The GCDF Certificate

If interested to get a GCDF Certificate, the candidate should fulfill three basic conditions:

1. be a university graduate (all majors are accepted),
2. have a minimum 200 hours in activities related to career consulting (management, human resources, training, education, consulting, etc)
3. successfully graduate the GCDF training program.

The GCDF training program has 120 training hours, approaches the competence areas of GCDF Romania and is based on a manual approved by CCE-Europe. The 12 competency areas covered by the training are flexible at the level of the sub competencies, and have been modified in each GCDF host country according to the recommendations offered by a local team of experts and coordinated by CCE:
1. Career Development Models. Understand career development theories, models and techniques as they apply to life-long development, gender, age, and ethnic background.
2. Helping Skills. Know basic career facilitating processes, including how to develop productive interpersonal relationships.
3. Diverse Populations. Recognize special needs of various groups (ethnic, racial, sexual, age, disabilities, religious beliefs) and adapt services to meet their needs.
4. Assessment. Comprehend and use (under supervision) informal career development assessments to help clients learn about their skills, make informed decisions and plan their careers.
5. Technology. Comprehend and use career development computer applications.
6. Labor Market Information and Resources. Understand labor market and occupational information and trends. Know how to use current resources in the career consulting process.
7. Employability Skills. Know job searching strategies and placement techniques, especially in work with specific groups.
8. Training Clients and Peers. Prepare and develop materials for training programs and presentations.
9. Program Management/Implementation. Understand programs and their implementation, and work as a liaison in collaborative relationships.
10. Promotion and Public Relations. Design strategies for promoting career consulting services within their organizations and communities.
11. Supervision. Acknowledge situations when support from a more experienced peer or a supervisor is needed and know how to proceed.
12. Ethical and Legal Issues. Know and follow a GCDF Code of Ethics and know current legislative regulations.

Step by step to get the GCDF Certificate:
1. Find a authorized GCDF training provider
2. Participate in the training
3. Graduate the GCDF training
4. Prepare the documents mentioned by the provider and fill in the GCDF application form
5. Receive the GCDF Certificate

The GCDF career consultant main activities
GCDFs can perform any kind of career development activity in any professional environment - from schools and other educational institutions to HR departments/organizations. The specialist is also ready to help community efforts for adult professional integration. The GCDF career consultant facilitates clients' access to labor market information and career development opportunities and offers support to clients in their effort to increase self-awareness and to make informed decision. Among the activities a GCDF can fulfill we mention:
• Assist clients in the career guidance process, in a labor market dominated by accelerated technological development, competitive global economy, and diversity.
• Assist clients of different ages in the process of exploring career and occupational opportunities.
• Facilitate access to information resources covering the labor market and specialize in job placement;
• Offer career guidance and development services in public and private organizations, NGOs, foundations, etc.
• Advocate for the client in the social system/community.
• Facilitate career development activities for groups.
• Training.
• Informational support and training to prepare clients for job interviews.
• Coaching.
• Coordination of career counseling centers.

Validity
The GCDF Certificate is 5 years valid and the recertification requires practice, supervision and continuing education within the above mentioned competence areas. Please check the chapter "Recertification" for more details about this topic or contact NBCC Romania (contact@nbcc.ro)