Adult Learning Certificate

Organizations with highly effective learning programs incorporate key principles from the learning sciences, the interdisciplinary research-based field that works to further the understanding of learning, learning innovation, and instructional methodologies. Talent development professionals applying best practices will understand and apply foundational learning theories, principles of adult learning theory, and cognitive science to design, develop, and deliver solutions that maximize outcomes.

Upon successful completion of this Adult Learning Certificate, you will be able to:

• Apply adult learning and cognitive science principles to real settings.

• Employ templates and tools to assess learning needs.

• Evaluate learning content for adult learning and cognitive science principles.

• Implement methods that engage and motivate adult learners.

• Apply strategies for extending the classroom learning environment.

• Produce plans for supporting the transfer of learning.

• Create a plan to measure learning with the use of an evaluation model.

• Choose an appropriate learning/educational technology to meet a particular need.

• Communicate learning concepts in alignment with communication principles.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of applying adult learning and cognitive science theory to help you improve your talent development efforts.

• See adult learning principles in action through ATD expert facilitation and course design and activities.

• Apply your learning through case studies, reflections, peer collaboration, and a personalized project.

• Earn an industry-recognized adult education certificate, continuing education credits, and an ATD digital badge to share with your networks.

This program is designed for workplace learning and talent development professionals in roles such as trainer/facilitator, instructional designer, learning technologist, training coordinator/manager, or learning consultant who need a foundation in the principles of adult learning and learning sciences.

Roles outside of the talent development profession with responsibility for adult education will also benefit from the specialized skills taught in this foundational course, including subject matter experts who train adult learners and those who work in customer education, career and technical education, higher education, community education, adult basic education, and other continuing education environments geared toward adult learners.

The Adult Learning Certificate online course is offered live online in 4 sessions, each lasting 3.5 hours and accessed via ATD's learning management system. There are several dates from which you can choose. When offered in person, the course consists of two sessions, each lasting 8 hours.

ATD’s courses are designed to encourage interaction among facilitators and learners. When you take an ATD course, you are not only learning important information, you are also seeing a demonstration of best practices in how to teach adult learners.

You do not need to have prior experience teaching adult learners to take this certificate program.

If you are involved in adult learning and development, the ATD Adult Learning Certificate will help you level up your practice by introducing you to the science and research that informs effective adult education.

Yes, contact an ATD enterprise representative to learn more about how to bring this program to your organization. On-site deliveries may be scheduled in person or virtually at a date and time convenient to you. In addition, ATD can customize the program to address the specific organizational change management needs of your team. Schedule a call to learn more!

Additional information to help you prepare for your certificate in adult learning:

• Completion Requirements: Review the attendance policy before your course begins to ensure your successful completion.

• Technical Requirements: Ensure your tech is ready for the first day of your program.

• Enrolled in a program? To check your course status and enrollment details, launch your course, or download your certificate, go to MyATD.

• Terms and Privacy: Review our cancellation policy, health protocols for in-person courses, and more.

• Have additional questions about ATD courses? Visit our ATD Education FAQ for answers.

• Core Concepts of Adult Learning

• Adult Learning Theory and Principles

• Moving From Theory to Practice

• How Do We Assess Learning Needs?

• Supporting Individual Learners

• Evaluation and Feedback Exchange

• Commonly Used Evaluation Models

• Learning Content Considerations

• Principles and Presentation

• Engage Adult Learners

• Influencing Motivation

• Options for Learning Beyond the Traditional Classroom

• Selecting Learning Options Based on Learning Needs

• Connecting and Engaging Beyond the Classroom

• The Relationship Between Learning and Application

• What Are the Tools and Strategies for Promoting the Application of Learning?