Top 10 Diversity Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for any job market, but they are particularly important for a diversity manager. A certification shows employers that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in their role. It also demonstrates that the individual is committed to ongoing learning and development in order to stay up-to-date on best practices related to diversity management. Additionally, certifications may provide access to a larger network of peers who can provide valuable insight into how to effectively manage a diverse workforce. Lastly, certifications can help a diversity manager stand out from other candidates and demonstrate their expertise in the field.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the value of the top certifications for Diversity Managers, and how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Diversity Manager Certifications?

Diversity manager certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in creating and managing diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. This certification is typically awarded by a third-party organization or institution after the candidate has successfully completed a training program or assessment.

The purpose of diversity manager certification is to equip individuals with the necessary skills to foster inclusion in their workplace. The certification process helps develop knowledge of diversity and inclusion initiatives, cultural competency, effective communication techniques, organizational dynamics, and change management strategies. With this understanding, certified diversity managers are better able to help employers create an environment where all employees feel respected and valued.

Diversity manager certification can help employers create a more diverse workplace by providing them with qualified professionals who understand how to manage teams from different backgrounds effectively. Certified diversity managers have the expertise needed to identify areas of potential discrimination and ensure compliance with legal requirements such as equal opportunity employment laws. Additionally, they can work closely with human resources departments to develop policies that promote inclusivity throughout the organization. Finally, certified diversity managers can be instrumental in helping organizations cultivate an environment where everyone feels respected and included regardless of race, gender identity, religion or other factors.

Pro Tip: When considering a diversity manager certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification and verify that it is accredited by an independent third-party. This will ensure that the certification is trustworthy and of high quality. Additionally, consider if the program offers any continuing education or professional development opportunities to keep your skills up to date.

Related: What does a Diversity Manager do?

Top 10 Diversity Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Diversity Managers today.

1. Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)

Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) is a certification program offered by the National Diversity Council that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of diversity management and its related disciplines. The CDP credential is designed to recognize professionals who have attained a high level of knowledge, experience, and competency in the field of diversity and inclusion.

The CDP certification program consists of three parts: an online assessment, an in-person workshop, and a written examination. The online assessment is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge and skills related to diversity management. The in-person workshop provides participants with an opportunity to learn best practices for managing diversity within their organizations. Finally, the written examination tests an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge of diversity management principles in real-world situations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three parts of the CDP certification program. To get started on the path to becoming certified, individuals must first register for the online assessment at www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org/certification/. Once registered, they will receive access to the online assessment materials as well as instructions on how to complete it.

The cost for the CDP certification program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the National Diversity Council. For non-members, the cost is $1,295; for members, it is $995. This fee covers all three parts of the CDP certification program as well as access to additional resources such as webinars and networking events hosted by the National Diversity Council throughout the year.

2. Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)

Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The CDE program is offered through the Institute for Diversity Certification, which is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in organizations.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive three-part exam that covers topics such as organizational culture, diversity management strategies, and legal issues related to diversity. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of diversity and inclusion best practices by completing a project or portfolio.

The entire process typically takes around 6 months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and any relevant work experience or education they may have related to diversity and inclusion. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to pay an initial fee of $495 USD before they can take the exam.

Once they pass the exam, applicants will receive their official CDE certification from the Institute for Diversity Certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by paying an annual fee of $150 USD.

3. Certified Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner (CDIP)

Certified Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner (CDIP) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to effectively lead diversity and inclusion initiatives in their organization. The CDIP program is administered by the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC), an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification programs for professionals working in the fields of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The CDIP program consists of three core components: a comprehensive online learning course, a hands-on practicum experience, and an online exam. The online learning course covers topics such as cultural competence, organizational change management, communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques and more. The practicum experience requires participants to complete a project related to diversity and inclusion within their organization. Finally, the online exam tests participants’ knowledge of the content covered in both the coursework and practicum experience.

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the CDIP program. To get certified as a CDIP practitioner, you must first register for the program through IDC’s website. Once registered, you will receive access to all of the required materials including the online learning course and practicum project instructions. After completing both components of the program successfully you will be eligible to take the final exam which can be taken at any IDC testing center or remotely via proctoring services.

