APTD Exam
APTD Exam
The Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)
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Validating your foundational talent development knowledge and skills.
Validating your foundational talent development knowledge and skills.
What is the Full Exam Format?
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Exam time: 2 hours
Exam time: 2 hours
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Exam length: 115 multiple choice questions
Exam length: 115 multiple choice questions
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Delivery: Computer-based
Delivery: Computer-based
What’ s Covered on the Exam?
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The APTD exam is based on the Talent Development Capability Model and focuses on how foundational knowledge is applied in practice across three domains:
The APTD exam is based on the Talent Development Capability Model and focuses on how foundational knowledge is applied in practice across three domains:
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Personal Capabilities: 20%
Personal Capabilities: 20%
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Professional Capabilities: 50%
Professional Capabilities: 50%
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Organizational Capabilities: 30%
Organizational Capabilities: 30%
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Download the APTD exam content outline to review topics in detail.
Download the APTD exam content outline to review topics in detail.
Exam Fee
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Members: $525 | Non-members: $800
Members: $525 | Non-members: $800
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The fee includes your exam seat, score report, and certification package upon passing. Preparation materials are optional and not included.
The fee includes your exam seat, score report, and certification package upon passing. Preparation materials are optional and not included.
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Fees are nonrefundable. If deemed ineligible, a partial refund minus a $275 fee is issued. See the APTD Handbook for full details.
Fees are nonrefundable. If deemed ineligible, a partial refund minus a $275 fee is issued. See the APTD Handbook for full details.
When and Where to Test
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Select a 90-day testing window during application
Select a 90-day testing window during application
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Each window includes a 30-day blackout period
Each window includes a 30-day blackout period
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Exams can be taken at testing centers around the world or in a secure location via remote proctoring .
Exams can be taken at testing centers around the world or in a secure location via remote proctoring.
APTD Exam Windows and Deadlines
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APTD exams are held every other month, starting in January. Registration deadlines are 30 days prior to the start of an exam window. A testing window is selected at the time of application. Changes after the application require approval and a Window Transfer fee of $275.
APTD exams are held every other month, starting in January. Registration deadlines are 30 days
prior to the start of an exam window. A testing window is selected at the time of application. Changes after the application require approval and a Window Transfer fee of $275.
Content Registration Opens Registration Opens | Content Registration Deadline Registration Deadline | Content Exam Window Exam Window | Content Prohibited (Blackout) Dates Prohibited (Blackout) Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
Content 12 months before exam window begins 12 months before exam window begins | Content 30 days before exam window begins 30 days before exam window begins | Content January 1 - March 31 January 1 - March 31 | Content All dates in February All dates in February |
Content 12 months before exam window begins 12 months before exam window begins | Content 30 days before exam window begins 30 days before exam window begins | Content March 1 - May 31 March 1 - May 31 | Content All dates in April All dates in April |
Content 12 months before exam window begins 12 months before exam window begins | Content 30 days before exam window begins 30 days before exam window begins | Content May 1 - July 31 May 1 - July 31 | Content All dates in June All dates in June |
Content 12 months before exam window begins 12 months before exam window begins | Content 30 days before exam window begins 30 days before exam window begins | Content July 1 - September 30 July 1 - September 30 | Content All dates in August All dates in August |
Content 12 months before exam window begins 12 months before exam window begins | Content 30 days before exam window begins 30 days before exam window begins | Content September 1 - November 30 September 1 - November 30 | Content All dates in October All dates in October |
Content 12 months before exam window begins 12 months before exam window begins | Content 30 days before exam window begins 30 days before exam window begins | Content November 1 - January 31 November 1 - January 31 | Content All dates in December All dates in December |
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> Click here to find the test center closest to your address.
> Click here to find the test center closest to your address.
How to Register
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Candidates must apply and be approved in order to take the exam.
Candidates must apply and be approved in order to take the exam.
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Apply through the ATD certification portal . First-time users may need to complete profile details.
Apply through the ATD certification portal. First-time users may need to complete profile details.
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If you require special accommodations, including medical devices , please review the APTD Certification Handbook before applying.
If you require special accommodations, including medical devices, please review the APTD Certification Handbook before applying.
Schedule Your Exam
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Your application must be received, reviewed, and approved before scheduling the exam appointment. Once approved, follow the link to schedule, found in the "Authorization to Test" email from Pearson VUE or
Your application must be received, reviewed, and approved before scheduling the exam appointment. Once approved, follow the link to schedule, found in the "Authorization to Test" email from Pearson VUE or
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Enter the Certification Portal and follow the Schedule Exam menu option to select remote or in person testing.
Enter the Certification Portal and follow the Schedule Exam menu option to select remote or in person testing.
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Select the date and time available within your testing window. Pearson VUE will immediately email the appointment confirmation.
Select the date and time available within your testing window. Pearson VUE will immediately email the appointment confirmation.
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Plan Your Exam Experience
Remote Testing
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Take your exam from home with online proctoring. Learn what to expect, system requirements, and how to prepare your testing environment.
Take your exam from home with online proctoring. Learn what to expect, system requirements, and how to prepare your testing environment.
In-Person Testing
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Find a testing center near you and understand what to expect on exam day, including scheduling and check-in procedures.
Find a testing center near you and understand what to expect on exam day, including scheduling and check-in procedures.
Available Translations
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Choose to take the exam in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, or Arabic based on your preference.
Choose to take the exam in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, or Arabic based on your preference.
How is an Exam Developed?
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Learn how ATD certification exams are designed using industry standards to ensure validity, reliability, and real-world relevance.
Learn how ATD certification exams are designed using industry standards to ensure validity, reliability, and real-world relevance.
Contact the ATD CI Team
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Have a question? Contact us at [email protected] .
Have a question? Contact us at [email protected].
APTD Certification Handbook
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Your comprehensive guide to the APTD certification process. Learn about eligibility requirements, application steps, exam details, policies, and what to expect from start to finish.
Your comprehensive guide to the APTD certification process. Learn about eligibility requirements, application steps, exam details, policies, and what to expect from start to finish.
Ready to Apply?
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Choose an exam window, access the certification portal, and submit your application.
Choose an exam window, access the certification portal, and submit your application.