Applicants

If you don't have an ATD login and password, please create a login at www.td.org. In the upper right corner you will see Sign In/Register or call ATD Customer Care at 800.628.2783 for assistance.

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements must be met BEFORE you apply. It is the applicant's responsibility to determine eligibility before applying. Staff does not provide advance eligibility determination over email or phone.

Complete the Application

Start your application at any time. It is automatically saved. You must submit your application after you have met the eligibility requirements, selected a testing window, and plan to test within the next 18 months.

Select a testing window that allows you adequate time to prepare.

Step 1: Access the certification portal. If you'd like step-by-step instructions, you'll find them here.

Step 2: Choose a credential: On the landing page select “Browse Credentials” to choose the APTD credential. Click on “Save to My Home” to land back on your credential page the next time you return.

Step 3: Choose pathway: For new applicants, choose the APTD Standard Pathway unless you have completed an ATD Master Series program, such as the Master Trainer program, the past three years. In that case, choose the Master Series Pathway.

Follow the steps within the application to submit all details that are required. The Certification Portal automatically saves all your entries as you complete them; you do not need to “save” anything. You can come back to complete your details at any time.

In order to complete your application, you will need to have the following items:

• Your preferred testing window of dates to take the exam

• Recent resume

• Relevant work experience history, including references

• Qualifying professional development completed during the past 3 years, including dates of participation

• Certificate from ATD Master series, if you’ve completed one

• Documentation supporting a request for special accommodations, if needed

• Payment of $499 ATD member ($699 nonmember)

Please note, applications are not reviewed or considered complete until payment has been made.

Flexibility in Testing

Two Ways to Test: Applicants for the APTD exam can test via a remotely proctored exam OR choose to go to an in-person testing facility. Learn more.

Language Options: Applicants for the APTD exam are able to choose to take their exam in Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, or English. Language choice is made when scheduling your exam.

Changing Test Windows or Retesting: If you would like to change your test window or need to retest, please access the candidate portal and use the secure messaging feature to send your request.

Your Best Resource

For detailed information on the APTD certification process, download the APTD Handbook.