The cost of becoming a Certified Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD. This fee includes registration fees for both components of the program as well as access to all required materials such as textbooks and study guides.

4. Certified Global Diversity & Inclusion Professional (CGDIP)

Certified Global Diversity & Inclusion Professional (CGDIP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of global diversity and inclusion. The CGDIP certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives in their organization or industry.

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the program. To get certified, applicants must complete three courses: Foundations of Global Diversity & Inclusion, Advanced Strategies for Global Diversity & Inclusion, and Leadership in Global Diversity & Inclusion. After completing these courses, applicants must pass the CGDIP exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost of the program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 - $2,000 for tuition and materials for each course. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $150 for taking the CGDIP exam.

5. SHRM Senior Certified Professional in Diversity and Inclusion (SCP-D&I)

The SHRM Senior Certified Professional in Diversity and Inclusion (SCP-D&I) is a credential offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize HR professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the area of diversity and inclusion. The SCP-D&I credential recognizes those who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and skill in developing, implementing, and managing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to prepare for the SCP-D&I exam. To get the credential, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as legal compliance, organizational culture, recruitment and retention strategies, communication strategies, training methods, assessment tools, evaluation techniques, and implementation plans.

The cost of obtaining the SCP-D&I certification depends on several factors including membership status with SHRM. For non-members it costs $400 for the application fee plus $300 for the exam fee; for members it costs $200 for the application fee plus $300 for the exam fee.

6. International Association of Facilitators' Certificate in Diversity Management (IAF-CDM)

The International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Certificate in Diversity Management (IAF-CDM) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage diversity in the workplace. The IAF-CDM program is based on IAF's Core Competencies for Facilitation, which are grounded in research and best practices from around the world.

The IAF-CDM program consists of two parts: a self-study component and an online assessment. The self-study component includes reading materials, videos, and other resources that cover topics such as cultural competence, communication styles, conflict resolution strategies, and more. The online assessment tests your knowledge of these topics.

The IAF-CDM program takes approximately 8 hours to complete. To get certified, you must successfully complete both the self-study component and the online assessment. Once you have completed both components, you will receive an official IAF Certificate in Diversity Management.

The cost of the IAF-CDM program varies depending on whether or not you are an IAF member. For nonmembers, the cost is $195 USD; for members, it is $145 USD.

7. National Center for Diversity's Certified Diversity Manager Program (NCD-CDM)

The National Center for Diversity’s Certified Diversity Manager Program (NCD-CDM) is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful diversity managers. The program focuses on developing an understanding of diversity management principles, strategies, and best practices. The NCD-CDM program consists of three courses: Foundations of Diversity Management, Advanced Principles of Diversity Management, and Professional Practices in Diversity Management. Each course is offered online and takes approximately 15 hours to complete.

In order to receive the NCD-CDM certification, individuals must successfully complete all three courses within one year. Upon completion of the program, individuals will receive a certificate from the National Center for Diversity acknowledging their achievement.

The cost of the NCD-CDM program varies depending on which format you choose to take it in. The online version costs $595 per person while the classroom version costs $795 per person. Additionally, there are discounts available for groups or organizations that purchase multiple registrations at once.

8. American Society for Training and Development's Advanced Professional Certification in Managing Workplace Diversity (ASTD-APCMWD)

The American Society for Training and Development's Advanced Professional Certification in Managing Workplace Diversity (ASTD-APCMWD) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills needed to create and maintain a diverse workplace. The program provides comprehensive training on diversity management, cultural competency, and organizational change.

The ASTD-APCMWD certification requires applicants to complete five courses: Introduction to Diversity Management, Cultural Competency, Understanding Organizational Change, Leadership in Diversity Management, and Evaluation of Diversity Programs. Each course is completed online at your own pace and can take anywhere from two weeks to six months depending on the individual’s availability.

To become certified, applicants must pass all five courses with a score of 80% or higher. After successfully completing the courses, applicants must submit an application form along with their official transcripts from the ASTD-APCMWD program. Once approved by ASTD-APCMWD staff, applicants will receive their official certificate in the mail.

