DEI certification: What type should you get?

Looking for a career in DEI?

A professional DEI certification can help set a candidate apart in this growing field. In 2022, $9.3 billion was spent globally on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (or DEIB — that’s the acronym we use at PowerToFly, and one we’ll use interchangeably here alongside DEI). And the industry isn’t done growing; DEIB is expected to reach $24.3 billion by 2030. The rapid expansion of the industry is driven by competition for top talent amid labor shortages as well as a recognition that DEIB is critical for both recruitment and talent retention.

This article will help you decide where to go with your DEIB career, whether certification makes sense for you, and what options are available.

Why work in DEI?

As anyone in the field now will tell you, DEIB work is challenging but rewarding. DEI certifications and certificates (more on the difference between these later on) are a smart way to stand out from the growing crowd of DEIB professionals and attract employers while ensuring you have the skills and experience to do the job right.

Not only can a DEI certification or certificate help you get hired, it can also help with promotions and raises. One certification organization states that 55% of their certified professionals get a new job or promotion.

Is it too good to be true? Do you really need a DEI certification to do DEI work? Let’s find out how these certifications can benefit you.

How do you become a DEI professional?

If you’re looking for a DEI certification, odds are that you’ve already been responsible for some DEIB programming. That, or you’re looking to newly become a DEIB professional. DEIB jobs allow people who are passionate about social justice to drive worthwhile institutional change.

That said, it’s important not to glorify these jobs, either. Often, DEIB work is about the arduous and lengthy process of making structural reforms amidst resistance and limited resources. It’s like trying to turn a cruise ship with an oar. Despite its challenges, DEI work is critical to any organization’s long-term success and makes for an extremely rewarding career for those in the field.

Career path and salary

There are different ways to enter the DEIB field. Working in DEIB doesn’t typically follow the traditional career path of getting a degree in the topic, getting an entry-level job, and then progressing vertically.

Many DEIB professionals come from backgrounds where they do DEIB-related work on a more grassroots level. For example, that work could be within an employee resource group (ERG), through community advocacy work, or by volunteering for nonprofit organizations. Many times, DEIB initiatives fall within the responsibility of HR. Some HR professionals might be serendipitously tasked with DEIB programming and choose to make this their focus, especially as dedicated DEIB roles become more commonplace.

Salaries for these roles vary, but on average, DEI managers can expect to make $61,000-$80,000. The median size of a DEIB team within a company is three members. Typical job titles include Diversity and Inclusion Manager, DEI Director, and Chief Diversity Officer. At PowerToFly, our in-house DEIB team of educators and strategists is comprised of titles like Global DEIB Impact Manager, Senior Director of DEIB, DEIB Content Manager, and Global DEIB Strategists & Trainers.

What to look for when applying to DEI jobs

Organizational issues can get in the way of DEIB progress — you’ll want to watch out for red flags hinting at these as you interview. There are also a lot of emerging roles in this field, which can add a layer of challenge to the job search; it can be harder to get a feel for what a job’s true responsibilities are, for instance, if it’s a brand-new role to the company. To find success, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of the job description, what existing opportunities for collaboration and delegation can help support the role (i.e. if you write the employee engagement survey, can HR manage sending it and reporting its results?), and what to keep an open ear for in your interview.

In other words, how can you nip certain issues in the bud before you even start a DEI job? By asking the right questions when applying to DEI leadership roles. Top tips include:

• Ensure there’s an adequate, long-term DEI budget
• Learn the company’s average turnover rate, and even more ideally, how long the previous person held this position (if applicable)
• Ask about leadership DEIB buy-in
• Identify allies within the company
• Understand what metrics this role will be responsible for influencing
• Get a firm grasp on where DEIB at the company currently stands – what exactly are you inheriting?

