Who are the more than 4,500 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community:

Rob Hoitt is a senior learning and talent development consultant in the US. He earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2020.

Why did you pursue the CPTD?I initially pursued the APTD to quantify my skills; later, I earned the CPTD to challenge myself and help illustrate my career growth.

How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally? I work with subject matter experts (SMEs) in my organization. Being a CPTD helps put me on a level footing with my SMEs to show I am an equal SME in talent development practices.

What advice would you share with others considering certification? Do it! Take your time, study hard, and go for it. Being able to show your value is immeasurably helpful as you grow your career!

How do you think certification helps the talent development field? Since most people enter our industry from other disciplines, having a certification helps set your offerings apart from others and helps sell your value.

How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential? I self-funded my certification, but my employer has seen the benefits since I gained my credential and has pledged to support my recertification.

What does having your credential mean to you? I think it distinguishes me among my peers. It helps me represent myself as a resource to help those I serve develop themselves.

How did you get into the talent development field? By accident, literally! I had a manager tasked with training who got strep throat and asked me to fill in. After doing so, I enjoyed the experience and so did the students and I was assigned to train on a regular basis.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? To always be learning, and to accept your mind will never know everything. It has kept me curious and encouraged me to keep an open mind to learn every day.

What is a great book you’ve read recently? Micro by Michael Crichton and Richard Preston

What is your favorite hobby or pastime? Amateur radio (I am W4FSK.)

What is the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had? I worked in broadcasting, and I worked as a freelancer for CNN for a short while.

Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.