DRIVE MEANINGFUL CHANGE
Learn how you can apply the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB): Standards for Organizations Around the World to measure and inform your work as a DEI specialist — domestically, across borders, or both.
This intensive 16-hour online program including a timed final exam, certifies you as officially qualified to use the GDEIB in your own organization or with clients.
It provides you with all that you need to successfully administer the tool, interpret results, and guide sustainable organizational change.
Plus, you’ll be connected to a network of fellow practitioners around the world who share your commitment to excellence.
Whether you are a longtime Benchmarks user or new to the tool, apply for official recognition as a GDEIB Certified Practitioner
DRIVE MEANINGFUL CHANGE
Learn how you can apply the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB): Standards for Organizations Around the World to measure and inform your work as a DEI specialist — domestically, across borders, or both.
This intensive 16-hour online program including a timed final exam, certifies you as officially qualified to use the GDEIB in your own organization or with clients.
It provides you with all that you need to successfully administer the tool, interpret results, and guide sustainable organizational change.
Plus, you’ll be connected to a network of fellow practitioners around the world who share your commitment to excellence.
Whether you are a longtime Benchmarks user or new to the tool, apply for official recognition as a GDEIB Certified Practitioner
REQUEST DETAILS
Registration will open in June for Cohorts 1A (September 15-19, 2025) and 1B (September 26-29).
To be the among first to be alerted once we start accepting applications, complete the form below.
Learn how you can become an official
GDEIB Certified Practitioner
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, follow these steps:
- Fill out the application form, indicating your experience in the field, your familiarity with the GDEIB, and why you seek certification.
- If accepted for Cohort 1, you will be notified on or before August 15, 2025.
- Upon acceptance, in order to finalize your registration, you will need to submit payment as indicated in the instructions. Enrollment is not considered complete and you will not be able to access program content until full payment is received. Your program admission may be revoked if payment is not received by the date indicated in the instructions.
SHOWCASE YOUR EXPERTISE
GDEIB Certified Practitioners are proven among their peers to
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the origins, methods, uses, limitations, and key considerations related to the GDEIB,
- Apply this understanding to real world scenarios, and
- Articulate GDEIB principles, ethics, methods, and practices effectively.
SHOWCASE YOUR EXPERTISE
GDEIB Certified Practitioners are proven among their peers to
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the origins, methods, uses, limitations, and key considerations related to the GDEIB,
- Apply this understanding to real world scenarios, and
- Articulate GDEIB principles, ethics, methods, and practices effectively.
Whom It's For
The GDEIB Practitioner Certification program is for professionals worldwide who help improve diversity, equity, and inclusion practices — whether as a leader-at-large within an organization or as a DEI specialist.
GDEIB Certified Practitioners include executives, specialists, HR staff and professional development experts, trainers, educators, consultants, coaches, researchers, scholars, faculty, facilitators. They work in companies, classrooms, civil society organizations, governments, local communities, and wherever else differences are present.
The GDEIB Practitioner Certification program is for you.
WHOM IT'S FOR
The GDEIB Practitioner Certification program is for professionals worldwide who help improve diversity, equity, and inclusion practices — whether as a leader-at-large within an organization or as a DEI specialist.
GDEIB Certified Practitioners include
- executives,
- specialists,
- HR / people staff,
- professional development experts,
- consultants,
- coaches,
- facilitators,
- trainers,
- educators,
- faculty, and
- other practitioners.
They work in companies, classrooms, civil society organizations, governments, local communities, and wherever else differences are present.
The GDEIB Practitioner Certification program is for you.
How you benefit
Here are some of the many ways you benefit as an official GDEIB Certified Practitioner:
Gain a deeper understanding of the GDEIB principles and practical methods for applying the Benchmarks as a strategic tool in your work.
Demonstrate your commitment to excellence and expertise among your colleagues and clients.
Showcase your accomplishments as a professional who has successfully completed the official GDEIB certification process.
Learn directly from the GDEIB Co-Authors and contributing Expert Panellists.
Incorporate new areas, disciplines and geographies within your own Differences work.
Interact with others from around the world who share your interests and concerns — broaden your network.
Stay current with industry trends and best practices in rapidly changing times.
Connect with other GDEIB Certified Practitioners from around the world and across sectors for support and community.
How you benefit
Gain a deeper understanding of the GDEIB principles and practical methods for applying the Benchmarks as a strategic tool in your work.
Demonstrate your commitment to excellence and expertise among your colleagues and clients.
