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CPLP® MASTERY SERIES

eBook 1: Mastering the CPLP® Knowledge Exam

Trish Uhl, PMP, CPLP CEO

Owl’s Ledge, LLC

© Owl’s Ledge LLC 2010-2012 updated May 2012

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Mastering the CPLP® Knowledge Exam 2

Prologue .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4

CPLP® General Information ....................................................................................................................... 7

Review Questions .................................................................................................................................... 16

Step One: Review the CPLP® Program Process & Policies ........................................................................ 21

Step Two: Determine Where You Are ..................................................................................................... 22

Step Three: Set Your Baseline ................................................................................................................. 23

Step Four: Identify Your Study Style........................................................................................................ 25

Step Five: Create Your Study Plan & Assemble Your Study Materials ..................................................... 26

Step Six: Study/Prepare ........................................................................................................................... 31

Step Seven: Reality Check ........................................................................................................................ 39

Step Eight: Prepare to Sit the CPLP® Knowledge Exam ............................................................................ 40

Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................................... 48

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 51

Appendix A: Owl’s Ledge - CPLP® Products & Services ............................................................................. 52

Appendix B: About the Author ................................................................................................................. 53

Appendix C: Acronyms, Terminology & Concepts ................................................................................... 54

Appendix D: Books/URLs ........................................................................................................................ 60

Table of Contents

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Prologue

Welcome to the prerelease version of the eBook1: Mastering the CPLP® Knowledge Exam!

The purpose of the prerelease version is to put this material in the hands of CPLP® candidates – such as yourself – for their comments and suggestions so we can improve this product prior to market release.

This eBook marks the first in an ongoing series to help CPLP® candidates successfully achieve CPLP® certification and CPLP®s maintain their credential.

Title Due Date eBook2: Mastering the CPLP® Work Product Spring 2011

eBook3: Mastering the CPLP® Recertification Process Summer 2011

Your comments and suggestions are critical to this – and future – eBooks. Please send any and all feedback to [email protected].

The Owl’s Ledge team looks forward to serving you and supporting your pursuit of the CPLP®.

All good things ahead – to your success!

mailto:[email protected]

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Introduction

What is Owl’s Ledge LLC?

Before beginning, it’s only fair that you, the reader, have a bit of background about Owl’s Ledge. The following is a brief overview. For more detail refer to Appendix A of this eBook or visit www.owls-ledge.com.

Owl’s Ledge LLC was founded in 2003 by Trish Uhl, PMP, CPLP®. (For more detail on Trish Uhl refer to Appendix B of this eBook.) Owl’s Ledge is a full service consulting firm specializing in learning & performance and project management. Services include:

Coaching and preparation for CPLP® certification

Formal and “Accidental Project Manager” project management training

Learning strategy consulting (e.g. design, implementation)

Project management consulting

Owl’s Ledge has been involved with the Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP®) program since the very beginning – day one – starting with the CPLP® Pilot Program in 2005. Through the CPLP® related coaching provided by Owl’s Ledge, facilitated workshops and self-study materials, literally hundreds of Owl’s Ledge clients have successfully completed the CPLP® credentialing process.

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Introduction

Mission Statement

Our goal is to build the 21st Century Workforce One CPLP® Candidate at a Time.

Visit www.owls-ledge.com for more information about Owl’s Ledge. For all things CPLP® go to www.CPLPCOACH.com

Who are you?

Now that you know a bit about Owl’s Ledge, it’s your turn. This eBook, eBook1: Mastering the CPLP® Knowledge Exam, presumes you are a professional in the learning and development industry; you have some work experience in the field; and have a strong desire to work hard and achieve the CPLP® credential to make a positive impact on our industry.

Welcome to the future!

How to Use this eBook

OK, the introductions are over. Time to get down to business. Let’s be clear. This eBook provides a proven preparation strategy for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam study. This is not about how to be a better instructional designer, Organizational Development (OD) practitioner, performance consultant, facilitator, coach, manager, or overall learning and performance professional.


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Introduction

This eBook is not designed to train you in the huge amount of content contained in the nine (9) Areas of Expertise (AOEs) in the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Workplace Learning and Performance (WLP) Competency Model®.

This eBook is meant to guide you with:

Steps to follow – a definitive approach for determining what & how to study

Best practices –demonstrate how to use accelerated learning & study techniques to support different learning styles

Developing your personal study plan – help you to determine how to study based on your personal preferences

Selection of study materials – identify the best materials to support your personal study preparation

Study considerations – help you identify considerations for when to study and for how long

Tips, tricks & traps – “goodies” identified by CPLP® candidates who came before you

For information that is related but not specifically included in the preparation strategy, refer to Appendix C (in this eBook), Terminology and Concepts.

The bottom line is that this eBook is designed to help you learn how to “consume” the substantive subject matter contained in the CPLP® Knowledge Exam, regardless of which study materials and methods you choose to use based on your personal preferences.

