A Proven Process for Inclusive Excellence
Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)®
For professionals and champions in the early stages of their Diversity and Inclusion journey
Empowering Intentional, Strategic DEI Champions
The field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is increasingly important in today's world. Businesses that are committed to DEIA are more likely to be successful, attract and retain top talent, and build a positive workplace culture. As a result, diversity and inclusion skills are increasingly important for all professionals, regardless of their career path.
DEI certification indicates high performance and creates new opportunities for collaboration and ideation. The Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)®'s Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® credential is the gold standard for DEIA professionals.
Centering on the day-to-day aspects of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, the CDP® is a professional qualification process designed to enhance cultural competency and help an organization enrich its approach to equity and inclusion. All professionals can benefit from the CDP® credential. It helps you gain the skills and confidence you need to lead new diversity and inclusion initiatives and make a positive impact in any industry.
A valuable asset for all levels of employee, the CDP® credential assures the public, employers, and colleagues that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to thrive in the workplace of the future.
Promotion Potential
55% of CDP® and CDE® Designees report a promotion or new position after receiving their credentials.
Recognition
Half of CDP® and CDE® Designees report receiving a raise or bonus after receiving their credentials.
Leading Change
46% of CDP® and CDE® Designees report leading a new DEIA 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 candidacy runs smoothly. We’re here to help!
What is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)®?
A CDP® is a trained diversity and inclusion professional, regardless of field. A CDP® achieves, maintains, and advocates for a diverse employee population. The designation encompasses professionals from marketing and legal to human resources and computer programming, or any other capacity. A CDP® may:
- Assess an organization's current representation of different groups
- Create a plan to increase the number of individuals from under-represented populations
- Coordinate programming initiatives that address the unique concerns or needs of various identity groups.
An organization can build a sustainable DEI strategy around the work of a successful CDP®.
The CDP® Process
It takes a next-gen approach to get better results!
APPLY
Submit your application with IDC or a licensed partner.
STUDY
Dive into CDP® domains and competencies. CDP® candidates have a wealth of exam preparation options to accommodate variable study styles.
EXAM
Candidates have up to 2.5 hours to complete a standardized, multiple choice exam. A passing score is 73.0% or greater.
PROJECT
A Candidate Project completed within the past year that is your original work for peer review.
CDP® credentials are valid for 3 years. Practitioners must complete 60 continuing education units (CEUs) and pay a $50 recertification fee to maintain the qualification.
CDP® Eligibility
Developed for individuals in the early stages of their DEI journey, the Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® expands DEI concepts beyond political correctness or affirmative action. Candidates learn best practices for creating the business case, engaging in strategic diversity planning, training, recruiting, resource groups, measuring outcomes, and more. The CDP® track is a great program for practitioners seeking to demonstrate competence and increase their credibility in the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The credential builds confidence and inspires inclusive excellence!
Required: 2+ years of professional experience in DEI, Accessibility, Affirmative Action/EEO, multicultural affairs, HR, organizational development, management, legal, multicultural marketing and communications, sales, recruiting, training, strategic planning, supplier diversity, consulting, or volunteering for a diversity council or resource group.
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 DEI 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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