The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is IEDC’s broad professional credential for economic development practitioners.

The CEcD recognizes professionals who have built meaningful experience in the field, completed required professional learning, and demonstrated their ability to apply economic development knowledge and judgment across areas of practice.

Earning the CEcD is an important milestone in a career-long learning journey and a visible commitment to credible, informed, and ethical economic development practice.

Ready to explore the CEcD? Start by understanding the journey.

Gain Work Experience

 You must obtain at least 4 consecutive years of paid full-time economic development work experience within the past 6 years. To confirm your work experience meets this requirement, please submit your current resume to [email protected] for review.

Completed Coursework

The coursework for the CEcD certification program is divided into 2 categories: Core Competency and Elective Competency.
You must attend all 4 Core Competency training courses listed below.
• Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)
• Business Retention & Expansion
• Economic Development Credit Analysis
• Real Estate Development & Reuse

You must attend any 2 Elective Competency training courses listed below.
• Economic Development Marketing & Attraction
• Economic Development Strategic Planning
• Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies*
• Foreign Direct Investment & Exporting
• Managing Economic Development Organizations
• Neighborhood Development Strategies
• Technology-Led Economic Development
• Workforce Development Strategies
• Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development*
*Individuals may only complete one entrepreneurship-focused course to count toward their elective requirements for the CEcD Program.

To register for the Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC), click here. For all other training courses, you can register for them through IEDC here or the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI).

Exceptions

You may be able to waive or substitute some of the above requirements based on the exceptions offered by IEDC. Please review the specifications below and email [email protected] to confirm if you are eligible for any of these exceptions.

1. Professionals who have been in the field of economic development for at least 5 years will have the option of waiving the required Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC). However, these individuals will still be expected to take a total of 6 training courses, substituting a third Elective Competency training course for the BEDC. These individuals are responsible for material covered in the BEDC training manual. It is recommended these individuals purchase the training manual for this particular area.

2. Professionals who have attended the ED101 course with Grow America (formerly NDC) or have obtained the Economic Development Financial Professional (EDFP) credential may waive attending the Economic Development Credit Analysis training course. Documentation confirming your attendance and successful completion will be required.

3. Professionals who have completed a graduate program in economic development (this does not include planning, public policy, or economics) will have the option of waiving the required Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) as well as 1 Elective Competency training course. These individuals are responsible for material covered in the BEDC training manual and the training manual of the waived Elective Competency. It is recommended these individuals purchase the training manuals for both of these particular areas.

4. Professionals who have obtained the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation or have demonstrated mastery through the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) may waive attending the Real Estate Development & Reuse training course.

5. Professionals that attend the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) may substitute their participation at that program for the equivalent Core and/or Elective Competency training courses. These individuals must take 16 hours of instruction at OU EDI in Real Estate Development & Reuse, 16 hours of instruction in Business Retention & Expansion, and 24 hours of instruction in Economic Development Credit Analysis. These individuals must take 16 hours of instruction at OU EDI in the topic that aligns with the Elective Competency training course as well.

Three steps from eligible to certified

Beginning in 2027, CEcD applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, giving you the flexibility to apply when you have met the eligibility requirements. The 2027 CEcD application portal will open on February 1, 2027.

Step 1: Apply to become an approved candidate

Once you’ve completed the required experience and professional learning, submit your application through the IEDC Application Portal. IEDC will review it to confirm you meet the current eligibility requirements.

You can apply any time of year.

Important: Applications are accepted only through the IEDC Application Portal. Applications sent by email or any other channel will not be reviewed.

Step 2: Prepare with IEDC’s support

Once approved, you’re automatically enrolled in Understanding the CEcD Certification Journey, a self-paced program in IEDC Catalyst built to get you ready for the assessment.

The program walks you through how the assessment works and what’s expected of you. It helps you strengthen both the knowledge and the professional judgment the CEcD measures, so you go into the exam with confidence and clarity.

After you finish, you’ll also have access to mentorship and live Q&A sessions with IEDC.

You won’t prepare alone. Throughout your preparation, you’ll be able to connect with the profession and get your questions answered.

Step 3: Register for your exam cycle

Approval does not register you for an exam. Registration is a separate step you must complete yourself.

Once you’re an approved candidate, choose the exam cycle you want and register before its deadline.

If you’re approved but miss the registration deadline, you won’t be registered for that exam.

Along with your application, you must submit a fee to IEDC based on the chart above. 

If you have any questions about the CEcD program, please reach out to [email protected] for assistance.