Skills necessary to be a DEIB professional

Spoiler alert: Passion is important, but it’s not the first, or even the second or third, quality you’ll need to bring to this work. Yes, you should care about your work, but when it comes to DEIB, it’s even more important to be a strategist. The same goes for understanding basic DEIB concepts, like unconscious bias and microaggressions — as with passion, that’s a good starting point. But it’s the person who is a builder of programs and a persuasive communicator who will go far in an emerging field where drumming up buy-in is part of the job. Passion helps, but knowledge is even better. Other skills needed include:

• Communication. It’s critical to be able to explain the complexities of DEIB in simple, straight-forward terms. More importantly, the ability to communicate persuasive arguments for resources and change is key.
• Strategic planning. DEI work occurs across all departments. Not only does DEI work involve creating a strategy, it also means building one that gets all departments moving in the same direction.
• Stakeholder management. Strategic planning leads directly into stakeholder management — ensuring that everyone affected by the strategy is engaged and their needs are met.
• Project management. DEIB work is a lot of separate programs, whether that’s celebrating Black History Month or implementing ongoing training for leadership. You’ll be responsible for the planning and execution of these programs.
• Research design and methods. DEIB is about people. As a DEIB leader, you need a basic understanding of some social science research and methods. Data will be a big part of your job. Know how to conduct surveys, analyze data, and visualize it.
• Knowledge. You need a comprehensive understanding of diversity and inclusion concepts.
• Continuous learning. Have your finger on the pulse of the DEI industry’s best practices and news. It’s a rapidly growing field, so make sure you’re continuously learning.
• Boundaries and self-care. Just like every therapist needs a therapist, a DEI professional needs to take care of themselves, too. Sometimes the work is hard and you can’t fix everything. Having boundaries and self-care will keep you healthy and prevent burnout.
• Lived experience. This isn’t a must-have, but it sure helps. Bring some personal DEIB experience to the table to lend credence to your work.

Related reading: 11 diversity & inclusion courses to supercharge your team

What is DEI certification?

A DEI certification is an industry-standard credential intended to officially recognize that the recipient is qualified to work in the DEI field. It is issued by professional associations, companies, and independent organizations.

DEI certifications vs. DEI certificates

Many people may use the words “certification” and “certificate” interchangeably. However, there are important differences between these two terms.

Both are credentials that send a clear message to hiring professionals that you have the right skills, background, and knowledge for a career in DEI. Certificates and certifications both involve some type of formal education in the DEI field.

A DEI certificate is awarded by an education institution to all participants who complete a program. A DEI certification is awarded by an accredited organization or association and “certifies” that you have passed an exam and/or have achieved a certain minimum of knowledge, training, and experience in DEI. Comparing a certificate vs. a certification, the certification suggests applied knowledge more than the former. Certifications are a great way to add DEI skills to your resume, especially if you’re making a career change. Certificates are important preparation towards certification if that is a future goal.

An example

As an analogy, a certificate in accounting means you have taken an accounting course. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) means you have been tested and fulfill certain industry requirements. DEI certificates and DEI certifications are much the same, though, unlike with accounting, neither is currently required to work in the industry.

Diversity accreditation

Neither DEI certificates or certifications should be confused with diversity accreditation. Diversity accreditation is awarded by an independent association or body to an organization for meeting certain diversity criteria. It’s the DEI certification for companies, basically, and is based on data. The organization will then be able to put a seal or accreditation symbol on their external materials. This is akin to a “cruelty free” stamp by PETA or “certified organic” by the USDA.

Why is DEI certification important?

Though they aren’t required for many DEIB jobs, there are clear benefits to DEI certifications and certificates.

Certifications and certificates increase hireability.

These credentials give any job seeker a significant head-start over the competition. There are still plenty of DEIB jobs out there, but in the last few years, many companies have been streamlining their in-house DEIB teams. With competition for the jobs out there, DEI certifications and certificates will help you stand out among the crowd. They may even be the determining factor.

