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Top 11 Job Developer Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 19 min read

Certifications are important for job developers because they can demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certified job developers have a higher level of credibility and trustworthiness, which can be beneficial when working with employers or job seekers. Certifications also show that the job developer has gone through rigorous training and is knowledgeable about current best practices in the industry. This can help to establish their reputation as an expert in their field and give them an edge when competing for jobs or client contracts. Additionally, certifications provide continuing education opportunities that can keep job developers up-to-date with industry trends and changes, allowing them to provide better services to their clients.

This article reviews the top certifications for Job Developers and explains how they can contribute to a job developer's career by providing insight into the benefits of pursuing these certifications.

What are Job Developer Certifications?

Job developer certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals for their expertise in creating and managing job development initiatives. Job developers are responsible for helping individuals find employment by researching and developing job leads, providing career counseling, and facilitating the placement of applicants into positions. With job developer certification, employers can be sure that their job developers possess the necessary skills to successfully help applicants find employment.

The certification process requires successful completion of a comprehensive course of study that covers such topics as job search strategies, interviewing techniques, resume writing, networking best practices, career planning, and labor market analysis. Job developers who earn the certification also have access to ongoing education and support from professional organizations like the National Career Development Association (NCDA).

Job developer certification provides numerous benefits to employers and job seekers alike. By ensuring that job developers possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assist individuals in finding employment, employers can rest assured that they will receive quality services from those they hire. Additionally, having a certified job developer on staff gives employers greater confidence when making hiring decisions as they know that their employees have received specialized training in job development initiatives.

For individuals seeking jobs, working with a certified job developer can provide them with an advantage over other applicants due to their expertise in career counseling and guidance. A certified job developer can help an individual create an effective resume or cover letter tailored to specific positions or industries. They also may be able to provide valuable advice on how to network with potential employers or how best to showcase an applicant’s skills during interviews. Ultimately, working with a certified job developer can give individuals better chances of finding employment more quickly than if they were searching alone.

Pro Tip: Consider obtaining a job developer certification to demonstrate your commitment to providing quality services and professional development in the job development field. Certification can help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge when applying for jobs.

Related: What does a Job Developer do?

Top 11 Job Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Job Developers today.

1. Certified Professional Job Developer (CPJD)

Certified Professional Job Developer (CPJD) is a certification program designed to help job developers, recruiters, and career counselors develop the skills needed to effectively assist job seekers in their search for employment. The CPJD certification is offered by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP).

The CPJD certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in workforce development or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing techniques, networking, and job placement services.

It typically takes about four months to complete the CPJD certification process. Candidates must first submit an application and pay a fee of $125. After submitting the application, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online study materials and take the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will be issued a certificate that is valid for two years.

The cost of obtaining the CPJD certification varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in-person. Online courses typically cost between $400-$500 while in-person classes can range from $1,000-$2,000.

2. Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP)

Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Career Development Association (NCDA). The CCSP credential recognizes professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide career services.

The CCSP certification process consists of two parts: an online application and an in-person assessment. The online application includes a review of your professional experience, education, and training related to career services. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by NCDA staff to determine if you meet the requirements for certification.

If approved, you will be invited to take the in-person assessment. The assessment consists of a written exam and several practical exercises designed to evaluate your understanding of career development theory, practice, and research. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will receive your CCSP credential.

The entire process typically takes about four months from start to finish. The cost for the certification is $400 for NCDA members or $550 for non-members.

3. Certified Employment Specialist (CES)

Certified Employment Specialist (CES) is a professional certification program designed to provide employment professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve job seekers, employers, and other stakeholders in today’s competitive job market. The CES certification is awarded by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP).

The Certified Employment Specialist program consists of two components: a comprehensive online course and an exam. The online course provides comprehensive training on topics such as job search strategies, interviewing techniques, resume writing, career development counseling, labor market trends, and more. Upon completion of the coursework, applicants must pass an exam to become certified.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete. It begins with submitting an application for the certification program along with payment of the required fees. Once accepted into the program, applicants can begin taking the online course at their own pace. After completing all coursework requirements, applicants must take a proctored exam at a designated testing center in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the Certified Employment Specialist program varies depending on whether you are taking it as part of your degree or certificate program or if you are taking it independently. Generally speaking, independent students should expect to pay around $1,000 for tuition and fees associated with the program. This fee includes access to all course materials as well as registration for the proctored exam.