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CPLP® General Information

So, you’ve decided to take the CPLP® plunge! Congratulations and Welcome! As the Table shows the number of CPLP®s worldwide has continuously grown since 2006, with a projection of 1000+ for 2010. You are in excellent company!

Like you, many recognize the value of the CPLP® certification. The CPLP® designation following your name signifies your possession of a solid foundation of experience in workplace learning and performance not to mention your ability to have a positive impact on bottom-line results.

With the CPLP® certification you may:

Have a competitive advantage over other learning & performance professionals vying for the same job or contract

Get a higher starting salary or a raise at your current job

Be more marketable and attractive to hiring managers

Find increased opportunities for advancement to managerial positions

Experience increased job security due to having a more progressive outlook

Be qualified for new consulting projects because of additional skill sets and qualifications

Be among the coolest people on the planet

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Organizations worldwide are implementing the CPLP® internally as a means of:

Providing a common framework for learning and performance

Ensuring employees’ ongoing professional development

Meeting industry compliance and regulatory requirements

Modeling best practices that is required of employees in other professions in the enterprise

Differentiating themselves from their competition

What is the CPLP®?

The Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP®) certification is THE premier credential recognized internationally in the learning & performance profession.

The CPLP® is based on the ASTD Workplace Learning & Performance (WLP) Competency Model® signifying that an individual has the process knowledge, experience, and education required to practice the methodologies prescribed by ASTD. The ASTD WLP Competency Model® has become a professional standard and is becoming a standard framework for learning and performance professionals in countless organizations and companies worldwide.

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Who can apply for the CPLP®?

ASTD requires specific experience criteria to be met before an application can be submitted. The CPLP® Candidate Bulletin is the authoritative source for explanation of the required work background. The CPLP® Candidate Bulletin has priority over this eBook should any discrepancy arise.

The bottom line of the CPLP® Candidate Bulletin is as follows: professionals in the learning and performance field who have a minimum of three years* related work experience may apply although five or more years of work experience is preferred. Proof of experience (validation from previous employers) is part of the application process.

*Candidates may substitute one year relevant education for one year work experience.

What are the requirements for the CPLP®?

The requirements are extensive. Upon completion of the eligibility requirements candidates must pass the Knowledge Exam and successfully complete the Work Product submission.

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Two Phases

CPLP® Credentialing Program

Is recertification required?

Yes. To maintain your certification, additional continuing certification requirements must be fulfilled. ASTD mandates that you accumulate at least sixty (60) recertification credits every 3 years after achieving your CPLP® certification. Recertification points can be accumulated through continuing education, on-the-job experience, leadership and recognition, and other related programs, seminars, and educational opportunities.

The purpose of the recertification requirement is to ensure that CPLP®s are committed to their own ongoing professional development and – as Stephen Covey would say – “sharpen their saws.”

This component of the CPLP® is particularly attractive to organizations worldwide as it provides a consistent framework for learning & performance professionals; indicates a commitment to the profession; provides a path for continuous learning.

Two Phases of the CPLP® credentialing program.

Once having completed the eligibility requirements, the CPLP® credentialing program consists of successfully completing two phases in the order shown below:

The Knowledge Exam

Work Product submission

This eBook focuses on helping candidates

(you) learn how to successfully prepare for

the Knowledge Exam. That’s enough for

one eBook, believe me!

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What exactly is the CPLP® Knowledge Exam?

This bad boy consists of 150 computer-based multiple choice questions. The Knowledge Exam is designed to assess your ability to apply the skills and knowledge outlined in the ASTD WLP Competency Model®. This model provides foundational competencies as anchors to the integrated professional competencies outlined in the nine Areas of Expertise (AOEs). Those areas include:

Designing Learning

Delivering Training

Human Performance Improvement

Measuring and Evaluating

Facilitating Organizational Change

Managing the Learning Function

Coaching

Managing Organizational Knowledge

Career Planning & Talent Management

Notice the emphasis on the word apply. (Refer to Appendix C in this eBook and the entry for Bloom’s Taxonomy for a refresher on how application of knowledge is defined.) Be advised that the Knowledge Exam is not a knowledge recall test. It is not a regurgitation of information. Questions are designed to test your ability to apply the concepts covered in the AOEs.

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The CPLP® Knowledge Exam IS NOT…

A TEST OF THE INFORMATION IN THE ASTD LEARNING SYSTEM (LS)®! The ASTD LS is a collection of broad subject matter covering much (but not all) of the topics as outlined in the AOEs in the ASTD WLP Competency Model®. The LS provides a basic body of knowledge, but in and of itself does not teach you how to apply the material for purposes of taking the Knowledge Exam or applying the concepts in your professional practice.

The CPLP® Knowledge Exam IS …

A test about application, not knowledge recall. Memorizing the books is the wrong approach to preparing for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. You must interact with the material, test it against the framework of your professional experience, and learn how to apply it to the situations represented in the multiple choice questions on the Knowledge Exam.


