Human Resource is a large field. Professional self-improvement is possible through specific certification. A person working within talent development as part of the HR team may benefit from becoming a certified learning and development professional. CPLP stands for Certified Professional in Learning and Performance. It is a certification for training and development practitioners. By nature, it is broad-based, touching on ten different areas of expertise as well as six foundational competencies.

The ten areas of expertise include: –

• Training Delivery
• Coaching
• Instructional Design
• Knowledge Management
• Learning Technologies
• Change Management
• Evaluating Learning Impact
• Managing Learning Design
• Performance Improvement
• Integrated Talent Management

The six foundational competencies are as follows: –

• Personal Skills
• Business Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Industry Knowledge
• Technology Literacy
• Global Mindset

How do I get CPLP certified?

The first step is to know where to find the program offering. It is offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). The second step is to be active in the talent development field. To get the certification, there is a cost of $1,250 that needs to be factored in. This will cover the testing, as well as the certification if one adequately passes the test. However, it is worth noting that the person seeking this certification will be responsible for purchasing all resources and materials needed to complete the course. The best materials and reading resources also require a solid investment of more than $1,000.

The Requirements for CPLP Eligibility

For a human resource executive seeking to attain CPLP certification, they need to meet the following minimum requirements: –

1. Four years of work experience as a full time professional in talent development fields, as well as one year of college or university study in talent development.
2. Five years’ work experience as a full time professional in either talent development or a related field.
3. Four years work experience as a full time professional in talent development as well as successful completion of an ATD Master Series program.

Getting CPLP certification is not easy. It requires full time commitment when preparing for the test. It has even been estimated that at least 120 hours of consistent preparation are essential.

As a talent development professional, it is necessary to consistently take note of new trends within the industry. This is because completing the CPLP program and getting certified is not enough. Every three years, the CPLP certification becomes invalid. One will need to take the test at the similar costs and pass it again.

Though it may seem a costly investment, it has incredible merits. Over time, it shows that the talent development professional is committed to their profession. It is also ideal for anyone who has not been actively working and may lack references. This certification restores the employer’s faith that the individual can fulfil their role.

The profession also benefits from this certification as it allows for standards to be defined. It also encourages the personnel to be professionally accountable.