4. Certified Job Search Strategist (CJSS)

Certified Job Search Strategist (CJSS) is a professional certification program designed to help job seekers develop the skills and strategies needed to successfully navigate the job search process. The CJSS program is offered by Career Thought Leaders Consortium, an international organization of career professionals.

The CJSS program consists of two parts: an online self-paced course and a live virtual workshop. The online self-paced course covers topics such as resume writing, networking, interviewing, and social media for job search. The live virtual workshop is designed to provide participants with personalized coaching on how to apply their knowledge from the online course in their own job search.

It takes approximately 8 weeks to complete the CJSS program. Participants must complete all components of the program within 12 months of registration in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CJSS, individuals must register for the program through Career Thought Leaders Consortium's website and pay a fee of $495 USD. Upon successful completion of all components of the program, participants will receive their official certificate and digital badge which can be displayed on their LinkedIn profile or other websites.

5. Professional in Human Resources – Job Developer Certification (PHR-JD)

The Professional in Human Resources – Job Developer Certification (PHR-JD) is a certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize HR professionals who have demonstrated a mastery of job development skills, knowledge and abilities. The PHR-JD certification provides evidence that an individual has achieved a level of competency in job development that is recognized by employers and other organizations.

The PHR-JD certification requires applicants to pass an exam administered by HRCI. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as job analysis, recruitment strategies, interviewing techniques, labor market trends, employee selection methods and more. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in human resources or related fields.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $395 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their PHR-JD certification within four to six weeks. Once certified, individuals may use the PHR-JD designation after their name on official documents and resumes. Additionally, they may be eligible for certain discounts on HRCI products and services.

6. Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP)

Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of those who work in the field of workforce development. The CWDP credential is awarded by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) and recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of competency in the areas of job training, career counseling, employment services, and labor market information.

To become certified as a CWDP, individuals must have at least three years of full-time experience in workforce development or related fields. They must also complete an online application and pass an exam that covers topics such as job analysis, career planning, program evaluation, and labor market trends. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their official CWDP certificate.

The cost for the CWDP certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with NAWDP. For non-members, it costs $250 plus a $50 application fee; for members it costs $200 plus a $50 application fee. It generally takes 4-6 weeks to receive your certificate after passing the exam.

7. Certified Talent Acquisition Specialist (CTAS)

A Certified Talent Acquisition Specialist (CTAS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of talent acquisition. The CTAS certification is offered by the Association for Talent Acquisition Professionals (ATAP).

The CTAS certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new employees. It covers topics such as talent acquisition strategies, recruiting metrics, candidate sourcing techniques, and applicant tracking systems. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that consists of multiple-choice questions.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CTAS certification process from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete the online application form, pay the application fee, and study for the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate in the mail.

The cost of obtaining a CTAS certification varies depending on whether you are an ATAP member or non-member. For ATAP members, it costs $295 USD; for non-members it costs $495 USD.

8. National Association of Workforce Development Professionals – Job Developer Certification (NAWDP-JD)

The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals-Job Developer Certification (NAWDP-JD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of job developers who work in the field of workforce development. The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a mastery of job development principles, practices, and techniques.

To become certified as a NAWDP-JD, applicants must meet the following criteria: have at least two years of experience in job development, complete an approved training program, pass an examination administered by NAWDP, and maintain continuing education requirements. It typically takes six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification.

Applicants can begin the process by completing an online application form and submitting it along with a fee of $200. Upon approval of the application, applicants will receive access to the online training course materials and exam preparation resources. After completing the training course and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, applicants will be awarded their NAWDP-JD certification.

The cost for this certification includes the $200 application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or attending any required trainings. The cost may vary depending on where you take your courses or exams and what type of materials you use for study purposes.

9. International Association of Career Coaches – Job Developer Certification (IACCC-JD)

The International Association of Career Coaches – Job Developer Certification (IACCC-JD) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of job development. This certification is offered by the National Career Development Association (NCDA). It is designed to help job developers build their skills and knowledge in order to better serve their clients.

The IACCC-JD certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience as a job developer, or equivalent experience in related fields such as career counseling, human resources, workforce development, or employment services. Applicants must also complete an application form and submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.

