CDAP was founded on March 4, 1977 as the Philippine Vocational Guidance Association (PVGA) for the primary purpose of promoting the practice of career development in the Philippines. In August 1977, the Constitution was ratified and the first Board of Directors and Officers were elected. Prof. Josefina O. Santamaria, then of De La Salle University, was elected the first president. Thus began the first impressive growth of CDAP and the start of a series of professional practice area in education and guidance. The helm of leadership had since then passed on to Ms. Thelma Geraldine Baricaua, Dr. Benjamin G. Tayabas, Dr. Elvira Ramos, Dr. Chit Umali, Mrs. Cecilia Regaya, Mrs. Chit J. Conception, and to the incumbent, Mrs. Maria Teresa D. Jose.
CDAP is also a member of the Asian Regional Association of Vocational and Educational Guidance (ARAVEG) and of the International Association of Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAVEG)..