Show Notes
Chapter 3: Importance of Certification (Kippen, Son Lee, & Toister, 2014)
- Understand the value of certification and the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
- Identify the value to the employer, credential holders, and Training & Development (T&D) profession
- Experience from employer and candidates
Reference: Biech, E. (2014). ASTD handbook: The definitive reference for training & development, 2nd Edition. Alexandra, VA: American Society for Training and Development.
What is CPLP certification?: involves the comprehensive evaluation of skills that are measured against industry standards, professional associations, and other industry-wide credentials for T&D -- with the following requirements for CPLP certification eligibility:
- Knowledge Exam: 150 multiple choice on the 10 Areas of Expertise (AOE) + the Global Mindset foundational competency
- Skills Assessment Exam: of 100 questions multiple choice that focuses on application of skills from ONE (1) AOE of your choice:
- Training Delivery
- Instructional Design
- Managing Learning Programs
- Recertification: CPLP is valid for 3 years and requires recertification points to maintain the CPLP status, e.g. professional conferences, training, leadership, etc.
Why is the CPLP certification so important?
- Increased individual performance
- Increased employee performance
- Improved organizational results
- Increased relevance of talent development (TD)
- Benefits to hiring managers, employers, and credential holders
- It offers credibility, continuous learning, and a community of professionals to connect within TD
Countdown to the CPLP Calendar: Here are a few steps to developing your own study plan for the Knowledge and Skills Application exams as you prepare for certification:
- Assess your time resources - where will you find 80 hours to study before the first exam? What time can you dedicate to preparing for the CPLP?
- Assess your study resources - what will you use to prepare? Do you have this ASTD handbook, the CPLP Study System? Or will you attend an in-person or online workshop to prepare for certification?
- Set a deadline - break up what you want to know and how you plan to learn for each AOE for the CPLP exams -- what’s your “to study” list and how will you organize this
- Plot your schedule backwards - map out what you will study when on your calendar and COMMIT to these study sessions; identify some room for flexibility and change in this schedule should things come at work, home, etc.
- Predict the future - how does this CPLP certification fit into your future professional goals, life plans, or career objectives? What life/work events might occur while you are studying and preparing over the next few months? Be prepared!
- Stick to the plan - once you have organized how, when, and where you will study be accountable to this certification preparation plan; make this a priority for you!