DEI certifications and certificates demonstrate your commitment to professional development and education within the field. This is always a good sign to hiring professionals. Take advantage of DEI certifications and certifications to stay a step ahead.

DEI certifications and certificates increase earning potential.

DEI certifications and certificates not only increase your learn-term earning potential, but they help present a convincing argument for a raise if you’re already in a DEI leadership position.

Studies have shown salary increases ranging from 5% to 20% for those who get certifications. That’s something to remember if you’re negotiating with a recruiter.

Certifications and certificates help make DEI actually work.

Perhaps most importantly, DEI certifications improve your capability when it comes to DEI work. Anyone passionate about DEI knows how important this work is, not just for an organization but for people and society at large. With recent events like the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more clear than ever that we continue to have deep-seated injustice in the United States.

But DEIB work is not easy to do right. Despite 83% of organizations saying they have DEIB measures in place, only 37% of employees say they perceive these efforts.

DEIB takes buy-in from everyone to make it happen, and there are many pitfalls along the way. For example, some organizations fall into the trap of one-off, tokenism-fueled initiatives, as if a single inspirational or educational event can be a stand-in for DEIB accountability. In fact, the real work is in mid- to long-term efforts that push institutional change.

A DEI certification helps DEI leaders sharpen their skills so that their strategies have the best chance at efficacy. With the right training, DEI leaders can do the kind of impactful work they signed up for.

How do you know if DEI certification is right for you?

To figure out if a DEI certification is right for you, ask yourself what you want to do, exactly, in your DEI career. Focus on these three elements:

1. Are you clear about your career goals in DEI?
2. Do you understand the different DEI roles out there? Research their responsibilities, competencies, and job functions.
3. What resources can you commit? If you’re still working full-time and looking for a DEI job, what kind of time do you have for an education course? An hour? Weeks? Many classes are offered online for convenience and some are in-person. What works for you? Think about the budget you can commit to your DEI certification or to other DEI certificates. Costs will vary significantly based on the institution. Will you have to renew this certification? That will require extra time, money, and commitment down the road.

Types of DEI certifications to get for diversity

When it comes to DEI certifications, there are three main certification issuing bodies: SHRM, HRCI, and the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC). These are independent organizations with solid reputations as leaders in Human Resources and DEIB.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

SHRM is the world's largest HR association, with nearly 325,000 members in 165 countries worldwide. The organization conducts and publishes research in the field of HR and offers two levels of globally recognized HR certifications: Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

The SHRM-CP certification tests a number of different HR competencies according to their Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK):

• Ethical practice
• Communication
• Leadership & navigation
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Relationship management
• Global mindset
• Business acumen
• Consultation
• Analytical aptitude

The SHRM-SCP certification is for leadership HR professionals with a minimum of three years at a strategic level of HR management. Like the lower-level certification, the exam tests across the BASK competencies but with a focus on strategic planning.

Both SHRM certification exams take a maximum of three hours and 40 minutes. Candidates for the certification typically spend four months in preparation for the exam. The standard fee for either exam is $510 for non-SHRM members.

Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

Since 1976, HRCI has been certifying HR professionals in the U.S. and beyond. Their certifications are accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies. HRCI offers eight certifications for different career levels:

• Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
• Associate Professional in Human Resources International (aPHRi)
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
• Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca)
• Professional in Human Resources - International (PHRI)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources - International (SPHRi)
• Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

The competencies tested vary across the exams, but include for example:

• Compliance and risk management
• Employee relations
• Talent acquisition
• Compensation and benefits
• Learning and development
• Employee and labor relations
• Business management

DEIB is not a specifically tested competency. The exams are all approximately 2.5 hours in length, and cost varies between $400-555. It’s tough to find free certifications, but HRCI does offer a military discount.

Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)

The IDC is a global organization providing certification programs for diversity and inclusion (D&I) professionals and executives. It offers two DEI-specific certifications: Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE).

