CANDO's National Certification process is the first national certification process to be designed, developed and administered by an Aboriginal organization.
The Certified Aboriginal Economic Developer Process is an education process specifically designed to meet the needs of Economic Development Officers (EDOs) working across Canada. It provides a uniform knowledge base and skill set for all individuals currently fulfilling or wishing to work in the field of Aboriginal economic development.
The Certification process offers 2 levels of Certification:
A candidate (student of the process) gains Technician Aboriginal Economic Development (TAED) designation once they have demonstrated each of the 16 competencies.
The Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) designation adds 3 components; completion of a one-week Professional Development module on leadership, ethics, community values, and other selected topics, two years of work experience in Aboriginal economic development, and a final research paper or case study which addresses issues related to Aboriginal economic development. The Professional Certification is currently under review by the Standing Committee on Education & Research. Please check back for updates.
CANDO's Certification Process provides candidates with a broad understanding of economic development, community development, and the unique legal and cultural aspects that differentiate Aboriginal economic development from that in urban centers or municipalities. This learning can be applied to a whole range of employment (or self employment!) opportunities. In other words, the sky's the limit.
Attainment of the CANDO designation indicates achievement of a performance standard recognized and acknowledged throughout Canada.