ASTD Certification Institute
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The Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)

Establish yourself in the talent development field.

Congratulations for deciding to embark on your journey to achieve the APTD credential! Applications are now open for the APTD exam.

Applicants:

If you don't have an ATD login and password, please create a login at www.td.org. In the upper right corner you will see Sign In/Register or call ATD customer Care at 800.628.2783 for assistance.

Complete the Application:

Step 1: Access the certification portal. If you'd like step-by-step instructions, you'll find them here.

Step 2: Choose a credential: On the landing page select “Browse Credentials” to choose the APTD credential. Click on “Save to My Home” to land back on your credential page the next time you return.

Step 3: Choose pathway: For new applicants, choose the APTD Standard Pathway unless you have completed an ATD Master Series program, such as the Master Trainer program, the past five years. In that case, choose the Master Series Pathway.

APTD pathway.jpg

Follow the steps within the application to submit all details that are required. The Certification Portal automatically saves all your entries as you complete them; you do not need to “save” anything. You can come back to complete your details at any time.

In order to complete your application, you will need to have the following items handy:

  • Test window during which you wish to take your exam
  • Recent resume
  • Details about your relevant work experience, including references
  • Details about qualifying professional development completed during the past 3 years, including dates of participation
  • Certificate from ATD Master series, if you’ve completed one
  • Documentation supporting request for special accommodations, if needed

Please note, applications are not reviewed or considered complete until payment has been made. Staff does not provide advance eligibility determination over email or phone in advance.

Two Ways to Test: Applicants for the APTD exam are able to schedule a remotely proctored exam OR choose to go to an in-person testing facility. Learn more.

Three Language Options: Applicants for the APTD exam are able to choose to take their exam in Arabic, Chinese, or English. Language choice is made when scheduling your exam.

Changing Test Windows or Retesting: If you would like to change your test window or need to retest, please access the candidate portal and use the secure messaging feature to send your request.

Need assistance? Contact [email protected] for assistance with your questions

For more details about the APTD certification process, please download the APTD handbook below.

APTD Certification Handbook
Ready to Apply?
There are exam windows available into 2024. Choose the timing that will work best for you and access the certification portal to submit your application.