What is a Certified Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP)?

A GCDF/CCSP is a person who works in any career development setting or who incorporates career development information or skills in their work with students, adults, clients, employees, or the public. A professional with this training has received in-depth instruction in a 120-hour class provided by a nationally qualified and certified trainer. This training is centered on 12 competencies which were developed by the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the professional association for career development. Successful completion of the class leads to two certificates: the GCDF from the Center for Credentialing and Education, a subsidiary of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the CCSP from the National Career Development Association NCDA's information on CCSP.

Who Should Receive this Training?

This training can enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals who work in any type of career development setting. This may include those who serve as a career group facilitator, career coach, intake interviewer, human resource specialist, school counselor, job search trainer, labor market information resource person, employment/ placement specialist, or workforce development staff person. Participants from past classes have included those who work in corporations, government agencies, technical colleges, small private companies, large universities, high schools and middle schools, correctional institutions, and entrepreneurial settings.

Benefits of the Training and Certification

As a participant, you will receive training in each of the competencies. Since the course content covers 12 important competencies, there is plenty of opportunity to build skills and knowledge in areas that are new to you, as well as enhance and develop those that you use every day in your work. The training at the UW-Madison is offered remotely. Attendance is required at class meetings on four specific days during the course. The remainder of the course will be taught asynchronously.

Course Content

The course focuses on twelve career-related competencies, developed by a national team of experts and practitioners through the National Career Development Association.

1. Helping Skills - Be proficient in the basic career facilitating process
2. Labor Market Information and Resources - Understand labor market and occupational information and trends; use current resources
3. Working with Diverse Populations - Recognize special needs of various groups and adapting services to meet their needs
4. Technology and Career Development - Comprehend and use career development computer applications
5. Ethical and Legal Issues - Follow the CDF code of ethics and know current legislative regulations
6. Employability Skills - Know job search strategies and placement techniques, especially in working with specific groups
7. Consultation/Supervision - Accept suggestions for performance improvement from consultants or supervisors
8. Training Clients and Peers - Prepare and develop materials for training programs and presentations
9. Career Development Theories and Models
10. Program Management and Implementation - Understand career development programs and assist in the steps related to their development
11. Assessment - Comprehend and use (under supervision) both formal and informal career development assessments with emphasis on relating appropriate ones to the population served
12. Promotion and Public Relations - Knowing how to market and promote career development programs with staff and supervisors

Qualifications for Applicants

All course applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED to enroll in the class. When applying for national certification after the course, the requirements look at both work experience and educational levels to meet the certification requirements. For the GCDF, the requirements are:

Educational Level of Applicant	Career Development Experience Required
Graduate degree	1,400 hours (estimated one year)
Bachelor's degree	2,800 hours (estimated two years)
Two years of college	4,200 hours (estimated three years)
High school diploma/ GED	5,600 hours (estimated four years)

For the CCSP, there is a test that needs to be completed and references that need to be submitted to meet certification requirements.

Scholarships

There are scholarships available for Summer and Fall 2021 courses on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Application Information

Course Schedule

The course is offered in a convenient hybrid format to suit the varying needs and schedules of participants. This format includes the online coursework as well as two 2-day trips for face-to-face meetings at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.**

Registration

Register for Summer 2021

Register for Fall 2021