CDI College Reviews

CDI College
( 82 reviews )

CDI College Customer Reviews

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Knowledgeable Student Pissed Off
November 14, 2013

I've been a full-time student for six years, and graduated into the media/communications field, which unfortunately has little job security and a lot of transition. I'm more interested in maintaining full-time, steady employment, so enrolled at CDI to get a one-off piece of paper to help get my foot in the door with employers like real estate companies, government agencies, and the like.

After signing up and paying the 15% (thanks student loans) I'm sitting in a classroom with a teacher (professor is far too generous a term) that pronounces "indictable" as in-dick-table, not "in-dite-able". Tip of the iceberg. She walks in 5-10 minutes late for class consistently (if this was a regular occurance in "the real world" the person being paid to show up would be canned). We are failed when we can't take dictation, even though she doesn't speak English at all well, it's not a native language for her (ordinarily I find nothing wrong with a difficulty with ESL challenges, but in a course where accuracy and understanding are paramount, and the ENTIRE CLASS fails for such a difficulty , it's inexcusable.

I voiced these concerns and was basically told by the administration tough luck, despite well-reasoned arguments, and received a thinly veiled accusation of discrimination.

I'm withdrawing this afternoon, and urge people thinking of attending CDI in Victoria, B.C., to instead go to Camosun College if they offer a similar program (which they will). My years at that college were the best in my life, and they had the best teachers one could ask for.

I'm lucky because I have fall-back employment and contracts which I love. I feel for the 18 and 19-year old classmates with little to no professional work experience that wander into a law office pronouncing it "in-dick-table." They don't stand a chance.

Innocent B November 19, 2013

"in-dick-table."

Yikes.

I was actually thinking about attending CDI as I am looking to switch gears career wise, but holy ****, am I glad I did some research about this place.

I live in Victoria, so thanks for the honesty about the Victoria CDI "campus".

Lucky Bystander November 14, 2014

Do enroll at Camosun! I almost made the mistake of getting into CDI, but did some research and saw that it is a massive scam. Since they wanted 20K for a diploma program or some other nonsense, I realized I could earn a bachelors at that price. Glad I sidestepped that landmine.

It depends on what program you take
November 12, 2013

At CDI I think it depends on what program you take.

I took up a program in Cardiology Technology,completed the program

Did the board exams and I now work for a hospital in Ontario.

As they promised I didn't have to pay the whole loan.

I am happy that I took up a career with CDI.

CDI LOL
November 3, 2013
THE CDI COLLEGE IN EDMONTON IS A SCAM PLS DONT ATTEND

Jane February 28, 2022

CDI is not any better in WINNIPEG

WORST SCHOOL INN CANADA (BEWARE OF IT)
October 26, 2013

I was lured to this school with a promise of job placement.....nothing they

said was true...I finished the school for some years now but no job, I was heart broken to see CDI college graduates doing survival jobs to make ends meet after paying so much in school to get a diploma that worth nothing....

How can a developed country like Canada allow this kind of scam called school to operate in Canada, rubbing meanly immigrants their hard earned money and subjecting them to student loan they had to buy through their nose?

Its so sad!!!!!

Kirsten February 03, 2014

Please don't attend this school. I took the medical office admin. program at CDI city centre in Calgary. The admissions rep (really just a sales rep) made great promises about how at least 75% of students find employment after graduation, and about all the services the school provides after graduation. I had read the bad reviews before going into my admissions interview, and was assured by the admissions rep that most of the bad reviews were written by students who hadn't put the work in, had bad attendance, etc etc. I have to admit, he was good at his job, I never questioned his reasoning.

I enjoyed the program, enjoyed the instructors, and had a good time. After my course work was finished, all of the promises that had been made about my practicum placement at a hospital turned out to be untrue. I was left high and dry and sat at home for two months waiting to get my practicum. All emlpoyers I approached said they didn't want to take on a student from CDI. Finally, I ended up doing a practicum with a (crooked) doctor that was friends with a staff member at CDI. I graduated with honors, multiple awards of academic excellence, and a perfect attendance award. When I tried to pick up my diploma, and CPR ceritificate I was jerked around, it took almost a month get them, and I had to physically go down to the school and demand them. When I got there, I found out that the education mananger, the campus director, an employment service rep and a handful of instructors and other admin. staff had been let go, and thats why I hadn't been able to get my diploma and other paperwork. I was promised that I would hear from employment service staff regularly as they were going to help me find a job. To date, I have gotten exactly one phone call and one email from someone, all of my phone calls and emails have gone unanswered.