Showcase your accomplishments as a professional who has successfully completed the official GDEIB certification process.
Learn directly from the GDEIB Co-Authors and contributing Expert Panellists.
Incorporate new areas, disciplines and geographies within your own Differences work.
Interact with others from around the world who share your interests and concerns — broaden your network.
Stay current with industry trends and best practices in rapidly changing times.
Connect with other GDEIB Certified Practitioners from around the world and across sectors for support and community.
Whom It's For
The GDEIB Practitioner Certification program is for professionals worldwide who help improve diversity, equity, and inclusion practices — whether as a leader-at-large within an organization or as a DEI specialist.
GDEIB Certified Practitioners include executives, specialists, HR staff and professional development experts, trainers, educators, consultants, coaches, researchers, scholars, faculty, facilitators. They work in companies, classrooms, civil society organizations, governments, local communities, and wherever else differences are present.
The GDEIB Practitioner Certification program is for you.
GDEIB Mastery – Gain a deeper understanding of the GDEIB principles and practical methods for applying the Benchmarks as a strategic tool in your work.
Credibility & Credentials – Showcase your accomplishments as a professional who has successfully completed the official GDEIB certification process and passed the qualifying assessment.
Peer Recognition – Demonstrate your commitment to excellence and expertise among your colleagues and clients.
Learn from the Experts’ Experts – Learn directly from the GDEIB Co-Authors and contributing Expert Panellists.
Expand your approach to Differences – Incorporate new areas and disciplines within your own Differences work.
Grow your global connections – Interact with others from around the world who share your interests and concerns and broaden your network.
Professional Development – Stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Networking Opportunities – Connect with other GDEIB Certified Practitioners from around the world and across sectors for support and community.
ABOUT THE GDEIB
For over 30 years, this internationally acclaimed tool has helped leaders and DEI professionals from thousands of organizations develop and execute effective, sustainable strategies.
The IDD is proud to have been invited to be the official certifying body for the GDEIB.
Learn more at the GDEIB website.
ABOUT THE GDEIB
The standards for global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practitioners, here’s what leaders from around the world say about the GDEIB.
For over 30 years, this internationally acclaimed tool has helped leaders and DEI professionals from thousands of organizations develop and execute effective, sustainable strategies.
The IDD is proud to have been invited to be the official certifying body for the GDEIB.
For over 30 years, this internationally acclaimed tool has helped leaders and DEI professionals from thousands of organizations develop and execute effective, sustainable strategies.
The IDD is proud to have been invited to be the official certifying body for the GDEIB.
The GDEIB (Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks) is a comprehensive model and tool designed to help organizations implement and improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Co-authored by Nene Molefi, Dr. Alan Richter, and Julie O’Mara — with inputs from 112 Expert Panellists from around the world — it features a 15-category framework, each with five levels of organizational DEI mindset and programming maturity.
MORE THAN A MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT
The GDEIB (Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks) is a comprehensive model and tool designed to help organizations implement and improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Co-authored by Nene Molefi, Dr. Alan Richter, and Julie O’Mara — with inputs from 112 Expert Panellists from around the world — it features a 15-category framework, each with five levels of organizational DEI mindset and programming maturity.
The GDEIB (Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks) is a comprehensive model and tool designed to help organizations implement and improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Co-authored by Nene Molefi, Dr. Alan Richter, and Julie O’Mara — with inputs from 112 Expert Panellists from around the world — it features a 15-category framework, each with five levels of organizational DEI mindset and programming maturity.
For over 30 years, this internationally acclaimed tool has helped leaders and DEI professionals from thousands of organizations develop and execute effective, sustainable strategies.
The IDD is proud to have been invited to be the official certifying body for the GDEIB.
The GDEIB (Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks) is a comprehensive model and tool designed to help organizations implement and improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Co-authored by Nene Molefi, Dr. Alan Richter, and Julie O’Mara — with inputs from 112 Expert Panellists from around the world — it features a 15-category framework, each with five levels of organizational DEI mindset and programming maturity.
Considered to be the standards for global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practitioners, here’s what leaders from around the world have to say about the GDEIB:
“What sets it apart is a holistic framework reflecting a true global view rather than (only) western leaning that includes organizational change elements, not just talent management and other human resources activities. Creates true inclusion.”
– N. Ngou, EY Strategy & Consulting Co., Ltd., Japan
“An essential tool for any global organization, at every step of their Inclusion and Diversity strategy [with] best in class guidelines.”
