Graduate Certificate - Career Development Professional (0869) at Conestoga College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

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Program overview

The Career Development Professional is a graduate certificate program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving field of career development. This program prepares graduates to provide essential information, advice, and guidance related to career exploration, skill acquisition, job search, and maintenance. With the workforce landscape continuously changing, this program is ideal for those looking to enter or advance in the career development sector, including roles such as employment advisors, career resource specialists, and career management professionals.

Program structure

The Career Development Professional program is structured to be completed in a 1-year timeframe, consisting of 2 academic terms. This full-time program is offered at the Kitchener - Doon campus and online, providing flexible learning options for students. The program is designed to help students master the 16 key competencies required for the Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) examination.

Key features of the program include:

Full-time delivery format
Online learning options for flexibility
Focus on essential competencies for career development

Featured Experiences

The Career Development Professional program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

Hands-on training in career development practices
Opportunities for professional development and job coaching experience
Preparation for the National Career Development Practitioner designation
Access to a network of professionals in the career development field

Career Options

Graduates of the Career Development Professional program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

Employment Advisor: Assists individuals in finding suitable job opportunities and provides guidance on job search strategies.
Career Resource Specialist: Develops and maintains resources that aid individuals in their career exploration and development.
Job Developer: Works with employers to identify job openings and match candidates with suitable positions.
Career Counsellor: Provides one-on-one support to clients in assessing their skills, interests, and career options.
Career Management Professional: Helps clients navigate their career paths and develop strategies for career advancement.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Conestoga College official website

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate - Career Development Professional program at Conestoga College are as follows:

An Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent, or a minimum of 5 (five) years of full-time work experience, within the past ten years, as an employment counsellor, career advisor, human resources professional, or similar role.
Submission of a current resume.
A two to three page double spaced letter of application stating your career goals and indicating how your education and experience to date have prepared you for entry into the program. The letter should also include verifiable details of any volunteer experience.
- Please use the following questions to complete the letter of application:
  - Why are you interested in this program?
  - Why are you a strong candidate for this program?
  - What personal and/or life experience have impacted your decision to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of career development?
  - What are your long-term career goals?

Note regarding admission requirements:

Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this at a reduced fee through the college by completing the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form, or through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.
Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Preference will be given to candidates who have:
- Post-secondary subjects in human development, psychology, and/or sociology.
- Previous paid or voluntary experience in a related field such as career/employment counselling, human resources, and/or life skills coaching.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To apply for the Graduate Certificate - Career Development Professional (0869) program at Conestoga College, you must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

IELTS Academic: 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL: 88 (Effective January 2024, no individual skill less than 22)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!