My certified professional in learning and performance (CPLP) journey started in January 2012. I was looking for a challenging and meaningful professional development goal. I had been a member of ATD for a few years and thought the CPLP certification would be a good way to learn more about the training profession.

However, that summer I embarked on a more pressing work project—collaborating with my team members to create 87 e-learning modules as part of an effort to transform our two-week, face-to-face training course for entry-level executives. This project took significant time and eliminated any chance of me pursuing the CPLP in 2012.

Starting the Journey

So, I began January 2013 with a renewed commitment to the CPLP process, recognizing that this journey would take substantial effort. In March, I traveled to Chicago to take the two-day CPLP Prep Workshop, which offers a great overview of the knowledge exam and work product.

Then came June 24, 2013. My wife, Carol, and our cocker spaniel, Cassee, were in a car accident. Cassee was lucky and just suffered some bad bruises. Carol suffered more significant injuries—bad bruises, injuries to her shoulders and neck, and a broken foot. It has been a long recovery, and she still requires medical treatment today.

However, as my wife continued to get better, she was eager to continue her volunteer efforts at the USO at Dallas/Fort Worth International airport. I drove her every Friday to be with her during her shift, which also became my focused CPLP study time.

My study materials included:

• the ATD Learning System—booklets on each of the nine areas of expertise (AOEs)

• the ATD Learning System Companion Study Tool—650 practice test questions

• the ATD Flashcard Set—250 cards to help me study.

I took 252 pages of notes on each of the AOE booklets, which helped me better grasp the concepts and knowledge in the booklets. I also took as many practice exams as I could find—on the ATD website, in the ATD Learning System, and in my CPLP Prep Workshop notebook. These practice exams were helpful, and I learned so much more by testing my knowledge frequently.

I took the knowledge exam on October 1, 2013, and passed! With six years of experience in designing and delivering training and three years in measuring and evaluating learning, I felt good about my knowledge in those AOEs. But I must admit how much I learned about other AOEs, especially improving human performance, facilitating organizational change, and managing organizational knowledge.

For my work product, I selected measuring and evaluating learning. I had completed the ATD three-day course on that topic a few years ago and initiated the Four Levels of Evaluation in my organization’s training courses, so it seemed like a good fit.

I worked hard over the next few months documenting and summarizing my measuring and evaluating efforts. I submitted my completed work product templates, a 34-page report, and 189 pages of supporting appendices in February 2014. The wait began.

In April, I was notified that I did not pass my CPLP work product. I was disappointed, discouraged, and frustrated. But after a few days, I reflected further and reviewed the work product scoring rubrics. Although I had written and submitted a comprehensive report, it was clear that I had not fully addressed the scoring rubrics.

Finding a New Path

As I prepared to start over, ATD updated its Competency Model, and established new scoring rubrics and AOEs to consider for my work product. Consequently, I needed to take a new approach to the work product because measuring and evaluating learning AOE was no longer available.

I chose the managing learning programs AOE for my new work product. I had four years of experience creating classes for my organization that addressed work competency development. I thought that experience would be a good match.

I thoroughly reviewed the new scoring rubrics and examples to ensure that my report and appendices followed them. I focused on the project-related and performance-related narrative forms and submitted 216 pages of required evidence that reinforced those narratives.

Unlike the first time I completed my work product submission, I also reviewed all the CPLP resources on the ATD website and made sure that my submission addressed the requirements. I submitted my work product in August 2014. 

Reaching my Destination

The notification email arrived on October 16, 2014, as I was getting off a plane in Kennewick, Washington. I sat down in the terminal and opened the email. I had passed the work product! What a joy! I was indeed a certified professional in learning and performance.

The CPLP journey has helped me become a better facilitator, communicator, and professional. It has given me a broader knowledge of all The ATD Competency Model’s AOEs, and renewed my enthusiasm in the training profession. Additionally, I know I can create a world that works better as I focus more on performance in my new role in strategy and strategic planning.

I am most grateful to the people at ATD who support and guide the CPLP process. I found the new resources on the ATD website to be well organized, easily understood, and thorough.

My key takeaways from my CPLP journey are:

• Understand why you’re embarking on this journey. In my case, I wanted to learn more and really challenge myself.

• Create some significant time blocks to study for the knowledge exam. For me, it was my regular four hours each Friday during my wife’s USO volunteer efforts.

• Do not be discouraged if your initial work product does not pass. Refocus your efforts and submit a new work product that follows the scoring rubrics.

• Be grateful for all those who help you during your CPLP journey.

Learn more about the CPLP certification.