Certification That Validates Your Expertise in Talent Development

Who are the more than 5,000 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community:

Oleksii Fedorko is a Senior Manager, Talent and Development. He earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2019.

Why did you pursue the APTD/CPTD? To structure my knowledge and to receive credentials that certify my experience of working in the field of talent development. Despite receiving technical education initially, my career did not involve educating others until I transitioned into the field of talent development. Recognizing the importance of aligning theoretical knowledge with practical experience, I sought educational opportunities to enhance my proficiency and validate my skills through certification. This shift was not only crucial for
my personal development but also a strategic step for the professional growth of learning and development managers within our company.

How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally? First and foremost, obtaining certification instilled in me a sense of confidence, assuring that my level of experience aligns with industry standards. Internally, within the company, certification serves as a valuable asset in advocating for learning solutions and consulting on talent development. The credibility it brings is instrumental in gaining support from stakeholders. Moreover, certification opens doors for collaboration within professional networks. Beyond this, it promotes continuous learning— achieving certification motivates individuals to seek recertification, encouraging the accumulation of learning points through studying and engaging in diverse activities.

What advice would you share with others considering certification? This certification validates your expertise in talent and development. Approach it not merely as another exam requiring memorization but as an opportunity to derive meaningful insights from preparation materials and demo questions. Connect the content to your job and experiences, seeking a deeper understanding that goes beyond rote memorization.

How do you think certification helps the talent development field? The involvement of certified colleagues in the creation and review of exam questions and cases is highly beneficial. It serves as a valuable mechanism to disseminate knowledge and uphold
standards throughout the talent development field. This collaborative effort ensures that the
certification process remains robust and reflective of the evolving dynamics within the industry.

How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential? This initiative is fully supported, including the possibility to offset certification exam fees. Additionally,
internal certification preparation groups have been initiated among learning and development managers. These groups facilitate discussions on intricate cases and questions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

What does having your credential mean to you? It is an important step in my professional and personal development.

How did you get into the talent development field? In one of my previous roles as a testing team leader, I started to be responsible for people management on a project. To enhance my skills in this area, I enrolled in specific courses and self- development programs. This endeavor eventually led me to take an active role in organizing learning programs and coaching clubs, where I shared my acquired knowledge with others. Over time, I transitioned into a role exclusively dedicated to learning and development.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? If you’re passionate about something, take action—even if you feel you lack certain elements like skills, time, or experience. Waiting for the perfect moment is futile, as there will never be an ideal time to pursue your passions. Embrace the journey, learn along the way, and let your passion drive your progress.

What is a great book you’ve read recently? Tribe by Sebastian Junger

What is your favorite hobby or pastime? Swimming

Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.