ASTD Certification Institute
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Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)

The pinnacle achievement in talent development.

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The Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) is a professional certification for TD 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.

Successful CPTDs report that the process of studying for their CPTD designation was a tremendous growth opportunity, allowed them to learn and give back to the profession, and made a positive impact on their careers.


What Topics are Covered?

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.

Talent Development Capability Model

Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) candidates are tested on content covering 22 capabilities from the Talent Development Capability Model. Familiarize yourself with the model and download this detailed test content outline to see what is covered on the exam.

Who is It For?

All CPTD candidates must have at least five years of related work experience and should have deep knowledge and experience applying the principles for enhancing employee talent development. A CPTD understands and can affect the value and impact talent development strategies and solutions bring to the success of an organization.

Not sure if you are ready for the CPTD? Learn more about the APTD and check out this resource comparing the content outlines to help you decide which program is best for you.

Need to Convince Your Boss?

Download and use this letter template to have a discussion with your employer about the value of the CPTD, and share these four reasons to support certification.

For more information about the CPTD credential, please download our ATD Certification brochure, review the Certification Handbook at the bottom of this page, or email us at [email protected].

These people have earned their CPTD (formerly CPLP) credentials and have these great things to say about it!
“I wanted a certification that was widely recognized in the industry not only for the accreditation, but also for the learning experience. The [CPTD] was the...
"Earning the [CPTD] certification has been life changing because it validates what I know and do for a living. Increasingly professional certifications...
"I initially obtained my certification to increase my visibility to recruiters and hiring managers. However, what I got out the certification process was...
CPLP is now CPTD: ATD Certification Has Changed
With the 2020 release of ATD's Talent Development Capability Model there have been changes to the CPTD (formerly CPLP) certification program. Explore the model to learn more about the new standard for talent development, and learn more about the changes to ATD CI certification programs.
Is This Certification Right For Me?
Get inspired! Read the latest insights from CPTD credential holders.

I’m working on my fifth recertification, and I’ve been a Certified Professional in Talent Development for 15 years. There are many reasons that I value being certified...

The Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) certification gave me the confidence and credentials to participate in the Great Resignation...

The more I volunteered, the more I reflected on my past work in the higher education field and what I wanted for my future. The goal I arrived at was that when I can work, I want to be in the corporate arena for training and development.

CPTD Certification Handbook
Get the advice you need to help you determine which certification is right for you!
Have questions? Download our FAQs or sign up for a zoom call to meet current CPTDs and ask them your questions directly. Email [email protected] with any lingering questions or to request a discussion with a Certification Specialist.
Save When You Certify and Prepare as a Team
Have a team of five or more? Save when you prepare and certify as a team AND get additional coaching support.