– P. Thorre, Heineken, The Netherlands
“The global standard for us to get better every day.”
– Macys.com, USA
“What sets it apart is a holistic framework reflecting a true global view rather than (only) western leaning that includes organizational change elements, not just talent management and other human resources activities. Creates true inclusion.”
– N. Ngou, EY Strategy & Consulting Co., Ltd., Japan
“An essential tool for any global organization, at every step of their Inclusion and Diversity strategy [with] best in class guidelines.”
– P. Thorre, Heineken, The Netherlands
“The global standard for us to get better every day.”
– Macys.com, USA
“The GDEIB is an excellent resource and practical guide for leaders well beyond DEI practitioners looking for behaviourally explicit answers to the question: ‘What do you want me to do?’
– N. Younes, Takeda Pharmaceutical, GDD, Switzerland
“The GDEIB is an excellent resource and practical guide for leaders well beyond DEI practitioners looking for behaviourally explicit answers to the question: ‘What do you want me to do?’
– N. Younes, Takeda Pharmaceutical, GDD, Switzerland
“The GDEIB is an excellent resource and practical guide for leaders well beyond DEI practitioners looking for behaviourally explicit answers to the question: ‘What do you want me to do?’
– N. Younes, Takeda Pharmaceutical, GDD, Switzerland
SEVEN STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Here's all you need to start the process, gain insights and become recognized for your mastery of the GDEIB.
Still have questions? Get more details about each step in the certification process.
7 KEY STEPS
All you need to do
…to start the process, gain critical insights and skills, and become recognized for your mastery of the GDEIB. Full details are available here.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Hands-on practical insights for active practitioners – Learn how to use the GDEIB tool to assess the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in your workplace / with your clients and how to interpret the results to make strategic recommendations for measurable progress.
Relatable real world applications – Our case study-based learning approach shows you how the GDEIB is used in actual workplaces and organizations — and how you can do the same, adapting it to your circumstances.
Online format – Self study + live sessions – The program duration is 16 hours to be completed over a 1-week course period.
Focused content – The program is divided into four modules, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the GDEIB as well as demonstrating how you can use it either in its entirety or modularly depending on your needs.
Membership in the GDEIB CP Community – Once you have successfully completed the program, passed the qualifying examination, and submitted your program feedback, you’ll be invited to connect with other official Certified Practitioners, Expert Panelists, and Friends of the GDEIB for online and in-person events throughout the year.
Your uniquely assigned digital badge – Upon successful completion on the program and qualifying examination, your official individual digital badge to showcase your competence and mastery of GDEIB principles and methods. Use these official credentials in your business communications so clients and peers recognize your expertise. Credentials are renewable after 3 years.
Hands-on practical insights for active practitioners – Learn how to use the GDEIB tool to assess the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in your workplace / with your clients and how to interpret the results to make strategic recommendations for measurable progress.
Relatable real world applications – Our case study-based learning approach shows you how the GDEIB is used in actual workplaces and organizations — and how you can do the same, adapting it to your circumstances.
Focused content – The program is divided into four modules, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the GDEIB as well as demonstrating how you can use it either in its entirety or modularly depending on your needs.
Online format – Self study + live sessions – The program duration is 16 hours to be completed over a 1-week course period.
Membership in the GDEIB CP Community – Once you have successfully completed the program, passed the qualifying examination, and submitted your program feedback, you’ll be invited to connect with other official Certified Practitioners, Expert Panellists, and Friends of the GDEIB for online and in-person events throughout the year.
Your uniquely assigned digital badge – Upon successful completion on the program and qualifying examination, your official individual digital badge to showcase your competence and mastery of GDEIB principles and methods. Use these official credentials in your business communications so clients and peers recognize your expertise. Credentials are renewable after 3 years.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Ready to get started?
We take certification seriously. To ensure that you’re qualified according to rigorous standards that truly enable you to work with the GDEIB with confidence, official certification is awarded upon successfully meeting these program components:
- Completing a pre-program assessment using the online platform.
- Completing all self-study content / assignments using the online platform.
- Attending and participating in the entirety of all live online sessions.
- Passing the qualifying assessment examination (75 or more of 100 points).
- Submitting a brief post-program evaluation survey.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Ready to get started?
We take certification seriously. To ensure that you’re qualified according to rigorous standards that truly enable you to work with the GDEIB with confidence, official certification is awarded upon successfully meeting these program components:
- Completing a pre-program assessment using the online platform.
