Top 11 Presentation Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a presentation specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certified professionals have demonstrated that they possess the skills, experience, and qualifications necessary to perform their job effectively. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that a presentation specialist has the necessary skills to develop and deliver high-quality presentations. Additionally, certifications can demonstrate an individual's commitment to professional development and their ability to keep up with industry trends. Certification can also be used as evidence of an individual's expertise when applying for jobs or promotions.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Presentation Specialists and explains how they can help to advance a presentation specialist's career.

What are Presentation Specialist Certifications?

Presentation specialist certification is a program designed to help individuals develop and enhance their presentation skills. It provides training and guidance on all aspects of creating, delivering, and managing presentations in the workplace. This certification covers topics such as developing powerful visuals, creating engaging content, understanding the audience and how to best communicate with them, preparing for questions, and using technology to enhance presentations.

By completing this certification program, individuals will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to create effective presentations that engage an audience. The skills learned can be used in any professional setting from sales presentations to internal meetings or conferences. The certification also helps individuals stand out in their field by demonstrating a commitment to their craft and demonstrating mastery of presentation techniques. With this knowledge, they can become more valuable employees who are seen as leaders in the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a presentation specialist certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and/or provide access to industry experts and resources. This will ensure you get the most out of your certification and can apply your knowledge in the real world.

Related: What does a Presentation Specialist do?

Top 11 Presentation Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Presentation Specialists today.

1. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to design, develop, manage, and measure learning and performance initiatives.

The CPLP program consists of two parts: an exam that tests knowledge across 10 different areas of expertise; and a portfolio submission that demonstrates proficiency in applying this knowledge in the workplace. The exam has 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To become certified, candidates must have five years of professional experience in the learning and performance field or a combination of education and experience totaling seven years. Candidates must also complete at least 60 hours of ATD-approved training courses or activities within the past five years.

The cost to take the CPLP exam is $495 for members of ATD or $595 for non-members. The cost to submit a portfolio is $400 for members or $500 for non-members.

2. Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)

Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) is a designation given by the National Speakers Association (NSA) to recognize professional speakers who have achieved a high degree of success in the speaking industry. To become a CSP, an individual must meet certain criteria and demonstrate that they have reached a level of expertise as a professional speaker.

To be eligible for the CSP designation, an individual must have earned at least $50,000 in speaking fees over the past three years, held at least five paid speaking engagements in the past year, and met other criteria such as having written articles or books related to their area of expertise. The process typically takes several months to complete and involves submitting an application with supporting materials, being interviewed by NSA members, and passing an exam.

The cost to apply for the CSP designation is $395 for NSA members and $595 for non-members. Once approved, there is an annual fee of $195 for NSA members and $295 for non-members.

3. Certified Presentation Specialist (CPS)

A Certified Presentation Specialist (CPS) is a professional who has demonstrated expertise in the design and delivery of presentations. The CPS certification is offered by the International Association of Professional Speakers (IAPSP). To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of experience in presentation design and delivery, pass an exam, and submit a portfolio of their work.

The IAPSP offers two levels of certification: the Certified Presentation Specialist (CPS) and the Master Certified Presentation Specialist (MCPS). Both certifications require applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as presentation design, delivery techniques, and public speaking. Applicants must also submit a portfolio that showcases their work in presentation design and delivery.

The CPS certification typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework and study for the exam. The cost of the CPS certification varies depending on whether you are taking the online or in-person version of the course. The online version typically costs between $400-$500 USD while the in-person version can cost up to $1,000 USD.

Once you have completed all requirements for your CPS certification, you will receive a certificate from IAPSP that recognizes your achievement as a Certified Presentation Specialist. This certificate can be used to demonstrate your expertise in presentation design and delivery to potential employers or clients.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to use Microsoft Office applications effectively. The program consists of exams that test an individual’s understanding of the various features and functions of Microsoft Office.

The MOS certification exams are divided into three levels: Core, Expert, and Master. Each level requires a different number of exams to complete the certification. To become a Microsoft Office Specialist, you must pass at least one exam for each application in the suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access).

