The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) certification is a credential for training and development professionals offered by the ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI). The credential is broad-based and addresses training and development professionals’ knowledge and performance achievements in 10 Areas of Expertise (AOEs) as defined by the ASTD 2013 Competency Model.
Individuals who wish to pursue the credential must meet program eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous examination and evaluation process. Those who achieve success earn the right to display the CPLP designation after their name.
CPLP is a professional certification program and not a certificate program. The terms sound similar but the purpose and goal of these programs are very different. Certificate programs are designed to provide instruction and training to help participants acquire or enhance knowledge, skills, or competencies. In the case of an assessment-based certificate program, a test is included to confirm learning. By contrast, certification programs are designed to assess an individual’s existing knowledge, skills, or competencies independent of instruction or training. Understanding the differences between these programs will help you select the right program for your professional development needs.