CWDP Requirements
To be eligible for the Certified Workforce Development Professional® (CWDP), applicants must meet all four certification requirements outlined below. These criteria ensure that each CWDP demonstrates the knowledge, experience, and commitment essential to excellence in the workforce development field.
Meet the Minimum Education and Recent Work Experience
- Applicants must have a minimum education level of a High School Diploma or GED
- Applicants meet the recent work experience requirement with 12 months of full-time experience in the past 24 months, or with verified part-time workforce development experience if full-time criteria aren’t met
Demonstrate Your Skills in the 5 Competency Areas
Applicants must show competency knowledge in the 5 Competencies by choosing ONE of the following options:
Option 1: Complete one of the following approved training courses:
- Dynamic Works Institute 5 Core Competency Course
- TAD Grants Workforce and Career Development Certification Training
- UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Career Advising Specialized Certificate
- PowerNotes LLC
Note: For details on course content or availability, please visit the training provider’s website directly. NAWDP cannot answer provider-specific questions.
Option 2: Complete a Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship (RA). Get more info on how to complete a Registered Apprenticeship
Option 3: NAWDP has partnered with Dynamic Works Institute to develop a 100-question test on the 5 Competencies the CWDP is based on. You must score a minimum of 80% on the exam to be eligible to apply for the CWDP certification. Get more info on the exam
Establish Your Professional Affiliation with NAWDP
You are required to be a paid member of NAWDP and professional affiliation with NAWDP must remain active throughout the duration of your certification. Join/Renew
Agree and Adhere to NAWDP’s Code of Ethics
Applicants must attest that they agree to adhere to the NAWDP Code of Professional Ethics and Practices.
Becoming a member of NAWDP has been a truly transformative experience for my professional growth. Through its strong network of workforce development professionals, I’ve gained access to valuable insights, best practices, and innovative strategies that have directly enhanced the impact of my work.
— Robert Ingram, WorkSource DeKalb
NAWDP has been a catalyst for my professional evolution, providing deep insights into workforce legislation and an irreplaceable network of passionate experts. My election to the Region 5 Board of Directors allows me to leverage this expertise to represent my region and drive meaningful change from the inside out.
— Shannon Johnson, St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment
NAWDP has helped me find tools and ideas I could bring back to better support my community. Through those connections, I’ve learned how to build stronger relationships with local businesses, design programs that actually reach people who need them most, and better use the strengths of our board. It’s given me a way to not just improve my own work, but help others do the same.
— Ryan Kounovsky, Lane Workforce Partnership
Earning my Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential has not only provided access to valuable training opportunities but also given me the confidence to actively connect with and expand my professional network within the workforce development community. This certification has enhanced my credibility and professional recognition, positioning me as a trusted expert among the clients I serve and strengthening my ability to make a meaningful impact in their career development.
— Wynnie Iga-Lwalanda, ZIL Career Avenue LLC
Earning my CWDP credential provided formal recognition of my experience and expertise, which has enhanced my credibility with both colleagues and business partners. NAWDP continues to be a valuable resource as I lead collaborative workforce initiatives and strive to create lasting impact in my community.
— Dana Sheldon, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
It is my belief that when you can validate the “what you think to be true” with a credential, that you truly are able to do your job better each and every day. This could not be more true for the CWDP. The validation that I received going through this process allows me to be confident in all settings when talking about workforce development.
— Todd Nielsen, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
A layer of trust is added to prove my expertise in the industry. A Workforce Developer with this credential is one who has proven their willingness to participate in personal and professional development, and they are abreast of industry trends in real-time. My CWDP allows me to proudly display my commitment to my profession.
— Reese Broadnax, SWAPDD, Inc.
I earned my CWDP in 2020 and recently renewed my certification. I decided to earn my CWDP because I wanted to expand my knowledge of the workforce system and strengthen my skills in the key areas of business engagement and customer service methodology.
— Janna Taylor, LHRDI
I decided to earn my CWDP in 2015. I thought it was the best way to demonstrate my understanding of the market and the work that I was doing.
— Jason George, Lightcast
Becoming a CWDP has helped establish my place in the workforce development landscape. It has given me access and authority in different circles, and it provides me with more confidence as an advocate for my staff and participants.
— Erica Davis, Gamm, Incorporated
Membership with NAWDP has been instrumental in maintaining awareness of emerging workforce trends, updates, and best practices. The opportunity to attend this year’s virtual conference further enriched an already exceptional professional resource.
— Dr. Nypheteria Clophus
NAWDP membership has been instrumental in my professional growth. The access to high-quality training, timely industry insights, and a national network of peers has helped me stay ahead of emerging workforce trends.
— Dana Sheldon, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
In a fast-changing environment, having a centralized space dedicated to elevating, informing, and connecting practitioners is essential. Continued education, access to timely and relevant resources, and opportunities to learn from our peers are critical to staying effective and forward-thinking. That’s exactly what NAWDP provides, making it an incredibly valuable resource for our team and the broader workforce development community.
— Ashley Espinoza, Lane Workforce Partnership
Being part of the NAWDP community has strengthened my ability to empower others by building connections, sharing resources, and amplifying local voices. Through a shared purpose, NAWDP inspires me to encourage leadership, self‑advocacy, and long‑term growth.
— Erica Davis, Gamm, Incorporated
NAWDP membership has provided numerous invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development opportunities that I would not otherwise have had access to. Experiencing all of these benefits in person at the 2025 NAWDP Conference reinvigorated my passion for the work I do.
— Jenn Adams, State of Missouri
NAWDP has helped me quickly build a foundation in workforce development and connect with a community that’s eager to support and share knowledge.
— Sarah Martino, American Society of Safety Professionals
CWDP Certification Application Process
NOTE: All items must be completed for your submission to be considered.
STEP 1:
Complete the CWDP Application Form
Complete your CWDP application by clicking the link below. During the application process, you must submit supporting documentation. Supporting documentation includes a certificate for one of the three options that demonstrate your skills in the 5 competencies. Please note that supporting documentation should be compiled into one single PDF file.
STEP 2:
Pay CWDP Certification Application Fee
You will be prompted for payment of the $125 CWDP application fee during your application process. Credit Card transactions may be completed online, and Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to NAWDP and mailed to the address on the bottom of the invoice. Your application will not be reviewed until payment is processed. *Application fee is non-refundable.
STEP 3:
Submit Employment Verification Form
Have an Employment Verification Form completed by a representative of your current or former employer and submitted to prove you have a minimum of 12 months experience as a workforce development professional in the last 24 months prior to the date of your CWDP Application. This may include current and former employers to meet the requirement.
CWDP Application Review Cycle
CWDP® applications are reviewed monthly and processed in the order they are received.
- Submission: Applications may be submitted at any time.
- Review Start: Reviews begin on the first day of the month following submission.
Example: An application submitted in September will enter review on October 1. - Documentation & CWDP Application Fees: Applicants will be notified if any documentation is missing or if the application fee has not been processed. To ensure timely review, all required documentation and fees must be submitted by the 10th of each month.
Example: For an October review cycle, all documentation and fees must be received by November 10. - Final Decision: Final application status will be communicated within 45 days of the start of the review cycle, provided all materials are complete.
Example: Applications reviewed beginning October 1 with complete documentation by November 10 will receive a final decision by November 15.
Applications that are incomplete by the documentation deadline will be deferred to the next review cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have additional questions about eligibility requirements or the application process? Review our Certification Frequently Asked Questions
Become a Member Today
Join NAWDP to connect with a national network of workforce development professionals committed to excellence. Membership gives you access to training, certifications, and resources that strengthen your expertise and impact.