About the CWDP

NAWDP developed the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential using technically sound research based on the job requirements of a wide range of workforce development roles. The results have been validated by professionals across the nation in a variety of workforce settings as representative of the skills and competencies required for success in the industry.

NAWDP began awarding the CWDP credential in 1999, and continues to review and improve its credentialing process.  The CWDP designation offers recipients a nationally recognized and portable credential accepted as a valuable measurement tool by nearly 8 in 10 of those making hiring, promotion, salary and bonus decisions.

 The CWDP designation is valid for three (3) years from the date of award, and credential holders must apply for re-certification prior to the date of expiration.

As soon as you are certified, you should begin collecting the information you will need for re-certification.

Certification Requirements

Anyone considering applying for the CWDP must begin by taking the following steps: 

Step 1.  Watch the Tips and Strategies for Applying for the CWDP Webinar. This Webinar provides hints and practical advice for completing your application. Individuals who participate in this Webinar have a higher success rate with their application than those who do not. A recorded version of the webinar is available below.  NOTE: The webinar says to mail the application, references and employment verification forms but all of this is done electronically now. Instructions and forms are found under Begin Your CWDP Application.

Step 2.  Complete a CWDP Self-Assessment. The self-assessment is a tool for you to determine how your experience aligns with the CWDP credential criteria. It is designed to help you understand what skills you might want to brush up on prior to pursuing the credential.  Click HERE to access the Self-Assessment.

Step 3.  Review the CWDP Requirements. Click HERE to access a complete list of requirements.

For questions or assistance, send an email to info@nawdp.org.

Endorsements

For professionals who have already earned the CWDP, NAWDP offers four (4) stackable credentials, or Endorsements, which attest to a higher level of specialized skills, including: Business Services; Job Seeker Solutions; Management Services; and Youth Services.  For more information or to apply for an Endorsement, click here. 

Re-certification

To ensure that credential holders maintain their skills and expand their base of knowledge and expertise, the CWDP credential must be renewed every three (3) years.  

Re-certification applications must be submitted prior to the CWDP expiration date. NAWDP offers a thirty (30) day grace period for those needing additional time to complete their re-certification paperwork.  However, CWDP certifications become inactive after that 30-day period.

If the CWDP credential holder has not been awarded recertification within one-year of its expiration date, the initial certification application process must be followed in order to renew the CWDP designation.

 The Recertification application is available for download here.  Once you have completed all the required fields, please scan it and save to your computer. Then upload the PDF file and submit through the Submit my Recertification Application. (NOTE: applications mailed will not be reviewed).

Important: Complete the Payment Form in the packet so we know if you are paying by check, money order or credit card.  Credit Card transactions may be completed on-line and Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to NAWDP and mailed to:

National Association of Workforce Development Professionals

408 Washington Ave., Suite 102A, West Plains, MO 65775

Fees

The cost of certification for NAWDP members is $75.00.  Click here for information on re-certification, endorsement and non-member fees.   

Deadlines

You may submit your CWDP application and any required supporting documentation for the CWDP at any time.  Paper applications will no longer be accepted. The application process can now be completed on-line. All applications received in any given month will begin the review process on the first day of the following month. All supporting documents for the application, including payment for membership and certification application fees, must be received before the application will continue in the review process. 

The review process typically takes an average of 45 days once your application enters the review process , and applicants will be notified as soon as reasonably practicable after a decision has been made. All applications start the review cycle in the order they are submitted and any request to expedite an application will be denied. To inquire about the status of your application, or for other questions, please contact us at david@nawdp.org.   

Ready to Start Your Application?

Once you have completely reviewed the information above you should be ready to start your application. Begin now.