So, now my HUGE student loan (that CDI applied for on my behalf) has entered repayment. My loan is just shy of 21,000 dollars, I have been told by multiple employers that if I were to go get the same diploma from SAIT or bow valley, they would gladly hire me, but they are very leary of hiring CDI graduates.

Please don't assume the bad reviews are from lazy, slacker students. I went to class every single day, I never failed an exam or assignment. I worked extremely hard and graduated with an over-all average of 94%. CDI does not give a crap about you. They want your money, and they will not help you after graduation.

Brent Ellis January 22, 2015

The college does not guarantee anyone a job. They were helpful with my practicun placement, and gave me the skills employers were looking for. I got a job that fits my CDI traning. The school is reputable. They are reasonable. Why would one expect CDI to babysit a student while they are out on their own competing in the job market? Try having realistic expectations when you start your job search. Remember volunteer work in your field helps you gain experience, and it looks real good on your resume.

Jane February 28, 2022

I agree with you. They are not telling the truth about jobs to students.

What a bloody waste of time, energy and most of all money!!!!!!!!!
October 17, 2013

Hello,

I attended CDI college west (WHAT A JOKE). I was told that if I kept good grades half of my student loan would be forgiven...LIE!...None of the teachers are certified, you cant't get a quality job after graduation. You probably have a better chance of getting a career with a diploma from the school of hard knocks. Before anyone jumps on this post about applying yourself and all the bull, please know that I graduated with full honors! Do not go to this school go to NAIT, Grant MacEwan or the U of A. Don't be another sucker like me!

CDI is amazing
October 1, 2013
Ok all of you are complaining cause you guys are close minded people. I graduated two years ago in calgary and was able to to find a job working at the head office of scotiabank. Maybe if u worked hard enough you would find a job.

Dont go there
September 30, 2013

sorry my first language is french so ill do my best !!!!

im studying in informatic accounting

Don't go to cdi college evrybody who attempt to the class will PASS !!!!! I'm on facebook evryday.. i don't listen ... and i pass

to push my luck further i have wrote a big wtf in a "bilan" which is like the summary of some accountive s***t , in my final exam !! and i tstill got 72% in my examen !!!

they never clean up the school i have put on the ground purposly chip crumps a month ago and they are still there !!!!

the classes temperature is always upper then 28 degree

the teacher are nice but they make evry body pass

all your module will be evaluate like this

30% first exam

25 team project

40% final exam

5% participation

u will need more then 50% AT URE FINAL EXAM and 60% total to pass ure module but ....

guess what ..(again we did it on purpose to test)

i had 14/30 in my first exam 46%

i had 21/40 in my final exam 51.2%

i did nothing in the team work and my partner did nothing too !!!

we had 23/25 ... 92%

and since i show up in most of my class they gave me 4/5

so 14+21+23+4=62% !!! i pass

don't go to cdi collège you will just waste 11 800 $ and you will not have a good job at the end .... you will probably work at h&r block as a consoller !!! 14-16$ an hour ....

don't go to cdi college !!!

Great education and experience
August 31, 2013

I attended CDI and loved the experience. Part of graduating is taking ones own initiative - pound the payment harder than a Hooker and you'll get a.

Attitude is everything. Think it sucks and it will suck. Work hard at being a success and you'll be one.

But yeah - CDI was a great experience.

