Top 11 Learning and Development Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a learning and development manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a proven level of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be successful in their role. Certification is also a sign of dedication to one's profession, which can give employers confidence that their new hire will be competent and reliable. Certifications also provide an edge over non-certified applicants when competing for jobs or promotions. Additionally, certification can help Learning and Development Managers stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, as well as provide access to valuable networking opportunities. Finally, obtaining certifications can boost career opportunities by giving individuals the opportunity to specialize or expand into other areas within the field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Learning and Development Managers and explains how they can help advance a learning and development manager's career.

What are Learning and Development Manager Certifications?

Learning and Development Manager Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved expertise in the field of learning and development management. This certification is offered by several organizations, including the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) and the International Association for Learning and Development Professionals (IALDP). It is designed to help demonstrate knowledge, skill, and proficiency in areas such as instructional design, program management, performance improvement, training delivery, change management, and leadership development.

The certification can be especially beneficial for those looking to advance their careers within the field of learning and development. It provides evidence that an individual has acquired specialized knowledge in this area and has gained experience in managing projects related to learning and development. The ASTD Certification Program also offers a comprehensive range of skills-based courses to help managers acquire additional skills needed to succeed in the profession.

In addition to providing recognition of an individual’s expertise, Learning and Development Manager Certification also serves as a valuable tool for employers. By investing in certified employees, employers can ensure that they have knowledgeable professionals on staff who are able to effectively manage their organization’s learning initiatives. Furthermore, many employers look favorably upon candidates with this type of certification when making hiring decisions as it shows dedication to professional growth.

Pro Tip: To ensure you are up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in learning and development management, consider pursuing a certification from a professional organization such as ATD or SHRM. Not only will this give you the knowledge and skills to be an effective leader in this field, but it will also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and development.

Related: What does a Learning and Development Manager do?

Top 11 Learning and Development Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Learning and Development Managers today.

1. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a professional certification program developed by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of learning and performance.

To become certified, individuals must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities through an assessment process that includes a comprehensive exam. The CPLP exam covers topics such as instructional design, training delivery, performance improvement, evaluation methods, and more.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CPLP certification. During this time, individuals must complete a series of courses or workshops related to learning and performance as well as pass the CPLP exam.

To get started on the path to becoming CPLP certified, you will need to register with ATD and pay an application fee of $100 USD. After registering, you will be able to access study materials and resources that will help you prepare for the exam. You will also need to pay an exam fee of $395 USD before taking the CPLP exam.

2. Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)

Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in the field of training and development. The program is administered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI).

The CTDP certification requires applicants to complete an approved course of study that includes topics such as instructional design, adult learning theory, performance improvement, evaluation methods, and organizational development. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive written exam. The program takes approximately six months to complete.

To become certified as a CTDP, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by IBSTPI. These include having at least three years of experience in training or related fields and having completed at least 15 hours of continuing education courses in training or related fields within the past five years. In addition, applicants must submit proof of their educational background along with their application form.

The cost for the CTDP certification varies depending on the provider offering it; however, most providers charge around $1,500 for the entire program including materials and exams.

3. Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP)

Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and deliver effective online learning programs. CeLP certification is offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI).

The Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP) program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as instructional design, content development, delivery methods, assessment strategies, and evaluation techniques. The exam tests knowledge in these areas as well as other topics related to the field of eLearning.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the self-study course and 1 hour to take the exam. Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program, you will receive your CeLP certificate.

The cost for the Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP) program is $295 USD. This fee includes all materials needed for the self-study course as well as access to an online practice exam prior to taking the official exam.

4. Certified Learning Management System Administrator (CLMSA)

A Certified Learning Management System Administrator (CLMSA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the administration of Learning Management Systems (LMS). The CLMSA certification is offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing workplace learning and performance.

The CLMSA certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as LMS architecture, integration, user management, data security, reporting, and analytics. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To become certified, applicants must first register for the exam through ATD’s online portal. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. The cost of the exam is $395 USD for non-members or $295 USD for ATD members.

