Cornell Certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner (CCDP/AP)
Several years ago, Cornell ILR developed the nation's first Certified Diversity Professional (CCDP) Program. In response to the growing complexity and depth of the field, Cornell is now offering a new certification: the Cornell Certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner, or CCDP/AP.
This program is intended for diversity professionals with a minimum of three years substantive experience in the diversity and/or EEO field, who wish to hone their skills and increase their depth of knowledge. This certification will provide experienced professionals with additional knowledge, skills and strategies to promote individual professional growth and organizational success.
Cornell no longer offers the basic CCDP at the New York campus. However, anyone who enrolled in that program prior to 2009 will be permitted to either finish that program and receive the CCDP or, if qualified, to transfer to the new program.
Requirements
To become a CCDP/AP, applicants must have a minimum of three years' experience as a diversity professional, and must successfully complete the Diversity Management Certificate program. They must then complete the CCDP/AP application (pdf) and receive permission from the director to enter the CCDP/AP program. Once accepted, they must complete the following additional requirements:
- Classwork: CCDP/AP applicants must complete the Advanced Diversity Strategies class, as well as one additional 200 or 300 level class from the diversity curriculum.
- Project: Applicants must successfully complete a diversity-related project. The project must be on a current issue in diversity and related to the applicant's diversity work in his or her organization or private practice. Applicants have up to six months following receipt of a passing grade on the exam to submit their projects.
- Exam: Applicants must pass an exam, which will consist of both multiple choice and essay questions.
- Please note: The certification exam tests only the classes offered as part of the Diversity Management Certificate, and Advanced Diversity Strategies. Therefore, applicants may take the exam prior to completing their additional required 200 or 300 level elective. Applicants intending to take the exam must register for the exam with ILR Customer Service at ilrcustomerservice@cornell.edu no later than 30 days prior to the exam.
Examination Information
Two hours are allotted to complete the exam, which will be administered at the New York City Conference Center. An optional, complimentary review session is available prior to the exam. Review and exams are held twice each year, in December and in May.
CCDP/AP exam grades are provided in January (for December exams) and June (for May exams). For updated information about the dates and any other questions, please contact ILR Customer Service at ilrcustomerservice@cornell.edu.
The cost of the exam is $495 (no other discounts apply).
Recertification
Your initial CCDP/AP certification is valid for two years. In order to retain your CCDP/AP certification after that date, you must recertify each year, no later than three months following your recertification date, by continuing to develop your knowledge of the field.
For example: If your certification expires on December 31, 2013, you must complete a recertification requirement no later than March 31, 2014. The preferred method of recertification is to take an additional upper level Cornell elective, but a complete list of options for satisfying the recertification requirements may be obtained by contacting ILR Customer Service at ilrcustomerservice@cornell.edu.
Documentation of having met recertification requirements must be provided to the Director of the program.
Use CCDP/AP After Your Name
Certified individuals are issued a certificate attesting that they have met the standards of the Cornell program and are entitled to make the public aware of their credentialed status from Cornell through the use of the initials CCDP/AP after their names. Certification must be maintained via the methods provided- individuals who do not maintain their certification are no longer entitled to use the credential. Practitioners are responsible for maintaining their certification credentials and updating their files as necessary.
Individuals already holding the CCDP certification who wish to transition to the CCDP/AP may do so by completing the requirements. Interested individuals should contact the Director about the transition process.