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Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP™) Certification M.S. in OL/HRD

Welcome to St. John Fisher College's Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP™) Certification web page!

If you are interested in becoming certified or want more information about our preparation course, you've come to the right place! Here you will find information about the certification process, the knowledge-based and work product exams, profile of a successful CPLP candidate, and the St. John Fisher College (SJFC) CPLP preparation course - GHRD 542/453, provided through the Graduate Organizational Learning and Human Resource Development (OL/HRD) department in partnership with the Genesee Valley chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (GV-ASTD).

• If you wish to obtain graduate credit, you may take GHRD 542 either as a matriculated or non-matriculated student.
• If you do not wish to obtain graduate credit, you may enroll in the class as a community-based participant. You receive all of the same benefits of the course but at a significant cost savings over matriculation. If you take the course as a community-based participant, you will enroll in GHRD 543, a 0-credit course.
• Computer-Based-Testing: All CPLP knowledge-based exams are administered by computer at ASTD Certification Institute (CI) authorized test centers across the country. These centers are not affiliated with SJFC or the 542/543 course.
• Work Product Assessment: After passing the knowledge-based exam CPLP candidates must submit a work product within an area of expertise (AOE) to the ASTD CI. The work product will be scored by an ASTD CI expert rating team.  The ASTD CI is not affiliated with SJFC or the 542/543 course.

CPLP™ Overview

The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP™) certification program is administered by the American Society for Training and Development Certification Institute (ASTD CI). ASTD CI accredits individuals working in the Workplace Learning and Performance (WLP) industry. The WLP industry encompasses many disciplines including instructional design, training delivery, human performance improvement, organizational development, knowledge management, coaching, leadership and executive development, career development, and talent management.

The CPLP credential is the only credential of its kind for WLP. The certification process requires that candidates demonstrate breadth of knowledge proficiency across nine areas of expertise (AOEs) as well as the application of knowledge in one AOE. The experiential work product requirement distinguishes the CPLP from other certification processes which only require that candidates demonstrate knowledge proficiency through testing.

The ASTD CPLP credential was developed based on the ASTD Competency Model (2004) which defines skills, knowledge, and abilities, and behaviors across all WLP jobs. The model is the result of a rigorous, multi-year research project designed to identify the competencies required to facilitate the WLP profession into the future. According to the authors of the competency model, "it defines the profession in the context of its strategic contribution to performance, and tries to balance the financial and business goals of institutions with the welfare of the people who are doing the work." The model provides a strategic roadmap for learning and performance professionals to continuously develop and refine their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The CPLP AOEs, which are specific technical and professional skills or knowledge required for success in WLP specialty areas, are as follows:

• Designing Learning
• Delivering Training
• Improving Human Performance
• Measuring and Evaluating
• Facilitating Organizational Change
• Managing the Learning Function
• Coaching
• Managing the Organizational Knowledge
• Career Planning and Talent Management.

The CPLP credential benefits:

The Workplace Learning and Performance profession - by codifying it and creating standards

Individuals - by offering a tangible means for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and experience and outlining a path for continued learning and development

Clients and Employers - by providing a common reference point to help evaluate potential consultants/suppliers and job candidates.

The Knowledge-Based Exam: how and where it is administered.

The CPLP knowledge-based exams are administered by ASTD CI at Drake Kryterion test centers across the United States and Canada.  The local test center is BOCES 2 Center for Workforce, 3545 Buffalo Road, Rochester.

• The closest testing window to the course is the November, 2008 window (November 17-December 13, 2008).  Candidates must register for the window by November 3, 2008.
• Candidates must schedule their test at least thirty days in advance of the first day of the testing window to guarantee a testing seat.
• There are 150 questions on the exam.
• Candidates have 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete the exam.
• After completing the exam, candidates will receive immediate feedback on whether or not they achieved a passing score. Candidates will receive diagnostic feedback on score within each of the nine areas of expertise (AOEs) tested. Candidates will also receive a follow up e-mail confirming exam results.

The Work Product Exam: how and where it is administered.

Candidates must supply an actual work product from their work history which demonstrates how they put their knowledge into action in one area of expertise (AOE). Candidates should plan to spend 40-60 hours documenting and preparing the work product for submission. The work product is submitted in hard copy to the ASTD Certification Institute formatted and packaged according requirements specified in the CPLP Candidate bulletin.

• Candidates registered for the November, 2008 testing window must submit their work product between December 14, 2008 and March 3, 2009.
• The work product must be a project that has been completed in the past three years.
• The work product submission will include essays about the project and actual samples of project documentation. The four core work product elements include:
  • Project Relationships - documentation of your role and the roles of stakeholders
  • Plans - documentation that supports the planning effort for the work product submitted
  • Outputs - evidence of outputs in the work product itself
  • Outcomes - documentation of results during and following the implementation
• The work product will be systematically and objectively scored by a panel of experts according to a rubric defining success criteria for each element. Candidates will be notified by mail regarding whether or not they passed and will receive a score for each work product element. Candidates should receive their score report within six weeks of the work product due date.

Eligibility for CPLP Certification

The CPLP designation is awarded to individuals who meet eligibility requirements, successfully pass two examinations (knowledge-based and work product demonstration) and agree to abide by the ASTD CI Code of Ethics.