Once the exam is completed and passed, applicants will receive their CLMSA certificate from ATD within 4-6 weeks. In addition to the certificate, successful candidates will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their website or social media profiles.

5. Instructional Design Certification (IDC)

Instructional Design Certification (IDC) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field of instructional design. Instructional Designers are professionals who create learning experiences for learners, from designing courses to developing assessments. The IDC certification is offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI).

The IDC certification requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply instructional design principles and practices through a series of examinations. The exams are divided into two parts: a written exam, which covers topics such as instructional design theory, instructional strategies, and evaluation; and a practical exam, which assesses an applicant's ability to apply the concepts learned in the written exam.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then complete all required coursework and pass both the written and practical exams.

The cost of obtaining an IDC certification varies depending on factors such as location, type of institution offering the program, and any additional fees associated with taking the exams. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD to obtain an IDC certification.

6. Association for Talent Development Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (ATD-CPT)

The Association for Talent Development Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (ATD-CPT) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of learning and performance. This certification is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in the learning and performance profession.

To become an ATD-CPT, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of learning and performance, as well as a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education credits within the past five years. Candidates must also pass an online exam that covers topics such as adult learning theory, instructional design models, assessment strategies, technology-enhanced learning solutions, and more.

The process to become an ATD-CPT typically takes three to four months. During this time period, applicants should review study materials provided by ATD and practice with sample questions to prepare for the exam. Once they feel confident with their knowledge base, they can register for the exam through ATD's website.

The cost to become an ATD-CPT is $495 USD for members or $595 USD for nonmembers. The fee includes access to study materials, a practice exam, and one attempt at the certification exam.

7. International Society for Performance Improvement Certification in Training and Performance Improvement (ISPI-CPTI)

The International Society for Performance Improvement Certification in Training and Performance Improvement (ISPI-CPTI) is a certification program that recognizes professionals who demonstrate excellence in the field of training and performance improvement. The certification is awarded to those who have met a set of standards established by ISPI, which are based on the principles of adult learning theory, instructional design, and evaluation.

To obtain the ISPI-CPTI certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of training and performance improvement or have completed an approved graduate degree program. In addition, applicants must complete an online application form and submit two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass a written exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as instructional design, evaluation methods, adult learning theory, performance improvement strategies, and more.

The cost for the ISPI-CPTI certification is $395 USD for members of ISPI or $495 USD for non-members. This fee covers all materials needed to complete the application process as well as the exam fee. It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process from start to finish.

8. Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM)

Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM) is a professional certification program for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of knowledge management. The CKM certification is offered by the International Association for Knowledge Management (IAKM).

The CKM certification requires candidates to pass an exam that tests their understanding of the principles and practices of knowledge management, as well as their ability to apply them in real-world situations. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as organizational learning, information systems, data mining, collaboration tools, and more. Candidates must also complete a project demonstrating their ability to apply knowledge management principles in practice.

The CKM certification process typically takes three months or longer depending on how much time and effort candidates are willing to put into studying for the exam. To get started, interested individuals must first register with IAKM and pay the registration fee. After registering, they will receive access to course materials, which they can use to prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CKM certification varies depending on whether you choose a self-study option or an instructor-led course. Self-study options typically cost between $500-$800 USD while instructor-led courses can cost upwards of $1500 USD or more.

9. Project Management Institute's Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Project Management Institute's Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification that recognizes a practitioner’s knowledge and skills in agile practices. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding of agile principles, tools, and techniques. The PMI-ACP is the most popular agile certification available today, with more than 100,000 practitioners certified since its launch in 2011.

To become PMI-ACP certified, you must have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. You must also complete 21 contact hours of training in agile practices.

The exam for the PMI-ACP consists of 120 multiple choice questions and takes 3 hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, you can take an online course or attend a classroom training session. You can also study on your own using books and other resources available from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The cost of becoming PMI-ACP certified varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. Online courses typically cost between $400-$800 while classroom training sessions can range from $1,000-$2,000. Exam fees are additional and vary depending on your location; they range from $435-$495 USD for members of PMI and $495-$595 USD for non-members.