Understanding and application of knowledge covered in the AOEs is critical for success with the Knowledge Exam. Foundational competencies from the ASTD WLP Competency Model®. also come into play on the Knowledge Exam. (We will get into that in more depth later in this eBook.)

For an overview of the ASTD Competency Model® and CPLP® you may want to check out the following short webinar: http://web.me.com/meowl/CLIPS/01_Overview.html, or refer to the entries in Appendix C.

http://web.me.com/meowl/CLIPS/01_Overview.html

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This does not mean you need years of formal education or a graduate degree in learning and performance to sit the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. (Guess what??!! Many current CPLP®s started out as “Accidental Trainers” – just like me - without any formal education in learning & performance. Many – just like me – have used the CPLP® to validate their professional skills and knowledge based on many years of on-the-job experience.)

For you, a CPLP® candidate, it does mean familiarizing or re-familiarizing yourself with standard terms and definitions; practicing responding to questions written in the same format and at the same level as found in the Knowledge Exam; as well as preparing a personalized approach tailored to your preferred study habits. All of these elements are critical to your success on the Knowledge Exam.

WARNING! The CPLP® Knowledge Exam and the manner in which the program is administered by the ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI) changes frequently! You are responsible for keeping up-to-date with official program policies and procedures for the CPLP® certification at www.cplp.astd.org. Any differences between what is listed here and what is listed on the ASTD CI Web site should be resolved in favor of the ASTD CI Web site.

http://www.cplp.astd.org/

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Scheduling the CPLP® Knowledge Exam

The CPLP® Knowledge Exam is held four times per calendar year. Authorized testing centers are located in the U.S. and Canada. All U.S. and Canada test centers will schedule appointments online at www.cplp.astd.org. To guarantee a testing seat, you must schedule your test at least 30 days before the first day of the testing window.

Global candidates (not in the USA or Canada) should refer to the Candidate Bulletin for instructions on how to schedule testing for London, Dubai, Riyadh, and Singapore centers.

CPLP® Testing Schedule

First a definition is necessary. A cohort is a group of people with a common set of characteristics working during the same timeframe for some shared outcome – like preparing to sit the Knowledge Exam, or preparing and submitting a Work Product.

In the Table below note that the timeframe for Work Product (WP) testing is dependent upon the timeframe selected to sit for the Knowledge Exam. These dates are general guidelines and are subject to change. Refer to the Candidate Bulletin for the most current Testing Schedule.

Cohort Groups Knowledge Exam Testing Window Work Product Cohorts

Spring March – April August – Sept

Summer May – June August – Sept

Fall September – October February – March

Winter November – -December February – March

../Louann%205-14/www.cplp.astd.org.

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Interim Review & Questions

Just in case you missed it the first time, this eBook provides a proven preparation strategy for CPLP® Knowledge Exam study. The remainder of these pages focus on the essential 8 steps to prepare for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam.

Essential 8 Steps

Listed below are the essential 8 steps that, when followed, result in your successful completion of the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. The remainder of this eBook drills down into each of these steps and provides sub-steps to be followed. The 8 steps are:

1. Review the CPLP®® Program Process & Policies

2. Determine Where You Are

3. Set Your Baseline

4. Identify your Study Style

5. Create Your Study Plan & Assemble Your Study Materials

6. Study And Prepare

7. Do A Reality Check

8. Prepare To Sit Knowledge Exam

Now let’s meet the Wise Owl. Along the way, the Wise Owl provides tips and lessons learned by other CPLP®s to help you maximize your preparation experience. This is great stuff that you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s your first one.

Owl Tip: Did you know that there is a LinkedIn CPLP Candidate Group? Use this group to connect with other hopeful CPLP® candidates and to meet & share information. http://www.linkedin.com/groups/CPLP-Candidate-Group-113118?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

Are you ready to get started??? But first a review!

The following questions are to guide you in your review and to ensure the basics of this overview have been learned.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/CPLP-Candidate-Group-113118?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr


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Review Questions

1. Identify the following acronyms

ASTD

ASTD CI

AOE

CPLP®

LS

OD

PMP

WLP

2. List at least three Corporate Benefits to obtaining CPLP® Certification for staff.

a. ___________________________________________________________________

b. ___________________________________________________________________

c. ___________________________________________________________________

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Review Questions

3. List at least three Personal Benefits to obtaining CPLP® Certification for yourself.

a. ___________________________________________________________________

b. ___________________________________________________________________

c. ___________________________________________________________________

4. State the eligibility requirements for submitting an application to obtain CPLP® Certification.

5. After meeting eligibility requirements what are the Major Phases required to be completed?

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Review Questions

6. How Many Areas of Expertise are there? __________________________________________

7. List the AOEs.

8. State the distinction between “knowledge” and “application of knowledge”.

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Review Questions

9. How is the ASTD WLP Competency Model® related to the Knowledge Exam?

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Review Questions

10. List the eight steps proven to prepare you for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam

11. Provide dates for when you

a. Submit your application __________________________

b. Sit for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam _________________________

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Step One: Review the CPLP® Program Process & Policies

The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) recognizes the value for the profession, employers, and individuals of having a certification. ASTD encourages people to be successful in becoming a CPLP®.

The ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI) Web site http://www.cplp.astd.org provides a number of tools and documents as one-stop shopping for the information and materials you need to understand the process and policies required for CPLP® certification. Review the site and see what it contains. Specifically look for the following:

CPLP® Candidate Bulletin. Read this. It provides you with everything you need to understand and complete the CPLP® certification process. Notice that the first three chapters of the Candidate Bulletin focus on the Knowledge Exam.

Chapter 1: Program Overview. You can read it online or download a copy.

Appendices A-C: Readiness Assessment, Sample Test, Content Outline. Be sure to download these appendices to review and complete. These documents help provide a sense of what content you need to be familiar with and the topics you need to focus on during your preparation for the Knowledge Exam.

Owl Tip: Invest 39 minutes to view a Webinar that provides an overview of the what, why, and how of the CPLP®

program. View it at: http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/193.cfm.

Owl Tip: The CPLP® Knowledge Exam is being updated as of 9/17/2011 to include test items pertaining to social

learning. While this change is not yet reflected in Appendix C to the Candidate Bulletin – the Knowledge Exam Content Outline – there are updated prep materials (excerpts from the ASTD Learning System) available on the ASTD certification website.


http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/193.cfm

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Owl Tip: Print the Content Outline. Take time to review each of the nine AOEs. Each AOE is decomposed into topics and

sub topics. Add a check mark for each topic/subtopic with which you are familiar.

Step Two: Determine Where You Are

Let the games begin!

Now that you have an overview of the CPLP® credentialing process and are aware of some options for gathering materials, it’s time to get started! Remember the Candidate Bulletin Appendices you downloaded in Step 1? Get them out now –and let the games begin! Do this:

Complete the Readiness Assessment. Locate and complete the Readiness Assessment. This self-assessment helps you evaluate your own expertise, determine your gaps, and select from a variety of learning strategies to bridge the gap for each AOE.

Take the Sample Test. (Candidate Bulletin Appendix B). This Sample Test provides 10 questions similar in format and content level to the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. Taking the Sample Test gives you a sense of the type and difficulty of the questions on the Knowledge Exam.

Use the Content Outline. This outline (found in the Candidate Bulletin Appendix C) shows the specific content with which you should be conversant in each of the nine Areas of Expertise. Take some time to go through this and check off the items with which you are familiar.

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Step Three: Set Your Baseline

Now that you have gone through the three previous Candidate Bulletin documents (Readiness Assessment, Sample Test, Content Outline), review your results to determine how much you may already know, and which areas you need to spend time on. Evaluate the following:

Readiness Assessment results: Did anything there indicate that you may need more time or experience before beginning the CPLP® certification process?

Sample Test: How did you do on the Sample Test? These are the kinds of questions you will be facing on the Knowledge Exam. Did you notice that the questions are about applying knowledge vs. recall of information? This cannot be stressed enough!

Note: The Sample Test lists the AOE each question aligns to (e.g. Designing Learning). This is not the case on the official CPLP® Knowledge Exam; you will not be told which AOE a question aligns to.

Content Outline: How many areas are unchecked? Lack of checkmarks represents topics you do not currently know. Balance your focus areas at this point against the AOE weighting in the following Owl Tip.

Take the Practice CPLP® Exam (pCPLP): Set a baseline (go to http://pcplp.astd.org). The pCPLP is a practice test comprised of retired CPLP® Knowledge Exam questions. Take the pCPLP to experience what the official CPLP® Knowledge Exam is like and to get a better understanding of the AOEs you need to focus on, before doing any studying.

http://pcplp.astd.org/

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Step Three: Set Your Baseline

Owl Tip: Use the Content Outline as your personal study guide. This document

serves as a comprehensive list of each topical category for each AOE. The unchecked items are where you will focus your efforts.

Owl Tip: Did you know all AOEs are not equal? Some are more heavily weighted

than others. Develop your study plan accordingly. The following Table specifies

the current weighting of the AOEs.

CPLP® Knowledge Exam AOE Weighting

Designing Learning 15%

Delivering Training 15%

Human Performance Improvement 15%

Measuring and Evaluating 12%

Facilitating Organizational Change 12%

Managing the Learning Function 9%

Coaching 8%

Managing Organizational Knowledge 8%

Career Planning & Talent Management 6%

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Step Four: Identify Your Study Style

Been some time since you’ve really had to crack the books and study? No worries there. It’s time to take a look at how you work best. What are your study preferences? Do you work better in a group or alone? Are you self-motivated or do you need a structured time and place to study? If you’re not sure, or would like to use a tool to help assess your style visit http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire.

Owl Tip: Be honest with yourself when identifying your style. Be sure to accommodate your style when developing

your study plan.

