The Value of DEI Certification

The Institute for Diversity Certification has been in existence since 2009; and providing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification is all that we do! Many entities that provide “training” have other interests, and may provide diversity training as an add-on. In some cases, classes are not even taught by Subject Matter Experts. It is for reasons such as this that the highest importance must be paid to the word C-E-R-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N when considering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training. 

There are three questions that need to be at the forefront of your mind BEFORE you spend your resources—time, money, and personnel—on Diversity Training.

Is there a standardized and validated evaluation as a part of the training?

Is there a practical application for the knowledge that you received?

Is there a continuing education component, as an expectation of the process?

These three questions will distinguish CERTIFICATION from any other training certificate program. Certainly, a training certificate may be good in some cases; but it depends on what you are trying to do. If your organization wants to introduce the concept of DEI to staff, then a training certificate may be best. However, if your organization expects results, then a “one and done” training session will not suffice. This is where a quality and rigorous certification program, like IDC's credentialing system, meets industry standards. IDC's process includes a peer review of a professional work to ensure that your team is capable and skilled, and our broad-based knowledge exam will help you and your team to be forward-thinking and proactive.

There are further considerations that should support your decision in the selection of professional credentials from IDC. For any professional certification to have merit, there must be a theoretical foundation for the training, a practical application for the knowledge that is gained from the training, and a continuous REFRESHING of the information to remain current with the changing landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Since 2009, IDC has been providing quality DEI training, that leads to certification. This is ALL that we do. We have a large team of Subject Matter Experts to keep our curriculum updated and relevant, and we rely on educational institutions like IUPUI and the Ohio State University to help us develop our assessments! Additionally, as a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, we are the only DEI certification program that is globally renowned, and undergoing accreditation with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

If your organization is hiring a DEI professional, look for an accountable and skilled CDP® or CDE® certified leader. Alternatively, if your team needs a DEI training program for your leaders that results in certification, look for IDC.