National Career Dev Assn

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) inspires and empowers the achievement of career and life goals by providing professional development, resources, standards, scientific research, and advocacy. NCDA is a founding division of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

The National Career Development Association, originally the Vocational Guidance Association (NVGA), was founded in 1913. In 1985 NVGA was renamed and became the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Thus NCDA is the first, longest running and preeminent career development association in the world.

NCDA is the recognized leader in developing standards for the career development profession, for the provision of career counseling programs and services, and for the evaluation of career information materials. NCDA works with licensing and credentialing bodies to support the preparation and recognition of career counselors and career development facilitators. NCDA also sets ethical standards for the career development profession including guidelines for the provision of career services on the Internet.



NCDA provides programs and services for career development professionals and for the public involved with or interested in career development, including, but not limited to, professional development activities, publications, research, general information, professional standards, advocacy, and recognition for achievement and service. NCDA provides a voice for thousands of members who deliver career services to diverse groups in a broad variety of settings and to their clients. NCDA maintains a comprehensive web site of information, resources and tools for career development professionals and the public at www.ncda.org



NCDA is a founding Division of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and collaborates with ACA to jointly represent the interests of counselors in Congress and in the national legislative process. NCDA frequently is consulted by the national media about career-related issues; NCDA continuously promotes global sharing of workforce policy and practices; and NCDA supports and reports on research in the growing field of career development.