If you work best in a structured environment or would like to work as part of a group, try these:

Workshops: ASTD has 136 chapters across the U.S. and 30 global networks and partners around the world. Many of these - domestic and international - offer CPLP® prep workshops to their communities. We're partnering with chapters in the U.S. to make it easier - and more convenient - for people to access instructor-led workshops closer to home. Check the calendar on www.cplpcoach.com or ask your local chapter or global network about upcoming CPLP® workshops.

Study Groups: Getting together with folks is a GREAT approach for studying content and enables learning from each other. It's also good for moral support – not to mention being more fun than going it alone. A group can help hold your feet to the fire, and keep you motivated for studying when you just don't feel like it. Look for in-person and online study groups at http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/197.cfm.

Owl Tip: Another great place to find study groups and study partners is on LinkedIn – check the CPLP® Candidate

Group for like-minded individuals.

http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire





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Step Five: Create Your Study Plan & Assemble Your Study Materials

Remember Step 2 where you checked the items you were familiar with on the Knowledge Exam Content Outline? Get it out now!

Find your Study Content. Since the unchecked items on your Content Outline represent areas you need to focus on, compare that list with any content or sources you may already have (e.g. ASTD Infolines, books, etc.). For those unchecked items that you don’t have content for, there are many resources available including:

Infolines are less than 20-page ASTD publications containing practical information for immediate proficiency in a wide variety of learning and performance topics. Find them at: http://www.astd.org/Publications/Infoline.aspx.

ASTD Learning System is a 10 volume set covering most (but not all) of the content found in the ASTD WLP Competency Model®. More information about this can be found at: http://store.astd.org/Default.aspx?tabid=167&ProductId=7871.

Online resources - Google can be great (all hail Google!) but Google is not the only search engine out there. Additional search engines exist and can be used to find online resources. For example, www.clusty.com to get different results than Google and www.kartoo.com for results with a visual twist.

Here are a few more thoughts on finding materials to help you with the CPLP® Knowledge Exam:

Check your local library. Many materials are found in local libraries. That includes libraries at local community colleges!

Visit your local ASTD Chapter. See if your local ASTD chapter offers services like ASTD Learning System loans, study groups, or Special Interest Groups (SIGs). There are more than 130 local ASTD chapters in the United States and 30+ Global Networks worldwide. You can find your local chapter - or global network - at the following link: http://www.astd.org/Members/Chapters/Chapter-Locator.aspx.

http://www.astd.org/Publications/Infoline.aspx

http://store.astd.org/Default.aspx?tabid=167&ProductId=7871

http://www.clusty.com/

http://www.kartoo.com/

http://www.astd.org/Members/Chapters/Chapter-Locator.aspx

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Question: "I am planning on taking the CPLP® soon and was wondering if I need to purchase the entire ASTD LS ($600.00) from ASTD or if there might be a more cost effective but still comprehensive way to learn?”

Answer: Great question! There are a number of options available, and the LS is one of them. Whether or not you should invest in this depends on what you need to study and your personal best practices for studying. If you need much of the material/content and you work best having it all in one place at one time, this may be a good option for you. The next page provides more information on the LS.


Owl Tip: Here’s a well - kept secret. Many ASTD references (including many of the books from which the ASTD Learning

System was created) can be found as a full or limited preview online for FREE! Where? Google Books – http://books.google.com See Appendix D of this eBook for additional Resources (Books & URLs).

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Here are some thoughts on finding ASTD LS materials.

ASTD National membership. Here is a suggestion: consider becoming a member of ASTD National. The U.S. membership fee is $199. If you become a member, you'll get all the benefits of membership (e.g. T+D magazine, access to member only material hosted on the ASTD Web site, discounts on other products/services, etc.). Because ASTD members get a $200 discount on the CPLP® registration fee, you will spend the money either way; so why not get more bang for your buck (and save a buck at the same time)?

ASTD Learning System. The ASTD LS is a comprehensive collection of tools and information provided in one place. The price tag is hefty, ~$500. Here are some thoughts from personal experience with the Learning System (LS):

o eBay or Craigslist. If you decide on purchasing the LS and you don’t mind buying a used set consider eBay or Craigslist. You can also post online to see if anyone has one for sale. Just remember – content updates are frequently made to the LS, so check for free updates at: http://www.astd.org/Publications/Books/ASTD-Learning-System/Content-Updates.aspx.

.

http://www.astd.org/Publications/Books/ASTD-Learning-System/Content-Updates.aspx


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o Share the Learning System. The LS is particularly good for folks who don't have a lot of material in their libraries (and are looking for a central repository of substantive information for the certification and beyond) and/or folks who have others in their departments who might use the LS at a later date. Sharing the LS can help to offset the cost.

About the Learning System. One word of caution about the LS. The LS is a good tool for providing content for studying, but do not just rely on the end of the chapter questions contained in the LS. These questions are often not written in the same style or at the same level of the questions on the official CPLP® Knowledge Exam. Read the material, but use additional and alternative methods to test yourself on the content.

