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Lessons from a CPLP Quest
By Shari Ward | September 11, 2007
Okay, so I’m a little proud. I can’t help it! I worked hard for my CPLP (Certified Professional in Learning and Performance) designation and I’ll let you know it! It’s true, it wasn’t easy, as some of you may have found out. Those HR folks only have to pass an exam - us trainers have to do that AND submit a work product. (But I’m not bitter…much.)
So, what can I share with you from my trek that may be of benefit? Ah, where do I begin? Hmmm…join me as I drift back to the lazy summer of 2006, when I first got it into my head that I wanted to earn my CPLP. The only resource available at that time was the newly-published ASTD Learning System, a nifty kit of nine manuals packaged in a cute little briefcase-looking carton. Each manual addressed one of the areas of expertise, which align with the ASTD Competency Model.
When the system arrived I eagerly unwrapped it and admired its vibrant colors. I just knew this would be good. Silly me. Well, that’s unfair. It was helpful and I could not have passed the exam without it. Sadly, it fell a bit short in the quality arena, as one of the manuals was printed totally out of order (its first page was numbered something like 48) and there were several chapters in which a learning objective was listed and I could not find any content within the chapter to support it. Don’t worry, I’ve already volunteered to be part of the materials committee for the next reprint. <grin>
Okay, so what did I do with my lovely set of manuals? As I began my studying, I chose to make a flash card for each and every learning objective in each and every manual…yup, I spent my coffee allowance that week on index cards. But, it was worth it. And now I see ASTD is marketing a set of Learning System Flashcards…GMTA!
I used my cards to study and review and prepare. About the time I thought my eyes would cross, I was saved by the announcement of the new practice exam. Hurray! I quickly registered for and took the exam. It was a great help, not only in identifying the areas where I needed further study, but also in simply demystifying the whole thing. The ‘big bad exam’ was no longer an unknown.
In addition to the Learning System, ASTD now has made available a prep workshop, which I imagine would have helped me immensely. I strongly recommend that those of you pursuing your certification take advantage of that study tool, if only for the support of others in the same boat as you. And I see there is a CPLP Value Proposition webcast available for free - that may have some great information.
Of course, now that I’ve earned my CPLP I’ve got to work on my recertification points - but that’s a future post. 
So, I’ve been doing all the talking - well, typing - and now I’d love to hear from you! What questions do you have about obtaining the CPLP? What ideas do you have to share? Let’s get the dialogue going!
- Anyone Interested in a Cascadia Chapter CPLP Study Group?????
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- Come learn about current Cascadia Chapter and National Initiatives!
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Topics: - Competency Model |
September 12th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Shari,
While I have heard that the CPLP is starting to be listed as desired on national ASTD job listings, do the local employers recognize it? Do you think it gives you a competitive advantage? Or was it more of a self-confidence booster? Or something else?
September 12th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Christine, I think it’s too new to know yet if it will become a competitive advantage. During my recent job search, I had several interviewers ask me what it meant. Those who were in HR and had gone through their own certification process seemed to appreciate it. Once or twice, I got that “deer-in-headlights” stare and was quickly moved on to the next question. So, the jury is still out.
I went through the process for my own benefit, really. I felt it was my way to “test” my professional knowledge and ability, and yes, it was a boon to my self-esteem. Because I’m still working on my bachelors degree and many employers will not even interview you without one, I guess this was my way of saying, “Hey, I’m worthy of an interview!” What’s the mantra? “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and, doggone it, people like me!”
September 15th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Hi Shari and Christine
I have noted a few job postings for training and dev. positions in Portland that say:CPLP preferred. This is new and for up and coming T&D professinals, I think it is great!
September 16th, 2007 at 11:50 am
That is great news, Nancy! Hopefully soon we will see that preference posted as often as we see the one for PHR/SPHR.
Shari
September 19th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Nancy,
I,too,have decided to complete CPLP certification. I believe ASTD recommends 8-12 weeks of study time prior to taking the exam. Would you say that is reasonable? I have approximately 12 years of experience in the training and development field with little to no formal education. Am I biting off more than I can chew?
September 19th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Good for you, Lori! I would say you are most certainly NOT biting off more than you can chew - it sounds like our situations are similar. I will tell you that I began to study in June for my October exam, and actually created a study schedule for myself. There are 9 modules, and I tried to allow anywhere from one to two weeks of study time per module, as they are quite comprehensive. It takes some discipline, perseverance, and juggling to balance study with work and home lives, but if I can do it, you can.
Lori, I am so glad you have decided to pursue certification. I would be delighted to be a resource for you to answer questions based on my experience with it, or to simply cheer you on!
Shari
October 7th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Hi Shari -
Great blog & CONGRATULATIONS on achieving your CPLP credential!
I’m happy to post the first sighting of a ‘CPLP required’ job ad - on Monster.com (ref # 122-000967):
http://tinyurl.com/2qeawd
Just posted today - 10/7/2007
That’s pretty impressive - to see even one instance of the credential as required for a job, given that the credential is only in its second operational year!
Just to a quick note to those entering the program (or just considering it) — figure 10-12 weeks study time for prepping for Phase I: CPLP Knowledge-based Exam and minimum 30 hours just to assemble your submission for Phase II: CPLP Work Product Submission (that’s 30+ hours above and beyond the hours it took to produce whatever you’re submitting as evidence).
You can assess your readiness for the exam with an easy (and free!) tool - the CPLP Candidate Bulletin:
http://www.astd.org/content/ASTDcertification/CPLP+Candidate+Bulletin.htm
The Candidate Bulletin consists of different chapters outlining the CPLP program policies & procedures. Each chapter is published to the site as an individual Word document.
Take a look at Chapter 4: Content Outline. This document - literally! - tells you everything that’s on the exam!
Open it. Print it. Check off the concepts you feel familiar with. Review the document what’s left when you’re done.
The more you can check off, the more ready you are to sit the exam.
Congratulations again, Shari!
~ Trish Uhl, PMP, CPLP
http://www.cplpcoach.com
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:40 am
Anyone Interested in a Cascadia Chapter CPLP Study Group?????
One of my board goals as the Chief Learning Officer of the Cascadia Chapter is to get a CPLP Study Group piloted by mid-2008. The chapter has the books, the cards, the Study Group Leader Guide - and with the help our our 2 already-certified chapter members (Shari Ward and Kerri Nussbaum)…we’re about to begin planning our first study group that we HOPE will kick off by March 1st to meet that April/May ‘08 testing window.
Get the word out!!!
If you’re interested in being involved in our PILOT CPLP Study Group - visit the National ASTD web site and take the quiz to see if you’re ready to make the time and financial investment in your future: http://www.astd.org/content/ASTDcertification/
Next - send me an e-mail at Julie.Bulrice@adidas.com and I’ll put you on the list of folks who’d like to be involved in the pilot. We’ll be in touch after the Holidays with more data about the Study Group!
Happy Holidays - Julie
December 6th, 2007 at 8:59 am
[...] Lessons from a CPLP Quest This is a post by Shari Ward that describes her experience earning her Certified Professional in Learning and Performance. This is a relatively new credential from ASTD national, and lots of people are interested in knowing more. Look for upcoming posts from our Chief Learning Officer Julie Bulrice about how the chapter will be creating opportunities for us to participate and learn more. [...]