About the Standards Council
Stewarding Canada’s Career Development Standards
The Standards Council for Canadian Career Development stewards Canada’s professional standards for Career Development Professionals (CDPs). These standards form the foundation for professional practice, ethical conduct, and certification across the career development sector nationwide.
These standards include the Pan-Canadian Competency Framework, the National Competency Profile, the Code of Ethics, and the national competency-based Career Certification Program. The Council works collaboratively with national and provincial partners to ensure these standards remain relevant, accessible, and responsive to evolving practice.
Learn more about the leadership of the Standards Council for Canadian Career Development by meeting the Council Members.
How We Strengthen the Career Development Sector
Sector Consultation & Representation
We consult with associations, educators, employers, CDPs, and other interest holders to ensure that national standards reflect diverse perspectives, lived and living experiences, and emerging sectoral needs.
Promotion of Professionalism & Sector Capacity
We champion certification, professional development, and professional identity across Canada—supporting employers, educators, governments, and CDPs in strengthening the profession.
Collaboration for Sector Strengthening
The Council fosters creative partnerships and collaboration to support coherence, innovation, and shared ownership of national professional standards across Canada.
5 Principles Guiding Our Work
Capacity
Building informed, evidence-based decision-making with expert input.
Diversity
Maximizing representation across regions, identities, roles, and perspectives.
Cohesion & Trust
Speaking with one voice while honouring respectful dialogue.
Accountability
Demonstrating integrity, preparation, and follow-through.
Confidentiality
Protecting deliberations to support open and honest engagement.
Why National Career Development Standards Matter
Canada’s career development sector plays a critical role in economic health, workforce mobility, community wellbeing, and equitable opportunity. National standards help ensure the profession remains credible, consistent, and responsive to change across Canada.