Who are the more than 5,000 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community:
Alison Densley is a Training and Development Officer in the US. She earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2023.
Why did you pursue the CPTD?
I was a previous APTD credential holder, and when it was time to renew my certification, I decided that I wanted to test my professional knowledge and skills. Like many in my field, I consider myself a lifelong learner. I liked the idea of studying to learn more and challenging myself with the CPTD certification. I had also just recently accepted a new position with a new company that allowed me to take more of a leadership position. As I prepared to build and grow a brand-new training department, I felt the knowledge and skills I would gain, and then prove, through certification would serve my new company well.
How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?
Being a credential holder has been a tangible way to show my value to my employer and to my colleagues. The knowledge gained through the exam prep has allowed me to begin to build and nurture a culture of learning in my organization. Personally, my certification is a source of great pride and proof to myself that I can “do hard things,” which is what I have told many friends and colleagues over the years when life’s challenges have presented themselves.
What advice would you share with others considering certification?
My advice would be to dedicate time to learning and studying. The CPTD exam is comprehensive, and preparation shouldn’t be rushed. Choose an exam date and work backwards, breaking the content into chunks and remembering some time at the end for reviewing everything once again. Check in throughout the process and make adjustments to your workload if you fall behind. And be kind to yourself when it gets tough!
How do you think certification helps the talent development field?
Certification allows professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. It allows us to further our education and better contribute to supporting the workforce.
How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential?
My employer was incredibly supportive of my efforts. My manager checked in frequently to see how I was feeling, set aside time for studying, and encouraged me to take breaks. When I passed, she celebrated with me!
What does having your credential mean to you?
Having my credential makes me incredibly proud. It helps the inevitable imposter syndrome when you fall into this field almost by accident. My credential is a way to remind myself that I am an expert in times when I doubt myself professionally.
How did you get into the talent development field?
A bit by accident! I was asked to act as a SME for a project the training department was working on for my team. I had once hoped to be a teacher, but after life threw some curveballs, I ended up in retail banking. L&D gave me the chance to explore the part of me that always wanted to help people learn and grow.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Always lead with kindness. Be kind, even on your bad days.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Gardening and baking.
What is the most unusual job you’ve had?
I taught babysitting classes in college.
Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.