Career Development Plan (CDP)
Overview
The career development plan (CDP) legislation requires that all middle and high school students in North Carolina’s public schools complete a career development plan that helps them explore their interests, align education with career goals, and prepare for postsecondary success.
• Session Law 2023-134, House Bill 259, Section 7.13, Career Exploration and Development Plans
• Session Law 2024-1, Senate Bill 508, Section 2.8C Revise Career Development Plan Requirements
The guidance provided on this page and accompanying resources may be used to assist school districts with the implementation of the CDP legislation.
Career Development Plan (CDP) Guidance Document
The CDP Guidance Document is intended to provide a high-level overview of the law and offer guidance to school districts for implementation. Staff within each school district are encouraged to become familiar with the law and reference the CDP Guidance Document as needed to develop a successful implementation plan.
Career Development Plan (CDP) Guidance Document
Career Development Plan (CDP) Planning Tool
The CDP Planning Tool may be used by school districts in planning and implementing the CDP legislation. This tool may be used to guide initial conversations on forming an interdepartmental, collaborative team, developing an implementation plan, and taking steps toward successful implementation locally.
Career Development Plan (CDP) Planning Tool
CDP Office Hours
An interdepartmental team at the NCDPI hosts monthly Q&A session to support districts in the implementation of CDP legislation. CDP office hours are open to all North Carolina school districts; no vendors or non-NC educators, please.
Click on the date below to join the live Q&A session scheduled.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 17, 2025, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Friday, November 21, 2025, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Monday, December 15, 2025, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Friday, January 23, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Friday, February 20, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Monday, March 16, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 4, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Monday, June 1, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Intended audience: Open to local staff only; no vendors or non-NC educators, please.
Questions about career development plans may be sent to CDP@dpi.nc.gov.