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 over a 2 year period.
• the Fast-track programme – a structured programme for trainers with some experience. You can complete the CTP within 28 weeks (for details see FAQ for CTP Fast Track).

2) What do I need to do to complete the modular certificate?

• attend all 5 of the following modules:
  • Foundation Course for Trainers
  • Identification & Analysis of Training Needs
  • Training Design
  • Training Evaluation & Assessment
  • Participative Methods
• complete two assessed written assignments.
• complete two assessed skills-based assignments on the course modules.
• complete an assessed integrated project.
• maintain a personal development portfolio that demonstrates a satisfactory level of learning and understanding.

3) How long will it take me?

The programme is highly flexible – each module is run around six times per year which means that you can complete the programme at a time and pace that suits you. Completion usually takes a year*, although it can be over a shorter or longer period, up to a maximum of two years if necessary.

*You have a maximum of two years to complete the requirements of the programme.

4) Does the certificate lead to CIPD membership?

Yes. Whilst studying you are an Affiliate – Studying member of the CIPD. Successful completion of the Certificate leads to Associate membership of the CIPD.

Note: The registration fee for CIPD membership is not included in the Certificate fee.

5) What happens if I can’t complete it in the two year maximum period?

If you anticipate that you will not be able to complete the programme within the allocated two years, you may apply for an extension, in writing.

6) What is the cost?

You can either pay the full fee up-front or pay on a module by-module-basis.

Up-front 2007 fee: £7,499 + £1,312.33 VAT
Module-by-module fee*: £7,999 + £1,399.83 VAT

*You will be invoiced for five modules on an individual basis for this total fee.

7) If I have done one of the modules that make up the modular Certificate in Training Practice, can I join the Certificate programme at a later date?

Yes, as long as the module was completed within the last 2 years. Please advise of the module(s) you have completed on your booking form or in the accompanying letter. The cost of the module that you have attended (at the relevant student rate) will be deducted from the prevailing certificate fee.

8) What is the booking process?

You must complete and return a Certificate in Training Practice booking form to our events registrar. Booking forms can be obtained from our Customer Service Team (details below) or can be downloaded or found in the back of the Directory or Certificate brochure.

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

Written assignments

You must complete two written assignments from the topic areas below. Please note that youcan 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.

Your personal tutor will help you to identify suitable topic areas.

Skills based assignments

You must 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

Again, your personal tutor can assist you in identifying a suitable assignment.

Integrated project

You must complete an integrated project that will provide an opportunity for you to apply knowledge and skills that you acquire 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. The 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 must submit a 500 word outline of your project (a project proposal) for external assessment before youstart your project.

This project must not exceed3000 words (excluding appendices). The project must be submitted 6 months after the last module you attend.

10) How many wordsare requiredfor 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 nine 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 suitable project from work that they are working on, others choose to wait until they have attended all the face-to-face modules and then complete their project in a much shorter time scale. It depends on how you learn best, and on the suitability of projects.

12) Who marks the assignments?

The assignments are marked by an external 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. Please note that all assignments must be submitted within 24 months.

14) Do I needan exam?

No, there is no exam for CTP.

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 via phone and email.

Details on your allocated personal tutor will be sent with an information leaflet before the first module. Initially your personal tutor will contact you (within three weeks of you 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 will 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 can use your personal tutor for support wherever necessary.

In particular, we strongly recommend that you discuss your choice of assignment topics with them. Showing draft outlines and copies of your written assignments and integrated project 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 modular 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.

The modular Certificate programme is ideal for new trainers or those with little experience, who wish to acquire a thorough understanding of the training cycle and the fundamentals of learning and development. If you have more experience you may be interested in the Fast track programme.

18) What will I get out of the Certificate?

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

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

On completion of (and during)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.

20) What is the Learner Support Site?

The Learner Support Site is designed as an added benefit to support your studies through on-line resources and networking with other learners. 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-links, 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.

21) When do I get access to the Learner Support Site?