(Alexandria, VA), March 19 , 2020—The Association for Talent Development’s Certification Institute (ATD CI) recently updated its certifications to reflect the expanded scope of knowledge and skills in the new Talent Development Capability Model.

The exam content for the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) certifications were revised to position them as the definitive credentials for the talent development profession. The name of the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) was changed to Certified Professional in Talent Development to reflect the expansion of the certification to cover the breadth of talent development capabilities.

The APTD’s knowledge-level exam has grown in scope to include eight more of the capabilities from the new model—emotional intelligence and decision-making; organizational development and culture; collaboration and leadership; talent strategy and management; career and leadership development; performance improvement; business insight; and change management. The associate credential reflects the job role as well as the need for TD professionals to have personal, professional, and organizational capabilities at a foundational level.

The APTD eligibility requirement now includes three years of work experience in addition to 28 hours of professional development within the last three years.

“Several current APTD credential holders felt the new content represented a more fully rounded professional to supervisors and that the credential would be more valued for its position within the suite of ATD credentials,” said Morgean Hirt, director of credentialing for the ATD CI.

The new CPTD exam covers content from 22 capabilities in the Talent Development Capability Model. Along with an eligibility requirement of 60 hours of education within the professional or organizational capabilities, one exam covers the knowledge and skills talent development professionals need at that five-year mark. Skill assessment will be tested through case management questions that more closely resemble real-life professional decision making, which will allow candidates to use their knowledge of the content and their experience doing the job to make decisions while solving a problem.

Several long-time CPLP certificants involved in developing the updated CPTD credential have noted that, “The new content seems to be better-aligned with the full scope of responsibilities TD professionals are being asked to assume. In effect, we're participating more and more in the full scope of the world of work. The new item types for the CPTD exams reflect this current reality and the need to critically think through TD scenarios more fully.”

About ATD and the ATD Certification Institute

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees, improve performance, and help to achieve results for the organizations they serve. Originally established in 1943, the association was previously known as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports talent development professionals who gather locally in volunteer-led U.S. chapters and international member networks, and with international strategic partners. For more information, visit td.org.

ATD CI administers the APTD and CPTD certification programs. For more information, visit td.org/atd-certification-in-2020.