Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)

How to Prepare for the CPTD Exam

There is no single, best way to prepare for the CPTD examination. Preparation methods and duration all depend on a candidate’s personal experiences and knowledge base. There is not a mandatory test preparation or study requirement for the CPTD program, nor a preferred preparation method. However, below are some basic steps that we recommend to all candidates, as well as resources to assist in your study plan. (Please note: Study materials are not included as part of your exam fee, other than the resources provided below. Additional study materials are optional and may incur a fee).

In post-exam surveys, candidates report that they have spent an average of 80–100 hours preparing for the exam and have allowed six to nine months for the process, including taking the exam.

Step 1: Assess Your Knowledge Level

Download and use this gap assessment tool to identify strengths and prioritize areas for growth.

Step 2: Develop a Study Plan

How do you typically tackle something that you need to learn? Do you like to focus on the areas that you know the least about? Do you prefer working in groups? Do you dive into information in a deep, thorough way? Consider your learning preferences when identifying your best study options.

Step 3: Evaluate Preparation Resources

CPTD Candidates use a variety of resources to prepare depending upon the way they study best.

• CPTD Study Planning Guide: This free CPTD Study Planning Guide provides additional information about creating a study plan and preparing for the exam. Review the CPTD sample questions to get a feel for the type of questions asked on the exam.

• ATD Certification Reading Reference List: This recommended reading list is designed to assist candidates in finding publications to aid in filling knowledge gap areas. Download the reading reference list. ATD Press has created three book bundles to aid in studying, one for each domain of the Capability Model. Browse the Certification Prep Professional Capabilities, Personal Capabilities, and Organizational Capabilities Bundles. Each bundle is 15% off regular list or member price.

• Talent Development Body of Knowledge: The Talent Development Body of Knowledge (TDBoK) is the definitive resource for TD professionals and as such a valuable resource for individuals preparing for the CPTD certification exam. If you enroll in a CPTD prep course, the TDBoK is included with the cost of the program. (Please note, the cost of the preparation resources is not included in the exam registration fee.)

• CPTD Practice Test: The CPTD Practice Test is great opportunity to get a feel for the final test-taking experience and build the confidence you need to be successful on your CPTD certification exam.

• CPTD Preparation Courses: The CPTD Preparation Course is a comprehensive on demand self-paced course you can access through a 12-month subscription. (Please note, the cost of the preparation resources is not included in the exam registration fee.)

• Bookmark the Active Candidates Page: The active candidates page to find the most recent versions of the Candidate Handbook and other important documents.

• CPTD Candidate Preparation LinkedIn Group: Join our CPTD Candidate Preparation LinkedIn Group for tips and resources.

• ATD Chapter Study Groups: Check here for a list of current chapter study groups. Or check the ATD Chapter Locator to ask your local chapter if they are supporting a study group.

• Form Your Own Study Group: If there is not a convenient study group available to you, consider creating your own. This study group guide can help you to plan your group.

Want to see how other CPTD applicants prepared?

Follow along as applicants share their journeys to becoming CPTDs: Craig Engstrom and Kara Reed or watch this webcast about how candidates prepared for the new exam

Need More Information on the Program?

For more information on program specifics please download the CPTD Certification Handbook below.