Turning Commitment to Career Confidence

Who are the more than 5,000 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community:

Carol Herold is a Senior Manager, she earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2020.

Why did you pursue the APTD/CPTD?
I pursued and earned my CPTD credential to demonstrate my commitment to the talent development profession. It validates my proficiency in various domains such as instructional design, training delivery, learning technologies, evaluating learning impact, and organization development.

How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?
It enhances my professional credibility among peers, employers, and clients. It gave me a competitive advantage during my job search and provides the opportunity to stay updated with the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in talent development.

Achieving certification is personally fulfilling, as it validates my expertise and dedication to the profession. It boosts my confidence in tackling challenges and contributing effectively to my organization.

What advice would you share with others considering certification?
I would say take it seriously and do it for the right reasons. I spent about 15–20 hours per week studying and preparing for the examination. Join a study group with like-minded professionals for support.

How do you think certification helps the talent development field?
It establishes a recognized standard of competence and knowledge in talent development. It promotes best practices and professionalism in the field and fosters trust and credibility among stakeholders, including employers, clients, and learners.

It encourages practitioners to innovate and incorporate emerging technologies and methodologies into their practice. It advances the field by experimenting with new techniques, tools, and strategies to improve learning outcomes and meet evolving business needs.

How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential?
My employer supports conference and continuing education participation and funds recertification.

What does having your credential mean to you?
EVERYTHING! I am very proud of my certification. It has served me very well and has allowed me to bring cutting-edge tools, technologies, and methods to my team and organization.

How did you get into the talent development field?
I worked as an admin in training right out of school. I’ve held multiple positions from admin to director in L&D for the last 25 years. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing it right!

What is a great book you’ve read recently?
The Modern Learning Ecosystem by J.D. Dillon

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I love to read and go to the beach with my two mini doxies.

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