This short course introduces the Code of Ethics for Career Development Practitioners and why it matters in your day-to-day work. In just 35 minutes, you’ll gain a clear understanding of ethical principles, professional boundaries, and how to handle ethical dilemmas using a practical decision-making model.

Course Description

In this course we will examine a branch of the field of ethics known as Professional Ethics through the lens of an important document: the Code of Ethics for Career Development Practitioners. This document is of critical importance for CDPs as it provides the framework to aid practitioners in delivering services in a way that maintains professional boundaries and client autonomy, providing the groundwork for a fruitful client-practitioner relationship. 

This course offers a high-level view of the Code and its various sections and articles, as well as provides an introduction and overview of the Ethical Decision-Making Model that CDPs are expected to use to identify, investigate and address potential ethical dilemmas that might arise through their practice. 

Competencies to be Developed (Competencies based on National Competency Profile for Career Development Professionals)

(Competencies marked with a (!) are considered high-level, high-depth coverage) 

• Professional Responsibility (1.1) – Deliver Services Within Scope of Practice 
• Professional Responsibility (1.2) – Maintain Professional Boundaries 
• Professional Responsibility (1.3) – Obtain Informed Consent 
• Professional Responsibility (1.4) – Protect Information and Records 
• Professional Responsibility (1.5) – Represent Career Development Qualifications 
• Ethics and Regulations (2.1) – Comply with Legislation and Regulations 
• Ethics and Regulations (2.2) – Follow Ethical Decision-Making Process (!) 
• Client-Practitioner Relationship (3.1) – Establish and Sustain Working Alliance 
• Client-Practitioner Relationship (3.3) – Help Clients Address and Prevent Conflict 
• Diversity and Inclusion (4.1) – Respect Diversity and Inclusion 
• Evidence-Based Practice (5.3) – Maintain Client Records 
• Professional Development (6.1) – Develop and Maintain Professional Relationships 
• Health and Wellness (7.2) – Interact with Others in Respectful and Civil Manner 

Learning Opportunity

• Understand the history of ethics and what distinguishes the branch of Professional/Applied ethics 
• Understand the purpose of the Code of Ethics 
• Understand the 7 sections and the code and the 60 articles 
• Understand the core principles of ethical decision-making 
• How to use the steps of the Ethical Decision-Making Model to resolve ethical dilemmas 

Course Structure

This learning plan is a self-paced course. It will take approximately 35 minutes to complete.