Modernizing How We Recognize Learning

ATD Certification Institute adopts Credly’s Acclaim platform to reward certification recipients with digital badges to validate the skills and knowledge demonstrated by the credential holder.

The ATD Certification Institute (ATD CI) has announced plans to take its credentialing efforts to a new level by addressing learners’ needs through digital badging. ATD CI was created as an independent organization by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the world’s largest professional membership association supporting talent development in organizations around the world. ATD CI was established to set industry standards for the talent development profession.

Since its inception, ATD CI has launched two credentials: the CPLP (Certified Professional in Learning and Performance), a broad-based credential that measures a talent development professional’s competency in 10 areas of expertise from the ATD Competency Model; and the APTD (Associate Professional in Talent Development), a credential designed for talent development professionals who are in the early part of their careers or whose professional roles and aspirations have a focused area of expertise.

“At a time when learners are truly owning their learning, ATD CI would like to recognize that commitment. Earning a credential is a journey and requires dedication to in-depth learning. Further, a credential stays with the individual even when employers change. By offering digital credentials to our CPLP and APTD holders, they can be recognized for their achievement and their proficiency is documented and verifiable,” said Tony Bingham, ATD President and CEO.

Digital badging addresses many components of a modern learning environment. Security and authenticity are verified through Credly’s Acclaim platform; each digital badge includes unique data about the credential holder and what that individual accomplished to earn the badge. Learning is more social than ever, so earners can share their digital credentials across various social media platforms, with their contacts, and with the greater community, thereby enhancing their profile. Most critically, digital badging can assist companies with closing skills gaps by using the badges to take inventory of acquired skills, identify skill gaps, and create development opportunities for missing skills.

“As a credentialing professional, I have seen how digital badging enhances the learner and earner experience and elevates the visibility of knowledge and skills to employers. Learning is no longer a pushed activity but rather a relationship between the learner and content provider. Digital badging rewards and recognizes both the earner and the awarding organization for their efforts to elevate the workforce through skill development,” said Morgean Hirt, Director of Credentialing, ATD CI.

Credly’s Acclaim platform can distribute and manage portable and secure digital credentials, providing individuals and institutions with access to machine-readable, verified credentials that demonstrate skills and competencies. Because the digital credentials exist on the Credly platform, ATD CI credential holders can take the digital badges with them as they progress through their careers.

“Digital credentials enable professionals to showcase what they know as they pursue careers,” said Jonathan Finkelstein, CEO of Credly. “Through their new digital credential offering, ATD not only recognizes the hard work of CPLPs and APTDs but empowers them to make the best use of validated skills wherever their career takes them.”

About ATD

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees, improve performance, and help to achieve results for the organizations they serve. Originally established in 1943, the association was previously known as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports talent development professionals who gather locally in volunteer-led U.S. chapters and international member networks, and with international strategic partners. For more information, visit www.td.org.

About Credly

Credly is helping the world speak a common language about people’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Thousands of employers, training organizations, associations, certification programs and workforce development initiatives use Credly to help individuals translate their learning experiences into professional opportunities using trusted, portable, digital credentials. Credly empowers organizations to attract, engage, develop, and retain talent with enterprise-class tools that generate data-driven insights to address skills gaps and highlight opportunities through an unmatched global network of credential issuers. Unleash the workforce. Credly.com