Like many instructional designers, I just fell into the job. I was originally a call center agent, then a trainer, then someone who wrote the training. I don’t have a degree in instructional design; I didn’t even know what instructional design was when I started!

As the years passed, I began to realize that there is more to writing training than just telling a trainer what to say. I did a lot of learning on my own and built up my skills over the years. I reviewed the CPLP credential at many points during my career, but my company would not help pay for the certification and it wasn’t required for my job, so I put obtaining it low on the list of priorities.

In 2018, my company went through an audit and decided to close some of our call center operations. There was quite a bit of uncertainty regarding my position, so I decided to start looking at other opportunities. Many of the jobs for instructional designers required candidates to have a CPLP certification. I didn’t have the required certification to apply for these jobs, even though I had years of experience. Fortunately, I found out my job was safe; but I quickly realized that my performance in my current company doesn’t guarantee me a similar position in a different company. I decided to pursue the CPLP certification on my own dime to help my future job prospects.

I registered and selected a testing date for my Knowledge Exam, which meant I couldn’t back out. I purchased the ATD Learning System and made a study plan. I studied on my own, due to my schedule and preferences. I followed through on my plan to the letter, even studying on vacation and while camping! My family was awesome and provided much-needed support during my study time. I wasn’t fully confident in my expertise when I took the Knowledge Exam, but I did pass.

I created a second study plan for the Skills Application Exam and followed through on that plan as well. I was more confident when I sat for the SAE, but still had some doubts about how I would do. When I opened the email saying I passed, I was very excited!

The certification represents months of extra work, but validation of years of effort. I may have fallen into instructional design, but I can now prove I have the skills to apply at any company.

Learn more about earning your CPLP.