Being a creative in a sea of business people, I needed to find a way to build clout in the organization and be seen as an expert. Getting my CDP Certification was a meaningful way to prove my expertise in the design field, plus it helped get me a promotion and raise!
Amanda Parker, CDP
Industry recognition, advancing your career and providing design leadership. Your aspirations supported by an established organization.
CDP™ Certified is the attained standard and signifier licensed to individuals whose services have met a rigorous and professional standard of work and who play a leadership role in the design communications industry.
Becoming CDP™ Certified is a combination of your education, a period of meeting relevant experience requirements, and having your work peer reviewed by the the National Certification Board.
Licensed by DesCan, CDP™ Certification can be obtained by individuals working in the following areas of design communications. International professionals can also apply for CDP™ Certification.
Prospective employers and clients are looking for competency, knowledge, and industry experience. The CDP™ Certified mark indicates your services meet a specific standard and this can influence your professional path.
CDP™ Certified individuals receive the CDP Certified certificate.
CDP™ Certified is a recognized mark of professional design services. The mark also stands for ethical business conduct — Certified individuals are expected to practice the DesCan Code of Ethics and accept the CDP Licensing Agreement. Applicants receive these after their successful peer review.
To show their industry leadership, Certified individuals are asked to share their opinion or experience once a year . This is completed by: mentoring a new designer, hosting a DesCan Business Case event, or publishing an article of their choosing in Design Currency.
Applying for CDP Certification is 3 steps:
1. Download template and build case study PDF
2. Complete form and upload case study PDF
3. Code of Ethics and Certification License
Ensure you qualify for this certification by first reviewing its requirements: Read CDP Certification Requirements
–> Download InDesign template
–> Download XD template
–> Download Figma template
Your submission is then delivered to the National Certification Board for peer review. After the review, Certified applicants are required to accept the DesCan Code of Ethics and CDP Certification License Agreement. You will receive these after the review.
Use of ‘CDP’ letters
Use of CDP Certified logomark
CDP Certified Certificate
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