CPTD Introduction
The pinnacle achievement in talent development
What is the CPTD?
The Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) is a professional certification for TD professionals with at least five years of experience. It is broad and measures a professional’s knowledge and skill application across the breadth of talent development capabilities.
Who is a CPTD Candidate?
The CPTD candidate must has at least five years of related work experience and should have deep knowledge and experience applying the principles for enhancing employee talent development.
A CPTD understands and can affect the value and impact employee learning and development strategies bring to the success of an organization. Learn more about who is in the CPTD community.
APTD or CPTD? What's the Difference?
Get a quick view of Which Certification is for You? and then explore the details:
CPTD covers a subset of the Talent Development Capability Model focused more on the skill statements. Compare the APTD and CPTD exam content outlines side-by-side here.
While both the APTD and CPTD exams are application-based, the CPTD exam focuses more on professional judgment and critical thinking for on-the-job-scenarios.
CPTD is focused on the organizational impact and strategy for talent development while APTD is focused on the foundational understanding of the scope of talent development solutions.
Need to Get Support from Your Employer?
Visit the Convince Your Employer to Support Your Certification Journey webpage dedicated to discussing the value of the CPTD certification with your employer and key resources and metrics to gain their support.
Ready for the Details?
Explore the Talent Development Capability Model and the Certification Handbook below.
The CPTD covers a subset of the knowledge and skills from the Talent Development Capability Model, focusing on skills application and decision-making for more experienced professionals. Familiarize yourself with the model.
Download the detailed capability descriptions here.
Download this detailed CPTD Detailed Exam Content Outline to see what is covered on the exam.
It is recommended that candidates for the CPTD take the self-assessment based on the Talent Development Capability Model to identify skill gaps and to prioritize preparation.
These people earned the CPTD and have these great things to say about it!
"I wanted a certification that was widely recognized in the industry not only for the accreditation, but also for the learning experience. The [CPTD] was the only certification that consistently stood out to me as the gold standard in my field."
Read More"Earning the [CPTD] certification has been life changing because it validates what I know and do for a living. Increasingly professional certifications set people apart, and this is one definitely worth having."
Read More"I initially obtained my certification to increase my visibility to recruiters and hiring managers. However, what I got out the certification process was a deeper understanding of the depth and breadth of talent development field as well as a general confidence boost in my role within the industry."
Read MoreIs This Certification Right for Me?
CPTD credential holders share their stories.
The Benefits of Pursuing a CPTD
When I first thought about pursuing the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), I was unsure if it would provide the benefits I was seeking. Having completed my journey, I can tell you that it was worth the effort...
My Job Search Journey: Leveraging Certification During a Pandemic
The Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) certification gave me the confidence and credentials to participate in the Great Resignation...
Bridging the Gap From Higher Education... My CPTD Journey
The more I volunteered, the more I reflected on my past work in the higher education field and what I wanted for my future. The goal I arrived at was that when I can work, I want to be in the corporate arena for training and development...
Choose an exam window, access the certification portal, and submit your application.
Have a team of five or more? Save when you prepare and certify as a team AND get additional coaching support.