The path to a national career development certification has been long, determined, and collaborative — and ASPECT has been part of it for nearly seven years.

It began with sector-wide conversations about how to bring consistency, credibility, and recognition to the expertise of career development professionals. Between 2018 and 2021, thousands of volunteer hours led to the creation of the Pan-Canadian Competency Framework, the National Competency Profile, and a new Code of Ethics. These tools provided the foundation for a competency-based certification program that could be applied nationwide.

Although shifting federal government funding priorities slowed progress, the momentum never disappeared. National certification officially launched in December 2024, marking a milestone years in the making. Since then, uptake has been strong, and the National Certification Advisory Committee (NCAC), with ASPECT at the table, has worked to ensure the program reflects the realities, priorities, and diversity of our sector.

Why does this matter? Certification is more than a piece of paper; it’s a professional commitment. It tells employers, funders, and the public that our work meets high standards of skill, ethics, and accountability. While it can be a financial investment for individuals and organizations, certification raises the bar for practice and strengthens the reputation of our profession. In a sector where impact is often invisible until years later, it provides an immediate, credible measure of quality.

As discussions continue on the future governance of the program, one thing remains clear: national certification is here to stay, and it has the potential to shape the future of our field. ASPECT will continue to champion a system that is accessible, rigorous, and valued, ensuring that BC’s career development professionals have a strong voice in the national conversation.

The image at right is from ASPECT board member Shannon Baikie's LinkedIn post announcing her certification. She is among the 245 CCDPs® on the Career Certification website from BC and the over 1000 CDPs who have initiated or are in the process of obtaining certification. ASPECT supports this initiative by creating learning opportunities that align with building CDP competencies, including our workshops, webinars, and ASPECT Conference.