It typically takes between two to four months to complete all the necessary exams for MOS certification. However, this can vary depending on how much time you have available to study and how quickly you can learn the material.

To get your MOS certification, you must first purchase vouchers from Certiport or Prometric testing centers. These vouchers will give you access to take the necessary exams for your chosen level of certification. Once you have passed all required exams, you will receive an official certificate from Microsoft confirming your achievement.

The cost of obtaining a MOS certification varies depending on which level you choose and which application(s) you are certifying in. Generally speaking, it costs around $100 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

5. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a person’s expertise in using Adobe products. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their proficiency in the use of Adobe software and gain recognition for their skills.

It typically takes around two to three months to get ACE certified, depending on the specific product and level of difficulty. To become certified, you must pass an online exam that covers topics such as installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of Adobe products. The cost of the exam varies depending on the product being tested; however, most exams range from $100-$150 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least six months of experience with Adobe products and providing proof of completion of an approved training course or equivalent knowledge. Once certified, individuals can use their ACE status to showcase their expertise in Adobe products and gain recognition for their skills.

6. Apple Certified Pro - Presentation Design & Delivery

Apple Certified Pro - Presentation Design & Delivery is a professional certification program from Apple that recognizes professionals who have mastered the art of presentation design and delivery. This certification demonstrates expertise in creating engaging, effective presentations using Apple Keynote and other presentation tools.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on assessment. The online exam covers topics such as understanding the principles of good presentation design, creating effective visuals, and delivering presentations with confidence. The hands-on assessment requires candidates to create a presentation using Apple Keynote and present it to an Apple Certified Trainer.

The entire process typically takes about 4 hours to complete. Candidates must register for the program through the Apple Certification website and pay a fee of $99 USD to take the exam. Upon successful completion of both parts of the certification process, candidates will receive an official digital badge from Apple that can be shared on their LinkedIn profile or other social media accounts.

7. National Speakers Association Certification Program

The National Speakers Association (NSA) Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to recognize professional speakers who have demonstrated excellence in the speaking industry. The program offers certification at three levels: Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Certified Speaking Professional Global (CSP-G), and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

To become certified, you must meet certain criteria and complete an application process. The process includes submitting a portfolio of your speaking experience, providing references from clients or colleagues, and completing an online assessment. You must also attend a one-day workshop on the NSA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.

It typically takes six months to two years to complete the certification requirements. The cost of the program varies depending on your level of certification but generally ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

8. International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Accreditation Program

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Accreditation Program is an internationally recognized certification program for professionals in the field of business communication. It is designed to provide a standard of excellence and demonstrate a commitment to professional development. The program is open to all IABC members and non-members who meet the criteria.

The accreditation process includes a written application, an online assessment, and an oral presentation. The application process takes approximately three months to complete, depending on the individual’s availability and preparation.

To get accredited, individuals must first submit an application form that outlines their professional experience and qualifications in business communication. They must also provide evidence of their involvement in the field, such as published works or awards received. Once accepted into the program, applicants are required to take an online assessment which tests their knowledge in areas such as writing, public speaking, media relations, crisis management, research methods and more. Finally, applicants must give a 15-minute oral presentation on a topic related to business communication that demonstrates their expertise in the field.

The cost for accreditation varies depending on whether you are an IABC member or not. For members it costs $395 USD while for non-members it costs $495 USD.

9. Association for Talent Development (ATD) Master Trainer Certificate

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) Master Trainer Certificate is a professional certification program that recognizes and validates the expertise of training professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies required to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate effective learning programs. The ATD Master Trainer Certificate is designed for experienced trainers and instructional designers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of training and development.

To receive the ATD Master Trainer Certificate, individuals must complete a rigorous application process that includes submitting a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field as well as passing an online exam. The application process usually takes several weeks to complete.