Owl Tip: Most people can’t spend just one weekend studying and expect to do well on the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. Many in the CPLP® community, including Owl’s Ledge, recommend a regular study plan each week for 10-12 weeks prior to sitting the CPLP® Knowledge Exam.

Owl Tip: Use a variety of preparation methods and materials! Variety adds interest, stimulates deeper learning, and supports different learning styles.

Owl Tip: Use Teachbacks: assign a topic to each person in a study group and have each person “teach back” to the group. They are an excellent way to reinforce the material.

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Map it out!

OK, now that you have identified the areas you need to focus on (unchecked items on the Candidate Bulletin Appendix C: Content Outline), identified the resources to provide content, and identified your learning style, it’s time to put pen to paper and map out your study plan on a calendar.

The Knowledge Exam requires you to apply subject matter from the nine integrated Areas of Expertise. Owl’s Ledge recommends that you start studying 10-12 weeks before your scheduled exam date at a rate of 3-6 hours per week.

Make a commitment to yourself and to this process. Put a plan in place, and execute against that plan. Set aside time to concentrate on the task at hand - no distractions!

And don't forget to reward yourself for milestones reached! As part of your study plan, include activities to celebrate reaching significant milestones along the way (e.g. lunch or dinner with a friend). Chocolate also works! The point is to think of something you like to do to reward yourself and be sure to build it into your plan! You know what they say about all work and no play…


Owl Tip: If you use the ASTD LS, keep the following in mind:

The end of the chapter questions in the Learning System are not always written in the same style (multiple choice) or level (application) as the CPLP® Knowledge Exam.

The LS does not cover all of the subject matter found on the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. A complete listing of all subject matter on the Knowledge Exam can be found in the Candidate Bulletin Appendix C.

This eBook is a good tool to complement the ASTD LS.

The ASTD LS went through a series of updates in March 2009. Candidates should check to see if they have the most up-to-date material. The updates are available online (for free) at: http://www.astd.org/Publications/Books/ASTD-Learning-System/Content-Updates.aspx


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Step Six: Study/Prepare

Mnemonic

In this example, each letter of the mnemonic (e.g. "P" for Parentheses) is given a corresponding word with the same letter (e.g. "P" for Please) in a silly sing-song sentence. If you can remember the sentence (and most do) you can remember the order.

Adults. We're a funny bunch!

Research shows that you learn more effectively when the learning has relevance to you and to your situation. Research shows that the same holds true for studying.

Studying works better when the material has meaning; when you can connect it to something else. These relationships don't have to be earth shattering, important or complex- and quite often can be silly, illogical, and fun! There are a number of ways to give material meaning, including mnemonics, techniques with steps, getting the gist of the material and others. Let’s look at a few of these techniques.

Consider mnemonics. Mnemonics are 'tricks' used to memorize something. A mnemonic usually consists of a word, phrase, rhyme, or sing-song about something easy that helps us to remember something more complex. Here is an example.

Many of us in the United States grew up with: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.

This mnemonic is used to help kids remember the algebraic mathematical order of operations - Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.

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Here are just a few study methods:

Concentration: focus on the task at hand and eliminate distraction by establishing a routine, studying in a designated "study space," knowing your objectives for that study session, identifying your incentives, vary your study activities and topics, take breaks, and reward yourself!

Memorization: use memorization techniques to identify strategies that will help you have the information "stick.”

Acronym - use a combination of letters that represent the first letter of each word. For example, think of the acronym ADDIE to help you remember five Phases (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) that represent the process traditionally used by instructional designers and training developers to build effective training and performance support tools.

Acrostic - a made-up sentence or poem where the first letter of each word presents a clue (e.g. Every Good Boy Does Fine to represent the five keys (EGBDF) on a piano keyboard. An acrostic is a kind of mnemonic.

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SQ3R Method

Another study technique is the SQ3R Method (Robinson, 1970). The SQ3R Method is a 5-step process for achieving active elaboration: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review.

Using this method is especially effective if you're studying with the ASTD LS. We'll use reading as an example.

Here are the 5 steps to achieve elaboration with written material, ANY written material:

Step 1. Survey (1 minute): Before beginning to read, look through the whole chapter, “Infoline,” or article. Pay attention to the headings and subheadings. Our brains love to latch on to hierarchical structures! Try not to actually read the material yet; just see if you can identify 3-6 major ideas in the material.

Step 2. Question (usually less than 30 seconds): Ask yourself what the material is about: What is the question it's trying to answer? You can also ask: what question do I have that this material might help answer? Repeat this process with each subsection of the material. Turn each heading into a question.

Step 3. Read: Now you're ready to begin reading the material. Read one section at a time looking for the answer to the question proposed by the heading. This is active reading. Active reading means that you are not just scanning the material! Active reading requires concentration so make sure you're somewhere with a block of time that you can devote to quiet concentration.