The cost of the ASTD-APCMWD certification program varies depending on whether you are an ASTD member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,195 USD for all five courses plus any applicable taxes. For members of ASTD, the cost is discounted to $995 USD plus any applicable taxes.

9. Institute for Diversity Certification's Certified Manager of Workforce Diversity (IDC-CMWD)

The Institute for Diversity Certification's Certified Manager of Workforce Diversity (IDC-CMWD) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing and developing a diverse workforce. This certification is designed for professionals working in human resources, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to create a successful, inclusive workplace.

The IDC-CMWD certification requires applicants to pass both a written exam and an interview with an IDC-certified assessor. The written exam covers topics such as diversity management strategies, cultural competency, legal compliance, recruitment and retention strategies, and conflict resolution. The interview assesses the applicant’s knowledge of the material covered on the exam as well as their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for the IDC-CMWD certification. Applicants must first register with the Institute for Diversity Certification before taking the exam or attending an interview. After completing both components successfully, applicants will be awarded their IDC-CMWD certification.

The cost of obtaining the IDC-CMWD certification varies depending on where you live; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This fee covers registration fees, exam fees, assessment fees, and any other associated costs required by the Institute for Diversity Certification.

10. The Global Institute for Leadership Development's Professional Certificate in Managing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion (GILD-PCMWDI).

The Global Institute for Leadership Development's Professional Certificate in Managing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion (GILD-PCMWDI) is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to create an inclusive work environment. The program consists of three modules: Understanding Diversity and Inclusion; Creating an Inclusive Environment; and Leading Change. Each module covers topics such as cultural competency, unconscious bias, diversity management strategies, and creating an inclusive workplace culture.

The GILD-PCMWDI program takes approximately six months to complete. Participants must attend online classes and complete assignments in order to receive their certificate. Participants are also required to take part in group discussions and activities throughout the course.

In order to get the GILD-PCMWDI certificate, participants must first complete all three modules of the program. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from the Global Institute for Leadership Development indicating successful completion of the course.

The cost of the GILD-PCMWDI program varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $1,500 - $2,500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Diversity Manager Certificate?

Diversity managers are increasingly in demand as businesses strive to create a more inclusive workplace. With this increased demand, many professionals are considering whether or not they need a diversity manager certificate.

The answer to this question depends largely on the individual’s career goals and current skill set. For those looking to enter the field of diversity management, having a certified credential can be beneficial. It demonstrates that the individual has taken the time to learn and understand best practices for managing diversity in the workplace. Having a certification may also give someone an edge when it comes to getting hired, as employers often look for candidates who have taken initiative to gain additional knowledge and skills related to their profession.

For those already working in this field, a certification may be less important as they likely have experience with managing diversity in the workplace. However, if they are looking to take on more responsibility or advance their career, obtaining a certification could still be beneficial. For example, having a recognized credential could give them credibility when speaking about diversity issues or applying for higher-level positions within their organization or elsewhere.

Overall, obtaining a diversity manager certificate is not essential for all professionals interested in this field; however, it can be advantageous depending on one’s current level of expertise and future career goals.

Related: Diversity Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Diversity Manager Certifications

1. What is a Diversity Manager Certification?

Answer: A Diversity Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in managing and promoting workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives. This certification covers topics such as cultural competency, organizational development, and management of diversity programs.

2. How do I become certified as a Diversity Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Diversity Manager, you must complete an accredited program or course offered through an organization that specializes in workplace diversity and inclusion training. You may also need to pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject matter.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Diversity Manager?

Answer: Becoming a Certified Diversity Manager can provide many benefits to individuals, organizations, and communities alike. It can increase your credibility in the field, open up new job opportunities, help you gain recognition for your work, and give you access to resources and networking opportunities within the industry.

4. What are some common topics covered in Diversity Manager Certifications?

Answer: Common topics covered in Diversity Manager Certifications include cultural competency, organizational development, understanding legal requirements related to diversity in the workplace, program management skills for diversity initiatives, communication strategies for diverse teams and customers, conflict resolution techniques for diverse groups of people, and more.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Diversity Manager?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Diversity Manager varies depending on the program or course you choose to take. Generally speaking, these certifications range from $500-$3000 USD depending on the duration of study time and number of courses included in the program or certification package.