Ready to Level Up Your Career in 2026?

Our Spring 2026 CPTD Study Group is officially open — and we’re kicking things off this Sunday with a free informational session!

Whether you're actively preparing for certification or simply exploring your options, this is the perfect moment to get connected, get clarity, and get supported.

Next Study Group Information Session Starts In:

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Schedule

Informational Kickoff Session

Sunday, 1/18 at 6:30 PM ET Open to members and non-members who want to learn more about:

  • The CPTD exam

  • Study group structure

  • Time commitment

  • What to expect each week

January 18

January 25

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February 1

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February 8

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February 15

February 22

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March 1

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March 8

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March 15

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March 22

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March 29

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April 5

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE CPTD EXAM?

The Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) is a professional certification for TD professionals with a least five years of experience. It is board and measures a professional's knowledge and skills application across the breadth of talent development capabilities. Learn more here. 

NOTE: You can also learn more about the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) certification by clicking here. We are not currently offering a study group for the APTD.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE STUDY GROUP?

The study group is open to anyone interested in preparing for the CPTD exam, this includes:

  • Any member of an ATD local Chapter
  • Non-members
  • General public
The sessions are open to the public from anywhere in the world.  If you are from a time zone that is not conducive to meeting at this time.  We are happy to connect you with others in your geographic region.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

  • The study group (excluding kickoff) consists of 11 weekly virtual meetings, held on Sundays from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm ET.
  • The sessions are conducted via an easy to use online web conferencing tool.
  • The schedule of study group sessions leads up to a testing window for the CPTD exam.
  • All materials focus on the Talent Development Capability Model.
  • Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.
  • The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

    • Informational session for kickoff
    • 11 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas.
    • The virtual study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. It is ideal if each participant has access to the Certification Preparation Course but not required.

WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE CPTD CERTIFICATION PREPARATION COURSE?

No, the CPTD Certification Preparation Course is a digital resource purchased from ATD's global organization found here: CPTD Certification Preparation Course. You are responsible for purchasing access to this online program if it fits your study plan. It is recommended but not required to be a part of the study group. Please remember to use Metro DC ATD's CHiP code, CH2034, when you checkout from the ATD Store.

WHAT STUDY MATERIALS WILL BE PROVIDED?

No study materials are provided specifically from this study group.  You have the option of purchasing resources from ATD, such as the TDBok or the CPTD Preparation Course from ATD.  If purchasing these resources, please include the code CH2034 to help support the Metro DC Chapter of ATD. Click here to get additional information about preparation materials.

HOW CAN I BECOME A SPEAKER FOR THE STUDY GROUP?

Please email us for the opportunity to share a 30 minute presentation on one of the Talent Development Model Capabilities.

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