Career Designations for Career Services Professionals

Professional services such as career coaching and career development have become increasingly popular in recent years. With this growth comes more career services professionals, each with their own unique skills and experiences. Here are some of the most common professional designations for career services practitioners:

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

One career designation that can be obtained through the IAPRW is Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). The CPRW certification demonstrates your expertise in writing, editing and formatting resumes. You will need to pass a test – which is offered online – to become certified.

To qualify for this designation, you must:

• Have three years of full-time experience or five years of part-time experience as a resume writer or editor
• Pass the IAPRW CPRW Exam

Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE)

The Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) credential is a trademark of the National Association of Professional Resume Writers (NAPRW). It is more difficult certification that requires a five week training program and then a course exam. 

Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)

The National Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) certifies professionals in the art of resume writing through the National Resume Writers Association. This certification is considered the highest level of certification in the industry, and it’s a lifetime designation. You must submit a portfolio to demonstrate your proficiency in resume writing.

Certified Career Counselor (CCC)

The Certified Career Couselor (CCC) is a professional designation that requires the applicant to meet specific criteria. The CCC credential covers career coaching and advising, as well as knowledge of job search strategies and other aspects related to careers. To become certified, you must have at least two years’ experience as a career coach or adviser; or 1,000 hours of coaching experience within the past two years; or at least two years of working in human resources or recruitment (e.g., interviewing potential employees).

You must also pass an exam administered by ICF International (formerly known as the Institute for Training and Development), which tests your theoretical knowledge about careers and career counseling and testing tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

Certified Master Career Services (CMCS)

The Certified Master Career Services (CMSC) designation is a higher standard than the CPRW, CARW and NCRW designations. It requires a minimum of 5 years experience as a career coach and completing additional coursework that focuses on advanced coaching concepts.

CMCCs can be found at all levels of the industry from entry-level staff to senior managers within organizations that employ career services professionals.

Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)

The Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP) designation through the National Association of Personnel Services. The organization also provides training and resources to help you succeed in your career as a human resource professional.

CEIPs have a thorough understanding of the ins and outs of employment interviews, which means they can help you land a job with your best foot forward. For example, in regular face-to-face interviews, it’s important to make eye contact with your interviewer and give them positive nonverbal cues like nodding or smiling (this is called active listening). These are things that make up what we call “nonverbal communication,” which includes everything from hand gestures to facial expressions and body language—and it’s an important element of any interview process!

Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC)

The Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) designation is a professional credential for career coaches who have met the rigorous standards of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

• It shows that you have a commitment to your own ongoing professional development and education.
• It can help you stand out in the job market, especially if your job requires a license or certification.

Credentialed Career Manager (CCM)

Credentialed Career Manager (CCM) is a professional designation for career services professionals. The CCM program is designed to create awareness and support for the value of career development as part of the professional practice of higher education administration. CCM sets standards for practice, certification through an examination process, ongoing continuing education and skill development. As a credentialed designation it reflects both the knowledge base required by competent career service professionals as well as their demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning.

Master Career Director (MCD)

The Master Career Director (MCD) designation is a professional credential for career services professionals who have mastered the skills of career development, career planning and career management. The MCD designation is highly regarded and demonstrates your expertise in the field of career development and career management.

Career Services Professionals holding this designation are not required to maintain membership in NACM, although they may choose to do so.

Certified Advanced Résumé Writer (CARW)

The Certified Advanced Résumé Writer designation was created by the CARW organization to help career services professionals distinguish themselves and their expertise with a professional designation. The CARW program is designed to help you build your business, demonstrate your expertise, and ultimately attract clients. By earning your CARW designation, you can:

• Demonstrate your proficiency in resume writing through an exam process that covers all aspects of writing résumés from beginning to end
• Promote yourself as a certified career services professional capable of providing expert résumé services

Certified professional resume writers, certified career coaches and other certified professionals have a lot of experience in the field and are able to provide you with their expertise. 

If you need any assistance with navigating your career, contact us for a customized approach to your needs.