Top 11 Training Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a training director in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in their field. They also show that the individual has taken the initiative to further their education and develop skills necessary to excel in their profession. Certification can give a training director an edge over other applicants by showcasing their qualifications and commitment to professional growth. Additionally, certifications can provide evidence of skill proficiency which can help prove that they have the knowledge needed to effectively manage training programs and lead teams.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Training Directors and explain how they can help enhance a training director's career.

What are Training Director Certifications?

Training director certification is a professional credential offered by various organizations that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced training directors. This certification demonstrates to employers and clients that a training director has the expertise needed to create successful learning experiences.

The certification process requires individuals to demonstrate their mastery of key concepts related to training design, development, delivery, evaluation, and management. Training directors are typically required to complete a comprehensive assessment process which includes both written and practical components. Once certified, they can then demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as instructional design principles; adult learning theory; needs analysis; program design and evaluation; project management; facilitation techniques; instructional technology and media selection; team building; coaching and mentoring; conflict resolution strategies; change management strategies; communication techniques for effective presentations; diversity considerations in instruction/training delivery; performance improvement strategies; leadership development strategies; and more.

This certification is beneficial for those seeking career advancement or greater recognition as a professional trainer or training director as it can help them stand out from the competition. It also gives employers assurance that they have hired an individual who has demonstrated their expertise in the field. Additionally, those with this certification are often seen as more credible by clients since they have taken the time to develop their skills beyond just on-the-job experience.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the training director certification requirements for your specific industry before beginning the process. Knowing what is expected of you will help you plan and prepare for the certification exam, allowing you to be better prepared and more likely to pass.

Related: What does a Training Director do?

Top 11 Training Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Training Directors today.

1. Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)

Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP) is a certification program offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI). The CTDP program is designed to recognize individuals who have successfully demonstrated knowledge and skills in training and development.

The certification requires applicants to demonstrate expertise in areas such as instructional design, learning theory, training delivery methods, evaluation techniques, and organizational development. The program also includes a comprehensive examination that tests the applicant’s knowledge of these topics.

To become certified as a CTDP, applicants must complete an application process that includes submitting documentation of their professional experience and education. Applicants must also pass the IBSTPI’s comprehensive examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions about training and development topics.

The cost for the CTDP certification varies depending on the country in which the applicant resides. In the United States, it costs $395 USD to apply for the certification. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and taking the exam.

In general, it takes approximately three months from when you submit your application to when you receive your results from IBSTPI. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CTDP certification.

2. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a certification offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of learning and performance professionals.

The CPLP certification requires that applicants demonstrate their expertise in areas such as instructional design, training delivery, evaluation, performance improvement, and consulting. The certification process includes an application process, passing a comprehensive exam, and completing continuing education requirements.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the CPLP certification process. The first step is to submit an application for the exam. Once approved, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering topics related to learning and performance improvement. After passing the exam, applicants must complete at least 18 hours of continuing education credits within two years of passing the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost of obtaining the CPLP certification varies depending on whether you are an ATD member or non-member. For members, it costs $595 for the initial application fee plus $395 for each subsequent renewal period; non-members pay $795 for the initial application fee plus $495 for each subsequent renewal period.

3. Certified Instructional Designer (CID)

Certified Instructional Designer (CID) is a professional certification program designed to recognize instructional designers who demonstrate mastery of the principles and practices of instructional design. This certification was created by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI). The CID credential is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of instructional design.

The CID certification requires applicants to pass two exams: an online assessment and a performance-based exam. The online assessment covers topics such as adult learning theory, instructional design models, technology-based instruction, and evaluation methods. The performance-based exam tests the applicant’s ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of instructional design or related fields. They must also submit letters of recommendation from their employers or supervisors attesting to their qualifications for the certification.

The cost for the CID program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online assessment or performance-based exam first. The online assessment costs $395 USD and can be taken at any time; however, if you choose to take the performance-based exam first, it will cost $595 USD plus additional fees for travel and lodging expenses if necessary.

Overall, obtaining your Certified Instructional Designer credential can be a lengthy process that requires dedication and commitment; however, it is well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

4. Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP)

The Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP) is a professional certification program developed by the eLearning Guild. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in designing, developing, and deploying successful eLearning solutions. The CeLP certification is based on industry best practices and standards for creating effective and engaging learning experiences.

The CeLP certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Master. Each level requires the completion of a series of courses that cover topics such as instructional design, course development, multimedia production, learning management systems (LMS), analytics, and project management. The courses are offered online or in-person through the eLearning Guild’s Learning Solutions Conference & Expo.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three levels of the CeLP certification program. However, this timeline can vary depending on an individual's prior experience with eLearning development and their ability to dedicate time to completing the courses.

In order to get certified as an eLearning Professional, you must first register for the CeLP program through the eLearning Guild website. After registering for the program, you will be able to access all of the required courses and materials needed to complete each level. You will also need to pass a series of exams at each level in order to receive your certification.

The cost for enrolling in the CeLP program varies depending on which level you are pursuing and whether you choose online or in-person courses. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD for each level of certification ($6,000 USD total).

5. Certified Human Resources Development Professional (CHRD)

Certified Human Resources Development Professional (CHRD) is a certification awarded by the International Association for Human Resource Development (IAHRD). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of human resources development. The CHRD designation indicates that the individual has achieved a certain level of professional proficiency in the areas of human resources, training, and development.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To earn the CHRD designation, an individual must pass two exams: one on human resource management and one on training and development. Both exams are administered by IAHRD and require a passing score of 70%. After passing both exams, the individual must submit an application package that includes proof of their education, experience, and professional references.

