As a diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) professional, your skills are vital to the future of Canadian organizations. Yet, how can you demonstrate to your clients or employers that you have what it takes to advance DEIA and promote change?
The Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP™) certification process is designed to assess the existing knowledge and experience of DEIA professionals against the standard established by the CCIP™ Competency Framework.
Earning the CCIP™ designation provides a formal recognition of your knowledge, skills, and experience in the DEIA field in Canada, standardized by our Competency Framework. The certification will help you to show employers and clients the breadth and depth of your experience and stand out in a competitive job market.
By completing the requirements for the CCIP™ certification process, you earn the right to use the designation, Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional ™, and the initials “CCIP” after your name. You can also have your name listed on the CCIP Registry on our website and join a network of DEIA professionals.
Originally established in 2017, the CCIP™ Competency Framework outlines the core competencies of DEIA professionals working in Canadian contexts.
It was created under the direction of a national Advisory Committee and through consultation with over 200 diversity, equity and inclusion leaders across Canada to set formal national standards for the DEIA profession in Canada.
To reflect the evolving DEIA landscape, we are currently in the process of renewing and revitalizing the CCIP™ Competency Framework. The updated framework will incorporate exciting and vital new standards that align with current best practices and the evolving needs of the DEIA profession. The updated CCIP™ Competency Framework is expected to be released in the Summer 2026.
As we continue to work with an incredible team of DEIA experts to revitalize the framework, exam and study guide, we appreciate your patience and look forward to engaging with you on your journey.
While we transition to the new framework, you can still refer to the previous Competency Framework for foundational guidance.
Registration for the exam is currently on hold until the development of our new competency framework and exam is finalized. Registration will be open in July 2026 for our Fall November 2026 exam cycle.
Join our mailing list to receive updates on the CCIP™ Competency Framework renewal and future Exam dates.
There are seven steps to the CCIP™ certification process. Click on each to learn more.
1. Assess your eligibility.
You are eligible to undertake the CCIP™ certification process if:
We are currently updating our eligibility checklist to support you in self-evaluating your readiness for certification. Please stay tuned.
2. Prepare your documents.
You will be asked to provide a chronological resume, describe your DEIA work experience, and provide two references as part of your registration application.
3. Register and pay the certification fee.
Registration will open several months prior to the upcoming exam cycle and close 6 weeks before the date of the exam. The registration link will be available on the website by Summer 2026.
Once your payment is complete and application has been reviewed, you will officially become a CCIP™ candidate.
4. Take the CCIP™ exam.
The exam will test your knowledge of the CCIP™ competencies with a multiple-choice test delivered online. All you need is a computer and a reliable Internet connection.
5. Submit your professional experience dossier.
After successfully writing the CCIP™ exam, candidates will submit a professional experience dossier (PED). The PED is a collection of short essays that provide examples of practical work situations where you applied or demonstrated the competencies included in the CCIP™ competency framework.
6. You are officially a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional!
Once your PED submission has been approved, you officially become a CCIP™ recipient. You can use the acronym CCIP in your signature and your name will be added to an online registry of CCIP™ professionals on the CCDI website.
7. Maintain the certification.
CCIP™ designation holders are asked to provide evidence of 20 hours of professional development and a renewal fee each year to maintain their CCIP ™ certification.
The CCIP™ Certification Handbook and the Competency Framework are currently being reviewed. Please stay tuned for updates!
Interested in learning more about the CCIP™ before registering?
We will be holding a CCIP Open House in the Spring/Summer 2026. The virtual session will provide an overview of the certification process and answer your questions.
Join our mailing list to receive updates on the CCIP™ Competency Framework renewal and future Open House dates.
Visit the CCIP™ FAQ page or contact ccip.certification@ccdi.ca for more information.
If you would like to be added to the CCIP™ mailing list, complete the form below.
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