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, which includes 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. That means providing you with state-of-the-art curricula and expertise. Our instructors are also successful practitioners. Want to learn more information about how we started the diversity certification movement and who we are? Go to the About Us page.
We are now the first to offer accredited courses and programs.
Diversity certification is defined in two ways. 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 is play 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.
The exact requirements and criteria for obtaining a diversity certification from one certification organization to another.
DELA’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).
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. The comprehensive, well-designed credentialing program offers a body of knowledge based on (a) publications by thought leaders in the field, (b) evidenced-based techniques and tools, (c) a strategic cultural diversity and inclusion framework, (d) leadership competence, and (e) coaching/training skills. Quality is the most important thing to consider, but the format and training model differences cannot be ignored to avoid a mismatch that can derail your best efforts to get credentials.
Completing a diversity certification program offers professional and personal benefits, such as:
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:
Overall, as a certified diversity professional, you will have the expertise to support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in a variety of organizations and settings.
Diversity Executive Leadership Academy (DELA) is an accredited organization that offers professional development programs designed to train managers and senior leaders in the awareness, attitude, skills, and knowledge needed to lead diverse and inclusive organizations. DELA programs uniquely focus on organizational development, diversity and inclusion strategy, training, recruitment, and inclusion competence to develop inclusive, equitable workplaces.
DELA programs are typically intensive and immersive, and they may involve a combination of in-person or virtual training sessions, executive coaching, and experiential learning opportunities. The goal of these programs is to equip executives to effectively lead organizations that are increasingly diverse and global in nature.
DELA program instructors must also be practitioners so that they can bring applied experience into the courses. Companies also offer DELA programs internally as part of their own initiatives.
It is the only free-standing accredited organization that offers diversity certification credentialing.
Yes, we are honored to say. Accreditation ensures that the training meets instructional design and delivery criteria to meet learners' expectations. When considering a diversity certification program, it's important to research the accrediting organization and the specific requirements and curriculum of the program to ensure that it meets your needs and aligns with your career goals. You can be certain that our training programs are the highest of quality.
DELA under Diversity Training University International (DTUI.com). DTUI.com is accredited by the International Association of Continuing Education & Training (IACET) accrediting body.
To obtain IACET accreditation, an organization must the following steps:
Please note that the specific requirements and process may vary depending on the type of organization seeking accreditation (e.g. educational institution, corporate training provider, government agency, etc.).