Professional Qualifications

Employers across the UK ask for different levels and types of qualification depending on the role, but as a minimum the CDI states a level 4 (SCQF level 7-9) qualification to offer careers information and advice and a level 6 or level 7 (SCQF level 11) career development qualification to offer career guidance. Careers Leaders in England should be qualified to level 6 in careers leadership.

There are a number of routes to become qualified in career development, for those looking to enter the profession and those already working in career development.

The full qualifications are shown below, along with progression routes from other qualifications in the sector or from allied areas.

Study with the CDI Academy

The CDI Academy offers a range of courses to suit individuals and organisations. These include the full Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development, Level 6 Careers Leadership and a bespoke course in SEND.

Why choose a CDI Academy training programme?

The CDI is the professional body for the sector and as such is at the forefront of developments. As an organisation, we work closely with the government and stakeholders to develop the sector. You will have access to a wealth of resources and the most up to date information as career development evolves.

Delivery and Locations That Work for You

We are able to support students in various forms of delivery: taught courses, assessment only packages, face-to-face and remote learning. We can offer bespoke training virtually or face-to-face, subject to candidate numbers and delivery location.

If you cannot see any availability for the course you are looking for or cannot see your course of interest listed, please contact us at academy@thecdi.net

Career guidance and coaching qualifications

Considered to be 'fully qualified', only those holding a career development qualification at level 6 or level 7 (SCQF level 11) are recognised as being qualified to offer career guidance and coaching.

Options include the Qualification in Career Development and other postgraduate qualifications, the level 6 Diploma and the higher apprenticeship. A career guidance qualification is required to join the Register of Career Development Professionals.

Explore the options to become qualified to provide career guidance and coaching.

Careers Leader qualifications

Careers Leaders set the careers strategy in schools and colleges and implement the careers programme. While the qualifications don't cover delivery of personal career guidance, Careers Leader training is a critical tool to enhance career education within an organisation and ensure young people access high quality careers learning and experiences of work.

In England, schools and colleges can access CEC-funded Careers Leader training, and the CDI offers a Certificate in Careers Leadership for those who don't qualify for the funded route.

Find out more about Careers Leader training.

QCF qualifications

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) recognises qualifications and units by awarding credits which can be transferred. This gives learners more flexibility to take qualifications at their own pace.

QCF qualifications include:

Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development
CDI Career Guidance Theory Certificate
CDI Careers Leadership Certificate

Career Pathways

Progression Pathways - Work-based Routes

Explore the work-based pathways into and to progress within career development.

Explore work-based pathways

Progression Pathways - HE Routes

Explore the higher education pathways into and to progress within career development.

Explore higher education pathways

Blueprint for professional roles

The CDI Blueprint shows the breadth and depth of professional roles in career development.

Blueprint for Professional Roles

Advising on and developing qualifications

The CDI has had extensive experience of developing, writing and supporting qualifications for the career development profession.

In 2021 the CDI consulted upon and updated the CDI Blueprint of Learning Outcomes for Professional Roles in the Career Development Sector.

We support the use of the National Occupational Standards: Career Development for the development of sector qualifications in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We supported the development of the Standard for the Higher Apprenticeship: Career Development Professional in England.

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