1) What are the different options for studying for the CTP?

There are now two methods of studying for the CTP:

• the flexible Modular programme – allows you the flexibility to complete the programme at a pace that suits you (for details see FAQ for CTP Modular Programme)
• the Fast-track programme – a structured programme for trainers with extensive experience. Students can gain CIPD within 28 weeks.

2) What do I need to do to complete the Fast–track programme?

• the Fast-track programme is made up of two non-residential modules:
  • Module 1 (5 days)
  • Module 2 (5-days)
• complete two assessed written assignments
• complete two assessed skills-based assignments on the certificate modules
• complete an assessed integrated project
• maintain a personal development portfolio that demonstrates a satisfactory level of learning and understanding.

3) How are the 28 weeks structured?

Weeks 1 & 2

During weeks 1 & 2 you must complete:

• a web-based pre-workshop self-study
• self-assessment exercises
• begin thinking about assignments and projects
  The above tasks must be completed within the first two weeks and will take approximately 5 hours.

Week 3 Module 1 (non-residential)

5 days, covering:

• Foundation course for Trainers
• Identification of analysis
• Training Design

1st skills based assignment is also completed over 5 days.

Weeks 4-9

You will participate in 2 out of 3 online discussions focusing on key issues in learning & development. 1st written assignment begins.

Week 10 Module 2 (non-residential)

5 days, covering:

• Training Evaluation & Assessment
• Participative Methods

2nd skills based assignment is also completed over 5 days.
Submit project proposal.
Submit 1st written assignment.

Weeks 11-17

Conclusion of online discussions.
2nd written assignment begins.

Week 18

Submit 2nd written assignment.

Week 19

Begin Integrated project.

Week 20-28

Submit project.

4) How long will it take me?

The Fast-track programme takes 28-week to complete, with students working in a learning set throughout the programme

5) Does the certificate lead to CIPD membership?

Yes. Whilst studying you are an Affiliate – Studying member of the CIPD. Completion of the certificate leads to Associate membership of the CIPD.

Note: Registration fee for membership is not included in the certificate fee.

6) What is the cost?

£4,195 + VAT

7) Can I split the payments up?

As the programme has elements of online learning, the full fee is payable at the time of booking.

8) What is the booking process?

You must complete and return a Fast-track Certificate in Training Practice booking form to our events registrar. Booking forms can be obtained from our Events Registrar or found in the back of the directory or certificate brochure.

Events Registrar:
eventsregistrar@cipd.co.uk
Fax: 020 8612 6229

9) How much time should I allocated for self-study?

Maximum six hours a week.

10) What needs to be done for both the written and skills based assignments?

Written assignments

You must complete two written assignments from the below topics areas. Please note that you may only complete one assignment from any one area.

• Training in Context
• Identifying and Prioritising Learning Needs
• Designing Training Materials and Facilities
• Delivering and Evaluating Training

Skills based assignments

You are required to complete two skills-based assignments to demonstrate your skill in two listed aspects of training and development. This includes a presentation and a 1000 word knowledge statement where you reflect on your work.

• Training Design
• Participative Methods

Integrated project

You are required to complete an integrated project that will provide an opportunity for you to apply knowledge and skills acquired during the Certificate programme to a real issue or problem in an organisation.

The project requires you to identify, investigate and report on a current issue or problem within your organisation, or one for which you work either on a voluntary, self employed or other paid basis. That issue or problem must in some way contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation’s human resource plan and meet the organisation’s objectives.

You are required to do a 500 word outline of your project (a project proposal) for external assessment before starting your project.

There is a maximum of 3000 words excluding appendices. Project needs to be submitted 6 months after the last module you attend.

How many words need to be done for the written assignments?

Between 1500-2000 words. This can be enhanced where appropriate by other means of communication such as diagrams, tables, graphs, appendices, and accompanied by other media such as video, audio and/or samples.

11) Can you choose your own assessed project subject?

You have a choice of 9 topics for your project but these are flexible and can be changed to fit in with issues relating to the workplace.

The project can be started at any time. Some students have a project from work that they are working on and bring this to each course, others choose to wait until they have attended all face-to-face modules and then complete their project in a much shorter time scale. It depends on how they learn best, and on the suitability of projects.

12) Who marks the assignments?

The assignments are marked by an assessor. A draft of the assignment may be submitted to your personal tutor for feedback before the paper is submitted for marking and moderation.

13) When do I give the assignments in?

The assignments do not have to be submitted on any specific date. A start date for the assignment is arranged with the personal tutor and the work is to be submitted 5 weeks after this start date to avoid extensions.

14) Do I need to do an exam?

No, there is no exam for the CTP, the form of assessment are the assignments.

15) What is the role of my personal tutor?

Your personal tutor will provide you with support, coaching and expertise throughout your certificate programme. They are experts in the field of Training, Learning and Development, and are available as often as you need.

Details on your allocated personal tutor will be sent with an information leaflet before your first face-to-face day. Initially your personal tutor will contact you (within three weeks of receiving the information pack) to discuss your expectations of the certificate, and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Subsequent contact takes place by phone and email, and you can negotiate with your personal tutor the methods and times of contact that suit you best.

16) What do I discuss with my personal tutor?

Your personal tutor has been requested to keep in regular contact with you. They will keep a check of your progress and will encourage you to move forward on the programme. You are asked to use your personal tutor for support wherever necessary.

In particular, we strongly recommend that you discuss your choice of assignment topic with them. Showing draft outlines and copies of your written assignments and projects to the personal tutor is encouraged (help with the skills-based assignments will be provided by the course tutors), and they will be able to give you plenty of feedback and advice on areas of improvement.

17) Who is the certificate aimed at?

The CTP is an ideal programme for those who require a means of professional recognition in the field of learning and development, and is skills-based rather than academic in its approach.

18) Is it necessary to have knowledge of training?

The Fast-track programme is suitable for trainers with more extensive expensive, who are comfortable with online self-study material and who want to work through the programme with a learning set of other students in a shorter timeframe.

19) What will I get out of the certificate?

The CTP is designed to develop trainers’ knowledge and skills, build their confidence and give them sound working knowledge of the whole training process.

20) How can I use what I learn back at work?

On completion of the CTP you will be able to describe the complete training cycle from the analysis of training needs through to the evaluation of training interventions, identify training needs at organisational, group and individual levels that support corporate strategy. You will be able to design training that takes account of effective learning processes, learner and trainer styles and appropriate supporting technology and resources as well as being able to make use of the latest technological opportunities to blend e-learning strategies with more traditional methods. The certificate programme will also help you to use your knowledge and skills to choose, construct, implement and analyse evaluation and assessment measures, and demonstrate a range of participative methods including syndicate work, case studies, exercises, role-plays and management and soft skills activities.

21) What is the Learner Support Site?

The Learner Support Site is designed as an added benefit to support study through on-line resources and through networking with other learners as well as discussing key topical issues.

The features are listed below:

• Take part in debates hosted by recognised subject experts
• Participate in course specific discussion forums where you exchange tips, information and files with other CIPD students
• Download key information from a growing catalogue of specially selected – learning resources including case studies, self-assessments and ice-beakers
• View lists of useful web-lines, selected by CIPD tutors
• Read the latest news from the trade and national press
• Check out the latest and best publications

Additional benefits for Certificate Students:

• Download certificate specific learning materials
• Participate in discussions with other certificate students on the certificate discussion Forum
• Download the Personal Development Portfolio and CPD log

22) When do I get access?