Worldwide CDIO Initiative Standards

In January 2004, the CDIO Initiative adopted these 12 Standards to describe CDIO programs. These guiding principles were developed in response to program leaders, alumni, and industry partners who wanted to know how they would recognize CDIO programs and their graduates.

The main role of the CDIO Standards is as a tool for program adoption, evaluation, and continuous improvement. There is no formal certification as a CDIO Program; each institution/institutional department self-certifies using the CDIO Standards and demonstrates certification to its normal accrediting agency or organization. The CDIO Standards allow other academics and industry to identify clearly CDIO Programs and their graduates.

The 12 CDIO Standards:

• Define the distinguishing features of a CDIO program;
• Serve as guidelines for educational program reform and evaluation;
• Create benchmarks and goals with worldwide application; and
• Provide a framework for continuous improvement.

The 12 CDIO Standards address program philosophy (Standard 1), curriculum development (Standards 2, 3 and 4), design-build experiences and workspaces (Standards 5 and 6), new methods of teaching and learning (Standards 7 and 8), faculty development (Standards 9 and 10), and assessment and evaluation (Standards 11 and 12).

Seven are considered essential because they distinguish CDIO programs from other educational reform initiatives; five supplementary standards significantly enrich a CDIO program and reflect best practice in engineering education.

For each standard, the description explains the meaning of the standard, the rationale highlights reasons for setting the standard, and evidence gives examples of documentation and events that demonstrate compliance with the standard.

We're here to help you to adapt, implement, and maintain a CDIO program. The CDIO team includes experts and experienced individuals who can assist you with everything from stakeholder surveys, to assessment studies, to partnering with other CDIO adopters. Complete and submit this form to get help!