Why Get Certified Page
The Impact of ATD Certification
Validate your expertise, build credibility, and accelerate your career in learning and development.
Why Pursue ATD Certification?
As your career evolves, so does your ability to influence learning and development outcomes. Earning an ATD certification, whether you pursue the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) or the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) can validate your expertise, strengthen your credibility, and position you to make a greater impact within your organization.
ATD Certification Adds Value
Who Should Consider ATD Certification?
The APTD Certification is for an early career professional who seeks to demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge and skills in foundational areas within talent development.
APTD candidates may come from many backgrounds, but they share a commitment to building strong foundational skills. The APTD candidate:
Has at least 3 years of part time or full time experience in talent development, working with adults.
Is an individual contributor, in a more focused role, and may be an “accidental trainer”.
Seeks to demonstrate competence in foundational areas.
The CPTD Certification is for a career talent development professional who has deep knowledge and a broad range of experience across the field. The CPTD candidate:
Has at least 5 years of direct talent development experience.
Can lead initiatives, drive organizational performance and shape the value and impact of employee L&D.
May seek a more strategic role or seek to demonstrate their range of advanced capabilities.
The Organizational Value of ATD Certification
What are ATD Credential Holders Saying?
Get the Support You Need to Move Forward
Which Certification is Right For You?
Identify the right certification for you by comparing APTD and CPTD based on your experience and career goals.
Get Your Questions Answered
View the certification FAQs and join monthly mentoring calls and office hours to get answers, guidance, and support as you explore certification.
Research-Based Certification Study
Discover data-driven insights from the ROI Institute study that demonstrate the real-world value and impact of certification.
Employer Support for Your Certification
Access tools and tips to help you demonstrate the value of certification and gain support from your organization.
Who Makes Up the ATD Certification Community?
Explore the APTD and CPTD communities and see who’s shaping the learning and development profession.