The IACCC-JD certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish. The first step is completing the application form and submitting the required documentation. Once your application has been approved, you will be asked to take an online assessment that covers topics such as job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing techniques, labor market trends, and more. After successfully completing the assessment, you will receive your IACCC-JD certificate.

The cost for the IACCC-JD certification varies depending on whether you are a member of NCDA or not. For members of NCDA, the cost is $200; for non-members it is $250.

10. American Staffing Association – Job Developer Certification (ASA-JD)

The American Staffing Association's Job Developer Certification (ASA-JD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of job developers in the staffing industry. It is the only national certification program specifically for job developers.

The ASA-JD certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of job development principles, practices, and strategies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as recruitment, interviewing, placement, and retention. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in job development or staffing services.

It typically takes about four to six weeks to receive your ASA-JD certification after passing the exam. The cost of the exam is $175 for members of the American Staffing Association and $275 for non-members.

To become certified as a Job Developer through ASA-JD, you must first register with the American Staffing Association by completing an application form and paying the applicable fee. After registering, you will be sent a study guide to help you prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your preparation and feel ready to take the test, you can schedule an appointment with a proctor at a testing center near you. Upon passing the test, you will be awarded your ASA-JD certification.

11. Association of Career Professionals International – Job Developer Certification (ACPI-JD).

The Association of Career Professionals International (ACPI) Job Developer Certification (JD) is an industry-recognized certification program that provides job developers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assist individuals in their transition from unemployment to employment. This certification is designed for professionals who are involved in career development, job search, and placement services. The program focuses on teaching job developers how to develop effective strategies for helping clients find meaningful employment opportunities.

The ACPI-JD certification takes approximately six months to complete. It consists of five modules that cover topics such as career counseling, resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, and networking. After completing the modules, applicants must pass a written exam before being certified as a Job Developer.

To get the ACPI-JD certification, applicants must first become a member of the Association of Career Professionals International (ACPI). Applicants must then submit an application and pay a fee of $200 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be provided with access to all five modules which can be completed online or through self-study materials.

Once all five modules have been completed and passed with a minimum score of 70%, applicants must take and pass the written exam with a minimum score of 80%. Upon successful completion of both requirements, applicants will receive their official ACPI-JD certification. The cost for this certification is $200 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam.

Do You Really Need a Job Developer Certificate?

A job developer certificate is not necessary to become a successful job developer. However, it can be beneficial for those looking to enter the field. A job developer certificate program can provide an individual with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively develop jobs and help individuals find employment.

The main benefit of a job developer certificate is that it provides employers with evidence that the applicant has been trained in certain areas related to job development, such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, networking, and other important skills. It also demonstrates to employers that the applicant has taken initiative by completing a course or program specifically designed for job developers. The certificate may also give employers confidence in hiring someone who was certified by an accredited institution or organization.

Having a certificate may also help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs as a job developer. As many employers are now becoming more conscious of their hiring practices, having certification may make one’s resume more attractive than those without certification. Additionally, having a certificate allows potential employers to recognize an individual’s commitment to the profession and dedication towards helping others find employment opportunities.

In conclusion, while a job developer certificate is not required to become successful at this profession, it can provide an individual with additional qualifications that demonstrate their knowledge and commitment towards the profession. Having a certification may also make one’s resume more attractive to potential employers and allow the employer to have more confidence in hiring them over other applicants without certification.

Related: Job Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Job Developer Certifications

1. What is a Job Developer Certification?

Answer: A Job Developer Certification is an accreditation that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and skills in helping individuals find meaningful employment opportunities. It typically requires the completion of a formal training program and/or passing an exam.

2. How do I become certified as a Job Developer?

Answer: To become certified as a Job Developer, you must complete a formal training program and/or pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in helping individuals find meaningful employment opportunities.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining Job Developer Certification?

Answer: Obtaining Job Developer Certification can help professionals demonstrate their qualifications to employers, increase their earning potential, advance their career opportunities, and gain recognition within the industry.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Job Developer?

Answer: Depending on the certification program, there may be some prerequisites such as having prior job development experience or completing other related courses or trainings. It is important to research different programs to ensure you meet all requirements before enrolling in one.

5. How long does it take to obtain a Job Developer Certification?

Answer: The amount of time needed to obtain a Job Developer Certification varies depending on the program chosen and individual circumstances; however, most certifications take between six months to one year to complete depending on the type of credential desired and individual effort put forth during the certification process.

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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