10. American Society for Training & Development's Senior Professional in Learning & Performance (ASTD-SPLP)

The American Society for Training & Development's Senior Professional in Learning & Performance (ASTD-SPLP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of learning and performance. The ASTD-SPLP certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required to be a successful learning and performance professional, including instructional design, training delivery, evaluation, and organizational development.

In order to become an ASTD-SPLP certified professional, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience in the field of learning and performance or a related field, as well as at least three years of managerial experience. Additionally, applicants must complete at least 45 contact hours of approved continuing education courses within the past three years prior to submitting their application.

The ASTD-SPLP exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as instructional design, training delivery, evaluation methods and tools, organizational development strategies, project management techniques, budgeting considerations, technology applications in learning and performance environments, change management principles and practices, coaching skills for trainers and facilitators, consulting skills for trainers and facilitators, communication skills for trainers and facilitators.

The cost to take the ASTD-SPLP exam is $495 USD for members of ASTD or $595 USD for non-members. Once you have successfully passed the exam you will receive your official certification from ASTD within 4–6 weeks after passing the exam.

11. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is a certification designed for experienced human resource professionals. It is the highest level of certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The SHRM-SCP credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR practice, as well as their ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

It typically takes approximately 12 months to prepare for the SHRM-SCP exam. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least 3 years of professional experience in a human resources role or equivalent and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge and understanding of the SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge (SHRM BoCK).

The cost to take the SHRM-SCP exam is $300 for members of SHRM and $400 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams, sample questions, and webinars. Additionally, there are several other fees associated with maintaining your certification including annual renewal fees and recertification fees every three years.

Do You Really Need a Learning and Development Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your career goals and personal preferences. If you are looking for a way to advance in the learning and development field, then having a Learning and Development Manager Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective manager in this field.

Having a Learning and Development Manager Certificate will give you an edge over other job applicants who do not have one. It demonstrates that you are knowledgeable about the field, as well as being qualified to manage others in it. Furthermore, having a certificate shows potential employers that you are committed to furthering your education in order to stay up-to-date with current trends and techniques in the industry.

In addition, having a Learning and Development Manager Certificate can open up new doors of opportunity for you. Having certification may make you eligible for certain jobs or promotions that would otherwise not be available to someone without one. It can also increase your chances of obtaining grants or funding from industry organizations or employers because they see that you have taken the time to invest in yourself by earning such an important credential.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Learning and Development Manager Certificate depends on what your specific goals are for your career. If becoming certified is something that interests you, then it is definitely worth considering getting one. However, if it does not fit into your long-term plans or simply does not appeal to you, then there is no need to pursue it at this time.

Related: Learning and Development Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Learning and Development Manager Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Learning and Development Managers?

A: There are numerous certifications available for Learning and Development Managers, including the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) certification from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the Human Resource Certification Institute's (HRCI) Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification, the American Society for Training and Development's Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) certification, and many more.

2. How do I become certified as a Learning and Development Manager?

A: The process of becoming certified as a Learning and Development Manager depends on which certification you pursue. Generally speaking, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to be eligible to take the exam, such as having a certain amount of experience or education in the field. Additionally, some certifications require that you maintain continuing education credits or participate in other professional development activities to stay current with best practices.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Learning and Development Manager?

A: Again, this depends on which certification you pursue. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6–12 months if you dedicate enough time to studying for the exam and completing any necessary coursework or prerequisites.

4. Is there an online option for getting certified as a Learning and Development Manager?

A: Yes! Many certifying organizations offer online courses or study materials that can help prepare you for taking their exams. Additionally, some organizations offer virtual proctored exams so that you can take your exam from home without needing to travel to a testing center.

5. Are there any benefits to becoming certified as a Learning and Development Manager?

A: Absolutely! Becoming certified demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence in your field while also showing employers that you understand best practices related to training and development management. Additionally, some organizations may offer salary increases or promotions based on achieving certain certifications – so it’s definitely worth considering when looking into how best to advance your career!