GCDF

Global Career Development Facilitator Certification (GCDF) logo-gcdf

120 contact hours

Two versions are available:
1) Blended online and classroom program (when social distancing protocols allow)

2) Online course, using Zoom webinars to replace classroom sessions

One of the most valuable certifications for career development professionals, the GCDF (Global Career Development Facilitator) credential is recognized in 16 countries. Prior to applying for the credential, completion of the Facilitating Career Development course (FCD) is required by the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE). The FCD course utilizes the National Career Development Association  curriculum as approved by CCE. See course content below.

What Is A Career Development Facilitator?

According to NCDA, a Career Development Facilitator is a person who has completed the Career Development Facilitator Training Program and 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 Career Development Facilitator has received in-depth training in the areas of career development in the form of up to 120+ class/instructional hours, provided by a nationally trained and qualified instructor.

This title designates individuals working in a variety of career development settings. A Career Development Facilitator may serve as a career group facilitator, job search trainer, career resource center coordinator, career coach, career development case manager, intake interviewer, occupational and labor market information resource person, human resource career development coordinator, employment/placement specialist, or workforce development staff person. (Source: NCDA website)

Why GCDF Certification?

• The industry-recognized credential identifies you as an expert in your field
• Customers know that they are being served by a highly-trained professional
• Your organization presents a more professional appearance when your credentials are displayed for customers to see
• GCDF certification is portable, making you a valuable addition to any organization serving job seekers
• Career guidance and facilitation services are in high demand
• GCDF credential holders are more marketable to both clients and employers
• The GCDF credential is recognized in 15 countries

What Will I Learn in the FCD Course?
Course content is designed to be relevant and directly applicable for use on the job by the student. The richness of the program provides both the foundational learning that is so important to someone who is relatively new to the profession, as well as the depth that more experienced staff are seeking.

Both online and blended programs are available. The blended format normally spans three to four months, combining several classroom sessions with web-based activities, independent study projects that directly benefit the student’s organization and customers, and other assignments. The online version replaces classroom sessions with Zoom webinars. Regardless of format, the course standardizes the knowledge and experience of individuals who are working in the career development and workforce development fields.

The course addresses twelve (12) core competencies:

1. Helping Skills – Basic career facilitating processes, including productive interpersonal relationships
2. Labor Market Information and Resources – Labor market and occupational information and trends
3. Assessment – Both formal and informal career development assessments, with emphasis on relating appropriate career development assessments to the population served
4. Diverse Populations – Studies covering the special needs of various groups, as well as how to adapt services to meet those needs
5. Ethical and Legal Issues – Studies on the GCDF Code of Ethics and current legislative regulations
6. Career Development Models – Career development theories, models and techniques as they apply to lifelong development, gender, age and ethnic background
7. Employability Skills – Job search strategies and placement techniques, especially in work with groups
8. Training Clients and Peers – Preparing and developing materials for training programs and presentations
9. Program Management/Implementation – Studies covering career programs and their implementation, and working as a liaison in collaborative relationships
10. Promotion and Public Relations – Marketing and promoting career development programs
11. Technology – The understanding and use of career development computer applications
12. Consultation – Accept suggestions for performance improvement from consultants and supervisors

Competencies are closely aligned with those contained in the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential issued by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) Completers may wish to pursue this additional certification since they will have already demonstrated proficiency in most of the CWDP areas. Contact NAWDP for details.

Course Components

  • Web-based Video Orientations from instructors and subject matter experts
  • Class Time or Zoom webinar sessions, depending upon format
  • Technology Partners for sharing and discussing course assignments and activities with peers
  • Independent Study provides opportunities for direct application of material to your job
  • Student Manual with content that complements online resources

Who should attend?

  • Workforce Development Professionals
  • Career Coaches, Employment Specialists
  • Placement and Out-Placement Specialists
  • K-12 Educators (both Guidance Counselors and Teachers)
  • Rehabilitation Counselors
  • College and University Career Services Professionals
  • Career Counselors
  • Human Resource Professionals
  • Staffing Agency Professionals
  • Talent Management Professionals
  • Military Recruiters and Transition Specialists
  • Anyone who offers career assistance and guidance services

See requirements for certification.

See Class Schedule page for upcoming classes