- Completing all self-study content / assignments using the online platform.
- Attending and participating in the entirety of all live online sessions.
- Passing the qualifying assessment examination (75 or more of 100 points).
- Submitting a brief post-program evaluation survey.
YOUR PROGRAM DATES
Your program week is 13-15 October, 2025.
- Self-Study must be completed as indicated below before the Live Sessions.
- Live Sessions are on Tue., Wed., and Thu., 14:00-17:00 (2-5pm) South African Standard Time.
- Your Final Qualifying Exam will be available immediately after the close of Live Session #3 and must be completed by 23:00 (11:00pm) on Sat., 16 Oct.
YOUR PROGRAM DATES
Your program week is 13-17 October, 2025.
- Self-Study must be completed as indicated below before the Live Sessions.
- Live Sessions are on Tue., Wed., and Thu., 14:00-17:00 (2-5pm) South African Standard Time.
- Your Final Qualifying Exam will be available immediately after the close of Live Session #3 and must be completed by 23:00 (11:00pm) on Sat., 16 Oct.
FAQs
PROGRAM DETAILS
The program is offered by the Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD), in partnership with GDEIB Co-Authors Nene Molefi and Dr. Alan Richter. The IDD is responsible for designing and delivering the program, facilitating the live sessions, and supporting participants throughout their certification journey. Learn more about the IDD.
The standard program fee at this time is USD2000. We recognize that financial circumstances vary. If cost is a barrier to your participation, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are open to exploring options that may make it possible for you to join.
Your program fee helps sustain and grow the GDEIB tool and certification process and supports the continued development of high-quality learning experiences. Fees also cover the costs of the online learning platform, the experienced facilitators who lead the sessions, and the dedicated administrative team that ensures the smooth running of the program. See the IDD’s fiscal policy.
At this time, the program is only offered in English . We are exploring the possibility of offering additional languages in the future. If you have a group of 5 or more colleagues who would like to undertake certification in a different language, contact us at certification@iddifferences.org.
Our live sessions are facilitated by experienced senior facilitators and DEI practitioners. They bring deep knowledge, practical experience, and an inclusive approach to guiding participants through the GDEIB certification program.
Absolutely. If you’re interested in organizing a dedicated session for your team or group on preferred dates, please contact us. We’ll be happy to provide a custom group offer.
Cohorts range from groups of 5 to 18 participants. We reserve the right to reschedule or refund if enrollment is below 5 participants.
The Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB): Standards for Organizations Around the World are designed to guide organizations to achieve best practices. The comprehensive, truly global model was informed by over 112 Expert Panellists from around the world, has 15 categories with 275 markers, and helps leaders and DEI professionals implement strategies that work as an integrated, sustainable system. Learn more at globaldeibenchmarks.org.
ASSESSMENT & CERTIFICATION
Certification is contingent upon:
- Completing a pre-program assessment using the online platform.
- Completing all self-study content / assignments using the online platform.
- Attending and participating in the entirety of all live online sessions.
- Passing the qualifying assessment examination (75 or more of 100 points).
- Submitting a brief post-program evaluation survey.
If you do not pass the final assessment, you can retake the exam once by paying an administrative fee of USD250
Your certification (and certification badge) is valid for three (3) years. You may apply for re-certification at that time using the latest GDEIB edition.
Once you successfully complete the program and post-program evaluation, you will be assigned a unique certification badge to display / share as a part of your professional credentials.
Logistics
Fill out the application form, indicating your experience in the field, your familiarity with the GDEIB, and why you seek certification. If accepted, you will be notified as soon as your cohort meets its minimum required size.
Registration is open on a rolling basis and closes once all spots in a cohort are filled. We will post additional 2026 dates soon. Add your name to the waiting list by sending an email to certification@iddifferences.org.
We do not offer cancellations. However, we understand that plans can change—please see our transfer policy below for flexible options.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. If another published date works better for you, you may request a transfer to a future cohort, subject to availability.
The certification program is designed to be completed within one week and requires you dedicate 16 hours of time to it. It includes 8 hours of live sessions (including Qualifying Assessment Examination completion) and an estimated 8 hours of self-study, including reading, reflection, and exam preparation.
To join the program, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, full audio and video access to Zoom, and the ability to use an online learning platform that we will make available to you. We also recommend joining the live sessions from a quiet space
No. Active participation in the Live Sessions is a core requirement for successful completion and certification. Recordings are not provided.
