As you consider professional development certifications, you’ll find that there are quite a few options to choose from. However, that doesn’t make it any easier to decide which certification will fit your unique needs as a learning leader. We’ve created this guide to help you compare the Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™) program with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development to see which is right for you.

| CPTM™ |
CIPD |
| Highlights |
- Focused specifically on the training manager job role and its responsibilities.
- Certification with no prerequisites.
- All-inclusive price which includes pre-work, a live session and two exam attempts.
- Delivered in English (U.S.).
|
- Focused on learning and development (L&D) professionals from a variety of job titles.
- Diploma program rather than a certification.
- Flexible pricing, depending on the participant’s diploma option and selected provider, for 6-7 units with associated assessments.
- Delivered in English (UK).
|
| Certifying Body |
| Training Industry, Inc. is centered on the professional needs of learning leaders by providing resources through its website, podcast, research, magazine, webinars, events and courses, based out of the United States. |
CIPD is a professional body for human resources (HR), L&D, organization development (OD) and all people professionals, based out of London, United Kingdom. |
| Recognition |
| The CPTM certification is recognized globally, with program graduates found in over 50 countries across the globe. |
CIPD Level 5 qualifications are internationally recognized and are roughly equivalent to an undergraduate degree in terms of skills gained and difficulty. |
| Focus |
- Focused on the role of the training manager.
- Complete view of managing the training function (i.e., portfolio management, outsourcing, budgeting, etc.) and achieving strategic alignment.
- Measures the competency of training managers based on the Training Manager Competency Model™, developed from over 15 years of research on high-performing training organizations.
- Open to all levels of experience, with no prerequisites.
|
- Focused on broad range of L&D topics and a variety of training and development job titles (e.g., L&D business partner, organization design specialist, L&D designer).
- Helps develop your skill set and prepare you for mid-level and managerial roles in L&D.
- Based on the CIPD Profession Map, which was launched in 2018 following three years of research.
- Requires mid-level experience in L&D or completion of a CIPD Level 3 course.
|
| Timing/Location |
- Earn your certification in as little as two months.
- Completed 100% online, including the final and practice exams, taken anytime, anywhere.
- Over an 85% pass rate on the final exam.
- Virtual practicums are offered year-round to accommodate different time zones.
- Granted access to 10 self-paced eLearning modules that typically take four-six weeks to complete (40-60 hours total), and a seat in a live, four-day session of your choosing.
|
- Typically takes 12-16 months to complete with total qualification time (TQT) estimated at 420 hours.
- Qualifications are delivered by approved study centers and universities.
- Includes six core modules with one elective module of your choice.
- Each module includes a written assignment, up to 4,000 words, to be evaluated by assessors and moderated by CIPD and are graded “Fail, Pass, Merit, or Distinction”.
|
| Support |
- The Training Industry team facilitates preparation and support through the program and beyond.
- Get introduced to instructors and receive their contact information.
|
- Access to a student portal and tutors, plus support groups online.
- Accredited organizations may offer additional support throughout the duration of the diploma program.
|
| Recertification |
- Training Industry provides free and paid continuing education opportunities curated specifically to align with the Training Manager Competency Model™.
- 24 hours of continuing education units required every two years.
- Can apply for recertification at any time upon completion of continuing education units.
- Training Industry, Inc. has preapproved these CPTM recertification providers.
|
- No recertification process since this is a diploma and not a certification.
- Keep membership active online to retain access to CIPD benefits (requires an annual fee).
|
| Costs |
- Program is a one-time fee of $3,695 USD.
- Cost includes the prework modules, the practicum and two attempts at the final exam, if needed.
- Receive access to information including eLearning modules and study guides, even after becoming certified.
- Cost of recertification: $200 USD paid every two years to remain a CPTM.
|
- Must be a member of CIPD to register for the diploma program.
- Qualification fees vary depending on where, how and with which center you choose to study, ranging from £1,600- £7,000 (pricing is dependent on the participant’s diploma option and selected provider).
- Annual membership fees to retain CIPD benefits: £220 (estimated $276 USD).
|
| Alumni Benefits |
- Formal network with continuous opportunities for growth and development.
- CPTM-exclusive roundtables and LinkedIn group.
- Monthly newsletter that highlights continuing education credits and recognizes alumni.
- Your first year after certifying, receive a free pass to the in-person Training Industry Conference and Expo (TICE).
- Receive 20% off all Training Industry Courses.
- Access to continually updated and curated eLearning catalog.
- Access to continually updated database of job aids and templates, CPTM-exclusive job board, dedicated CPTM alumni advocate and many more.
|
- CIPD members benefit from 15% off CIPD Learning courses.
- Save 10% on CIPD conferences and 20% in the CIPD bookshop.
- Access to a knowledge hub and job resources. Discounts on people management jobs recruitment advertising packages.
|
There are unique benefits for both the Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™) program and CIPD’s Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development.
Depending on your current level of L&D experience, budget, time frame and professional development goals, one of these options may better fit your needs. To find out if the CPTM program is right for your career goals, Contact us or click below to learn more or schedule a free consultation with Training Industry’s director of professional development.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CPTM SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION REGISTER FOR CPTM