Just a general question for anyone who has obtained the CPLP certification. Has it been beneficial for you in terms of your own knowledge, did it make a difference in a job search? Do others recognize the value? Thanks!

I got certified in the pilot group. Some thoughts in answer to your question:

• It was a great ego booster!
  
• I got recognition from a client and a higher rate from them
  
• On a conference call today I got a complement from a major business guru
  
• It was a major effort, but I would surely do it again
  

quote:

Originally posted by Dannette:
Has it been beneficial for you in terms of your own knowledge?

Yes.

quote:

Did it make a difference in a job search?

Yes. And subsequent promotion.

quote:

Do others recognize the value?

Sometimes. Some Federal agencies have established professional certification as a quality ranking factor for recruitment and selection.

CPLP is well marketed within the ASTD community. Our Society has been quite successful in enrolling candidates in the program and in convincing some employers to express a preference for certified applicants. Its value outside this world remains questionable to me. Although the program and the model on which it is based are relatively new, independent research and discourse on the certification seem elusive.

Considering the origins of the certification and its array of proprietary references and study resources, the CPLP certification, in my view, treads a rather fine line between something that is vendor-neutral and something that is vendor-specific.

Scott G. Welch CPLP

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Scott G Welch,

Hi Dannette --

In response to the first part of your question, YES! prepping for the CPLP certification program had a HUGE impact on improving my knowledge & skills across a wide variety of disciplines.

This has everything to do with achieving a level of competency across all areas of expertise integrated in the 2004 ASTD Competency Model -- which the certification is based on.

Exposure to the AOEs in the competency model is where potential growth in knowledge & skills is at.

You can achieve this growth by studying on your own, but if growth is what you're after -- I would highly recommend surrounding yourself with other CPLP candidates and potential candidates. You'll often find a cross-section of practitioners (e.g. instructional designers, OD consultants, HPI practitioners, change managers, stand-up instructors, etc) in study groups, workshops, etc. where you can share/learn ideas, theories, tools, techniques, methods, etc. from each other.

Submerging myself in that environment also gave me a greater sense of community -- something I didn't realize I wanted, but something I haven't been able to resist since I found it.

As for industry acceptance, there are loads of jobs listed on a variety of job sites already stating "CPLP preferred" or "CPLP desired."

Here are a few I just pulled up:

• Training Manager - Polo Ralph Lauren - Lyndhurst, NJ "Strong technical and system skills Certified Professional in Learning and Performance ¢CPLP preferred"
  
• Director - Human Capital - Farmers Insurance - Los Angeles, CA "Education Requirements 4 year degree, masters preferred, SPHR, CEBS, CPLP or CCP designation."
  
• Organizational Development & Training Consultant - Blue Shield Blue Cross Association - Vermont "5-7 years of experience in learning and development with proven teaching and facilitation skills CPLP certification desired"
  
• Chief Learning Officer - First Citizens Bank - Raleigh, NC "Certified Professional in Learning and Performance CPLP preferred"
  
• Instructional Designer - ADP - Roseland, NJ "Certified Professional in Learning and Performance CPLP preferred"
  
• Director of Learning - Speakeasy, Inc - Seattle, WA "MBA or other advanced degree in Education / Adult Learning or related field preferred Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) preferred"

As for acceptance outside the US, there are several Canadians who currently hold the credential and candidates are flying in from other continents (e.g. Africa, South America, etc) to sit the exam.

Matter of fact, we just had our first person outside of North America achieve the CPLP -- she's in Cameroon.

So, yes, lots of opportunity for personal & professional growth and the certification is definitely getting recognition.

~ trish