BULLSHI$
August 19, 2013
I hope someone shuts this school down!! un qualified teachers!! crappy placements!! and lots of unhappy students!! its a joke! Rodney the maneger at the cdi college campus is allways on vacation they say!! but really its because he is in court because everyone wants to take them to court to get there money back!! stay away from these low life money hungry leaches! theres no education going on there!! just people who lie n decete....i hope the all die from rectile bleeding!

sucks!
July 25, 2013

Unfortunately, I went to CDI and If I can tell somebody who is planning to enroll there, Don't do it. I took the course of Medical Office Assistant and I haven't been able to find a job is very hard for me because I don't have any canadian experience in anything but the worse is thta I thought if i go to a college and get a diploma I could do better .And that has no be the case .Now I am unemployed and with a debt of 10000 dollars . when u go to talk to the advisor they basically make u sigh the papers and because there has been people that have sued them in the past they make u sign a paper saying they don't promise you they will find u job. I called them today to see if they can help me to find a job or if they have any office to support graduates and whatever and they said that they don't have anybody that do that. when i was doing my practicum I didn't like it whe they sent me so I let the coordinator know i wasnt gonna go back there and because the idiot was quitting she did not bother to let them know so when i had to go back for the hours i have done in that first practicum , they saw me like the irresponsible. I was so mad . overall my learning With some of the teachers the core was good.she had knowledge and the computer teacher as well but that was in 2011. I just wish i could go back in time and not have enrolled because now I

am screwed and in debt . I know some other people have had luck and get jobs but unfortunately that nos my case.

Jane February 28, 2022

Places they find for practicum can be horrible places to practice. They really should work on that issue.

Worst experience
June 13, 2013
I found CDI college very pushy, when asking for information they asked me to meet with an adviser to talk about all my options. When I arrived they had already set me up to do assessments and talk to a financial adviser when I was clear that I only wanted information. They told me I would have to probably quit my job if I wanted to take their course or cut back substantially(which no one can do for a year). The reason they do not tell you quotes over the phone is because one course is close to 20,000! They were shocked when I told them I couldn't quit my job for a year. After leaving and saying I had to think about it, they phoned me everyday! Terrible experience would not recommend them.

CDI
May 27, 2013
I am currently in the MOA program. I started at the end of January. The first couple months were great. I could work at my own pace in the learning center. I understood it. It was nice. Then my core class started. My teacher everyday is late. She has an attitude of not wanting to be there. She insults to our faces and behind our backs. She doesn't even really teach us. At this point I am paying $16,000 for school and another $600 in gas a month. Multiple students have expressed themselves to the dean and he has done nothing. I have found no contact info for the main offic either. I enrolled at this school as my sister stated and loved it. I was so excited that I passed the entrance exam that I didn't even think about researching the school. I was just excited to start college to make mine and my fiance's life better. That was my big mistake. I am not dropping out as I have to pay the money anyways so I might as well finish school. But I am exhausted with all the energy I have to spend to just try and keep up with the stress my teacher deals out. Today she called me an irresponsible student to my face because my assignment check list confused her. Her attitude she deals out, I am pretty much paying $16,000 to teach myself. I work as hard as I can, but when my teacher shuts me out and the class has to work together and teach each ither to just understand the material, that is just ridiculous. I am very disappointed that I went to this school and I wish I could take it all back. After my class today, I feel like I just want to give up.

Fcdi June 04, 2013

im so sorry you have to deal with this...take it from me, tellling the upper managemnet ie the dean will not do a thing for you, you have to and must let the various media outlets know.

Jane February 28, 2022

What city was it?

Jane February 28, 2022

I also had bad experience in MOA program with abusive teacher

Waste of time, money, energy
April 12, 2013
I attended the pharmacy technician program at CDI and it was a complete and utter joke. The instructor wasn't a certified teacher just some random woman who worked in a pharmacy. We'd ask questions only to never get answers. After being removed from the program for getting a 69% on the math final (minimum being 70%) the director of the college immediately tried to push me into a different program that would have costed me an additional 16000 dollars! And when I was first looking into the program the person who signed me up basically pressured me into agreeing to go and wouldn't take no for an answer. I just went 14,000 dollars into debt for a job it turns out I didn't even need to go to school for!

Are y April 19, 2013

To my knowledge, there are strict guidelines with the ministry on hiring an instructor..... sounds like you didn't put in the effort needed to be a success! Stop whining & grow up!!!! With an attitude like that, you prob would not be hired no matter where you went to school!

