CCIP FAQ

Home / CCIP FAQ

How much does the certification cost?

The registration fee for the certification process is $1,199.00.

The following discounts can apply:

• CCDI Employer partners receive a 20 per cent discount on registration.
  • Click here to see if your organization is a CCDI Employer Partner
• CCDI Individual Practitioners and Associates are eligible for a 10 per cent discount.
  • Click here for information on how to become CCDI Individual Practitioner

Below is a complete list of the fees:

Is the certification a course or degree?

No, the certification is not a course neither is it a degree. It is not an educational program and it does not require any class time. The certification is a rigorous process through which the knowledge and experience of diversity and inclusion professionals are assessed against the standard constituted by the CCIP™ Competency Framework.

What is the difference between a certificate and certification?

Certificate programs are designed to provide training and instruction to help participants acquire or enhance their knowledge or skills whereas certification programs such as CCIP™ are designed to assess an individual’s existing knowledge or skills, in a way that is completely independent from the provision of training or instruction.

What is the goal of the certification?

The goal of the CCIP™ certification is to set formal national standards, which currently do not exist, for the diversity and inclusion profession in Canada, thereby raising the standards and national profile of the profession in our country.

Why get certified?

The certification will enable diversity and inclusion professionals practicing in Canada to obtain a formal and standardized recognition of their knowledge, skills and experience in the diversity and inclusion field.

By obtaining the CCIP™ designation, diversity and inclusion professionals in Canada will be able to show employers and clients the breadth and depth of their experience and develop a competitive edge in a tough job market.

I already hold a professional designation. Can I get another one?

Yes. If your experience, knowledge and skills meet the requirements of the CCIP™ certification process, you can get certified.

How is this certification different from human resource certifications?

The CCIP™ Competency Framework is designed to describe the competencies of diversity and inclusion. These competencies only partially overlap with the competencies of human resource professionals.

The goal of the CCIP™ certification is to support diversity and inclusion professionals who feel the need to increase their professional profile, regardless of whether they have a human resources background or designation.

The intent is not for CCIP™ to replace or compete with existing human resource certifications. A diversity and inclusion professional might decide to hold both the CCIP™ designation and a HR designation.

Are there any educational requirements to enter the certification process?

There are no educational requirements to enter the certification process. However, certain number of years experience in the diversity and inclusion field is required.

How can I prepare for the CCIP™ Exam?

The CCIP™ exam does not have a textbook. The CCIP Competency Framework constitutes the foundation of the certification. Upon registration, candidates will also be provided with a reading list to prepare for the exam. We are also offering an online study guide to support CCIP candidates in preparing for the exam. These seven eLearning modules complement the reading list and walk candidates through pertinent information. Each module is available in both English and French, includes audio, and is accompanied by an alternate version in word, for those that use a screen reader. The study guide may be purchased at the time of registration/payment for the CCIP Exam.

How can I learn more about CCIP™?

Interested in learning more about the CCIP™ before registering? Sign up for a virtual open house. Open house sessions will be online and free of charge. View our events calendar for more details. You can also contact us at ccip.certification@ccdi.ca.

How do I select my External Assessors to evaluate the Professional Experience Dossier (PED)?

Candidates will be required to provide the name of a Priority and an Alternative External Assessor, respectively, who should be able to review and validate the PED submission. Both External Assessors must meet the following criteria:

• Good general understanding of the D&I space. The External Assessor does not necessarily have to be a Diversity and Inclusion professional, but they must have a clear understanding of the candidate’s current or past work responsibilities and outcomes as they relate to the skills/abilities required to become a certified CCIP.
• Direct knowledge of your D&I work experience. The External Assessor has worked with the candidate closely (as a supervisor/manager/co-worker) for at least 6 months and must be able to substantiate the candidate’s expertise and experience as they relate to the skills/abilities required to become a certified CCIP.
• Direct or indirect knowledge of the roles/experiences that the candidate might have referenced in the PED submission. The External Assessor should know the candidate well in a professional capacity, and be able to speak in depth about the candidate’s skillset, career progression and work ethic.
• Independence. The External Assessor must not be a candidate’s direct report or relative – in principle, the External Assessor should be able to assess the candidate’s submissions without a conflict of interest.
• Time availability. The External Assessor should be able to commit approximately 60 minutes to provide input to support the candidate’s certification process. Also, the External Assessor should be willing to be contacted by the CCIP™ Staff as required.

Both External Assessors can be references that candidates provide as part of their Assessment of Eligibility Form.

What happens if the Priority External Assessor I selected is not able to assess my Professional Experience Dossier (PED)?

If the Priority External Assessor the candidate selected is not able to assess the candidate’s Professional Experience Dossier (PED), the Alternative External Assessor will be contacted, and the candidate notified. For a more detailed explanation of the process, read the External Assessors Policy.