Certified Diversity Professional tests the following competencies:

• Manage DEI Planning, ROI, and Budget
• Lead DEI Organizational Integration Efforts
• Promote DEI Organizational Culture & Engagement
• Manage DEI Initiatives
• Partner With HR to Implement DEI Strategies
• Coordinate DEI Education & Development
• Influence Organization's DEI Communications
• Apply DEI to Organizational Policies & Compliance Activities
• Complete Personal DEI Professional Development

Certified Diversity Executive tests these competencies:

• Engage In Professional Self-Development and Continuous Learning
• Advance Leadership for Organizational DEI
• Manage DEI Strategic Planning and Budget
• Champion Organizational DEI Policies, Compliance, and Governance
• Champion Organizational Values and Inclusive Culture
• Advance Organizational Staff Education, Development, & Training
• Leverage DEI Stakeholders & Partnerships
• Lead Organizational DEI Initiatives & Integration Efforts
• Collaborate On DEI Organizational Communications & Engagement

The exams take a maximum of 2.5 hours. IDP offers a number of preparation courses in conjunction with the exam. Cost for the exam alone is $599 for non-members.

Types of DEI certificates to get

A certificate is another great option for those who want to add DEIB to their skillset and have more limited time or resources than a certification entails. Here are some DEI certificate programs online:

Harvard University: EDIB Leadership Certificate. Offered by the School of Continuing Education, this certification offers prestige and quality. Comprising four courses, you can choose whether to take online or in-person classes on campus in Boston. Average cost: $12,400.

Stanford University: Leverage Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence. An online course from a universally-recognized top university. Who wants to put “Stanford University” on their LinkedIn profile? Everyone. Cost: $1,500.

University of Washington: DEI Certificate. This series of online diversity and inclusion courses at UW’s Foster School of Business requires just three scheduled classes to qualify for certification. Cost: $975.

University of South Florida:DEI in the Workplace Certificate. This self-paced online certification is affordable and covers 14 hours of educational material. Cost: $99.

Aperian Global:Inclusive Behaviors Inventory Certification. Aperian’s Inclusive Behaviors Inventory is a tool developed by DEIB experts. This tool is used and taught by the University of California at Berkeley. The course is delivered through scheduled online courses. Cost: $1,099.

HRCI:Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management. The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), out of Virginia state, offers this certificate for a solid DEIB foundation. Along with other courses, this certificate can be used to obtain full HRCI certification. Cost: $239.

PowerUp DEIB certificates

PowerUp is an on-demand DEIB training and upskilling platform. As a professional Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging training platform with best-in-class DEIB training, insights, and resources, you can consider PowerUp your one-stop shop for all things DEIB knowledge expansion.

Once you complete any of PowerUp’s DEIB courses — with new courses added regularly — you’ll earn a certificate of completion which you can add to LinkedIn under the “Licenses and Certifications” tab on your profile.

In the near future, PowerUp will also be offering Learning Pathways, or a series of DEIB courses that are linked by a main topic, that correspond to additional certificates. For example, the Inclusive Hiring Pathway will be made up of the following courses:

• Candidate Attraction and Engagement
• Inclusive Interviewing
• Inclusive Onboarding

Finally, most of PowerToFly’s DEIB courses are SHRM and HRCI certified. This means that in addition to your PowerToFly certificates that can be shared on LinkedIn, you’ll also get credit toward completing an SHRM or HRCI DEI certification.

DEI certifications & certificates for career advancement

Whether you’re looking for a new job in DEI or a promotion, DEI certifications and certificates are a great option to get you there. They’ll help you build new skills and competencies while looking great on your resume, too. (And some DEIB certificates, like the ones you can earn on PowerUp, allow you to also add your certificates directly to LinkedIn — which is a nice perk!) Whether you’re hoping to get DEI certificates to work toward a larger DEI certification or simply wanting to stay current with continuous learning and development, PowerUp can be leveraged to drive your — and your workforce’s — DEIB education goals. Schedule your demo today.