To apply for the ATD Master Trainer Certificate, individuals must submit an online application through the ATD website. In addition to completing the application form, applicants must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience in training design, delivery, evaluation, and management. Applicants must also pass an online exam which covers topics such as adult learning principles, instructional design methods, facilitation techniques, assessment strategies, performance improvement models, technology-based solutions for learning delivery systems, and other related areas.

The cost of obtaining the ATD Master Trainer Certificate depends on whether or not you are an ATD member. For non-members it costs $1125 while members pay $875.

10. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Certificate in Training and Development Practice

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Certificate in Training and Development Practice is an internationally recognised qualification that provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of training and development. It is designed for people who are new to the field or those who want to develop their existing knowledge and skills.

The CIPD Certificate in Training and Development Practice is made up of three modules:

1. Understanding the Principles of Learning, Training & Development

2. Planning & Designing Learning & Development Activities

3. Delivering & Evaluating Learning & Development Activities

It typically takes around 10-12 weeks to complete, depending on the amount of time you can dedicate each week. You can study at your own pace, with support from your tutor if needed. The course requires you to complete both written assignments and practical tasks, as well as taking part in group activities and discussions.

You can get the CIPD Certificate in Training and Development Practice by enrolling with an accredited training provider such as Open Study College or Kaplan. You will need to meet certain entry requirements such as having a good standard of English language ability, basic IT skills, and access to a computer with internet connection.

The cost of the CIPD Certificate in Training and Development Practice varies depending on which provider you choose but it usually ranges from £400-£800. This includes all course materials, assessments, tutor support, certification fees etc.

11. American Society for Training & Development’s Certified Professional in Training Management

The American Society for Training & Development's Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the expertise of training professionals. It is a comprehensive, competency-based certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced training professionals.

To become certified, an individual must demonstrate mastery of the CPTM body of knowledge through a combination of education and experience. The program requires applicants to have at least five years of professional training experience, as well as a minimum of three years in a management or leadership role within the field. In addition, applicants must complete either an approved CPTM course or pass an exam administered by ASTD.

The process typically takes six months to one year to complete, depending on the individual's experience level and availability. During this time, individuals are required to complete all necessary coursework or exams and submit their application materials for review. Once approved, individuals will receive their official CPTM certification from ASTD.

The cost for the CPTM program varies depending on which route you choose to take (coursework or exam). The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD; however, if you choose to take the coursework option there may be additional costs associated with tuition fees and/or materials needed for completion.

Do You Really Need a Presentation Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question is ultimately up to you, as it depends on your career goals and the type of training or certification you are looking for. However, a presentation specialist certificate can be beneficial in many ways.

A presentation specialist certificate can demonstrate that you have a strong knowledge and understanding of presentation design principles, techniques, and best practices. It can also provide evidence that you have the necessary skills to create high-quality presentations that will engage audiences. In addition, having a presentation specialist certificate could help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. Furthermore, if you are looking to expand your services as a freelancer or consultant, having a certificate might give potential clients more confidence in your abilities.

At the end of the day, it is important to consider all aspects before deciding whether or not to pursue a presentation specialist certificate. Taking into account your current knowledge level and future goals may help you make an informed decision about which path is right for you.

Related: Presentation Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Presentation Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Presentation Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Presentation Specialist Certification is a professional certification that proves an individual’s expertise in creating and delivering effective presentations. It includes topics such as design, visuals, storytelling, public speaking, and multimedia production.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Presentation Specialist?

Answer: Becoming a Certified Presentation Specialist can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs and increase your credibility with employers. It also provides knowledge and skills to help you create more impactful presentations that engage your audience.

3. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an approved training program or course in presentation design and delivery. After completion of the course, you will need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

4. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

Answer: No, there is no expiration date on your certification once it has been issued by the certifying body. However, it is recommended that you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices by taking continuing education courses every few years to maintain your expertise in presentation design and delivery.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, some certifying bodies may require prior experience or knowledge of presentation design or public speaking before taking the exam for certification. It is important to check with the certifying body to ensure you meet all requirements before attempting the exam.