The cost to obtain the CHRD certification varies depending on your country or region. In general, it will cost around $500 USD to take both exams plus any additional fees associated with submitting an application package.

6. Certified Performance Technologist (CPT)

Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) is a professional certification offered by the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). The CPT credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of performance improvement. It is intended to identify and recognize professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to design, develop, implement, evaluate, and sustain performance improvement initiatives.

It typically takes between six months and two years to prepare for the CPT exam. The preparation process includes studying relevant course material, attending workshops or seminars, and taking practice exams.

To become a Certified Performance Technologist (CPT), you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of experience in performance improvement or related fields. You must also pass an examination administered by ISPI that tests your knowledge and skills in performance improvement topics such as analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability.

The cost of becoming a Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) varies depending on the type of preparation materials you use. The exam itself costs $450 USD for members of ISPI ($550 USD for non-members). Additional fees may apply if you choose to take a workshop or seminar to help prepare for the exam.

7. International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) Certification

The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) is a professional organization that provides certification to performance improvement professionals. ISPI Certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are committed to improving performance in organizations.

To obtain ISPI Certification, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in performance improvement, as well as complete an application and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as performance analysis, instructional design, organizational development, change management, and evaluation.

It typically takes between four and six months to complete the process of obtaining ISPI Certification. The cost for the application fee is $150 USD and the exam fee is $400 USD.

8. American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certification

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be successful in the field of training and development. The ASTD Certification is designed to help individuals advance their careers by providing them with an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates their expertise in the field.

It typically takes about 8-12 months to complete the ASTD Certification program. During this time, candidates must complete a series of online courses, assessments, and exams that cover topics such as instructional design, learning technologies, performance improvement strategies, and evaluation methods. Upon completion of all course requirements, candidates must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

To get started on the ASTD Certification program, applicants must first submit an application form along with any required supporting documents. Once accepted into the program, applicants will gain access to all of the necessary course materials and resources needed to complete their studies.

The cost of obtaining an ASTD Certification varies depending on which level of certification you are seeking. The basic certification costs $595 USD while the advanced certification costs $795 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking exams or purchasing course materials.

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

The Project Management Institute-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals who use agile practices in their projects. This certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is the world’s leading professional association for project management.

The PMI-ACP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience with agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. To become certified, an applicant must have at least 21 contact hours of training in agile practices, 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last five years, and 8 hours of agile project experience within the last three years.

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. The exam fee is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application form with proof of their training hours and project experience to be reviewed by PMI before being awarded the certification.

The PMI-ACP certification is valid for three years from the date it was earned. To maintain active status, certified practitioners must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years or retake the exam if they do not meet this requirement.

10. Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to use the full range of features available in the Microsoft Office suite of products.

To become a MOS Master, one must pass three exams: Word Expert, Excel Expert and PowerPoint Expert. Each exam has its own set of objectives and requires mastery of different aspects of the Microsoft Office suite. The exams are administered by Certiport, an independent testing organization that specializes in certifications for IT professionals.

The exams typically take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete. To prepare for the exams, individuals can take online courses or self-study using official Microsoft training materials.

The cost for taking the three MOS Master exams varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam. In addition to this fee, there is also a one-time registration fee of $100 USD which covers all three exams.

Once all three exams have been passed, individuals will receive their MOS Master Certification and will be able to add it to their resume or CV as proof of their expertise in Microsoft Office applications.

11. CompTIA CTT+ Trainer Certification

CompTIA CTT+ Trainer Certification is a certification program designed to help trainers develop and demonstrate the skills necessary to deliver successful training sessions. The certification is awarded by CompTIA, a leading provider of IT certifications.

The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and an instructor-led course. The written exam covers topics such as instructional design, delivery techniques, and evaluation methods. The instructor-led course provides hands-on experience in delivering effective training sessions.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the certification process depending on the individual’s level of experience and commitment. To get certified, individuals must pass the written exam with a score of at least 70% and successfully complete the instructor-led course.

The cost for CompTIA CTT+ Trainer Certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500-$2,500 USD for both parts of the certification process.

Do You Really Need a Training Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and circumstances. For some people, a training director certificate can be an important step in their career development. It can provide certification that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to lead a team of trainers. It also demonstrates that you are committed to the profession, and it can give you an edge when applying for jobs or promotions.

On the other hand, if you already have experience as a trainer and feel confident in your ability to lead a team, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, you may want to focus on continuing education and professional development opportunities instead of pursuing formal certification.

Overall, whether or not you need a training director certificate depends on your own personal situation. If you think it will benefit your career goals, then it is worth considering getting certified. However, if you are already experienced in the field and feel confident in your abilities as a trainer, then there may be more effective ways for you to invest your time and resources into developing yourself professionally.

Related: Training Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Training Director Certifications

Q1. What are the requirements for becoming a Training Director?

A1. The requirements vary by organization, but typically include a minimum of 3-5 years of training experience, plus certification in a relevant field such as instructional design, adult learning theory, or organizational development.

Q2. What is the difference between a Training Director and an Instructional Designer?

A2. A Training Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of training within an organization, from developing curricula to evaluating results. An Instructional Designer is focused on creating effective digital and classroom materials based on research and best practices.

Q3. What type of certification should I get as a Training Director?

A3. It depends on your goals and experience level – you may want to consider certifications such as Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP) or Certified Training & Development Professional (CTDP).

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a Training Director?

A4. It can take up to six months depending on the certification program you choose and how much time you dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam(s).

Q5. Are there any online courses available that can help me prepare for my Training Director certification?

A5. Yes! There are several online courses available that provide comprehensive instruction in topics related to training director certifications, such as instructional design, adult learning theory, curriculum development, and more.