To be eligible for the CPLP, candidates must provide evidence that they have at least three years of industry-related work experience. One year of industry-related education may be substituted for one year of industry-related work experience.

The knowledge-based exam ensures that candidates demonstrate a baseline understanding and knowledge in the nine CPLP AOEs. The majority of exam questions are application based, which require that candidates be able to apply knowledge and concepts to a given scenario. Successful candidates typically have several years experience across a breadth of workplace learning and performance disciplines.

The work product demonstration requires the submission of a project demonstrating the application of knowledge in one of the areas of expertise. Successful candidates will be able to submit a recent project (within the last three years) which meets or exceeds passing criteria.

Profile of a Successful CPLP Candidate

An honest assessment of one's breadth of knowledge and experience across the WLP profession is necessary when deciding to pursue CPLP certification. The following profile of a CPLP candidate may help you determine whether or not this certification process is appropriate for you.

The ideal CPLP candidate:

• Meets the minimum requirement of three years of related experience (one year of related education may be substituted for experience)
• Is committed to the workplace learning and performance profession and seeks to further develop their skills and knowledge
• Has determined that pursuing the CPLP is a good fit with their career goals
• Has had exposure to multiple areas of expertise
• Is working on or has completed a relevant project within the last three years to submit for the work product requirement
• Is committed to devote the necessary time and energy required to attain CPLP certification
• Has the financial resources and/or employer sponsorship to pay for testing and preparation fees
• Has reviewed the CPLP Candidate Bulletin in some level of depth and understands the expectations of the program.

Are you ready to be certified?

To determine whether or not the CPLP certification is right for you, review the CPLP Readiness Assessment [pdf].

If you have specific questions about eligibility, you may e-mail the CPLP certification staff at certification@astd.org.

Recertification

The CPLP designation is awarded for a three year period. Continuous professional development is required for CPLPs to remain current in the field and further enhance competence. To maintain their certification, CPLPs must earn 60 recertification points during each three year recertification period. All recertification points must be directly related to one or more areas of the ASTD Competency Model (2004). CPLPs may earn points through the following types of activities: Continuous Education, Speaking and Instructing, On-the-Job Experience, Research and Publishing, Leadership and Recognition, and Professional Membership. For more information, review the ASTD CI CPLP Recertification Policies document.

CPLP Preparation Course Overview

This course is designed to prepare workplace learning and development professionals to successfully complete the requirements to achieve the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential. Successful CPLP candidates must pass a comprehensive exam demonstrating breadth of knowledge in nine key areas of expertise (AOEs) and submit a relevant work product demonstrating application of knowledge in one AOE.

Candidates are expected to independently apply for acceptance into the CPLP program and register for the knowledge-based exam. To apply, go to the ASTD CI website and click on CPLP Application.

The course typically meets every other weekend over an eight-week time frame. Class times are Friday evenings 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The course will address knowledge exam preparation and testing strategies as well as techniques for successfully selecting and submitting an appropriate work product. Attendance and active participation are essential for success.  Through a variety of activities and assignments, candidates will study and explore the knowledge base inherent in each the following AOEs:

1. Designing Learning
2. Delivering Training
3. Improving Human Performance
4. Measuring and Evaluating
5. Facilitating Organizational Change
6. Managing the Learning Function
7. Coaching
8. Managing Organizational Knowledge
9. Career Planning and Talent Management

The ASTD Learning System, the main resource for this course, consists of nine (9) volumes of study material.

Candidates who do well in the course and on the exams typically meet some but preferably all of the following criteria. They:

• Have a purpose in mind, i.e. successfully achieving certification. This is the hallmark of an adult learner.
• Have good test-taking skills or have the ability to become good test-takers during the course. We focus on test-taking tips throughout the course so even those test jitters can be controlled.
• Have good reasoning or analytical skills. Frequent test practice in class helps to develop or hone these skills.
• Have some hands-on experience. Someone with insufficient experience may feel overwhelmed but, conversely, candidates with significant experience are sometimes challenged to think outside of their comfort zone.
• Have significant exposure to graduate-level work. The cognitive skills frequently employed in college significantly contribute to the participant's understanding of the material.
• WORK VERY HARD! Successful students do all of the reading and assignments; participate in class; participate in a study group during and after the course and study, study, study!

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Conduct a comprehensive CPLP self assessment and develop a personalized study plan to complement in-class activities
• Apply critical thinking techniques to workplace learning and performance scenarios
• Apply test taking best practices
• Pass the CPLP knowledge-based exam
• Select an appropriate project and successfully submit a work product demonstrating application of knowledge.

Fees

• The fee for enrolling in the 3 credit, graduate-level course (GHRD 542) depends on current St. John Fisher College graduate tuition (http://www.sjfc.edu/graduate/tuition_fees.asp). This cost does not include the ASTD Learning System.
• The fee for enrolling in the non-credit community-based course (GHRD 543) is $1,295 for 2008 and includes the ASTD Learning System.
• There are additional fees for optional materials and taking the CPLP examination that are not part of the preparation course (see http://www.astd.org/content/ASTDcertification/CPLPTestScheduleandFees.htm).