Survey

Question

Read

Recite/Write

Review

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SQ3R Method

SQ3R Method (Continued)

Step 4. Recite/Write (about a minute): Say to yourself (in your head or out loud (which is an especially fun exercise on the commuter train) or write down (you're allowed to doodle in the margins of the material) a key phrase that sums up the major point of the section and answers the question.

It’s critical to use your own words - don't just copy a phrase from the book. Research shows that we remember our own (active) connections better than ones given to us (passive); that our own hierarchies are generally better than the best prefabricated hierarchies.

Step 5. Review (less than 5 minutes): After repeating Steps 2-4 for each section you have a list of key phrases that provides a makeshift outline for the material. Test yourself by covering up the key phrases and seeing if you can recall them.

Do this right after you finish reading the material. If you can't recall one of your major points, that's a section you need to reread. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Owl Tip: SQ3R can be a very effective study method for breaking

down the material contained across all nine Areas of Expertise in the ASTD WLP Competency Model®, upon which the CPLP® Knowledge Exam is based.

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Here is an example of one person’s real live study plan.

Create a study group. This person reached out to people until she found people who were available and willing to meet. In this case it ended up being two people. The study partners met every Saturday morning for 3 hours.

Determine a baseline. They each took the pCPLP exam right away! They used the scores, along with the AOEs’ percentage on the exam, to determine where to spend the largest part of their preparation time.

Assemble materials. They used the ASTD LS as one of their resources, but not the only one.

Study/Prepare. They attended the Owl’s Ledge CPLP® Mastery Series Knowledge Exam Prep Course (it’s a self-study materials and 90 minutes of facilitation per week).

The study partners divided the AOE topics between them and chose an AOE each week. Some harder or larger AOEs took two weeks.

Many Friday nights were spent preparing for the study group. They researched the topics assigned to them (one half of the AOE topics in the Content Outline) and made notes in order to teach their partner.

Saturday mornings they switched off teaching each other the key concepts for the AOE. For any unclear topics, they would refer to their resources and figure it out together.

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Question: “Do I have to memorize people's names and what they did?”

Historically, to be successful on the Knowledge Exam, it was necessary for you to understand terms and definitions and applications of theory and methods, not specific information about the person(s) who originally developed them. The CPLP Knowledge Exam has since changed, and includes a small sampling of questions where you are expected to know the industry expert responsible for a specific theory, tool, or technique.

However, there are many questions where you need to be prepared to recognize a theory, tool, or technique and put it into practice. As one example – to illustrate the point – you are very likely to see a question or two where you need to understand the differences between Accommodators, Divergers, Convergers, and Assimilators or distinguish between the characteristics in Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation.

Owl Tip: Study Early, Study Often. Studies show that most people require natural, mini breaks (e.g. stare out the

window, let the mind wander, etc.) every 25 minutes or so. In addition, after 45 minutes of intense concentration, most people need to physically move around a bit.

Owl Tip: Incorporate these natural tendencies into your study practices by studying in intervals of 25-40 minutes,

followed by breaks of 5-10 minutes. This approach is more effective than trying to ‘cram' for hours on end. Have you been there, done that, and it didn’t go well at all?

Owl Tip: Just in case you are wondering about Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory, you can find it at: http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm.

Incorporate these natural tendencies into your study practices by studying in intervals of 25-40 minutes, followed by breaks of 5-10 minutes. This approach is more effective

than trying to ‘cram' for hours on end. Trust me – been there, done that, and it didn’t go well at all.

http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm

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Question: “I’m reading the same thing over and over, but it doesn’t sink in. Help!!!!”

Now you're ready for action! Decide on which study method(s) you'll use to review the material. The main point here is preparing a personal study strategy - one that supports your best study practices. This is critical to your success.

We’ve all been there. Here is a small process that will help you to actively read and absorb the content. This is a great exercise to use when studying solo, in pairs, or even when studying as a group! Give it a try!

Read one or two paragraphs of material on a specific subject.

Write a 20 word (or less) summary of the gist of what you've read.

Read an additional one or two paragraphs of related material.

Incorporate the additional information into a new 20 word summary.

Depending on the material, you might be able to add the gist of another paragraph or two to your summary without going over the 20 word count.

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Analysis means to break knowledge into its component parts.

Synthesis is a way to creatively or divergently apply prior knowledge and skills to produce a new or original whole.

The outcome of this exercise produces not only a concise summary of the material that's helpful during your review process, but it also forces you to analyze and synthesize the information.

By analyzing and synthesizing the material (having to get the gist of it, break it down and rearrange it into a summary of 20 words or less) you are learning the material at a deeper level than that required by the CPLP® Knowledge Exam.

By doing this you will have moved past Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application on into Analysis and Synthesis. And, as an extra benefit, through this process you actually learn something - stuff that you might even apply to your work. Imagine that – a two-fer!

Use a study approach (or multiple approaches) that help you really learn the subject matter in a way that helps you to process, internalize, and own it!

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Step Seven: Reality Check

Question: "I’ve been following my study plan and devouring the content. The Knowledge Exam is approaching. How do I check my progress?”

