Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)

The pinnacle achievement in talent development.

Limited-Time Offer: Free Retest With Application

Complete and submit your application for the CPTD by June 10 and get a free retest (valued at $300). Have greater peace of mind on your exam day by knowing you have the security of a second try, should you need it.

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Apply for CPTD

What to Expect from the CPTD Exam

What is the Full Exam Format?

Exam time: 3 hours
Exam format: a mix of multiple choice questions and case management questions will be used
Computer-based exam at conveniently located testing centers worldwide OR in a secure location of your choosing, via remote proctoring (learn more about this new testing option)

What is Covered on the Exam?

Download the CPTD exam's content outline for a guide to what is covered.

The CPTD focuses on a subset of capabilities from the Talent Development Capability Model and covers all three domains:

Personal Capabilities - 20%
Professional Capabilities -45%
Organizational Capabilities - 35%

How Much Does it Cost?

Exam fee: $975 (members) and $1350 (non-members).
The exam fee covers a testing seat for the CPTD exam, exam score report, and a CPTD certificate and lapel pin once the credential is achieved. Prep courses and materials are optional and not included in the exam fee.

How do I Register for the Exam?

To register for the exam go to the ATD certification portal. If it is your first time in the application system, you may need to complete additional fields and indicate that you are interested in the CPTD program.
If you require accommodations, please submit an ADA application 10 weeks before your selected testing window so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

When and Where Can I Take the Exam?

Exams can be taken at testing centers around the world or in a secure location via remote proctoring.
The registration deadlines are approximately 30 days before each testing window begins.
The testing windows for the rest of 2021 are listed below with their respective registration deadlines.

Upcoming Test Windows for the CPTD Exam

Registration Opens	Registration Deadline	Testing Window	Black Out Period	Score Notification
Registration closed	March 1, 2022	April 1 - June 30, 2022	May 1 - 31, 2022	Instant
Open Now	May 1, 2022	June 1 - August 31, 2022	July 1 - 31, 2022	Instant
Open Now	July 1, 2022	August 1 - October 31, 2022	September 1 - October 2, 2022	Instant
Open Now	September 2, 2022	October 3 - December 21, 2022	November 1 - 30, 2022	Instant

Click here for the test center closest to your address.

For any questions related to CPTD exam, please email [email protected] or call a Certification Specialist at 703-838-5842.

Case Management Questions

Need help understanding the case managemnet question type? Watch the below videos to better understand this type of question on the CPTD exam and walk through the process of answerong one sample question.

A Conversation About the Case Management Questions

Walking Through a Case Management Question

Test How Best Works for You

Applicants for the APTD and CPTD exams are able to schedule a remotely proctored exam or choose to go to an in-person testing facility.

Learn More About Remote Proctor

2022 CPTD Certification Handbook

2022 CPTD Certification Handbook

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.

Explore the Model

See ATD Certification Changes