PCED Directory
Click here to access the directory of PCED holders throughout the nation!
What is the PCED Certification?
The Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification is based on the content of the Community Development Handbook (2021) published for the Community Development Council.
Community and economic development is a dynamic field and it is the intent of the Community Development Council (CDC) to periodically update the chapters in the Handbook in order to provide CDI participants with the best educational materials.
How do I become a certified PCED?
To obtain the PCED, you must take a certification exam proctored by a representative of the Community Development Council (CDC). To be eligible to take the exam, you must complete an application that demonstrates your experience and expertise in the field. For more exam information, go to www.cdcouncil.com/PCED.htm or contact:
Matthew Darius
Community Development Council
311 Nelson Street S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 523-3030
Email: matthew@sedc.org
What is the PCED exam?
The PCED exam is based on the content of the 2021 Community Development (CD) Handbook copyrighted by the Community Development Council.
Year 1 participants of each CDI site are provided a copy of the CD Handbook digitally. It includes all the relevant chapters for the exam.
If you need a copy of the Handbook, you can find it available for print or digital purchase on Amazon HERE.
The new exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions (no case studies) relating to content provided in the Community Development Handbook (published in 2021).
PCED Exam Content (Community Development Handbook Published 2021)
| CDI Core Curriculum Subject | Handbook Chapters |
| Year 1 | |
| Community and Economic Development Practice | 1 |
| Community Asset Mapping and Assessments | 2 |
| Community Strategic Visioning and Planning | 3 |
| Identifying and Developing Stakeholders, Leaders, and Volunteers | 4 |
| Understanding Community Economies | 5 |
| Year 2 | |
| Building Entrepreneurial Communities | 6 |
| Business Attraction and Site Selection | 7 |
| Business Retention and Expansion | 8 |
| Community and Economic Development Finance | 9 |
| Quality of Place | 10 |
| Year 3 | |
| Community Leadership Development | 11 |
| Marketing Your Community | 12 |
| Measuring Community Progress | 13 |
| Workforce Planning and Development | 14 |
When is the PCED exam normally offered?
The PCED exam is normally offered three times a year in Conway, Arkansas, at the University of Central Arkansas in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center:
- Beginning of March
- First Friday in August, at the close of CDI Central
- Mid-October
The exam is also offered at other times and locations outside of Arkansas. Contact Matthew Darius (matthew@sedc.org ) for more information on other testing dates and locations. You can also find additional exam dates at our sister locations at www.cdcouncil.com/PCED.htm
When is the next PCED exam?
The March 2025 exam will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at UCA in Brewer Hegeman Conference Center. The deadline to apply for the October exam is Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 (45 days prior to the exam).
CDI Central will also host an exam in August 2025 on Friday, August 1 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Brewer Hegeman Conference Center. The deadline to apply for the August exam is June 16, 2025 (45 days prior to the exam).
APPLY HERE FOR THE PCED EXAM
PCED Frequently Asked Questions
If I complete the Community Development Institute, am I required to take the PCED exam?
No. The exam is optional.
Do I have to attend CDI to take the PCED exam?
Yes, you have to attend and graduate CDI to take the PCED exam. The curriculum covered at CDI will help professionals successfully pass the exam.
Does CDI administer the PCED exam?
No, but CDI curriculum helps professionals understand the key concepts covered by the exam. The PCED is overseen by the Community Development Council (CDC).
What is the Community Development Council?
The Community Development Council (CDC) is a national nonprofit organization with the mission of improving professional training and practice in community development. Currently, the CDC oversees seven Community Development Institutes, including sites in Arkansas, Alabama, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas.
Why do I have to pay additional fees to take the PCED exam when I have already paid for three years of CDI?
The PCED exam is separate from the CDI experience. While many CDI graduates choose to take the exam, it is not required.
How much is the testing fee?
$225, which includes an exam study guide.
Can I retake the PCED exam?
In order to pass the exam, you must receive a minimum score 70%. You are able to retake the exam for a fee if you do not pass it.
After I am a certified PCED, how do I re-certify?
After you become a certified PCED, every three years (3) you must undergo a re-certification process. You can re-certify and learn more here: http://www.cdcouncil.com/PCED-Re-Cert.htm