certification.
The Candidate Project
The Candidate Project demonstrates you have the knowledge to do the work. Beyond understanding the mechanics of DEIA, the professional work indicates that you are also competent in creating diversity and inclusion tools that can enhance your effectiveness on the job.
Candidates have the full one-year timeframe to complete their project, but IDC recommends submitting the project before the exam.
While it must be the candidate's own work, group projects are permitted as long as they note the group's members and how each contributed.
Projects are peer-reviewed by current CDP® and/or CDE® Designees and evaluated for thoroughness, accuracy, and impact. Four factors are assessed with a rubric:
- Realistic: possessing a practical and/or accurate idea of what can be accomplished
- Usable: provides insight into data, policies, practices ,and processes; executes plans/projects systematically; analyzes via a culture audit, focus group, etc.; and/or methodically integrates DEIA practices for the organization's benefit
- Intentional: devising and executing a relevant, sustainable DEI strategy or initiative that achieves deliberate results over time
- Meaningful: the capacity to determine the quantity, quality, and/or value of DEIA efforts; the ability to assess, measure, and compare the organization and its culture using established data with the intent of making a positive impact
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