Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA)

Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) is Australia’s professional body for career development practitioners, an incorporated association registered in South Australia since February 1989.

• Runs a national conference and the Awards for Excellence program, launched in 2013 across leadership, policy, research and practice categories, with 2024 recipients announced at the CDAA National Conference in Melbourne.
• Members must hold substantiated, industry related qualifications, commit to the Code of Ethics for Australian Career Development Practitioners and complete a minimum number of professional development hours every year.
• Operates Divisions in every state and territory under a National Executive Committee, and is a member association of the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA).
• Publishes research including Navigating Life’s Career Transitions and the commissioned Career Development Works report on the evidence for professional career development.

Best for: career practitioners seeking accreditation, professional development and peer networks, and organisations wanting a recognised national standards body behind career transition services.

Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) connects Australians with accredited practitioners for Career Coaching through member Divisions in every state and territory.

• Accredited members advise on resumes, selection criteria responses, social media profiles, interview skills and career direction.
• Practitioners work across schools, TAFEs, universities, corporate organisations, government agencies, the community sector and private practice.
• Every member is bound by a published Code of Ethics with a documented complaints process for potential breaches.

Best for: individuals or employers who want career coaching from a qualified practitioner governed by national professional standards.