CCS and CES Career Credentials: What’s the Difference?

Career Professionals of Canada is committed to enhancing the credibility and visibility of practitioners with a unique credentialing program. CPC’s Certification Program validates your expertise in specific competency areas. If you are a Career Professional, you might be wondering about the difference between the Certified Career Strategist (CCS) and the Certified Employment Strategist (CES). If you provide clients with strategic career advice, you are a potential candidate for both the CCS and CES. Simply, the CCS focuses on career development. The CES focuses on employment. Although you certainly can work towards attaining both credentials, you may want to start with the most appropriate one based on your area of expertise.

The Certified Career Strategist (CCS)

If you provide clients with career development services, you are a potential candidate for the Certified Career Strategist (CCS). This program is aligned with the Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Development Practitioners (S&Gs). The S&Gs are used extensively in Canada in shaping professional development and provincial certification programs.

When you apply for this program, you will receive the Canadian Career Strategist PDF eGuide, a key resource for career consultants across Canada. The CCS covers career development ethics and theory. In addition to providing you with a strong foundation in career development, you will study career planning and career management. The CCS broadly explores many aspects of career development. It touches on employment, but this is not the primary focus.

You can apply for your CCS by submitting a case study for review. However, if you have already attained your CDP (Career Development Professional/Practitioner) through a recognized academic institution or provincial association, you may be eligible for recognition through CPC’s Fast-Track Program. If you qualify, you can be conferred the Certified Career Strategist (CCS) designation immediately upon application.

Once you attain your CCS, you may use the designation (the “CCS” letters) next to your name. You can also use the CCS logo in any of your personal marketing documents such as résumé, LinkedIn profile, business card, website, and blog.

Learn more about your eligibility for the CCS here.

The Certified Employment Strategist (CES)

If you provide employment services covering career transition and job search strategy, the Certified Employment Strategist (CES) is ideal for you. This program discusses a range of topics including: résumé writing, interview coaching, job search strategy, and social media. The CES broadly covers many areas related to Canadian employment strategy. It touches on career development and the Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Development Practitioners (S&Gs), but this is not the primary focus.

If you provide clients with employment consulting, job search, or career transition coaching services, you should apply for the CES. When you apply for this program, you will receive the Canadian Employment Strategist PDF eGuide, a key resource for employment consultants across Canada. When you have completed this eGuide, you may apply for your CES by submitting a case study for review.

Once you attain your CES, you may use the designation (the “CES” letters) next to your name. You can also use the CES logo in any of your personal marketing documents such as résumé, LinkedIn profile, business card, website, and blog.

Learn more about your eligibility for the CES here.

Why Get Your CES/CCS?

The Certified Career Strategist (CCS) and the Certified Employment Strategist (CES) further enhance your credibility and visibility as a career professional. These credentials will set you apart in our field. They will validate your expertise in career development and employment consulting.

• You will boost your credibility within the Canadian market and internationally.
• You will enhance the value you provide to your clients and your employer.
• You will exhibit your knowledge of current trends in career strategy.

By attaining your CES and CCS, you will clearly demonstrate your commitment to our industry. You can use the designation and logo anywhere you want to gain additional visibility as an expert and specialist in the field.

How to Get Your CCS/CES

When you apply for your certification, you’ll receive the appropriate Certification Study Guide (an eGuide) in PDF format. If you are applying for the CCS, you’ll receive the Canadian Career Strategist PDF eGuide. For the CES, you’ll receive the Canadian Employment Strategist PDF eGuide.

If you are currently recognized as a CDP, you may be eligible for CCS recognition through CPC’s Fast-Track Program. Otherwise, you must take the following steps to attain your CCS and/or CES.

• Study the appropriate Certification eGuide (CCS or CES).
• When you are confident that you are ready to submit your work product for evaluation, prepare a 2000-word, fictionalized case study related to work you have done with a client. In your submission, you must show your understanding and application of the concepts covered in the eGuide. The eGuide includes an outline of what you must cover in your case study as well as a sample form, which the assessors will use to evaluate your submission.
• When you are ready to submit your work, email your case study to CPC for review by our team of assessors.
• To pass the testing process, you must achieve an average grade of 70% or more on the evaluation of your submission.
• Once you have achieved your certification, your designation is valid as long as you remain an active member of Career Professionals of Canada. There is no recertification fee.

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