How Does the Certification Process Work?

A performance improvement professional who wishes to add the CPT designation to his or her list of credentials must describe the work he or she has done in the past to demonstrate how he or she has met each of the Standards of Performance Technology. A supervisor or client who has knowledge of the work and its results must attest to this description.

There are 10 Standards for Performance Technology and a Code of Ethics that serve as the basis for certification. The Standards are as follows :

1. Focus on results and help clients focus on results.

2. Look at situations systemically taking into consideration the larger context including competing pressures, resource constraints, and anticipated change.

3. Add value in how you do the work and through the work itself.

4. Utilize partnerships or collaborate with clients and other experts as required.

5. Systematic assessment of the need or opportunity.

6. Systematic analysis of the work and workplace to identify the cause or factors that limit performance.

7. Systematic design of the solution or specification of the requirements of the solution.

8. Systematic development of all or some of the solution and its elements.

9. Systematic implementation of the solution.

10. Systematic evaluation of the process and the results.

The Code of Ethics is intended to promote ethical practice in the profession. In order to be certified or recertified, an applicant must sign a statement of agreement with the principles on which the Code is based. The Code of Ethics is based on six principles that guide the performance improvement process:

1. Adding value

2. Using validated practices

3. Collaborating with others

4. Continuously improving ones proficiency

5. Demonstrating integrity

6. Upholding confidentiality

Applicants must use three to seven past projects to describe how they have met the first four Standards three times and the remaining six Standards twice. In addition, applicants must also sign the Code of Ethics. For the most current information and application forms, visit www.certifiedpt.org.