Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)

What to Expect from the APTD Exam

What is the Full Exam Format?

• Exam time: 2 hours
• Exam length: 115 multiple choice questions
• Computer-based exam at conveniently located testing centers worldwide

What is Covered on the Exam?

The APTD focuses on three main areas of expertise weighted in the following manner:

• Instructional Design - 37%
• Training Delivery - 37%
• Learning Technologies - 26%
• Evaluating Learning Impact and Global Mindset questions will also be tested in relation to the three main AOEs.

To see the primary and secondary areas of expertise and foundational competency covered on the exam, download the APTD exam's content outline.

How Much Does it Cost?

• Exam fee: $400 (members); $600 (non-members)
• The exam fee covers a testing seat for the APTD exam, exam score report, and APTD certificate once certification is achieved.

How do I Register for the Exam?

• To register for the exam go to the APTD Application system. If it is your first time in the application system, you may need to complete additional demographic fields and indicate that you are interested in the APTD program.

When and Where Can I Take the Exam?

• Exams can be taken at testing centers around the country.
• There are typically five testing windows for the APTD each year. The registrations deadlines are approximately 30 days before each testing window begins.
• The current APTD testing windows are:

*All ADA applications must be received 10 weeks before your selected testing window.

Click here to find the test center closest to your address.