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Program Overview
The DSI’s Certified Digital Instructional Design Strategist (CDIDS™) is a global standard for evaluating professional ability in modern instructional design.
CDIDS™ uses a performance-based assessment model to validate an individual’s capacity to design effective, business-aligned digital learning interventions. It focuses on how professionals apply instructional models, leverage digital tools, and create learning experiences that drive behavioral and organizational outcomes. Certification is available to learning and development professionals, instructional designers, and content strategists seeking to demonstrate their mastery in digital-first learning design.
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CDIDS™ certification provides validation that the candidate understands the structure, methodology, and strategy behind impactful instructional design—spanning content creation, technology integration, evaluation, accessibility, and personalization. The examination can be taken on DSI’s AI-powered platform from any location. A digital badge and certificate are awarded to individuals who score above 65% in the certification exam.
Why CDIDS™ from the Digital Strategy Institute
This program validates the skills of modern instructional designers in applying strategic learning models, leveraging digital tools, and creating performance-driven learning experiences. CDIDS™ covers core frameworks, microlearning, learning analytics, and emerging technologies like AI and immersive media—enabling professionals to align learning with business outcomes across functions.
DSI serves individuals and institutions with the world’s most powerful digital business strategy programs and certifications, for experienced business professionals, graduating MBAs and career-starters.
Earning the DSI CDIDS™ designation helps you in many ways
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Strengthens your ability to design impactful, digital-first learning programs
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Increases your salary potential by up to 20%
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Improves your hiring chances in L&D roles by 50%
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Opens doors to leadership roles in instructional design and training
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Accelerates your professional development and learning design credibility
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Enhances your recognition in the global learning and development community
The process to become a Certified Digital Strategy Professional:
Step 1: Visit the myDSI section on the website and select the CDIDS™ certification path.
Step 2: Complete the registration form with your professional and contact details.
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Step 3: A regional DSI partner will be assigned to assist you with documentation, exam scheduling, and any queries you may have. (All exams are delivered online through a secure AI-powered platform.)
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Step 4: You’ll receive access to an exclusive CDIDS™ self-study kit with exam preparation materials.
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Step 5: Schedule and take your certification exam.
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Exam Duration: 90 minutes
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Format: 45 multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
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Mode: Online, remotely proctored via DSI’s AI-enabled platform
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Passing Score: 65%
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Exam Fee: $675 USD (Valid through December 31, 2025)
Who can apply for the CDIDS™ Credential?
If you’re a learning professional, instructional designer, digital content developer, or corporate trainer with at least one year of experience in learning design, training, or digital education—especially after completing a university or professional program—then the Certified Digital Instructional Design Strategist (CDIDS™) is a valuable credential to pursue and validate your capability in designing performance-driven digital learning solutions.
Examination
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The CDIDS™ certification examination is delivered via a secure, AI-powered platform that ensures a seamless experience for candidates around the world. Designed to uphold global standards of testing and evaluation, our platform supports remote proctoring and delivers consistent reliability, accessibility, and integrity. We prioritize user experience while maintaining strict adherence to international certification and credentialing norms.
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Credential and Certificate
All participants who complete their CDIDS™ certification registration will receive access to a comprehensive instructional design study kit to help prepare for the examination. This includes reference material, practice questions, and downloadable resources via the self-study dashboard.
The certification package also includes access to DSI’s AI-enabled online exam platform, allowing candidates to schedule and complete their exam remotely, at a time that works best for them.
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Candidates who pass the exam will be awarded a digital certificate instantly, which can be shared on professional platforms. A printed certificate will also be shipped to the candidate’s registered address.
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