Diversity certification is a professional credential that verifies you have the knowledge and applied skill to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion work in an organization. Accredited programs combine coursework, assessment, and practical application, then award a credential you can use professionally.
This guide explains how diversity certification works, who it is for, what accreditation actually means, and how to choose a program — then points you to the certification options available to you.
As someone committed to this work, you know how difficult it is to receive the credit you deserve as a chief diversity officer, diversity manager, or diversity champion. The lack of organizational commitment is difficult enough, but to assume that you lack credibility based on your role is disheartening at best. We know that you deserve a place on the leadership team, helping leaders consider cultural diversity every step of the way.
But too many professionals just don’t get it.
Credentials help. What really helps is knowing how to successfully navigate the treacherous terrain of cultural diversity leadership — including strategies for onboarding the leadership and demonstrating your value as an expert. We are committed to making this happen for you.
The first diversity certification credentialing program was offered in 1998 by cultural cognitive psychologist Billy Vaughn, Ph.D. The credentials were offered through Diversity Training University International (DTUI.com) in response to the increasing demand for cultural diversity expertise. Our goal is to train competent professionals and practitioners — providing you with state-of-the-art curricula and expertise. Our instructors are also successful practitioners.
“We are now the first to offer accredited courses and programs.”
One definition emphasizes assessing knowledge about practices in the diversity profession. The focus is on verifying an individual’s understanding and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace or community. Passing a test plays a prominent role in this approach, which emphasizes developing knowledge specific to what is covered in the exam.
The other definition focuses on training strategic approaches and applying well-tested techniques to effectively change organizations to make them more inclusive, equitable, and productive. The emphasis is on developing competence to apply what has been learned. Successfully meeting criteria on application assignments is used to assess competency.
Diversity Certification Academy’s diversity certification model trains application skills, which is consistent with the second approach.
Diversity & Inclusion Certification refers to “professional credential training designed to develop the competencies needed to propel a career in consulting, training, managing, and leading cultural diversity and inclusion” (Diversity Officer Magazine). Cultural diversity certification training prepares the practitioner to competently serve in leadership roles, such as chief diversity officer (CDO), Vice President of Diversity, Chief Diversity Executive (CDE), and diversity manager (CDP-M).
Several cultural diversity certification training program models are on the market. A quality training program provides the novice with a solid foundation and raises the bar for seasoned professionals. Quality is the most important thing to consider, but the format and training model differences cannot be ignored — the same credential can be earned through self-paced online courses or instructor-led classroom courses, and it is worth weighing a certification against a master's degree before you commit.
Completing a diversity certification program offers professional and personal benefits, such as:
Demonstrating a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace or community.
Enhancing your understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences — helping you work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, especially in leadership roles.
Increasing your credibility as a diversity and inclusion professional, advocate, or leader.
Improving your ability to identify and address barriers to inclusion, equity, and belonging.
Meeting requirements for certain job roles or contracts that require diversity, inclusion, and equity expertise or certification.
Developing a change strategy to shift an organization’s culture.
Onboarding the leadership effectively to your strategy and plan.
Overall, a diversity certification program will help you develop the awareness, attitude, skills, and knowledge needed to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.
As a certified diversity professional, you can:
Diversity Certification Academy is an accredited organization offering professional development programs designed to train managers and senior leaders in the awareness, attitude, skills, and knowledge needed to lead diverse and inclusive organizations. Diversity Certification Academy programs uniquely focus on organizational development, diversity and inclusion strategy, training, recruitment, and inclusion competence.
Programs are intensive and immersive, and may involve a combination of in-person or virtual training sessions, executive coaching, and experiential learning opportunities. Instructors must also be practitioners so they can bring applied experience into the courses.
It is the only free-standing accredited organization that offers diversity certification credentialing.
The only free-standing accredited organization offering diversity certification credentialing.
Uniquely focuses on organizational development, D&I strategy, training, recruitment, and inclusion competence.
Intensive programs combining in-person or virtual sessions, executive coaching, and experiential learning.
Instructors must also be practitioners, bringing applied experience directly into the courses.
Yes, we are honored to say. Accreditation ensures that the training meets instructional design and delivery criteria to meet learners’ expectations. You can be certain that our training programs are of the highest quality — see the full accreditation details.
Diversity Certification Academy operates under Diversity Training University International (DTUI.com), which is accredited by the International Association of Continuing Education & Training (IACET) accrediting body.
Review the IACET Accreditation Criteria and Standards to ensure your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
Complete the IACET application and submit the required documentation and fees.
Participate in an on-site review or virtual review by an IACET representative.
Implement any necessary improvements based on the review findings.
Maintain compliance with the IACET Accreditation Criteria and Standards through ongoing reporting and monitoring.
Whether the credential is worth it, how long it takes, what it costs, and which one fits your role — all of it is answered in one place. Choosing between providers? Read how to choose a diversity certification.
Read the Diversity Certification FAQNow that you know what the credential involves, the next step is choosing the one that matches the role you want. Every accredited program, its curriculum and its start dates are on the main diversity certification page.
Want to learn more? Join one of our no-pressure Q&A sessions and reserve your seat today.
Please do not hesitate to contact us. We know that this is an important decision.
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