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Diversity Certification

The field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is ever evolving. Today’s workplace is confronted by a number of complex issues including changing demographics, gender pay gap, equity in hiring and promotions, declining populations, untapped talent among Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), ex-offenders, veterans, LGBTQ and Trans rights, the Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements.

A growing number of organizations and industries are making DEI a priority to be able to effectively manage these complex issues, to be able to create inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive, use their full human potential and ultimately create fuller, richer lives for all employees while contributing to the bottom line of the business.

CDP and CDE Credentials

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is excited to offer Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® certifications as an official licensee of the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC), working on world renowned Diversity certifications since 2009.

What Does it Mean to be Certified?

Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® credentials are widely recognized worldwide and by the Society of Human Resource Management. DEI is a highly competitive and ever-evolving field. These industry-recognized qualification credentials allow participants to dig deeper into DEI topics, gain proficiency and gain industry recognized credentials to lead DEI effectively in this hyper-competitive field.

Both the CDP® and CDE® certifications are rigorous and comprehensive providing assurances to the public, employers and colleagues that the certification holder has the knowledge, skill and ability to thrive in the next generation of DEI work.

How Do I Get Certified?

CDP® Information | CDE® Information | Registration

CDP® Eligibility

The CDP® credential is designed for individuals who are working with an organization in the beginning stages of their D&I journey. It requires at least two years of experience, which can be demonstrated in a variety of different ways. Experience can include professional qualifications in any of the following for a diversity council or resource group:

Consulting
Law
Management
Multicultural Marketing
Recruiting
Sales
Supplier Diversity
Training
Volunteering

Receiving the CDP® credential requires practitioners to:

Pass a 170-question, multiple choice exam with an 80% or greater
Submit an approved Candidate Project

After successfully completing the program, the credentials are valid for 3 years. For more information about CDP® certifications, download the CDP® certification guide.

CDE® Eligibility

The Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® is designed for executives (CEO, CHRO’s, C-Suite level managers) who are interested going above and beyond being DEI champions to effectively leading DEI right at the top and have at least 5 years of experience. Experience can include professional qualifications in any of the following for a diversity council or resource group:

Consulting
Law
Management
Multicultural Marketing
Recruiting
Sales
Supplier Diversity
Training
Volunteering

After successfully completing the program, the credentials are valid for 3 years.

The credential empowers executives to advance the organization beyond diverse representation towards thought leadership. For more information about CDE® certifications, download the CDE® certification guide.

Getting Certified in DSM

Choose which program is good for you.
Sign up using the Partnership registration links above.
You will receive course study guides in the mail.
Attend the three-day immersive academy.
As part of the certification, you will be required to submit a Candidate Project, which will be graded and evaluated separately from the academy.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your credentials immediately to use.