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:

Miho Adachi is an Instructional Designer in Japan. She earned the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) credential in 2019.

Why did you pursue the APTD?

In 2014, when I first attended an ATD International Conference & EXPO in Washington, DC, during one session a nearby university professor said, “I’m still learning, and I’m taking on the challenge of CPLP. It’s fun to keep going. There’s always something new to discover while studying for the CPLP, which is very meaningful.” After that, I participated in a session called “Why CPLP?” Those two events made me want to take on the challenge of ATD certification.

How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?

In the CPLP (now CPTD) journey on the ATD website, Kimberly Cooper said, “I knew I was good at what I was doing. Now that I know why I’m good at what I’m doing, I’m only getting better and it is reassuring that I’m operating in my purpose.” I completely agree.

And in my case, I think that having an APTD certification has made it possible for people to trust me as someone with a certain level of expertise when dealing with new companies.

What advice would you share with others considering certification?

You may be shocked if you fail the exam, but why don’t you keep taking it? I passed on my fifth attempt!

It’s been a long road and I’ve gained a lot.

How do you think certification helps the talent development field?

You are able to acquire knowledge in areas other than what you’re good at or focus on, so you’ll be able to think from multiple perspectives.

How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential?

A colleague who was already CPLP qualified helped me and others with our studies. And our employer helped us conduct the study session.

What does having your credential mean to you?

It has become a seed that expands the field of my career. It brought me subsequent encounters, opportunities, and chances.

How did you get into the talent development field?

By applying for a job posting for a trainer at a human resources development vendor.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Keep learning!

I always received this advice from my mentor. And various people gave me the same message when I participated in the ATD International Conference & EXPO in 2014.

I think it was terrific that I learned a lot before just changing jobs.

What is a great book you’ve read recently?

30 Days: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life by Marc Reklau

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Playing with my dogs.

What is the most unusual job you've had?

My second career was as a fitness instructor. One time I led a warm-up exercise when a company held a health event at a big stadium.

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