Top 11 Technical Instructor Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for technical instructors in the job market. They demonstrate to potential employers that the instructor has a high level of knowledge and experience in their field, which makes them better suited to teach others. Certifications also show that the instructor has kept up with industry trends and best practices, which further indicates their ability to provide quality instruction. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations in order to be eligible for certain types of positions or contracts. Therefore, having certified credentials can help a technical instructor stand out from the competition and make themselves more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Technical Instructors and explains how they can benefit a technical instructor's career.

What are Technical Instructor Certifications?

Technical instructor certification is a form of professional development that allows an individual to become certified in the instruction of technical topics. It involves the completion of a specific program and the successful passing of a certification exam. This type of certification is beneficial for those who work in a variety of fields, such as IT, engineering, manufacturing, or healthcare.

By obtaining technical instructor certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in teaching technical topics. They are also able to enhance their credibility as an instructor and increase their chances at career advancement. Additionally, technical instructors can benefit from networking opportunities with other professionals in their field and gain access to resources that can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and practices. Finally, having this type of certification can provide individuals with job security since employers typically prefer candidates who possess this credential.

Pro tip: When selecting a technical instructor certification program, make sure to review the program's curriculum, credentials of instructors and the support offered after completion. Ensure that the program provides relevant, up-to-date knowledge and skills that will be applicable in your field. Also, look for programs that provide job placement assistance or career guidance.

Related: What does a Technical Instructor do?

Top 11 Technical Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Technical Instructors today.

1. Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+)

Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) is an industry-recognized certification program for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in teaching and training. It is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of technical trainers. The CTT+ certification is offered by CompTIA, a non-profit trade association for the information technology industry.

The CTT+ certification requires candidates to pass two exams: one on instructional design and delivery, and another on technology topics related to the course material they will be teaching. The exams are designed to measure a candidate’s ability to plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate effective training materials. Candidates must also have at least three years of experience in teaching or training in order to qualify for the certification.

The entire process of getting the CTT+ certification typically takes between 6-12 months depending on the individual's experience level and preparation time. To get certified, candidates must first register with CompTIA and pay the required fees which vary depending on country of residence. After registering, candidates can then take the two exams needed for certification at any authorized testing center around the world.

The cost of obtaining the CTT+ certification varies depending on country of residence but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD including exam fees and other associated costs such as registration fees and study materials.

2. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a credential offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It is the highest recognition of expertise and proficiency in the field of learning and performance. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to design, develop, manage, and measure learning initiatives that support organizational goals.

It takes approximately six months to two years to get CPLP certification. To be eligible for CPLP certification, you must have at least three years of professional experience in learning and performance-related activities. You must also complete a comprehensive application process that includes submitting an online application form, passing the CPLP Knowledge Exam, submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your experience in the field of learning and performance, and participating in an interview with ATD Certification Council members.

The cost for CPLP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ATD member. For ATD members, the cost is $1,295; for non-members it is $1,595.

3. Certified Instructional Designer (CID)

Certified Instructional Designer (CID) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and developing effective learning experiences. It is awarded by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI).

The CID certification process involves passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as instructional design principles, adult learning theory, assessment and evaluation techniques, technology-based instruction, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To qualify for the CID certification exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in instructional design or related fields. They must also submit two letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to their knowledge and experience in the field.

The cost of taking the CID certification exam is $500 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and resources to help prepare for the exam as well as a one-year membership with IBSTPI.

4. Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in delivering Microsoft technology training. It is the highest level of technical certification available from Microsoft and requires extensive knowledge, skills, and experience in the delivery of training.

To become an MCT, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience teaching or developing curriculum related to Microsoft technologies, being certified as an MCSE or MCSD (or equivalent), and demonstrating proficiency in delivering instructor-led classes.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can then register for the MCT Program which consists of three components: a course on instructional design, a course on delivery techniques, and an exam. The courses are offered online and take approximately 20 hours to complete. The exam is taken at a testing center and takes about 2 hours to complete.

The cost for the MCT Program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

5. Adobe Certified Instructor (ACI)

Adobe Certified Instructor (ACI) is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in teaching Adobe products. The ACI certification is designed to help educators, trainers, and consultants become certified in the use of Adobe software and tools.

To get the ACI certification, applicants must first pass an online assessment to demonstrate their knowledge of Adobe products. Once they’ve passed this assessment, they must complete a two-day instructor-led training course. During the course, participants will learn how to create effective training materials and deliver engaging lessons using Adobe applications. After completing the course, participants must pass a final exam to earn their ACI certification.

The cost for the ACI certification varies depending on the country or region you are located in. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

6. Apple Certified Trainer (ACT)

Apple Certified Trainer (ACT) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of expertise in teaching Apple products. The ACT program is open to anyone with an interest in teaching Apple products, including educators, trainers, consultants, and IT professionals.

To become an Apple Certified Trainer, you must complete the Apple Professional Learning Specialist (APLS) course. This course is offered online and takes approximately eight weeks to complete. It covers topics such as classroom management, instructional design, and technical support for Apple products. After completing the APLS course, you must pass a final exam to receive your certification.

The cost of the APLS course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD. Additionally, there are other associated costs such as travel expenses and lodging if attending an in-person session.

Once certified as an ACT, you will be listed on the Apple website and can apply for training opportunities through their network of approved training providers. You will also gain access to exclusive resources such as product updates and discounts on training materials.

7. CompTIA CTT+ Certified Technical Training Professional

CompTIA CTT+ Certified Technical Training Professional (CTT+) is a certification for trainers who specialize in teaching technical courses. It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the skills and knowledge needed to deliver effective technical training. The certification requires a combination of experience, education, and passing an exam.

