The 120-hour FCD Training and Certification Program is a competency-based program, leading to national certification and optional undergraduate or graduate credit from an accredited university. The FCD Training Program is endorsed by:

1. National Association of Workforce Development Professionals

2. National Career Development Association

3. National Employment Counseling Association

A Facilitator of Career Development performs specific kinds of tasks that help clients learn more about themselves, learn about jobs, and make career choices and plans.

 The FCD curriculum consists of the following 12 competencies:

1. Be proficient in the basis career facilitating process while maintaining productive interpersonal relationships

2. Recognize special needs of various groups and adapt services to meet their needs

3. Follow FCD code of ethics and know current legislative regulations

4. Accept suggestions for performance improvement from consultants or supervisors

5. Understand career development theories, models, and techniques as they apply to lifelong development, gender, age, and ethnic background

6. Comprehend and use (under supervision) both formal and informal career development assessments with emphasis on relating appropriate career development assessments to the population served

7. Understand labor market and occupational information and trends while using current resources

8. Comprehend and use career development computer applications

9. Know job search strategies and placement techniques, especially in work with specific groups

10. Prepare and develop materials for training programs and presentations

11. Understand programs and their implementation and work as a liaison in collaborative relationships

12. Market and promote career development programs with staff and supervisors

The field of career development is growing and so is the demand for trained personnel. The FCD Training Program is designed for individuals who work with clients or students in:

• Michigan Works! Service Centers

• K-12 School Systems

• Community Colleges

• Community-Based Organizations

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• Business and Industry Human Resources

• Career Resource Centers

• Eligibility for the CCSP (Certified Career Services Provider) credential

• Eligibility for GCDF (Global Career Development Facilitator) credential

• Enhanced skills and knowledge applied immediately to the job

  • Career development processes, including assessment activities and career assessment resources

  • Continuous program improvements to enhance longer placement times

  • Awareness and use of career development computer applications

  • Awareness of job search strategies and placement techniques

  • Identification of resources and approaches for diverse students/clients including youth programs, ex-offenders, clients with disabilities and other barriers to employment

  • Proficiency in the career facilitating process

  • Prepare and develop materials for training programs and presentations

• Interact and learn with other professionals in similar positions

• Instruction from certified master trainers with a focus on applied learning

This FCD Training and Certification Program will include 30 hours of on-site or online face-to-face training and the remaining hours will utilize textbook and online assignments developed by the National Career Development Association.

Students will need the following computer equipment available at home or work to complete the off-site portion of the program:

• A computer with Internet access, a webcamera and audio (most laptops have this equipment)

• An email account

• A printer

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)

• Ability to read and write using the Word program

• Ability to scan multiple-page documents and save as .pdf files – several apps available for this

In addition to scheduled sessions, participants should plan for approximately 6–8 hours of outside work each week, including projects, homework, and communication with fellow participants. This combination of coursework and hands-on application is designed to help you build practical skills you can confidently use in your career development work.

Applicants must complete this Career Development Facilitator course and apply to the National Career Development Association certification board. This credential is competency based, so applicants must complete case studies that prove competency in the topics of the training. Practitioners interested in getting started right away are determined through training and case studies to be professional status. There is not a requirement for work history and educational combinations as there is for the GCDF.

 For more information, visit the NCDA Credentialing Commission www.ncdacredentialing.org to learn more.

Education and Work Experience

Applicants must complete this Career Development Facilitator course and have the combination of education and experience listed below to qualify for international certification from CCE.

Combined Education* and Career Development Experience**

Graduate Degree                                1,400 hours (estimated 1 year)

Bachelors Degree                               2,800 hours (estimated 2 years)

Two Years College                             4,200 hours (estimated 3 years)

High School Diploma/GED                 5,600 hours (estimated 4 years)

*You must include documentation for the highest educational level completed. The Center for Credentialing in Education, Inc. (CCE), accepts copies of diplomas, transcripts, or letters of verification from institution registrants or other appropriate officials (may not be instructors). 

**Experience must be obtained after high school education or GED completion. You do not need the education and career development experience to enroll in the course.

For more information, visit https://www.cce-global.org/credentialing/gcdf

Certified Career Counselor (CCC) focuses on counselors. Go to https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/credentials_ccc for more information. Visit the NCDA credential site for details.