Introduction to Diversity Certification

What is Certification?

The Society for Diversity seeks to upend the industry with a rigorous professional standard for effective Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work. The Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)® is a business management program that delivers competency-based education and operates as a global framework for recognizing and rewarding high quality, knowledgeable professionals who strive for inclusive excellence, cultural competence, improved diversity management, and sustainability.

The Society for Diversity is the D&I professional membership body, while IDC is the certification arm. IDC confers Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® and Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® credentials. Both professional certifications are industry-recognized and globally renowned. IDC also confers two (2) credentials for employees and managers in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

Why Do I Need It?

Certification is different from a certificate. In a certificate program, you receive an award for attending a class. Generally, there is no need to prove your competence or ongoing proficiency. In certification, you are conferred with credentials to indicate mastery in the field, and you are required to demonstrate a commitment to supplemental learning in the field through Continuing Education Units (CEU's). When someone is certified in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, employers do not have to guess whether the individual will achieve expected outcomes-- they can have full confidence that the person is an elite professional who has been properly vetted by a third party.

IDC created its amazing certification system so that organizations can consistently obtain positive, repeatable outcomes.  A person who is certified in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has passed a standardized exam with an 80.0% or better, and has successfully submitted a professional work (e.g., a diversity plan, business case for diversity, etc.) that is peer reviewed and approved. The professional work submission, or Candidate Project, can be relevant to your organization or to their work as a consultant. Beyond the knowledge to pass a test, it ensures that Candidates are equipped to perform the tasks at hand. In all, the certification process empowers Candidates to build upon your organization's successes, as well as to properly evaluate your outcomes.

Certification is not limited to those with formal D&I titles. More organizations are seeking bench-strength to enhance the capacity of the leadership team to manage, integrate and evaluate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts. Candidates seek to achieve certification because:

• It ensures organizational leaders can demonstrate real value and impact, so that D&I efforts are not simplistic, superficial or unsustainable.
• It proves competency. IDC's high standards for the exam and professional work submission guarantee that certification holders are knowledgeable and skilled.
• It verifies that organizational leaders are inclusive-- taking the time to foster belonging for those groups that are traditionally excluded from D&I work.
• It safeguards against practicing outdated D&I techniques or using an antiquated approach to equity and inclusion. Certification holders are focused on global next generation practices, as well as the future workplace and marketplace.
• It deepens professional commitment. Certification holders connect and collaborate with each other, as well as advance their professional journey through continuing education. This process confirms that D&I leaders are fresh and relevant.

Who Does the Certification?

As a current member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence , IDC follows certification industry best-practices, and we are presently pursuing accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Our membership ensures that our certification process complies with rigorous third-party standards and that we are accountable.

Since 2009, our D&I certification programs have been recognized as the best because we work hard to be #1. In addition to annual improvements to our certification process, we strive to deliver hands-on and timely service.

IDC's credentialing process is practitioner-led, meaning that our Certification holders review the professional work submissions (or Candidate Projects) and contribute to the curriculum every two-years. They also instruct online classes so that Candidates can learn from individuals around the world, and in various capacities in the corporate, government, education and nonprofit sectors. Our staff provides technical support to Candidates, and coordinates the many pieces of this high-end specialty system so that the certification process is consistent, high quality and rigorous.

Where Can You Get Certified?

IDC has thousands of candidates and designees in 43+ U.S. states, plus 10 other nations. You and your team can achieve credentials from anywhere in the world, as IDC utilizes 600+ testing centers and cloud-based technologies to aid in the certification process. We also partner with different education and training providers to offer more classes and greater convenience. However, every program is not the same. Before you enroll, make sure the program is an IDC-approved provider so that you can ensure that your credentials are globally-recognized and there are no interruptions in your certification or recertification process. As filed with several American states, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), both the CDP® and CDE® are registered trademarks of the Society for Diversity Inc.

How Do I Get Certified?

IDC offers two certification appropriate for your team: the Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®. Your organization can even certify mid-level managers or global management team members. With more certified professionals, your organization is completely positioned for better results. You can enroll in the self-study, online or classroom-based prep course. To get started, apply for certification from IDC at: www.diversitycertification.org or from the Gatson Group LLC at www.gatsongroup.com.

~~~~~

By Leah Smiley, CDE, President of the Society for Diversity Inc.