Fcdi April 30, 2013

funny how after every post theres a reply....oh as a former empl;oyee i know for a fact its a staff member

Pissed o May 14, 2013

Um I put in alot of work, all my other exams were 90s. I studied for hours at home, and at work, as well as asking for help from the "instructor" every chance I got. Not that my questions ever got answers

trust me
March 7, 2013
Every one here is correct, the staff are not qualified, and instructed by the higher ups to not be concernd about student needs just how to make the student stay for a certain amount of time so the student loan is given to the school. The councilers or whateve ru want to cal them are sales reps, they have targets and are told under whatever circumstance to get enrollments or they will be fired.they are told to make at least 3 calls to the "lead" a day, even by blocking your number. I know this because i worked for 3 differnt cdi campuses in BC. Please do not go to this school, you will not get what you are being promised

Erin M March 11, 2013

Are you sure you made cold calls? Who did you call to? I don't think your comment is legit because according to the Canadian legislation no educational institution is allowed to call random people and convince them to study at a school or college. Who are you? Why are you defaming the college?

I applied for the Paralegal program with the CDI College online and got all of my answers there. That was my own choice and I'm very happy about it. Good college and excellent education! Totally recommend!

Fcdi April 30, 2013

I never said "cold calls" I am someone who knows the ins and outs to eminata very well and the operations. Are all the staff bad? not at all, but it is a business and the student needs is not a priority

CDI a joke
February 20, 2013

Hey I just have one question. I attend the CDI Mississauga campus in the social worker course. I am about to finish this course and I have started to look for my co-op placemant which is mandatory for graduation the placement has to be 300 hours. To my surprise I have started calling different agencies and have been told that they will not offer me any placement becasue I go to CDI College, Some very good places like YMCA or CAMH are very good. Specially CAMH (Centre for mental health and addiction) only take students from colleges that offer a 2 or 3 year social worker course diploma and do not recognize CDI College. Colleges in Ontario like Humber, George Brown or Centennial college also they offer placement for students that attend good universities like U of T of Ryerson. Here are some examples below.

http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/careers_and_volunteers/student_placements/CAMH_care_providers_overview/Pages/careprovider_childyouthwork.aspx

http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/careers_and_volunteers/student_placements/CAMH_care_providers_overview/Pages/careproviders_addictiontherapy.aspx

The best thing is that I have been told that CDI provides the placement for you now they are telling me to find it myself and if I don't finsh it in a certain time frame right after my graduation I will have isues with OSAP. Now if all these agencies don't take CDI students how the hell I will ever find a placement and finish it on time. I am not talking about finding a job I am just talking about finishing this school and get the hell out of there. Here are some things you should read on the CDI wep page and how they lie to students.

http://www.cdicollege.ca/community/student-services/

http://www.cdicollege.ca/about-cdi/why-we-re-better/

all of this is jusr BS. I have been in this school for 9 months and the campus in Mississauga i new it has been open for about 17 months and check this. There have been quite a few people that have graduated but so far there was no grad party nobody got a chance to even get whole graduation costume and I have been told that they are goe do it later when more students graduate well I wanna see that.

CDI is NOT Canadas leading college well maybe if you count it from backwards lol.

The curriculum has NOT been developed by any experts and I know that for a fact.

CDI does NOT serve as practicum hosts.

CDI does NOT motivate you all they want is your money that is their only motivation.

ONe of the students at CDI was told by an employee at CDI that she should sell her car if she does not have money and enroll in the course I mean how fed uo is that WOW.

CDI career services.

http://www.cdicollege.ca/community/career-services/

CDI does NOT really offer workshops for resume writing or job searching at my campus there were 2 workshops related to that and thats it they only did that just to fill a gap or something, They were really BS anyway.

I do not believe that employers are looking for CDI graduates becasue that college is a total joke. Your paying $15,000 $20,000 $30,000 for what? a piece of paper.

Have a nice day people.

