As I mentioned previously, to earn the CPLP certification one must not only pass a comprehensive knowledge exam but also submit a work product. At the time I was going through the process, there were only three Areas of Expertise (AOEs) for which I could submit a work product. Now, candidates may choose from six:
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Designing Learning
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Delivering Training
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Improving Human Performance
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Measuring and Evaluating
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Facilitating Organizational Change
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Managing the Learning Function
I chose to submit my work product for Designing Learning, as I had recently creating learning modules for a new hire training program. I had to submit materials that represented 90 minutes of learning activities, so I chose a portion of a module on monetary transactions for tellers.
The requirements for the work product of each AOE varies; the requirements for Designing Learning include documentation supporting:
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training analysis
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design process
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learning events
The materials submitted must demonstrate usage of the “Key Actions” for the AOE as outlined in the requirements document. Examples of the “Key Actions” for Designing Learning are:
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Applies cognition and adult learning theory
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Conducts a needs assessment
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Designs a curriculum or program
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Integrates technology options
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Evaluates learning design
The work product documentation must clearly demonstrate these and the other “Key Actions” through inclusion of the project management plans, needs assessment and evalutation documents, and the participant and instructor materials. As you can imagine, it is quite a feat to gather and properly identify all of these components. There are labeling requirements and several forms to be completed, including one where candidates identify where in the work product the reviewers can find the various required elements.
As part of the work product submission process, candidates are emailed two “follow-on” questions specific to the chosen AOE. These questions are designed to determine if the candidate has the ability to apply knowledge and skills to new situations and respond appropriately. The questions may or may not pertain to the actual product being submitted. In other words, the question may ask the candidate to respond to a concern raised by a stakeholder for the product or to address implementation of the product in another unit within his or her company. Or, the questions may be totally unrelated to the work product being submitted. Here is a sample follow-on question from the CPLP Candidate Bulletin:
“Your project was designed for an organization. A merger between that organization and a multi-national organization has occurred. You are asked to redesign the project to meet the needs of the newly merged employees, while creating a new corporate culture from the two organizations. Describe what you will do and how you will do it.”
This example requires the candidate to address their work product project in a changing context, which will demonstrate application of concepts covered by the AOE. Whew!
As you can tell, properly preparing a work product for successful submission requires a lot of detail-oriented work. Although the instructions provided by the Certification Institute may have improved since the time I used them, they can still be somewhat challenging, especially when one feels the pressure of a deadline. If you have questions about what worked for me during my preparation, I would be happy to share my experience. Just ask!
Why, there would be people, many, many people, who would need guidance and tools when preparing for this new and often overwhelming certification. BINGO!! That is Marketing 101 – identify your target market. Trish and her cohorts have done that beautifully, and I admire the forethought and creativity they used.
