Global Membership Organization of Professional Resume Writers & Career Coaches
If you are looking to earn a resume writer certification and join the lucrative world of professional resume writers, then the Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) credential with CDI is the best place to start!
In most industries, buyers look for a standard of education or quality to help them know they are making the best buying decision. In the world of resume writing, CDI's resume writing credentials are seen as the gold standard, making it the perfect place for an aspiring or established resume writer to become certified.
When you become a certified professional resume writer with CDI by earning the CARW credential, you:
Potential clients can be confident in hiring you with your CARW because they will know you are:
Yes, the CARW is recognized internationally. CDI is proud to be an "international" organization with a certification panel made up of professionals in three countries who are experienced in writing and reviewing resumes from around the world. When you earn the CARW, you are encouraged to meet our standards but to also write for your market. We embrace the cultural and geographic differences of resume writing so that it won't count against someone who isn't simply writing for the US market.
When you earn the CARW, you can be proud to know it is recognized globally, and not limited to a single country.
In addition to what is listed in the section above on "what is resume certification and why do I need it?", you will also receive:
We keep the price low as we understand most people pursuing this level of certification are just starting out. Our rates make us one of the lowest costs of entry for earning resume certification.
We break the process into two steps:
Step One: Become a member of CDI (review monthly and annual options here) and purchase the first step in certification, which is only $50 US.
Step Two: Once your resume sample from step one has been approved, you would pay for the testing, which is only $150 US.
Total cost of CARW certification, excluding membership, is just $200 US.
There are just two phases to pass through in the certification process: evaluation and testing.
Once you have invested $50 US for part one of the CARW, you will immediately receive access to CDI's 50-page Resume Certification Guide and resume check sheet. One you have reviewed the guide, you would then select a resume, tweaking it if necessary, to submit to the certification committee for a blind review.
Before submission you will need to first:
Once your sample resume has been reviewed, you will be advised as to whether you have been approved or denied to move on to the CARW exam phases. Should your sample not be approved, you will receive detailed feedback in order to guide you in improvement and resubmission. At any time as a CDI member, you also have access to dozens of resume writing lessons and how-to video tutorials. An additional sample submission will be accepted at no added cost. Should additional submissions be required, a $25 fee will be incurred for each one.
Once your sample has been approved in part one, you will be able to register for part two of the CARW for $150 US. After you have made your payment, you will complete the following three testing phases:
CDI’S expectation is that all candidates seeking CARW certification have previously studied and practiced the art of resume writing.
Your knowledge of the necessary competencies may come from appropriate books such as Resume Writing for Dummies, 8th edition; the CARW guide you receive with certification purchase; CDI member resume writing resources; and/or your actual paid or unpaid writing experience.
While there is no hard and fast rule concerning the years of experience a writer should have before taking the exam, the CDI certification committee recommends that the certification candidate has at least one year of writing experience prior to taking the exam.
Of course! We don't want you to feel intimidated by this process. The following resumes represent the pinnacle of performance in resume writing. While some of these demonstrate higher-end formatting and graphics, which exceed that required for the CARW, we believe you should be aware of and strive for the best!
The process of certification varies for each individual because only you know your current work situation and availability. The process can take as little as six to eight weeks for individuals willing to invest the time to complete all four stages of certification end-on-end.
Essentially you can take as long as you need within reasonable limits as long as you meet submission deadlines for each phase of certification. Submission deadlines for CARW candidates are as follows:
After each phase you can take a break to fit in with your situation. Take the time you need to go at your own pace and schedule each phase to ensure the right balance for you.
Yes. The CDI Certification team has prepared a comprehensive manual outlining the criteria we look for when evaluating resume samples submitted for any of our certifications. This 50-page manual, which covers everything from grammar and punctuation to formatting, is included in your CARW step one fee of $50 US.
Additionally, there are numerous resume writing resources available (lessons, infographics, video tutorials, and more) in the CDI member section including successful resume submissions by TORI award winners.
Your samples and test resumes are viewed by a panel of CMRWs (Certified Master Resume Writers), some of whom have won or have been nominated for TORI awards. The Director of Certification handles the distribution of your documents and is the only person who knows your identity as the key contact point. This process includes giving your candidacy a unique number, renaming documents and “scrubbing” all samples and submissions of metadata—which means that all personally identifiable document properties have been removed—ensuring your anonymity to the entire panel.
Hand-picked to represent the best-of-the-best of the industry and its various resume certification procedures, the committee's current members include:
Certification Chair: Gayle Howard, CERM, CMRW, MRWLAA, MCD, MCPLAA, MRW, CPRW, CCM, BIC, HRCC, CWPP, CARW - Top Margin Resumes Online, Melbourne, Australia
Patricia Duckers, CMRW, CPRW, CEIP, CWPP, CFRW, CFRWC, MFCC, MFCC/T, MMRW - CareerPro Global, Inc., Edison, New Jersey
Barb Poole, CERM, CMRW, CARW, CCMC, CPRW, PHR, BS - Hire Imaging, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Gillian "Jill" Kelly, CERM, CMRW, MRWLAA, CARW, ATSC - Career Edge, Queensland, Australia
Erin Kennedy, CERM, CMRW, CPRW - Professional Resume Services, Lapeer, Michigan
Darlene Dassy, CERM, CMRW, CARW - Dynamic Resume Solutions, Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania
Michelle Lopez, CMRW, CRS+AF, CRS+ME, CARW - One2One Resumes, Western Australia
Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, CERM, CMRW, MRW, CPRW, CEIP - CareerTrend, Gordonville, Texas
Annette Richmond, MA, CMRW, CARW, CEIC, CCLEW - career intelligence Resume Writing and Career Services, Norwalk, Connecticut
Dawn S. Bugni, CMRW, MRW, CPRW - The Write Solution, Atkinson, North Carolina
Carolyn Whitfield, CMRW, CERM, CARW, CEIC, CP-OJSRM - Total Resumes, Tasmania, Australia
Once attained, the CARW Certification must be renewed every two (2) years by earning 30 industry-related continuing education units (CEUs). This can be completed through a variety of activities such as: employment-related book reviews, career-related community service, completing related coursework or study, publishing resumes, winning resume awards, and/or authoring articles, blog posts, and related materials on resume writing.
