Which Certification Is Right for You?
Explore the Difference
Which Certification Is Right for You?
A professional certification for talent development professionals who are early in their careers, who are individual contributors, or for whom talent development is only a portion of their role. An APTD credential holder understands that well-designed talent development strategies and solutions contribute to organizational success and has a strong grounding in the foundational knowledge of the field. The APTD is designed for professionals with at least three years of work experience in the talent development field. Learn more
A professional certification for talent development practitioners with deep knowledge and experience applying the principles for enhancing employee workplace learning and performance. A CPTD credential holder understands and can affect the value and impact talent development strategies and solutions bring to the success of an organization. A CPTD credential holder is comfortable using professional judgement to develop and implement solutions. The CPTD is designed for talent development professionals with at least five years of relevant work experience. Learn more
To become eligible to take the APTD Certification exam, applicants must have at least (3) three years of work experience with adults, performing talent development activities; 28 hours of qualifying professional development; submitted the APTD application and been authorized to test. Learn more
To become eligible to take the CPTD Certification exam, applicants must have at least (5) five years of work experience with adults, performing talent development activities; 60 hours of qualifying professional development; submitted the CPTD application and been authorized to test. APTD credential holders can take the CPTD with four years of experience. Learn more
To become certified, candidates must pass the APTD exam. Learn more
To become certified, candidates must pass the CPTD exam. Learn more
Both the APTD and CPTD exams are application-based and cover a subset of the Talent Development Capability Model. The APTD exam is focused more on the foundational knowledge statements.
Talent Development Capability Model Learn more
APTD Exam Content Outline (ECO) Learn more
Content Comparison- APTD vs CPTD Learn more
Both the APTD and CPTD exams are application-based and cover a subset of the Talent Development Capability Model. The CPTD exam is focused more on the skill and ability statements.
Talent Development Capability Model Learn more
CPTD Exam Content Outline (ECO) Learn more
Content Comparison- APTD vs CPTD Learn more
To stay certified, APTD certificants must recertify by application, with 40 professional development points every three years. Learn more
To stay certified, CPTD certificants must recertify by application, with 40 professional development points every three years. Learn more
Achieving Certification
An assessment process where a professional meets prerequisites, such as role-specific experience and education, and successfully completes a formal assessment of the requisite knowledge and skills. The credential is a valid recognition that one meets a defined set of standards. The credential is maintained through a renewal process that requires demonstration of continued professional growth and knowledge of current practice.
APTD and CPTD Certification requirements include defined years of experience in talent development, hours of professional development, and passing a standardized examination.
Earning a Certificate
Education or training with specific learning outcomes for an area of knowledge, skill development, or defined competencies. Completion of the program may include an assessment and certificate of completion. These programs may be offered through learning institutions or employers. Earning a certificate does not lead to certification but can support preparation for certification. As an example, completion of an ATD Master Series Certificate program meets the professional development requirements for the APTD and CPTD Certification programs.
Join this interactive one-hour mentoring session with a panel of APTD credential holders. The panelists share their certification journeys—including why they pursued the APTD, how they prepared, lessons learned, and key reflections. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to help guide your own path to APTD success.
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Join this interactive one-hour mentoring session with a panel of CPTD credential holders. The panelists share their certification journeys—including why they pursued the CPTD, how they prepared, lessons learned, and key reflections. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to help guide your own path to CPTD success.
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2026 Dates:
The ATD CI staff is ready to answer your technical and certification process-related questions during this 45 minute video call. Ask about eligibility requirements, application submission, scheduling an exam, and more. Current APTD and CPTD credential holders can join quarterly to get recertification questions answered.
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2026 Dates:
March 19 at 12 pm (ET) -Includes recertification
2025 Webinar Series
Click the title to register for an upcoming session or to view a recording.
Participate Live
Check back for an update on live sessions for 2025!
View a Recording
Using ATD Resources to Support Your Certification (Preparation)
How ATD Certification Can Positively Impact Your TD Function (Career)
How APTD and CPTD Certification Can Impact Your Career (Career)
APTD Certification Simplified (APTD Certification)
CPTD Certification Simplified (CPTD Certification)
APTD and CPTD Certification Study Hacks (Preparation)
APTD or CPTD? Which ATD Certification Is Right for You? (APTD-CPTD Comparison)
ATD Certification Explained: Making the APTD or CPTD Your 2024 Professional Development Goal
How APTD and CPTD Certification Can Impact Your Career (Career)
Using the Talent Development Capability Model to Plan Your Certification Journey (Career and Certification)
Recertification 101: For APTD and CPTD Certificants (For Current APTDs and CPTDs)