In 2013, I started thinking about making the transition from human resources to organization development (OD). As a result, I decided to look for certification options to increase my OD knowledge. There is no education program or certification course related to OD in Central America, at least not one as well established as ATD’s. I was already a member of ATD, and the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential offered everything I wanted in a certification program. 

That year, I also decided to take a career break. I moved to the United States in early 2014 to pursue the CPLP certification and another program related to OD. The career break not only allowed me to dedicate more time to studying, but it also created more time for networking. 

I prefer to study either alone or in a small group. When I arrived in the United States, I started to look for study resources and hoped to join an ATD chapter study group. Unfortunately, there were no openings in a group, so I used the ATD Learning System instead. 

Overall, preparing for the CPLP Knowledge Exam was a challenging and gratifying experience. I was studying and assimilating a lot of complex information, and I was doing it in English, which is not my native language. It demanded a great deal of effort, time, and dedication. I even developed my own study system:

• Read the study material.

• Highlight the main concepts and research how and when they are applied.

• Look for or create visual representations of topics. For example, I would create a visual of a model or process that was described in the ATD Learning System without an image.

• Respond to the learning objectives for each chapter, which allowed me to summarize the content and identify main concepts.

• Take the chapter quizzes and practice tests on the ATD website. 

Although I wondered if studying by myself was the most effective way to prepare, it did teach me a lot about my learning preferences and study style. Consequently, I was able to make the most of my studying situation. If you plan to study on your own as well, I would recommend setting aside six to eight months to prepare. Plan on dedicating a set amount of hours per week. 

I first scheduled my Knowledge Exam for April, but I decided to move the date to May 5. I didn’t feel fully prepared for the test, and I realized that I would only have one shot to do it—at least during a sabbatical in which I had ample time to study. I don’t regret my decision; it allowed me to keep studying until I felt fully prepared. This is a critical point. Your certification process will require time, effort, and resources, but it should also be something you enjoy; it shouldn’t be a burden. Do not rush to schedule a date just because you think you have to do it by a self-imposed, arbitrary time. Do it because you are ready to put forth your best effort and discover what exciting possibilities the talent development field has to offer. 

I’m a coffee lover, so after I learned that I passed my knowledge exam, I treated myself to an afternoon of savoring a delicious cup of coffee without my computer and books, after nearly five months of studying.

The work product, which I completed as soon as I returned home, presented its own challenges. My former employer had all of the documentation I needed, so I had to request sponsorship and permission. Putting all the pieces together was hard work as well, but it was worth the effort. Mark my words: You won’t truly appreciate your own work and past professional experiences until your work product is finished. 

I finally received my certification after exactly nine months. My CPLP journey was a life-changing experience that I would definitely recommend to others in the talent development field. 

Learn more about the CPLP certification.