Requirements & Application

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:

Note: For details on course content or availability, please visit the training provider’s website directly. NAWDP cannot answer provider-specific questions.

Option 2: 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

CWDP Certification Application Process

NOTE: All items must be completed for your submission to be considered.

STEP 1:
Complete the CWDP Application Form

You can save your progress and resume work as your schedule allows. Once the application form is completed and submitted, you will receive a confirmation email that you have successfully completed the application, along with a PDF of the completed form. NOTE: This does not complete the application submission process.

Start Application

STEP 2:
Submit Supporting Documentation

Upload your supporting documents in the designated file upload spaces on the submission page. You will be prompted for payment for the $125 CWDP Application fee once you submit. *Application fee is non-refundable.

Submit CWDP Application

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.

Submit CWDP Employment Verification Form

CWDP Application Review Cycle

Applications are reviewed monthly in the order they are received. Reviews begin the month following submission (e.g., applications submitted in September begin review in October)

Applicants will be notified if any documentation is missing and final status is communicated within 45 days of the start of the review cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have additional questions about eligibility requirements or the application process? Review our Certification Frequently Asked Questions

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.