CDI G February 26, 2013

that's lame that you've had this kind of experience. I went to a campus in BC and got out of it what I wanted. kind of needed the kind of training that CDI offers to get a job, and i was done in a year. got hired from my practicum and am now able to support my daughtr.

CDI G March 06, 2013

Useless school do not waste yor money

Proud C March 07, 2013

I took the addictions worker program at CDI College in Vancouverand really learned a lot! It was hard work going back to school, too. But I did it. My instructor knew his stuff and was so supportive. He made me want to be good at my job.

I'm proud that I graduated from CDI because I worked really hard and made it work for me. I read your review and feel completely opposite from you. I think it doesn't matter where you go to college, you need to apply yourself and make something of your education. No one will do it for you. I did my courses, found a placement at a local agency, graduated and had to find a job. And I did.

I'm proud of my education.

Also v April 19, 2013

I will be a graduate of CDI Mississauga Medical Office Administrator program. My experience from day one was top notch! From my initial meeting with my program advisor, to my first few weeks with Mary, thru my lessons with Dina & the 1 week seminar on job searching with Sunita! I don't know what the student above is talking about, but if its who I think it is, this guy is just one big complaint! I would assume he is a victim no matter what! CDI is not responsible for your placement, I was told they would help me if I required the help...but guess what....I found a placement, ALL BY MYSELF, that was only to happy to have me as they have hired previous CDI grad's & are looking to hire beginning of July!!!! The campus has held student of the month recognition parties for the students, they have interesting seminars from industry professionals, the entire staff is helpful & pleasant! I hope you are graduating soon, this campus will be a much better place without the likes of you!!!!!

Jean G May 06, 2013

Liar!

Ann August 24, 2013

This person speaks the absolute truth and is not a liar. You may have been treated better but there is favorites that the instructors pick and if your not one of them OH WELL!

Jane February 28, 2022

I believe you

CDI: Snake Charmers for a Modern Age
January 25, 2013

Please people....do research before throwing your hard-earned money and precious time away on this 'school'. It IS a business, no matter what the "Admissions Professional" tells you. They are high pressure sales people with cut throat attitudes only after your cash. They make promises of quick and easy answers to sell you on their abridged version of what learning really is.

Their cost is three times as much as any reputable school and when you ask questions regarding key topics like, 'how is this course sustainable and going to get me a great job after? How do you vary from online courses? Tell me about your instructors,' you are given answers that are only intended to cover the truth and keep you from walking out with your dollars.

This 'school' is deceitful, pumps out as many 'skilled workers' as it can while making a substantial amount of money in the process. I wanted to participate in the Rehabilitation Assistant course. They wanted $21,536.00. It's a year course with a three month practicum. I could get a degree for that.

When I decided to do more research on CDI, I found not a positive comment except on their very own website. When I pulled out of this decision, I was treated the complete opposite compared to when my interest was piqued. Whose interest wouldn't be sparked? What with all the confirmation you receive from the staff who smile and nod and pour poisonous distraction in your ear while pocketing your wallet.

The guarantees are not so. Merely sales techniques to make you feel comfortable while you go twenty grand in debt. Do not go to this place.

Samarah January 29, 2013

How do you let the public know without CDI coming after you?

Lucas February 20, 2013

They will NOT cone after you if you present concrete evidnece agaisnt them, Read the student CDI handbook I did and it really helped write a formal compalint to the campus director first quitong all the things in the book that you think are important that CDI is NOT doing it what they suppose to. Tell the director that you are thinking of talking to a lawyer just let them know that you will not just stand by and do nothing.

No n May 08, 2013

I tried this and they threatened to kick me out on the spot

DO NOT EVER ATTEND CDI! WASTE of your HARD EARNED money
January 15, 2013

Okay... so DO NOT EVER attend CDI College first of all you will be ripped off, second of all good luck finding a job as most companies will not even look at your certificate being legit.

Please explain to me how a year long office administration course cost you $17,000 ???? When you can attend NAIT an accredited school very recognized by all business with teachers who are qualified to teach and it will cost you in around $6,000.

Can someone please explain to me how in the world that works???

Look for your education at an accredited school and your schooling unless attending a very high end university should only cost you in around $3,000 a semester (depending on courses).

