Home Training Days Calendar Volunteers Netty Awards Contact Us Members
CERTIFICATIONS
To enhance credibility with those outside of a particular sector, and to ensure consistent high level of services, many sectors have launched certification models (e.g., counselling and human resources). These are considered to be voluntary credentials or designations as opposed to government-regulated professions (e.g., nursing).
At present, the career development profession is unregulated and not widely understood; though several jurisdictions, across Canada, are actively researching and developing certification models. Without a clearly defined “profession,” it can be difficult for a highly qualified career practitioner, with years of relevant experience, to effectively articulate relevant knowledge and skills to potential employers or other professionals. Sector employers also need a standardized process for measuring the skills and qualifications of career practitioners. In our diverse sector, with a variety of professionals providing career services, it can be challenging to discern who is qualified for specific jobs. From the clients’ perspective, certification for career development practitioners provides some measure of protection and quality assurance.
The goal of any certification is to make it easier for practitioners to communicate the important work that they do, and the ethical framework within which they practice, while also enhancing quality assurance to clients.
CERTIFICATIONS SPECIFIC TO THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT SECTOR INCLUDE:
Certification discussions have been occurring in the province of BC for more than 10 years and intensive work on the current draft model started in 2004. The Standards & Guidelines Sub-committee of the BC Career Information Partnership has been working for the past three years to develop a certification model for practitioners in BC. The committee has done extensive research into other models and done several community consultations throughout the process. The current model, presented at the BCCIP meeting in June 2006, is considered a draft and can be reviewed here.
In addition to presenting the draft model, at the June 15, 2006 meeting of the BC Career Information Partnership (click here for a copy of meeting minutes) the S&Gs subcommittee discussed next steps. BCCIP cannot be the “home” of the BC certification and there are several associations/agencies that could govern and/or administer the credential. It was agreed that an Expression of Interest should be sent out to determine whether any BC organizations were interested in “taking over” the BC certification process. This expression was issued November 2006 and four responses were received which were reviewed at the next BCCIP meeting (December 7, 2006; minutes available here). A decision was made to proceed with a more formal RFP process and an ad hoc committee was formed to create and issue an RFP, review submissions, and make recommendations back to BCCIP. The RFP was issued in March 2007 with decisions expected May 2007.
The CCDP designation sets a standard of professionalism and practice for career development practitioners within the province of Alberta. It informs the public, employers, or potential clients that a practitioner’s skills, knowledge, and competencies have been reviewed and that he/she meets a set standard of practice. The designation also contributes to public awareness of career development as a defined field. The CCDP was designed and implemented by the Career Development Association of Alberta and was officially launched on April 28th, 2005.
For more information on Alberta’s CCDP designation visit their website at: http://www.careerdevelopment.ab.ca/ccdp/
The (GCDF) credential was established to recognize the training and background of those working in career development fields, and to establish minimum competency areas. It is considered a global designation with international recognition. The credential is a combination of academic education, experience, and additional training in career development. GCDF is administered by the Center for Credentialing and Education.
For more information on GCDF credential:
www.cce-global.org/credentials-offered/gcdfmain
The application process for the Educational and Vocational Guidance Practitioner (EVGP) is now open and ready to begin receiving applications. Currently, the information is available only in English, but the procedures in the other three languages of IAEVG (German, French and Spanish) will be opened as they become available. Stay tuned for further announcements. The application material is available by visiting the IAEVG web site and clicking on "EVGP" or members can access the application site directly here.
CERTIFICATIONS WITHIN RELATED SECTORS INCLUDE:
The CCC designation was developed and is administered by the Canadian Counseling Association (CCA). CCA website says, “The purpose of the CCA counsellor certification program is to identify to the public those counsellors who, through a process of credential evaluation, are judged [to be] qualified to provide counselling services. Besides setting standards of professional preparation, this program also mandates expectations for continuing education, requires adherence to a formal code of ethics, and provides for advising and disciplining those members on matters of professional conduct.”
For more information on the CCC designation visit:
www.ccacc.ca/e_certification.html
The (CHRP) designation is a certification process open to BC HRMA members in good standing. The HRMA website details that “CHRP represents the ethical standards, body of knowledge and level of expertise sought by today’s employers. Certification is fast becoming a requirement in hiring mid-level and senior HR managers and consultants.” CHRP is considered a national designation that is administered, locally, by the BC Human Resources Association.
For more information on the CHRP designation visit:
www.bchrma.org/chrp/default.htm
According to the Canadian Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (CARP) the RRP designation “is an effective means of communicating to the person receiving services, payors and industry agencies that members have achieved and demonstrated a recognized level of professional competence in the field of rehabilitation.” RRP is only one of the designations within the vocational rehabilitation sector that is managed and supported by CARP.
For more information on the RRP (and other) designations visit:
www.carpnational.org/designations/index.html
