Why I Recommend the APTD

After 10 years of experience in five multinational, international, and regional corporations and seven business-related fields, I shifted my career into learning and development, the field I’m fond of.

When I took my first few steps in this industry, I was looking forward to increasing my knowledge and sharpening my skills, so I completed the Trainer Certificate in ESLSCA Business School, then the Integrated Talent Management Professional program at the American University in Cairo. However, I was still in need of an international certification in learning and talent development from a global organization to prove competency and demonstrate my skills.

I compared some certifications and made the final decision to pursue the APTD for three reasons:

1. It covers the three areas of expertise I’m most interested in (training delivery, instructional design, and evaluating learning programs).

2. It requires applicants to pass an exam, which makes it valuable.

3. The standards of ATD, the world’s largest talent development association, will definitely be high.

I selected the APTD, became a member of ATD, and got the Learning System. After that I looked for a group to encourage me in studying, yet I didn’t find one; so I made a plan considering my schedule, based on three stages.

· First stage: assimilating and summarizing curriculum (six weeks).

· Second stage: connecting theoretical parts with my professional experience (six weeks).

· Third stage: revising the summary (two weeks before the exam).

My total study time was around 70-80 hours.

On the day of the exam I reached the test center early, thinking, “All my efforts should be paid off today.” Once I read the first 10 questions, I realized the exam is not easy. . . but I had expected that. Nevertheless, it was challenging even beyond my expectations.

I completed the exam 30 minutes before ending time, and I was extremely happy when I read the word “PASSED.”

I recommend APTD certification for everyone who works in learning and talent development, as it is a rich source for knowledge and case studies and will widen your gaze and sharpen your skills, without a doubt.

For me, the next step will be the CPLP (after completing a certification in business skills). Wish me good luck!

Learn more about becoming an APTD!