This school sucks
January 7, 2013
They are horrid. I am not sure how this school got its licence returned. They likely paid off someone to operate in Ontario. Shady people licensed by very shady regulators.

Vim I January 07, 2013

Perhaps there is a smear campaign against private schools in Ontario. Schools in Ontario have become targets of horrid class action law firms.

CDI College is a Fraud
October 30, 2012
CDI College is a fraud, a scam, and a total joke. The diplomas obtained there are worthless, and are not recognized by any employer. Any money spent at CDI college is totally wasted. Avoid the fraud known as CDI College at all cost.

Research, r March 04, 2013

I think people should do their research first.

Before I started my program, I made sure to talk to a few employers to see if they actually hired from the school. They do.

I'm doing their program in BC in dental assisting and everything here is as I expected it to be. The teachers here know what they are doing. I spent the time and reseach to make sure which school was best for me.

Truth April 05, 2013

wrote by a CDI employee HA!

Not h May 14, 2013

Fake or not, the first part isn't a bad suggestion though. If you really want to know, call and ask

Shill A August 08, 2013

CDI is trying to plant fake positive reviews because of their terrible reputation. Avoid.

GFD August 24, 2013

I totally agree as they tell you tutors are there to help you. The tutors are students who have done well and try to help you out. Get some professional tutors in that crappy college who know what to do. These other students are not always available and continue on to somethingelse, while your left struggling.

My instructor told me if I don't understand something YouTube it. Pretty useless

instructor if you ask me.

John S September 19, 2013

CDI is a scam! They fire good instructors and keep the ones who just keep their mouths shut!!!!!

CDI College is a Big Scam
July 11, 2012

CDI College SCAM -

I need your Big Help. Please advice , what are my options.

My wife got admission in CDI college a month ago, she is immigrant and was excited to get admission in CDI College, after getting rejected to get admmision from university for not having pre requisite, , CDI did all the paperwork and got her loan approved for $18000, same course in university cost only $8000.

Anyway, they made her sign a lot of documents which she signed without reading, in which one page say, if she withdrawn or terminated, while 1 to 10% of course, she pay 25 % of fee which is $6000, if she complete 10% to 50% of course, she pay 60% which is about $12000, and over 50% completion u pay full $18000, So after a month she came home and told me that CDI ask her to leave because she failed twice and there was a claw that if you fail twice, you cannot continue the program.

She is 2 day more than 10% so she is at 10.2 % so she comes in 60% category and have to pay $12000 to the govt as govt student loan already paid the CDI. I MEAN WOW.

So now we are in debt of $12000 of govt student for going to CDI for 30 days...and not getting any diploma or any good education.

1 teacher was teching all the courses..She had 5 exams and 15 quizzes in a month in which she failed 2, and they kicked her out and kept all the money and now we have to pay $12000 to govt student loan.

Please advice what i can do in this situation.

Cory November 07, 2012

I'd consult a lawyer and see if anything can be done to get the money back.

Why i March 04, 2013

I am failing to understand how this is a scam in your situation.

In this case, it just seemed as though your wife didn't do very well in her courses. Failure to pass your courses in any college or university will result in that person getting kicked out.

I understand your frustrations though, I just don't think it was a scam but more of a failure to understand the terms in which she signed for. Perhaps for the future, she should bring back the contract for someone in the family to read first before signing.

AMOM March 04, 2013

i say go to a poverty law office and also take this to the immigrational office, someone should know how to help you or at least advise you. CDI is a scam in all factors. They dont have qualified teachers and take advantage of the young people,who are trying to make something of themselves!!! Shame on them:( and the government for letting them continue to take advantage of our young!!! They should be closed, and the administration fined and restricted from any educational institute!

L t August 26, 2013

A good school is norquest college

John S September 19, 2013

Contact the Ministry of Training. Colleges & Universities. Put in a complaint in writing....contact OSAP, and contact your local M.P.P....

Change will come only when enough people complain about these so-called colleges. Most private career colleges are not worth anything and their diplomas are not respected by anyone who knows anything!

ken March 03, 2016

i agree with you John Smith