Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)

The pinnacle achievement in talent development.

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. If you are still undecided between the APTD and CPTD, check out this resource comparing the content outlines.

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 2022 are listed below with their respective registration deadlines.

Discover Your Greatness

Prove that you are a talent development pro when you earn the CPTD.

Apply for CPTD

Upcoming Test Windows for the CPTD Exam

Registration Opens	Registration Deadline	Testing Window	Black Out Period
Registration Closed	January 1, 2023	February 1 - April 30, 2023	March 1 - 31, 2023
Registration Closed	March 1, 2023	April 1 - June 30, 2023	May 1 - 31, 2023
Open Now	May 1, 2023	June 1 - August 31, 2023	July 1 - 31, 2023
Open Now	July 1, 2023	August 1 - October 31, 2023	September 1 - 30, 2023
Open Now	September 1, 2023	October 1 - December 22, 2023	November 1 - 30, 2023
Open Now	November 1, 2023	December 1, 2023 - February 29, 2024	December 23, 2023 - January 31, 2024

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

CPTD Certification Handbook

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