-

Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF®)

The Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) credential was developed by CCE, in collaboration with the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee in the mid-1990s. The GCDF U.S. credentialing program was launched in the United States in 1997 and is the first and most notable national credential in the field of career development.

The program was originally known as the Career Development Facilitator (CDF™). As the credential became more recognized domestically, acceptance abroad became prevalent. In 2001, the CDF was renamed the GCDF to illustrate its global expansion with its first international partner in Japan.

Begin your GCDF application today; visit the Credentialing Gateway to get started!

Apply for GCDF
Profile picture of Gloria L. Hess

My career has most definately benefited from the credentials issued by CCE... GCDF gave me an additional boost of credibility with prospective clients as I officially launched my private pratice in career coaching and services.

Gloria L. Hess
MS, BCC, GCDF, CCSP

Career Development

Since its inception, the GCDF has had a significant impact on the field of career development:

  • More than 14,000 individuals have been credentialed as a GCDF in the U.S.
  • More than 30,000 have been credentialed as a GCDF globally in 23 different countries.

States that recognize the GCDF for professional career advancement or employment:

Maryland

Michigan

North Carolina

South Carolina

Tennessee

Wisconsin

Credential Requirements

To be eligible for a GCDF credential, there are specific thresholds that you must meet:

  1. You must complete a required amount of supervised career development experience commensurate with your level of education.
  2. You must complete a 120-hour (minimum) comprehensive training of the 12 GCDF core competencies using an approved curriculum.
  3. You must commit to abide by the GCDF Code of Ethics.

GCDF Training

There are 13 approved curriculum providers that meet the standards for the GCDF 120-hour (minimum) training requirement that offer a variety of methods of learning for those who wish to become a GCDF.

View Training Providers

More Information

For more information about becoming a GCDF, about receiving your initial training, and about renewing your credential is easily accessible through the navigation menu at left.

Have Questions? Call +1 336-482-2856 or Send a Message

Complete Captcha

The information provided by the Center for Credentialing & Education, Inc. (CCE), on the cce-global.org website (site) is for general information purposes only. CCE makes significant efforts to maintain current and accurate information on this site. We are not responsible for any information concerning CCE or our programs, services, or activities that is published or displayed on any third-party website(s). These websites are maintained by third parties over which we exercise no control, and for which we have no responsibility. Individuals should verify any information obtained from third-party sources by referring to our official site or contacting our customer service team directly.

Copyright ©2026 Center for Credentialing & Education | All rights reserved.