Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)

The pinnacle achievement in talent development.

Special Member Offer During ATD Member Week Sale

Members who complete their application for the CPTD this week (sale ends September 18 at 11:59 pm ET) will be given a bonus package of three pdf books to help assess and fill knowledge gaps. Offer is for new applicants.

See Bonus Package

Browse Full Sale

Apply for the 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: $900 (members) and $1250 (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 the rest of 2020 and all 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
Closed	Registration is closed for the pilot exam.	August 5-September 30, 2020 Pilot Test	n/a	Late September plus 5 weeks Due to Pilot
Open Now	October 17, 2020	November 18-December 23, 2020	n/a	Instant
Open Now	November 1, 2020	December 2, 2020-Februay 24, 2021	December 24, 2020-February 2, 2021	Instant
Open Now	January 2, 2021	February 3-April 28, 2021	February 25-April 6, 2021	Instant
Open Now	March 6, 2021	April 7-June 23, 2021	April 29-June 1, 2021	Instant
February 2, 2021	May 1, 2021	June 2-August 25, 2021	June 24-August 3, 2021	Instant
April 4, 2021	July 2, 2021	August 4-October 27, 2021	August 26-October 5, 2021	Instant
June 6, 2021	September 5, 2021	October 6-December 22, 2021	October 28-November 30, 2021	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.

NEW! Remote Proctor Option

Starting in late June, applicants for the new APTD and CPTD exams will be able to schedule a remotely proctored exam or choose to go to an in-person testing facility.

Learn More

2020 CPTD Certification Handbook

2020 CPTD Certification Handbook

CPLP is now CPTD: ATD Certification Is Changing

With the release of ATD's new 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, see what is changing with ATD Certification overall, or go to the (legacy) CPLP pages if you were originally scheduled to test before June 30, 2020.

Explore the Model

See ATD Certification Changes

Go to CPLP