Professional Designations & Certifications
Professional Designations & Certifications
Did you know? A recent survey showed certified economic development professionals with professional designations enjoyed salaries on average 20% higher than their non-certified counterparts.
In the field of Community Economic Development, a solid foundation of theory and practice is crucial.
Obtaining professional certifications and designations play a vital role in building that foundation.
Ready to take your career to new heights? Certification towards a professional designation is your stepping stone there.
Professional Designations
The following options are available for Alberta's economic developers wishing to obtain an official designations from a recognized professional economic development association.
CEcD- International Economic Developers Council (IEDC)
Visual pathway for CEcD designation
In March 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between IEDC and EDA. The MOU commits both parties to developing and delivering training programs for Canadian economic development professionals wishing to become IEDC Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs). Visit the IEDC Website for certification details.
Ec.D.- Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC)
Visual pathway for the Ec.D. designation
Certification of an individual is carried out by a Certification Panel responsible to review and judge applications for certification. EDAC members are eligible to write the Ec.D. exam to become a Certified Economic Developer once the required 45 points have been accumulated and reviewed/verified by EDAC’s CEO. Visit the EDAC website for more details.
TAED and PAED Level- Cando
Cando offers both the Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED) and the Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED). Visit the Cando website for more details.
PEcD- Economic Developers Alberta
Upon completion of a Community Economic Development certificate , students can apply to receive the PEcD certification mark.