The Associate Professional in Talent Development - Legacy Program

Information and Resources for APTD Candidates Originally Scheduled to Test Before June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Update

Are you a current candidate scheduled to test before the end of June? We are extending current exam windows past their original sunset dates of June 24, 2020. You should have received an email with additional information. If you did not receive that email please contact [email protected]
Please note: we are not accepting additional applications to test under the legacy content.

APTD and ATD Certification Is Changing in 2020

With the recent release of ATD's new Talent Development Capability Model there will be changes to the APTD program. The deadline to apply for the current APTD has passed. Explore the model to learn more about the new standard for talent development, see what is changing with ATD Certification overall, or browse the New APTD pages if you would like to test after June 30.

Explore the Model

See ATD Certification Changes

Browse New 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.

When and Where Can I Take the Exam?

Exams can be taken at testing centers around the world.
The registration deadlines are generally 30 days before each testing window begins.

Upcoming APTD Exam Windows and Deadlines

Registration Opens	Registration Deadline	Exam Window	Score Notifications
October 7, 2019	March 1, 2020	April 1-22, 2020	Instant
October 7, 2019	March 16, 2020	June 3-24, 2020	Instant

*This deadline and window have been extended to accommodate candidate volume

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

If you have additional questions about the APTD exam, please email [email protected] or call a Certification Specialist at 703-838-5842

Learn About the New APTD

The application deadline has passed for the final testing window of the current APTD exam.
Learn about the new APTD certification based on the Talent Development Capabiltiy Model, changes to the exam, new eligibility requirements, and what your new preparation options are here.

Learn More

Credentialing Handbook - APTD

APTD 2019 Certification Handbook