Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP)
As of January 1, 2026, the CCSP Credential application Process will no longer include the "scenario-based assessment." Instead, candidates will be required to complete the Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) professional certification exam. Each exam is made up of 72 multiple-choice questions and is delivered online, on your schedule. View details about the new exam below. Click here to watch a video with the instructions on how to apply.
What is the Certified Career Services Provider credential?
The credential is intended for providers offering career services in an array of roles and settings. Providers might be consultants, coaches, advisors, workforce practitioners, facilitators, trainers, recruiters, and resume writers.
This multi-purpose credential includes demonstration of the essential skills needed to provide career services in any setting. It is appropriate to all levels and all settings. Completion of a training program is required before applying. Specific levels of educational attainment and work experience are not required.
Who is eligible for the CCSP?
Individuals who have completed training through NCDA’s Facilitating Career Development (FCD) are eligible to apply.
What are the steps to apply for the CCSP?
The basic steps of applying include providing required demographic information, uploading your Certificate of Completion from NCDA’s Facilitating Career Development (FCD) training, and successfully completing the CCSP exam.
How much time do I have to finish the application?
You must complete the requirements of the application and the CCSP exam within 90 days of your application submission date.
How can I prepare for the exam portion of the application?
Multiple Choice Examination Details
This exam consists of 72 multiple-choice questions spanning 5 subject areas that are tied directly to the FCD Student Manual. You must achieve a score of 70% or higher (answer at least 51 questions correctly) to pass.
The 5 subject areas covered are:
- Module 1: Developing a Helping Relationship (15 items)
- Module 3: Career Development Theory and its Application (19 items)
- Module 4: The Role of Assessment in Career Planning (16 items)
- Module 5: Ethics and the Career Services Provider (7 items)
- Module 8: Job Seeking and Employability Skills (15 items)
How can I prepare for the Multiple Choice Exam?
- Review the FCD student manual, particularly modules 1, 3, 4, 5, and 8, as all questions are derived from the student manual.
- Be sure to review the appendix in each module in addition to the main text.
- You are likely to find you can answer some questions quickly, while others will take more thought. Have a strategy in mind for how you will manage this, keeping in mind the time limits.
- Remember that the exam platform records your response as soon as you select an answer. If you did not mark the question for review, you will have no way change your response later – even if you clicked on the wrong answer by accident.
- THEREFORE, it is recommended that you click the “Review” checkbox for every question before you select an answer.
- Be sure to look over the CCSP Multiple Choice Exam Study Guide before starting the exam.
The exam addresses Competencies from the NCDA Facilitating Career Development curriculum:
-
Helping Skills - Be proficient in the basic career facilitating process while including productive interpersonal relationships.
-
Labor Market Information and Resources - Understand labor market and occupational information and trends. Be able to use current resources.
-
Assessment - Comprehend and use (under supervision) both formal and informal career development assessments with emphasis on relating appropriate ones to the population served.
-
Diverse Populations - Recognize special needs of various groups and adapt services to meet their needs.
-
Ethical and Legal Issues - Follow the NCDA Code of Ethics and the GCDF Code of Ethics and know current legislative regulations.
-
Career Development Models - Understand career development theories, models, and techniques as they apply to lifelong development, gender, age, and ethnic backgrounds.
-
Employability Skills - Know job search strategies and placement techniques, especially in working with specific groups.
-
Training Clients and Peers - Prepare and develop materials for training programs and presentations.
-
Program Management/Implementation - Understand career development programs and their implementation, and work as a liaison in collaborative relationships.
-
Promotion and Public Relations - Market and promote career development programs with staff and supervisors.
-
Technology - Comprehend and use career development computer applications.
-
Consultation - Accept suggestions for performance improvement from consultants or supervisors.
What materials may I use during the exam?
Please pay attention to this IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SECURITY/INTEGRITY:
You are not permitted to use any materials. You may not collaborate with other class members or utilize the FCD student manual, AI tools, Internet resources, or other career development resources.
What if I don’t pass?
Applicants who do not pass their first attempt will be permitted to retest within one month. If the retest is also unsuccessful, the applicant must wait one year to reapply and pay the fee. We recommend further study during this year.
How do I find continuing education relevant to career development?
See the NCDA Continuing Education webpage for complete details.
What do I need to know to use the application software?
-
The first step is to complete an NCDA form and then you will receive a link to create an account in the credentialing software program.
-
The process of applying for a credential has two major parts: demographics and the CCSP exam. First, complete and submit Section 1 (general demographic information and uploading certificates of completion). Then complete the CCSP exam.
Ready to apply?
Remember to review your study guide before applying!
You do not have to complete the entire application at one time, but you must submit it within 90 days of starting it.
Clicking on the Apply Now link will start your new NCDA Credentialing Application by completing an NCDA form. Once your information, including payment, has been completed, you will receive the link to continue the application process and upload the appropriate documents. When applying on that second link, you will be leaving the NCDA website and will be directed to create a new account within the application system. Your NCDA login will not work with the credentialing application system.
