Top 10 Learning and Development Certifications You Should Have

The Learning & Development field can be very wide and the certificate you choose should depend on your immediate and future career plans and goals. There are several certifications recognized for those who want to enhance their skills and future career prospects. To this end, you should be clear about your career goals and objectives before you settle for the appropriate L&D certification to back it up. Here are some of the most reputable and highly recognized L&D certifications worth checking out.

1. CPLP- Certified Professional in Learning and Performance

CPLP is offered by the Association of Talent Development (ATD). This certification covers a wide range of L&D content including; Instructional design, performance improvement, training delivery, and evaluation of learning impact.

Who is it for? CPLP is for individuals already in the mid to senior-level L&D professional levels.

2. APTD — Associate Professional in Talent Development

APTD is offered a certification also provided by the Association of Talent Development (ATD). It is one of the certifications designed for early-career professionals hence the content is mostly focused on the fundamentals of talent development.

Who is it for? APTD is for early to mid-level L&D career professionals.

3. CPTM- Certified Professional in Training Management

CPTM is offered by the training industry and is designed for training L&D managers where the focus is on strategic aspects of managing training programs.

Who is it for? CPTM is designed for L&D training managers and those aspiring to be promoted into training management roles.

4. CPT- Certified Performance Technologist

CPT is a certification in L&D offered by the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). This certification emphasizes performance improvement and methodologies geared towards results in training and development.

Who is it for? CPT is designed for L&D professionals who are focused on performance improvement and consulting.

5. SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP

SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (SHRM Senior Certified Professional) are two certifications offered by the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and they are broader HR certifications that include major components of training and development.

Who is it for? These certifications are for HR professionals, with significant responsibilities in L&D.

6. PHR- Certified Professional in Human Resources, SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources)

The PHR and SPHR are certifications offered by the HRCI HR Certification Institute. The requirements and scope are similar to the SHRM certifications hence they cover Learning and Development and a wide range of other HR content.

Who is it for? These certifications are for HR professionals with a strong interest in L&D.

7. Kirkpatrick Certifications

The Kirkpatrick Certification Programs are offered by Kirkpatrick Partners. These certifications focus on the use of the Kirkpatrick models which comprises Levels 1–4 components-Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results.

Who are these certifications for? Kirkpatrick certifications are for L&D professionals often involved in training evaluation.

8. L&D Training and Development Diploma

Training and Development Diploma in L& D are offered by various Universities and Colleges. Some institutions also offered post-graduate degrees and certificates in training and development, ensuring they cover topics in adult learning theories, design, and many more.

Who is the Training and Development Diploma for? This diploma certification is designed for professionals seeking extensive academic knowledge in R&D.

9. E-Learning Certificates

E-Learning Certificates including Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF) are offered by different organizations including the LPI (Learning and Performance Institute). These certifications are geared towards the design, development, and delivery of online L&D learning programs.

Who is the certification for? L&D experts are involved in e-learning and online training.

10. PMP (Project Management Professional)

PMP is offered by the PMI (Project Management Institute), though it is not exclusive to L&D it is highly valuable for L&D experts managing large-scale projects.

Who is the certification for? The accreditation is for L&D experts involved in project management.

Getting the Right L&D Certification

As a beginner L&D professional, it makes more sense to choose a beginner certification and progress through the ranks as you gain more quality experience. It is equally important that you consider your future career goals. More L&D professionals will find value in pursuing career-advancing certifications over time to cover wider fields.