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Explore Our Talent Development Certifications
Which one is right for you?
Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)
Discover our APTD ceritifcation—for talent development professionals who are in the early part of their careers or whose professional roles and aspirations are focused on the foundational areas of talent development.
  • The capabilities covered in the APTD exam are the basics of talent development that professionals can use every day, no matter the level within an organization or company.
  • Are you ready for the APTD exam? Ensure success with these study tools and prep courses.
  • Differentiate yourself in a competitive job market. Register for the APTD exam and validate your knowledge and skills in the field.
Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
You are taking a critical step in your professional development by exploring your CPTD certification. Successful CPTDs report that the process of getting their credential was a tremendous growth opportunity, allowing them to learn, give back to the profession, and make a positive impact on their careers.
  • The CPTD covers a subset of the knowledge and skills from the Talent Development Capability Model, focusing on skills application and decision-making for more experienced prof... Learn More
  • Ready to start your journey? Boost your confidence and knowledge with prep courses and study tools.
  • Becoming certified can build your skills, increase your earning potential, broaden your career opportunities, and unite you with an elite community of professionals.
Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
The answers to the most common questions about the CPTD are listed below:
What is the CPTD certification?
The Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) is a professional certification for talent development professionals with at least five years of experience. It is broad and measures a professional’s knowledge and skill application across the breadth of talent development capabilities.
What are the CPTD eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for the CPTD program, candidates must have:
  1. At least five years of professional work experience in the talent development or related fields; AND
  2. Completed 60 hours of professional development in talent development within the last five years.
OR
  1. At least four years of professional work experience in the talent development field or related fields; AND
  2. Have earned the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) certification and be in good standing OR
have earned an ATD Master's designation (such as Master Trainer or Master Instructional Designer) in the past five years.

You will find more information about CPTD eligibility here.
How do I get the CPTD certification?
Once eligible to become a CPTD, candidates must:

Pass a 3-hour computer-based exam that is a mix of multiple choice questions and case management questions. The CPTD covers a subset of the knowledge and skills from the Talent Development Capability Model, focusing on skills application and decision-making for more experienced professionals.

More information can be found here: CPTD exam content
What is covered on the CPTD Exam?
The CPTD focuses on a subset of capabilities from the Talent Development Capability Model and covers all three domains:
  • Personal Capabilities - 20%
  • Professional Capabilities - 45%
  • Organizational Capabilities - 35%

Download the CPTD exam's content outline for a guide to what is covered.
How much time will I have to invest?
Study times vary by individual. Depending on their background and experience, candidates spend 80-120 hours to prepare for the exam.
What are my preparation options for the CPTD exam?
There is no prerequisite study or preparation requirement for the CPTD program; however, candidates will need to study to successfully pass the exam. Depending on your learning style and preference, there are a variety of study/preparation resources available including:
  • Talent Development Body of Knowledge
  • CPTD On-Demand Preparation Course
  • CPTD Study Planning Guide
  • CPTD Practice Test
  • Chapter Study Groups

Find more information here: CPTD Preparation options.
When and where can I take the CPTD exam?
The CPTD exam is given every other month in even numbered months (February, April, etc)
  • When you apply, you will choose a 90-day exam window during which to test
  • Each window includes a 30-day black out period when testing is not offered
  • Exams may be taken at testing centers around the world or in a secure location via remote proctoring

An up-to-date schedule of CPTD testing windows can be found here: CPTD Exam Windows
How much does it cost?
The cost is $975 USD for current ATD national members and $1350 USD for nonmembers. The CPTD registration fee includes a testing seat during the selected exam window, exam score reports, and CPTD Certificate and lapel pin once the credential is achieved.

Please note that study materials, preparation workshops, study group support, travel expenses to and from testing centers, transfers, and retesting fees are additional and paid by the candidate.
How long is the CPTD certification valid?
The CPTD credential is valid for three years. Individuals must maintain their certification by earning recertification points every three years. For more information about the recertification process, click here.
How do I apply for the CPTD certification?
When you apply to take the CPTD exam, you will create an account in our certification portal and be asked a series of questions about your background to ensure eligibility. Once your application is approved and you have paid your fee, you will be able to register to take the exam. For more information about applying for the CPTD program and step-by-step instructions for completing the application click here.
Who can I contact with specific questions?
For specific questions about the CPTD certification, email [email protected] for more information.
Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) FAQs
The answers to the most common questions we receive about the APTD are listed below:
What is the APTD certification?
The Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) is a professional certification for TD professionals with at least three years of experience—those who are in the early parts of their careers or whose professional roles and aspirations are focused on foundational areas of the field. An APTD understands that well-designed talent development strategies and solutions contribute to organizational success and has a strong grounding in the foundational knowledge of the field.
What are the eligibility requirements for the APTD?
To be eligible for the APTD program, candidates must:
  • Have at least three years of work experience in the talent development field or related discipline. Related disciplines include human resources, higher education or similar AND
  • Complete 28 hours of professional development in talent development within the last three years OR have earned an ATD Master's designation (such as Master Trainer or Master Instructional Designer) in the past three years.
How do I get the APTD certification?
APTD candidates must pass a 2 hour knowledge exam with 115 multiple choice questions. The exam is computer-based and may be taken at conveniently located testing centers worldwide OR in a secure location of your choosing, via remote proctoring.
What is covered on the APTD exam?
The APTD focuses on a subset of capabilities from the Talent Development Capability Model and covers all three domains:
  • Personal Capabilities - 20%
  • Professional Capabilities - 50%
  • Organizational Capabilities - 30%

Download the APTD exam's content outline for a guide to what is covered.
How much time will I have to invest?
Study times vary by individual. Depending on their background and experience, candidates report spending 60-80 hours to prepare for the exam.
How much does the APTD exam cost?
The APTD exam costs $499 for ATD members and $699 for nonmembers. This covers the cost of a seat in the exam testing center, a score report and a certificate upon achievement of the credential.

Your APTD exam registration fee covers the cost of all testing and test related materials for a one time sitting. Fees do not cover the cost of study or preparation materials, study group support, travel expenses to and from the testing center, transfers, or retesting fees.
What are my APTD preparation options?
There is not a prerequisite study/preparation requirement for the APTD program; however, most candidates find it necessary to study. You are not required to register for the APTD before purchasing any of the preparation options. Depending on your learning style and preference, there are a variety of study/preparation options available including:

For more information about preparation options: APTD Preparation
When and where can I take the APTD exam?
The APTD exam is given every other month in odd-numbered months (January, March, etc)
  • When you apply, you will choose a 90-day exam window during which to test
  • Each window includes a 30-day black out period when testing is not offered
  • Exams may be taken at testing centers around the world or in a secure location via remote proctoring

An up-to-date schedule of APTD testing windows can be found here: APTD Exam Windows
How long is the APTD certification valid?
The APTD credential is good for 3 years. Credential holders need to recertify every three years by earning 40 recertification credits. For more information on APTD recertification requirements click here.
How do I apply for the APTD certification?
When you apply to take the APTD exam, you will create an account in our certification portal and be asked a series of questions about your background to ensure eligibility. Once your application is approved and you have paid your fee, you will be able to register to take the exam. For more information about applying for the APTD program and step-by-step instructions for completing the application click here.
Who can I contact with specific questions about APTD?
For specific questions about the APTD certification, email [email protected] for more information.