Certification

CPA (Certified Public Accountant), SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) are all designations to indicate that a person has the qualifications to perform a job or task. As you know, certification makes a difference in hiring employees and selecting consultants.

In a world where advanced education and specialized skills reign, the Society for Diversity Executives and Professionals seeks to establish a global framework for recognizing high quality and knowledgeable professionals. Certification is different from a certificate program. In a certificate program, individuals affirm that they have acquired a certain level of knowledge, usually by taking a class. Certification represents a declaration of a particular individual’s professional competence through knowledge and experience.

The Society for Diversity Executives & Professionals will offer certification through the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC). In order to receive certification through IDC, individuals must pass a uniform exam and meet additional experience requirements. The credentials awarded will be CDP for Certified Diversity Professional, or CDE for Certified Diversity Executive. The certification will be offered to diversity professionals, senior level diversity executives, consultants, and Human Resource personnel throughout the world starting in December 2009, with the first credentials conferred in March 2010.

The initial certification will be valid for 3 years. As part of a complete renewal of an individual's certification, each certified professional must show evidence of continued learning — often termed continuing education units (CEU). You must earn a total of 60 continuing education credit hours within a three-year period in order to recertify. This requirement can be fulfilled through a myriad of activities, including but not limited to: live seminars/workshops, webinars, self-study, on-the-job experience, research and publishing.

The benefits of certification include:

Higher wages for executives, employees and consultants who possess CDE or CDP credentials.
A more productive and highly trained diversity resource for employers.
Prestige for the individual and a competitive advantage over non-certified individuals in the field.
Enhanced employment opportunities.
Assisting employers in making more informed hiring decisions.
Assisting consumers in making informed decisions about qualified diversity providers.
Protection of the general public from incompetent and unfit practitioners.
Establishment of a professional standard for individuals in the field of diversity.

Interested in Certification?

Complete the form below if you would like more information about diversity certification.

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