The renewal fee is $50.00. Download the Renewal Form.
Why is renewal necessary?
Because the craft of resume writing is dynamic and is swiftly changing with the advances in computer technology and applicant tracking / scanning as well as emerging legal issues involving resume fraud. These are just a few concerns that make it necessary for professionals to demonstrate ongoing education and knowledge of modern resume writing techniques.
All requirements of CARW certification, renewal, and CDI membership standards must be maintained in order to earn or retain the CARW credential.
CDI reserves the right to revoke a CARW credential for any of the following: Renewal requirements are not maintained and completed within required timelines. Membership lapses due to non-renewal. Individual is found guilty in a court of law for a grievance within the industry (unprofessional, unethical, unlawful conduct and/or business practices).
The email you received letting you know you were ready for step two points to a page in our website Store, which can be found at the top right of every website page. However, you can also purchase it with the link below.
CDI offers the Resume Mastery course with CARW certification, which is a self-paced program designed and overseen by an award-winning, published resume writer. When you sign up for the Resume Mastery course, you know you are receive the highest level of education in resume writing and design preparing you to handle challenging resumes. Your investment is also backed by personalized feedback and support from the course creator. Upon successful completion, you will earn the CARW credential.
Learn about the Resume Mastery course.
If you have at least one year of experience in writing resumes but have not obtained any resume-writing certification, the CARW will be your goal. It will show that your talents have been industry scrutinized, tested and found to be superior.
If you are confident in your abilities and have existing certification (CARW, MRW, CPRW, NCRW, CMRS, CRS, MCRS, ACRW), then you are able to pursue one of CDI's top tier credentials, which include the Certified Master Resume Writer, Certified Executive Resume Master, and/or one of our niche industry Certified Resume Specialist credentials.
If your sample is denied, it is because the panel feels that from the sample submitted you are not yet ready to meet the requirements of CDI’s credentialing process. To assist in your development, you will be provided with feedback on where your sample did not meet the key competencies along with recommendations on how you can continue to work on your skills to further develop your resume writing. You can then resubmit your sample again at a later point at no additional charge. Should additional submissions be required later, each additional sample submission is $25 US.
If your resumes are not approved you will be provided with specific feedback and recommendations on how you can improve the documents. The Committee Chair will then provide you with details on the next steps available in the accreditation process.
If you fail to progress in any component of the certification process, do not be discouraged. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to elevate your professional skills to a whole new level. CDI’s leaders will provide you with constructive feedback and recommendations on the next steps to take using the wealth of resources available through CDI in the members’ section, via the certification manual, or through our exclusive resume writing course. We have a vested interest in helping you grow and succeed so our members can be known as the best in the business.
The CDI Certification is one of the most respected and fastest growing in the industry and the only certifying body with two distinctive tiers (the CARW and CMRW distinguishes and celebrates advanced and expert writers).
with CDI resume writing certification you become one of the elite group of writers globally recognized as the best of the best.
Look to the page side bar (bottom of page on mobile devices) to read some of our testimonials from other CARWs on the value of this respected credential.
The final examination is online allowing you to complete it in your own stress-free environment at a time and place convenient to you.
CDI's membership boasts career professionals from across the globe. While each country has rules and approaches to resume writing that are country-specific, CDI’s examination covers the core principles and fundamental requirements of a professional resume that are universally recognized. If you are based outside of the US, questions in the examination will be relevant to you and the clients you represent.
The certifications offered by CDI are relevant to professional resume writers across the globe. CDI’s extensive membership boasts career professionals worldwide—many of whom have more than one certification and are considered trailblazers in elevating the quality and reputation of resume writing in their own countries. The value of being backed by a prominent international organization is evident as clients seek resume writers that are clearly a “class above”.
The CARW is granted to CDI members in good standing. In addition to maintaining membership in CDI, you must also show evidence of continuous learning and growth to ensure you move with the times in line with the evolving job markets. Certification is a process and is your commitment to growth, not a one-time occurrence.
No not in the least! After more than a decade, the CARW is gaining traction as the certification for best-of-breed resume writing professionals. This rapidly growing awareness reflects the rigorous, non-compromising standards CDI employs in our testing processes and our ongoing reinforcement of the need to uphold standards. Public awareness and acknowledgement continues to grow as the demand for high quality resumes intensifies in today’s competitive job market. CDI leads the way in setting benchmarks for resume writers and career professionals.
After you complete your payment the web cart will take you directly to the CDI website to create your account and access your step one materials and instructions. If you already have an account, just enter your details on the login page that will pop up.
You can always access your materials from your dashboard under the link titled, "Courses".
Non-member registration includes one year of individual membership ($347 value) to Career Directors International: Your Pathway to Success, rich with ongoing support, networking, and new information.
If you are not currently a CDI member, please select the Non-Member rate below as it includes mandatory membership. For more information on membership or to select monthly membership instead, visit the Member Benefits page.
*If you are not currently a CDI member, please select the Non-Member rate above as it includes mandatory membership. For more information on membership visit the Member Benefits page.
Please feel free to contact us at info@nullcareerdirectors.com.