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:

Petra Verheijen earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2017.

Why did you pursue the CPTD?I wanted to broaden my knowledge on all areas related to learning and talent development and obtain formal recognition of being a subject matter expert despite having a job focus on learning technology.

How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?Professionally, it has helped me connect the dots. It has encouraged me to always think from a broader perspective. I have helped my organization understand the differences in capabilities and that talent development is not just pushing training.

Personally, it has helped me gain confidence. Despite having a focus in managing learning management systems (LMSs), knowledge across all areas is important to defining a learning strategy that meets the business needs. For me personally, it also taught me to persevere. It was also a huge challenge as a non-native English speaker. You are never too old to learn.

What advice would you share with others considering certification? Go for it. It is absolutely worthwhile. No matter what area you are strong in, having knowledge of all capabilities helps you tremendously in making the right and optimal choices and sharing your knowledge with others.

How do you think certification helps the talent development field? I think it’s important that you speak the same language and can educate others. I feel there are not always that many experts in an organization, so you have to often influence without authority. Showing your credentials can increase leadership’s confidence that there is expertise in house and that talent development is more than just delivering training.

How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential? They provided me with the time and paid for the certification. They also supported me when I didn’t pass the first time.

What does having your credential mean to you? A recognition that I am knowledgeable in the entire field, not just an expert in LMS.

How did you get into the talent development field? I actually had a job in drug development, managing clinical trials for a Japanese pharmaceutical company. I was always the one organizing training centrally for our department, and eventually I was asked to apply for the very first training manager role in our business area. I had to learn a lot because I had no background, but having the passion and eagerness to learn is important. It made me stay with my current company for more than 22 years now, and I still feel I can learn every day.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Follow your passion. If you like what you do, your work gives you energy and allows you to do more than many can imagine while enjoying it.

What is a great book you’ve read recently? The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy Edmondson

What is your favorite hobby or pastime? Bootcamp or art classes

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