I’m excited about the latest edition of the Canadian Journal of Career Development (CJCD), which features several articles of interest to our sector. One article in particular stood out to me—a timely study out of Nova Scotia that speaks directly to the future of our profession.
 

The piece, “Capacity and Credentialing: The Evidence Base for Career Development Training and Certification in Nova Scotia,” examines the impact of the province’s Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) designation. Conducted by the Nova Scotia Career Development Association (NSCDA) in partnership with the Centre for Employment Innovation at St. Francis Xavier University, the research provides compelling evidence of the value certification brings to both practitioners and the field.
 

Nova Scotia’s CCDP program is distinctive because it is built on a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) model. Rather than requiring a post-secondary credential, it recognizes professional competence gained through experience. Candidates demonstrate their skills through a portfolio, exam, and structured interview—making certification both rigorous and accessible.
 

The study found that certification had a clear, positive impact on practitioners’ professional identity, confidence, and day-to-day practice, while also enhancing the overall credibility of the field. For me, this is powerful evidence for the national certification program. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can promote excellence while remaining inclusive—a balance that is crucial for establishing a strong, unified profession.
 

This message was reinforced at the Western Canada Career Development Association’s session I attended last week. Lindsay Guitard, Tara Deaveau, and Ashley Halverson shared how an inclusive and iterative approach to CCDP® is working in practice: certifying excellence while also removing barriers. Their insights echoed the Nova Scotia research—certification is not only about raising standards but also about ensuring accessibility and recognition for the diverse professionals who make up our field.
 

You can explore the full journal online at www.cjcd-rcdc.ceric.ca. I think you’ll find the insights both validating and inspiring.

Janet Morris-Reade
CEO