The CTT+ certification program consists of two parts: the Core Level Exam and one or more Specialty Exams. The Core Level Exam covers topics such as instructional design, delivery methods, learning theory, assessment techniques, and classroom management. The Specialty Exams cover specific technology-related topics such as networking, security, hardware, software development, and project management.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CTT+ exams. This includes studying course material provided by CompTIA or other approved vendors; attending instructor-led training sessions; and taking practice exams to test your knowledge.

To get the CTT+ certification you must pass both the Core Level Exam and at least one Specialty Exam with a score of 700 or higher on each exam. You can register for the exams online through CompTIA’s website or through an approved testing center.

The cost of the CTT+ certification depends on how many exams you take and where you take them. The Core Level Exam costs $250 USD while each Specialty Exam costs $150 USD. If you choose to take your exams at an approved testing center there may be additional fees associated with that as well.

8. Oracle University Instructor Certification Program

The Oracle University Instructor Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to certify instructors in the use of Oracle products. It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates an instructor’s ability to effectively teach Oracle technology.

To become certified, instructors must successfully complete a rigorous certification process that includes both online and classroom training, as well as a final exam. The program typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the instructor’s experience level.

Instructors can begin the certification process by registering for an online or classroom course at their local Oracle University facility. Once registered, instructors will need to attend all classes and complete all required assignments. After completing the coursework, instructors must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the Oracle University Instructor Certification Program varies depending on the type of course taken and where it is taken. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD per student.

9. Project Management Institute’s PMP® Certification

The Project Management Institute’s PMP® Certification is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is designed to demonstrate a project manager’s knowledge and experience in leading and directing projects. The PMP® Certification is valid for three years, after which the holder must complete 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) to maintain their certification status.

To get the PMP® Certification, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least four years of professional project management experience and 7,500 hours leading and directing projects. They must also have 35 hours of formal education in project management or hold a secondary degree such as a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Once the eligibility requirements are met, individuals can take the PMP® exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five main areas: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The exam takes 4 hours to complete and costs $405 USD for members of the Project Management Institute (PMI) or $555 USD for non-members.

Once an individual passes the PMP® exam they will receive their official certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years before renewal is required through completion of 60 PDUs every three years.

10. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Six Sigma methodology and its application. It is designed to help professionals become more effective and efficient in their roles as Six Sigma professionals.

The certification process typically takes 8-10 weeks, depending on the individual’s experience level and availability for study. The process includes completing a series of online courses, passing an online exam, and then taking a final onsite exam.

To get certified, individuals must first complete a series of online courses that cover topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, data analysis techniques, project management tools and techniques, problem solving strategies, and implementation strategies. After completing these courses, they must pass an online exam with a score of at least 70%. Once they have passed the exam, they can take the final onsite exam which consists of two parts: written and practical.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 USD. This cost covers the course materials, exams fees, registration fees and any other associated costs.

11. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification program designed to provide a basic understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It is designed to help individuals understand how ITIL can be used to improve the quality of IT service management within an organization. The certification is based on the ITIL 4 framework and covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, and security management.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes 2 hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 65%.

To get certified, individuals must first register for an accredited training course or self-study program. Training courses are offered by accredited providers such as AXELOS and PeopleCert, who offer both classroom and online learning options. Self-study programs are also available from various sources including books and online resources.

The cost of obtaining the ITIL Foundation Certification depends on which route you take to study for it. Training courses typically range from $500-$1000 depending on the provider and format chosen. Self-study programs can be found for free or at a much lower cost than training courses.

Do You Really Need a Technical Instructor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If someone is looking to gain knowledge in a specific field of technology, then having a technical instructor certificate may be beneficial. This type of certificate will demonstrate an understanding of the subject matter and allow for more opportunities when it comes to teaching or working with technology.

On the other hand, if someone simply wants to have a basic understanding of how certain technologies work but doesn’t plan on teaching or working in the field, then a technical instructor certificate may not be necessary. In this case, taking courses or reading up on the subject matter could be enough to gain an understanding.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what one wishes to accomplish. A technical instructor certificate can provide valuable skills and open up potential career paths but may not always be necessary depending on a person’s goals and aspirations.

Related: Technical Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Instructor Certifications

Q1. What is a Technical Instructor Certification?

A1. A Technical Instructor Certification is a credential that certifies individuals to teach technical subjects such as computer programming, engineering, and other related disciplines. This certification indicates that an instructor has the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively teach students in these fields.

Q2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Technical Instructor Certification?

A2. Generally, the requirements for obtaining a Technical Instructor Certification vary depending on the specific certification program. However, most programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in their field of instruction, along with teaching experience or relevant industry experience. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to pass an exam or take additional courses before being certified as a technical instructor.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Technical Instructor Certification?

A3. The amount of time it takes to get certified as a technical instructor depends on several factors such as the type of certification program chosen and how quickly one can complete all of its requirements. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 6-12 months if all criteria are met in a timely manner.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a Technical Instructor?

A4: Yes, most certification programs have certain prerequisites that must be met before applying for the program. These prerequisites may include having at least a bachelor’s degree in your field of instruction, teaching experience or relevant industry experience, and passing an exam or taking additional courses prior to becoming certified as a technical instructor.

Q5: How much does it cost to obtain a Technical Instructor Certification?

A5: The cost of obtaining a Technical Instructor Certification varies depending on the specific program chosen and its associated fees such as application fees, tuition costs for any required courses or exams, etc. Generally speaking though, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD when all associated costs are taken into consideration