OCR Level 6 Diploma
The definitive qualification for career development professionals in the UK and internationally. OCR accredited, comprehensive, and led by industry experts — including the co-author of Creative Career Coaching.
A qualification that opens doors
The Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development is the industry-standard qualification required to work as a Registered Career Development Professional (RCDP) and Careers Advisor. It is recognised across a wide range of professional training contexts including Schools, Further Education (FE) Colleges and Higher Education Institutions, as well as Local Government and roles in the Charity Sector. This qualification is a recognised pathway to joining the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.
Delivered via a blended learning approach, our programme combines robust theoretical insights with practical, work-based portfolio assessment. You will be supported by a dedicated assessor who guides you through gathering evidence of your professional competence in your specific workplace environment.
Programme Details
- Accreditation OCR Accredited
- Duration 12 – 18 Months
- Format Blended Learning
- Cohort Size Max 15 Candidates
- Intakes September & March
- Total Fee £3,195
Everything you need to succeed
12 Workshops Total
Including 6 dedicated workshops on career guidance theory and practice, plus a further 6 workshops depending on your chosen pathway. All workshops are delivered on the same workweek day for consistency.
Dedicated Assessor Support
Ongoing assessor and coaching support throughout your programme, with regular structured check-ins throughout the programme. You'll never have to figure out portfolio compilation alone.
Exclusive Resource Repository
Access to an exclusive online repository of resources which include videos of career guidance sessions to deepen career guidance and coaching practice.
In-Person Masterclass Day
Once you have passed your observations of practice, you'll be invited to join an optional in-person masterclass day to refine and deepen your practice with your cohort.
Two Observed Assessments
We go beyond OCR's minimum — candidates must achieve two competent career guidance observations, with detailed developmental feedback between each.
UK Register Eligibility
The OCR Level 6 Diploma is the benchmark professional qualification for career development in the UK and meets the CDI Professional Register entry requirement.
Accreditation Pathway
The diploma consists of 7 mandatory units (48 credits) plus optional units to reach the full 60 credits required for the Level 6 Diploma.
lock Mandatory Units (Units 1–7 · 48 Credits)
tune Top Up Unit Pathways (12 Credits to reach 60)
We then offer one of the following two optional pathways to complete the full Level 6 Diploma.
For full unit descriptions and credit values, see the OCR qualification page or the OCR Centre Handbook (04664 — Career Guidance and Development Level 6 Diploma).
The Sonder Training Group Difference
We go beyond teaching definitions to cultivate premium, authentic coaching competence.
35+ Years of Industry Leadership & the Book That Defined the Field
Our lead trainer Liane Hambly literally co-authored the standard handbook on Creative Career Coaching (Routledge 2018:2026) — the #1 bestseller used across the industry. You're gaining insights directly from the developers of the frameworks practitioners use every day.
Dedicated Assessor Support
You will never have to figure out portfolio compilation alone. All our assessors are current practitioners — active in freelance or salaried career roles — and each has undertaken rigorous CPD beyond their core qualifications, such as the ICF ACC coaching credential or the Level 5 Coaching Apprenticeship.
Beyond the Minimum on Observed Practice
We go beyond the OCR minimum requirement and assess to two competent career guidance observations as part of the Diploma. We believe repeated assessed practice with developmental feedback in between is what builds deep, confident practitioners. After your first competent observation, you'll receive detailed feedback designed to stretch your client work before your second.
International Standing & Reach
While grounded in UK standards, our training and approaches are highly recognised globally. We actively welcome practitioners from diverse international backgrounds. The OCR Level 6 Diploma meets the qualification requirement for entry to the CDI Professional Register.
Proudly qualified. Many more to come.
Here are just two of our graduates pictured with their Cambridge OCR Level 6 Diploma — every cohort adds to our growing community of qualified career development professionals.
And many more across our growing community. Read what our graduates say →
Interested in joining us?
Our next cohort is this September 2026, and we have a small number of places left. Drop us a line today if you are interested in learning more.