Latest from the CDI
Technical Education Resource Hub
Our one-stop-shop for the latest information and resources created specifically for career development professionals, covering technical education pathways and qualifications in England.
Careers in Careers job board offer
Our Careers in Careers job board have partnered with The Guardian Jobs for an exclusive job board offer, giving your job posts maximum exposure and great savings.
CDI Research Directory launched
The CDI has launched its career development Research Directory, enabling researchers, practitioners and policymakers to easily access research from across the profession.
Valuing Careers research launched
Read the key insights from the CDI's YouGov survey of 5,004 UK adults on their career aspirations and experiences, launched as part of the CDI's Valuing Careers campaign.
Latest career development news
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Career Development Institute Highlights Vital Role of the Human-Centred Approach for the New Academic Year
Navigating career ...
Career Development - Helping People Thrive
What is career development?
Professional, specialist support to help young people and adults identify their career aspirations, gain new skills and experience and secure sustainable, fulfilling work.
Careers in Careers
Career development experts help people thrive. Explore the diverse roles within the sector and how you can qualify to make a real difference.
You and Your Career
Do you want to secure a job, access vital training, or re-skill for your next big move?
About the CDI
The CDI is the professional body for career development in the UK. We support our members to help their clients and champion the profession with the public and governments.
UK Register of Career Development Professionals
Your Trusted Source for Career Professionals: The CDI Register
Looking for reliable career advice or someone to lead a careers program? The UK Register of Career Development Professionals, managed by the CDI, lists verified experts you can trust. Professionals on this Register have the right qualifications, uphold the CDI Code of Ethics, and commit to ongoing professional development.
Whether you need one-on-one support or a professional for your organisation, the Register clearly shows who meets the required standards. It's divided into two categories:
- Registered Career Development Professionals (RCDP): Qualified to degree or master's level to offer in-depth, personal careers guidance.
- Registered Careers Leaders (RCL): They've completed special training to manage and lead career programs in schools and colleges across England. Remember, an RCL isn't qualified to give personal guidance unless they have a separate qualification for it.
Qualifications, training and professional development
Professional qualifications
Career development qualifications up to Masters level are available for those already in careers work (including apprenticeships) or studying to enter the profession.
CDI Academy training
The CDI Academy provides accredited and non-accredited training from the level 4 diploma to the level 6 diploma, Careers Leader training and SEND courses.
Continuous development
CDI members can access a wide range of free and discounted training to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge, meeting CPD requirements for the Register.
CPD diary recording
Record your professional development in the CDI members' area. Login to record your activities and track progress against the CPD requirement for the Register.
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Resources to support the profession
CDI members' resources area
CDI members can access over 600 exclusive resources - from past webinar recordings to dissertations and documents - supporting practice, research and leadership.
CDI Career Development Framework
The Framework states the outcomes - the skills, knowledge and attitudes - that individuals need for a positive career. It supports primary, secondary and college careers provision.
Best practice briefing papers
The CDI produces valuable briefing papers - from sector roles definitions to papers on work-related learning and personal guidance interviews - to support best practice.
Career development Research Directory
The CDI Research Directory collates research from across the profession, in the UK and internationally, to enable easy access for researchers, practitioners and policymakers.
What Our Members Say
Read what a few of our members say about themselves and the benefits of joining the Career Development Instiute.
CDI membership provides me with access to a powerful community of careers professionals and a valuable collective body of knowledge to draw from, as well as reassurance and support when I've worked in more isolated roles.
Chris Webb
RCDP and co-host of the #WeAreCareers ShowFor clients, my membership demonstrates my ongoing commitment to delivering professional and high-quality services that meet and align with the CDI Code of Ethics.
Debbie Dymock
RCDP, MCDI, MIEPOf all my qualifications, these badges (CDI member and registered professional badges) represent the ones hardest earned. [Completing the] qualifications was so worth it to learn more, to share best practice with other professionals and to simply confirm I knew my 'stuff'!
Fiona Long
RCDPBook your seat for these upcoming events
Helping your Clients to find their purpose
Do you want to help your clients to establish purpose in their work? To find a meaningful and sustainable way of working with purpose? Then join us for this interactive and hands-on expert workshop, where we will learn a practical, five-step approach to help your clients to find purpose in their work.
AI for Career Practitioners
This moodle course from the Career Development Institute offers a practical introduction to the potential use of AI by career practitioners. By the end of six weeks, you'll walk away with well-rounded perspectives, tangible skills, and curated resources to evaluate, adopt and apply AI solutions in service of empowering career journeys. This course is designed for active participation and peer learning. We encourage you to engage with the materials, share your perspectives in discussions, and have fun experimenting with AI!
CDI Professional Certificate - Supporting Clients with Additional Needs
We are delighted to offer this course for Level 6/7 qualified career guidance practitioners working in schools, special schools and colleges to support students with additional needs. The programme aims to develop reflective practice and provide evidence of understanding and competence in working with people who have a health condition, impairment or special educational needs.