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The APTD exam is 115 multiple choice questions and you have two hours to take it. Download a content outline and find upcoming exam windows here. 

APTD Exam

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The Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)

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In-Person Testing

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How is an Exam Developed?

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Exam Quicklinks 

APTD Introduction

APTD Eligibility

Prepare for APTD

Apply for APTD

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APTD Certification Handbook

Contact the ATD CI Team

Core4 is the premier foundational training and development conference where you’ll learn the fundamentals of instructional design, training delivery and facilitation, evaluating impact, and learning technologies.

ATD Core4 Registration

Measure Learning Impact Despite Limited ResourcesYear after year, talent development professionals report that lack of time, lack of support or partnership from stakeholders, and limited budgets are key barriers to measuring and evaluating their learning programs. Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring offers TD professionals a process to measure what matters to the organization with the tools and resources they have available. M&E pro Alaina Szlatcha applies the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to provide guidance, quick tips, and shortcuts for making measurement easier while still demonstrating the value and impact of organizational learning.With this book, you will learn to ask the right questions, brainstorm metrics to evaluate learning, and build a measurement strategy that fits your needs. It also guides you on integrating measurement and evaluation into your instructional design approach from the beginning as well as using and analyzing data sources you might already have. You’ll discover how to build stakeholder relationships to secure buy-in and when to look beyond your expertise for external support and technology.The Association for Talent Development’s On a Shoestring series helps professionals successfully execute core topics in training and talent development when facing limitations of time, money, staff, and other resources. Using the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to problem solving, this series is designed for practitioners who work as a department of one; for new or “accidental” trainers, instructional designers, and learning managers who need fast, inexpensive access to practical strategies that work; and for those who work for small organizations or in industries that have limited training and development resources.

Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring

The ATD SELL conference focuses on bringing together the best practices and strategies across sales training, tools and technology, and processes needed to drive incremental sales performance. 

ATD SELL Registration

Design Effective E-Learning Courses Despite Limited Resources
Have you suddenly been asked to put together an e-learning course, but you have limited experience, time, or resources to do so? This happens often, and you’re not alone. E-Learning Design on a Shoestring offers talent development professionals a process for designing and developing e-learning courses, without breaking the bank. E-learning expert Marina Arshavskiy applies the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to provide guidance, quick tips, and shortcuts for creating meaningful asynchronous learning experiences.With this book, you will learn to tap into learner motivation and engagement; create e-learning scripts, storyboards, and prototypes; and build inexpensive yet effective interactivity in your courses. It also guides you on saving time and money by auditing existing e-learning content and creating reusable content. You’ll discover how to manage e-learning projects efficiently, select technology that meets your course needs, and secure buy-in for current and future e-learning efforts.The Association for Talent Development’s On a Shoestring series helps professionals successfully execute core topics in training and talent development when facing limitations of time, money, staff, and other resources. Using the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to problem solving, this series is designed for practitioners who work as a department of one; for new or “accidental” trainers, instructional designers, and learning managers who need fast, inexpensive access to practical strategies that work; and for those who work for small organizations or in industries that have limited training and development resources.

E-Learning Design on a Shoestring

ATD OrgDev will provide you with the skills needed to develop employee programs at all levels and throughout their employment lifecycle. You’ll learn innovative methods at all levels to manage the ever-increasing rate of change in today’s workplace.

ATD OrgDev Registration

During the Forum’s 2024 Fall Lab, we will showcase how some members create integrated talent ecosystems to catalyze employee engagement and thus influence performance-based results and success at the business level.

ATD Forum Registration

The Definitive A-to-Z Guidebook on Virtual TrainingIs your virtual training getting the results you want? The ability to deliver training at any time and to any location allows maximum flexibility for organizations and learners, which ultimately means more training opportunities than in-person classes could ever provide. As more organizations switch to or increase virtual training programs, learning how to excel in designing and delivering those programs is critical. The Virtual Training Guidebook, second edition, is a resource that will make the difference for beginners and veterans alike. It is a comprehensive and accessible manual for anyone who needs to create robust employee training solutions that solve real-world business challenges. Novices and experienced training professionals will find field-tested advice on choosing the right technology for their organization’s training needs, designing and facilitating classes that help all participants level up their skills, developing more engaging activities for learners, measuring success, and turning virtual training programs into valuable contributors to talent development and the bottom line.The new edition includes:Step-by-step instructions for designers, facilitators, producers, administrators, and participants on how to enhance their efficiency and effectivenessDozens of new and updated case studies and practical checklists, templates, and worksheetsExpanded coverage of accessibility, hybrid learning, and immersive technologiesA look at what’s trending in global classrooms and mobile technologyLooking for a workbook on implementing key lessons from the guidebook? Be sure to check out the companion volume, Virtual Training Tools and Templates, featuring 185 checklists, questionnaires, templates, and other practical tools. These two volumes combined cover what you need to know to design and deliver successful virtual training. 

The Virtual Training Guidebook, 2nd Edition

A Complete & Practical Toolkit for Successful Virtual Training Create the most effective virtual training solutions for your organization by using the right tools for the right learning situation. In this updated edition of Virtual Training Tools and Templates, online learning pioneer Cindy Huggett expands on her first edition by adding more than 80 new tools and sharing her most powerful ones to help training professionals create engaging virtual learning that leads to results. Whether you’re a training program manager, designer, facilitator, or producer, you’ll find expert guidance on selecting the right technology, working with IT colleagues, designing creative programs, developing activities, and facilitating experiences to engage and inspire learners.The new edition includes:185 checklists, worksheets, questionnaires, templates, and other training and learning aids that provide accessible, effective virtual learning for everyoneTips on incorporating the latest trends in hybrid, immersive, and global classroomsMore than a dozen tools for measuring your program’s success so you can move forward with confidenceResources to make the behind-the-scenes work of producers and administrators more effectiveFor a complete reference on virtual training, see Cindy’s companion volume, The Virtual Training Guidebook, second edition, which offers step-by-step advice for planning, designing, and building high-impact programs. These two volumes combined cover what you need to know to design and deliver successful virtual training.

Virtual Training Tools and Templates, 2nd Edition

This three-day event features sessions from our best and most popular speakers on the most essential topics for all learning and development professionals: Instructional Design, Training Delivery, Measurement & Evaluation, and Learning Technologies.

A day of interactive sessions and panel discussions focusing on leadership development, employee engagement, and learning and development innovations within the public sector.  

Registration Opens	Registration Deadline	Exam Window	Prohibited (Blackout) Dates
12 months before exam window begins	30 days before exam window begins	January 1 - March 31	All dates in February
12 months before exam window begins	30 days before exam window begins	March 1 - May 31	All dates in April
12 months before exam window begins	30 days before exam window begins	May 1 - July 31	All dates in June
12 months before exam window begins	30 days before exam window begins	July 1 - September 30	All dates in August
12 months before exam window begins	30 days before exam window begins	September 1 - November 30	All dates in October
12 months before exam window begins	30 days before exam window begins	November 1 - January 31	All dates in December

What to Expect from the APTD Exam

APTD Exam Windows and Deadlines