Certification handbook 2026
The complete guide to the CTDP program: eligibility, steps, assessment criteria and timelines.
Program status
CTDP registration is paused while the Institute strengthens the program. Join the next-cohort list at my.thei4pl.ca/certification/apply and the certification team will email you the dates when registration reopens. Current candidates and certified members can pay certification fees online at my.thei4pl.ca/certification/fees. The steps, documents and fees below describe the program as it runs.
Who the designation is for
The Institute sets the standards that define the workplace performance and learning profession. Becoming certified is a way for your skills and expertise to be recognized. The CTDP program follows a cohort structure, with all exams scheduled to a cohort timeline, so candidates progress in a structured and supportive way.
The designation recognizes experienced professionals with four years of full-time (or equivalent) experience working with adult learners across the key competency areas:
- Assessing performance needs
- Designing curricula
- Designing learning experiences
- Facilitating learning
- Supporting transfer of learning
- Evaluating learning
Candidates who have completed an I4PL Recognized Program receive credit of one year of full-time experience (standard 40-hour work week).
Before you apply
To judge your readiness, review the handbook and policies, read the candidate toolkit prepared by certified members and assessors, review the abridged Competencies and quick reference, and read the Member Code of Ethical Conduct. Members can also download the full Competencies for Performance and Learning Professionals free of charge.
Candidate documents
Everything you need, in one place.
Certification policies and procedures
The rules that govern applications, exams, skill demonstrations, appeals and conduct.
Candidate toolkit
Prepared by certified members and assessors: practical advice for each step.
Competencies quick reference
A one-look reference to the seven competencies and their components.
The six steps
1
Self-assessment and professional references
Complete the online self-assessment. It gives you exposure to the format and nature of the questions and helps you judge your readiness. It contains a handful of questions representative of the CTDP knowledge exam pool.
Then provide two professional references who can speak to your work in performance and learning. The reference form takes about five to seven minutes. Responses are confidential and seen only by the I4PL certification team and assessors.
2
Registration
Register and complete payment. The package includes a one-year individual membership, giving you access to resources and support throughout your candidacy, and a free download of the full Competencies for Performance and Learning Professionals.
| CTDP registration | $1,399 plus HST |
|---|
3
Knowledge exam
Prepare for and pass the CTDP knowledge exam with a score of 75% or greater. The exam is built in direct alignment with the Competencies and the Code of Ethical Conduct: 100 multiple-choice questions drawn from a pool of 200, three hours, self-proctored and open book. Exams are offered quarterly.
To prepare, review the Competencies thoroughly to become familiar with the language, terminology and expectations of the profession, read the professional development section for guidance on getting the most from them, and reflect on how you are using them in your own work.
4
Skill demonstration pre-approval
Once you pass the exam, prepare for the skill demonstration: your opportunity to show your skills and experience in alignment with the Competencies and grounded in the Code of Ethical Conduct. Candidates demonstrate competence in partnering with clients, plus one of assessing performance needs or designing learning experiences.
Your submission must be an original, current project from the past two years that you are authorized to share. Before you start, submit a pre-approval describing the context, the performance gaps and the objectives you will address (up to 60 days before your intended demonstration date). An assessor reviews it and gives feedback if you are not on the right track.
5
Skill demonstration submission
After pre-approval you receive your assigned submission date, set by your cohort’s schedule, and submit through the same link. You demonstrate your skill through the completed online submission form and the supporting work-product materials referenced in the instructions.
6
Interview and designation
The final step is an interview with an assessor. On success you are awarded the CTDP designation and join the community of certified professionals. Applications are accepted by cohort; the program is go-at-your-own-pace and you have up to one year from payment to complete it, with a typical completion time of about nine months.
Recognized programs
Graduates of an I4PL Recognized Program receive credit of one year of full-time experience toward the CTDP. Browse the universities and colleges across Canada whose programs are aligned to the competencies.
Additional candidate resources
The National Webinar series, free to I4PL members, includes recordings and networking with fellow candidates and certified members. Supplementary readings recommended for candidates:
- First Things Fast: A Handbook for Performance Analysis, Allison Rossett
- Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice, Sharan B. Merriam and Laura L. Bierema
- Managing Performance through Training and Development, Alan M. Saks and Robert Haccoun
- Employee Training and Development, Raymond A. Noe