Diversity & Inclusion Certification

What is diversity certification?  Diversity & Inclusion Certification refers to “professional credential training designed to develop the competencies needed to propel a career in consulting, training, managing, and leading cultural diversity and inclusion”. Cultural diversity certification training prepares the practitioner to competently serve in leadership roles, such as chief diversity officer (CDO), Vice President of Diversity, and chief diversity executive (CDE), and diversity manager (CDP).

Several cultural diversity certification training program models are on the market. A quality training program provides the novice with a solid foundation and raises the bar for seasoned professionals. The comprehensive, well designed credentialing program offers a body of knowledge based on (a) publications by thought leaders in the field, (b) evidenced-based techniques and tools, (c) a strategic cultural diversity and inclusion framework, (d) leadership competence, and (e) coaching/training skills. Quality is the most important thing to consider, but the format and training model differences cannot be ignored to avoid a mismatch that can derail your best efforts to get credentials.

This article takes the mystery out of trying to figure out what cultural diversity certification is, why it is important, and the different types of training formats to choose from. You will talk like an expert after reading this article.

Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion Certification

Cultural diversity promises to increase an organization’s competitiveness and bottom line. (https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/why-diversity-matters)  Modern organizations cannot stay competitive and sustain bottom-line results without managing cultural differences. (https://www.diversityexecutiveacademy.com/faq/blog/managing-with-inclusion-competence-modern-management-competence/).

Success starts and ends with cultural diversity expertise. Certified cultural diversity practitioners receive training that prepared them to serve as the in-house expert and leader. While the certification training programs vary in quality, content, and format, the better quality education prepares practitioners for (1) designing, developing, and implementing cultural diversity initiatives, (2) supporting the leadership, and (3) managing and managing conflict.

History

The first cultural diversity professional credentialing program offered in 1998 when Diversity Training University International (DTUI.com) offered the diversity trainer certification (CDT) program. Similar training programs offered at the time offered certificates. (NTL https://www.ntl.org/ & Cornell https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/human-capital-development/certificates/diversity-and-inclusion-professionals-certificate). After the turn of the century, cultural diversity certification training programs began to catch on. Today there is a list of organizations providing certification credentials or credentialing training, including Cornell University.

Types of Certification Credentials

According to Diversity Executive Leadership Academy (DELA), there are three popular cultural diversity certification credentials:

1. Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)
2. Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)
3. Certified Diversity Trainer (CDT)

The three programs differ in content according to the role designation. The CDE designation is designed for the professional in the C-Suite cultural diversity leadership. A CDE reports directly to the top leadership of the organization, such as the CEO or COO, and serves as an advisor on the leadership team. The CDP is designated for the practitioner serving as a cultural diversity resource in an organization. A CDP will likely report to the Human Resource Manager or the diversity officer.

Diversity Certification Programs

The best program will provide the novice with a solid foundation as well as take seasoned professionals to the next performance level. A comprehensive, well-designed credentialing program is backed by a body of knowledge based on thought leaders in the field, evidenced-based techniques and tools, a strategic framework, leadership competency, and training skills.

Requiring quality training and certification promotes the reputation of, and respect for, diversity professional expertise. An effective cultural diversity and inclusion certification program teaches how to design a high impact inclusion initiative, develop solutions based on needs analysis, think about projects strategically, leverage technology to enhance organizational learning, and use business acumen for maximum influence, among other things.

Diversity best practices are presented as tools that serve specific, strategic programmatic goals instead of convenient resources to showcase effort. The program promotes a common language to unify the cultural diversity and inclusion profession.

The following is a list of the most credible cultural diversity certification programs along with the certifications offered. Only programs that have been in existence for five years or longer are included:

• Diversity Executive Leadership Academy (AKA Diversity Training University International – CDE, CDP & CDT). – Classroom & online training
• Cornell University (CCDP) – Classroom training
• Institute for Diversity Certification (CDP & CDE) – Examination based certification.

Program Formats

Cultural diversity practitioners need sufficient awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills to proficiently carry out their work. The degree to which the training covers the four components varies.

Examination/Testing

One could choose to complete training that is test or examination based, which requires passing a test. The examination based format focuses primarily on developing knowledge about cultural diversity best practices and compliance issues relevant to the practitioner’s work.

Academic Program

The university-based certification program alternative is governed by higher education standards, which tend to emphasize covering and assessing theory and concepts. There may be a project completion requirement at the end of the course.

Practitioner-Oriented Training

Lastly, there is the practice-oriented training that emphasizes a balance of awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skill building. Scenarios based on real or realistic challenges the practitioner faces and projects that offer solutions for these challenges serve to integrate the four learning components.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

The type of program one chooses is personal. Everyone wants the best training experience to prepare them to meet the challenges of the work. For some, this means credentials from a university. Others view the examination format as more suitable to meet their needs. Still, others want the practice-oriented training as best to prepare them to meet the challenges of the work. There isn’t a one size fits all program.

Resources

Diversity Officer Magazine (n.d.). Selecting a diversity professional credentialing program. https://diversityofficermagazine.com/diversity-professional/diversity-cerification-program-review/

Diversity Executive Leadership Academy (2017). What is diversity certification – CDP CDT & CDE Programs (https://www.diversityexecutiveacademy.com/what-is-diversity-certification-cdp-cdt-cde/.

Diversity Executive Leadership Academy (2017). Certified cultural diversity executive (CDE) program. https://www.diversityexecutiveacademy.com/cde/

Diversity Officer Magazine (2017). Diversity Executive Salary Data. https://www.diversityofficermagazine.com/diversityjobs/diversity-executive-salary-data/