Live Session times vary depending on the cohort. We offer different options to accommodate our global audiences. We list all times in UTC/GMT. Be sure to check what these are in your time zone when you apply.
Miscellaneous
The Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) offers programs, training and peer connection opportunities so that you can better help the individuals and organizations you work with to transform Differences into more effective ways of communicating, working, and prospering together. Learn more and join us.
Not finding the information you need? Send us an inquiry.
FAQs
PROGRAM DETAILS
The program is offered by the Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD), in partnership with GDEIB Co-Authors Nene Molefi and Dr. Alan Richter. The IDD is responsible for designing and delivering the program, facilitating the live sessions, and supporting participants throughout their certification journey. Learn more about the IDD.
Your program fee helps sustain and grow the GDEIB tool and certification process and supports the continued development of high-quality learning experiences. Fees also cover the costs of the online learning platform, the experienced facilitators who lead the sessions, and the dedicated administrative team that ensures the smooth running of the program. See the IDD’s fiscal policy.
At this time, the program is only offered in English . We are exploring the possibility of offering additional languages in the future. If you have a group of 5 or more colleagues who would like to undertake certification in a different language, contact us at certification@iddifferences.org.
Our live sessions are facilitated by experienced senior facilitators and DEI practitioners. They bring deep knowledge, practical experience, and an inclusive approach to guiding participants through the GDEIB certification program.
Absolutely. If you’re interested in organizing a dedicated session for your team or group on preferred dates, please contact us. We’ll be happy to provide a custom group offer.
Cohorts range from groups of 5 to 12 participants. We reserve the right to reschedule or refund if enrollment is below 5 participants.
The Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB): Standards for Organizations Around the World are designed to guide organizations to achieve best practices. The comprehensive, truly global model was informed by over 112 Expert Panellists from around the world, has 15 categories with 275 markers, and helps leaders and DEI professionals implement strategies that work as an integrated, sustainable system. Learn more at globaldeibenchmarks.org.
ASSESSMENT & CERTIFICATION
Certification is contingent upon:
- Completing a pre-program assessment using the online platform.
- Completing all self-study content / assignments using the online platform.
- Attending and participating in the entirety of all live online sessions.
- Passing the qualifying assessment examination (75 or more of 100 points).
- Submitting a brief post-program evaluation survey.
If you do not pass the final assessment, you can retake the exam once by paying an administrative fee of USD250
Your certification (and certification badge) is valid for three (3) years. You may apply for re-certification at that time using the latest GDEIB edition.
Once you successfully complete the program and post-program evaluation, you will be assigned a unique certification badge to display / share as a part of your professional credentials.
Logistics
For your cohort, this is 29 September 2025.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. If another published date works better for you, you may request a transfer to a future cohort, subject to availability.
The certification program is designed to be completed within one week and requires you dedicate 16 hours of time to it. It includes 8 hours of live sessions (including Qualifying Assessment Examination completion) and an estimated 8 hours of self-study, including reading, reflection, and exam preparation.
To join the program, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, full audio and video access to Zoom, and the ability to use an online learning platform that we will make available to you. We also recommend joining the live sessions from a quiet space
No. Active participation in the Live Sessions is a core requirement for successful completion and certification. Recordings are not provided.
Live Session times for your cohort are 14:00-17:00 (2-5pm) SAST.
Miscellaneous
The Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) offers programs, training and peer connection opportunities so that you can better help the individuals and organizations you work with to transform Differences into more effective ways of communicating, working, and prospering together. Learn more and join us.
Not finding the information you need? Send us an inquiry.
REGISTER
To start your journey towards becoming an official GDEIB Certified Practitioner, you’ll need to complete this form. Once it has been reviewed, you’ll be contacted about next steps for your enrollment. If you have questions not answered in the FAQs or by your program coordinator, please contact info@iddifferences.org or fill out our inquiry form.
REGISTER
To start your journey towards becoming an official GDEIB Certified Practitioner, you’ll need to complete this form. Once it has been reviewed, you’ll be contacted about next steps for your enrollment. If you have questions not answered in the FAQs or by your program coordinator, please contact info@iddifferences.org or fill out our inquiry form.
APPLY Now
To start your journey towards becoming an official GDEIB Certified Practitioner, you’ll need to complete this form and make the first payment installment. Once it has been reviewed, you’ll be contacted about next steps (typically within 2 business days). If you have questions not answered in the FAQs, please contact info@iddifferences.org.