The CDI is the UK's professional body for career development, supporting around 5,000 members who work with young people and adults, in a range of settings to provide the best for their clients.
We also champion the profession - and the value it can bring for individuals, the economy and society - with the public, employers and policymakers.
When joining the CDI you get access to a wide range of valuable benefits, plus you are demonstrating your commitment to professionalism and adding your voice to representation of the sector.
The UK Career Development Award categories have been revised for 2025 and nominations for individual, programme and organisation awards close on 3rd March 2025.
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.
New episodes of We Are Careers podcast
Chris and Sabiha host the fortnightly We Are Careers YouTube video and Spotify podcast. Subscribe now to catch the latest episode and keep up with all things careers.
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.
Career Development - helping people thrive
What is career development?
The career development profession helps young people and adults identify their career aspirations, gain new skills and experience and secure sustainable, fulfilling work.
A career in career development
Career development professionals are enoprmously proud of the work they do to help people thrive. Find out about the varied roles available and how to become qualified.
How a careers professional can help you
Career development professionals help people of all ages and backgrounds define their career goals and equip them to manage opportunities and challenges.
About the Career Development Institute
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.
The CDI hosts the UK Register of Career Development Professionals, listings careers advisers, coaches and leaders who hold required qualification, abide by the CDI Code of Ethics and undertake professional development to maintain their knowledge and expertise. If you are looking for personal support or to employ a careers professional, the Register shows you who meets the requirements. There are two groups on the Register;
Registered Career Development Professionals (RCDP) are qualified to degree or masters level to provide careers guidance - the personal support many individuals need.
Registered Careers Leaders (RCL) have completed the Careers Leader training in England to lead career programmes in schools and colleges. They are not qualified to provide guidance unless they hold a separate qualification.
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.
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.
For clients, my membership demonstrates my ongoing commitment to delivering professional and high-quality services that meet and align with the CDI Code of Ethics.
Of 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'!
The CDI Community of Interest for Careers Education's second best practice briefing paper is on Quality Assurance of Careers Education and Guidance in Schools and Colleges. The paper supports careers leaders, careers teachers, careers advisers and others involved in the quality approaches for careers education across the UK.
Nominations for election to the CDI Board close on 27th March 2025. Open to all CDI members, standing for the Board is a great way to be involved in your professional body.
The Career Development Institute (CDI) will launch its Valuing Careers campaign at Northern Ireland’s Stormont Assembly today, addressing the pressing skills crisis and its implications for economic growth.
Apprenticeships aren't just about getting a job – they're about starting a career. They offer a brilliant way for people to earn while they learn, picking up practical skills that employers are crying out for.
Limited spaces, booking deadline 25th March at 12pm!
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!
Have you always dreamt of setting up your own coaching business but not sure how? Are you currently setting up your practice and need a helping hand? Or have you set up your business and want some tips to help your business to grow further? Then join us for this hands-on and interactive masterclass, where we will help you to provide a way forward and answer your questions.
This work-based qualification is designed for practitioners whose role involves providing personal career guidance & development to clients. Successful completion meets the qualification requirement for the UK Register of Career Development Professionals. The Level 6 qualification equates to ordinary degree level so you need to be able to study and produce assignments at this level. You also need to be in a role in which you work to the CDI Code of Ethics.
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