Take the pCPLP to check your results! This practice exam is located on the ASTD Web site at

http://pcplp.astd.org. You can take the pCPLP for free. Use this to set your baseline. We suggest

you then take it a second time to check your study progress, and a third time – just before your

exam - to give you a mental & emotional boost before sitting the CPLP® Knowledge Exam.

Take the CPLPCOACH.com Practice Exams: These exams, located at http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/146.cfm, are written in the same style as the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. The questions are all multiple choice questions with four possible answers. The questions also represent a mix of application-level and knowledge recall questions. Lastly these exams cross-reference the updates in the ASTD LS as well as other study resources like Web sites, Infolines, etc.

Owl Tip: In the final two weeks of preparation, use these three steps to see where you are:

1. Re-review each AOE section and notes from your reading/studying.

2. Drill questions using the Owl's Ledge online practice exams on CPLPCOACH.com.

3. Take the pCPLP at http://pcplp.astd.org.




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Step Eight: Prepare to Sit the CPLP® Knowledge Exam

Exam logistics

What’s on the CPLP® Knowledge Exam?

Wouldn’t you like to know! The Knowledge Exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions to be answered within 2 hours and 30 minutes. Yep, that's 150 minutes, so one question per minute. No time for dawdling! Questions are displayed one at a time on the computer screen. The screen does not - display information about which AOE(s) the question aligns to.

The 150 questions are derived from subject matter taken from across nine AOE(s) as outlined in the 2004 ASTD WLP Competency Model® (validated & refreshed in 2007 by a University of Pennsylvania research team).

There are 25-30 questions on the Knowledge Exam that DON'T count toward your score.

As is common practice for many professional and academic exams, the CPLP® Knowledge Exam contains experimental questions (otherwise known as "items"). These questions do not count toward candidates' scores and are used by ASTD CI to test item validity for inclusion in subsequent versions of the Knowledge Exam.

Owl Tip: The experimental questions are not marked. You are better off answering every question as if it counted toward your score. Guessing is better than leaving a question unanswered. If you are unsure about a question, mark it and come back to it later. Just be mindful of your time.

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Multiple choice exam strategies

The Knowledge Exam is looking for application, not just recall. Slow down and look for the BEST answer, not just the first correct answer.

Don’t be Speedy Gonzalez! Speed reading can be a disadvantage because you can miss words, words that could change the meaning of the question. Always read the question at least twice before answering.

Look, Ma, No Hands! Take away the temptation to click the first correct answer – there are probably several correct answers. Remember you need to select the BEST answer!

Bottoms Up! Read the answers from bottom up (instead of top down) – meaning, read from choice D up to choice A, instead of choice A down to D. In the U.S., we're taught to read from left to right, and from top down (A to D). Re-training yourself to read the multiple choice answers from bottom up forces your brain to slow down and really take in what you're reading. This gives you a better chance of identifying the BEST answer, rather than stopping at the first correct answer.

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Owl Tip: Read all choices for the answer and evaluate each one. There may be several that are correct in the literal sense. Remember you are looking to select the BEST answer to the question, not the first correct answer.

Owl Tip: A common feedback point from many CPLP® candidates is that several questions seemed to have more than one correct answer. Often most, if not all, of the answers are reasonable responses to the question at hand. However, there is always one "best" response, as determined by ASTD CI.

CPLP® Knowledge Exam Statistics

From June 2005-December 2008, there have been seventeen (17) CPLP® Knowledge Exam administrations. A total of 1,806 exams have been administered. According to ASTD CI, the success rate for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam is roughly 80%. That means 4 out of 5 candidates pass.

What is the Cut Score? How Many Questions Do I Have to Get Right to Pass?

CPLP® candidates must answer approximately 75% of the non-experimental items correctly (there are approximately 120 non-experimental questions that count toward your score and approximately 30 experimental questions that do not) to pass the CPLP® Knowledge Exam.

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Before Exam Day

Do yourself a favor and start preparing yourself several days or a week before you actually sit the Knowledge Exam. Consider the following tips to help you prepare before the big day!

Drive to your selected exam facility before the day of the exam. This way you'll know where it is and how to get to get there instead of trying to figure that out while driving like a maniac and worrying about being lost and late.

Go inside and check out the facility. This is especially good for folks who are sensitive to a test environment.

Put together your exam strategy. Practice sitting in an uncomfortable chair in front of your computer monitor for a couple of hours at a time. Get to know your physical, emotional, and mental reactions. How often do you need a break? Record this information and use it to develop your strategy.

The test is 150 minutes long - will you need a break? How often? What kind of break? Will you need to just close your eyes or will you need to get up and walk around?

Don't stay up all night the night before and cram! Studies show that last minute cramming and lack of sleep are two of the worst things you can do before exam day.

Get a good night's sleep.

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Exam Day

Get organized before the beginning of the day! Use these tips as a final run through before you leave for the Knowledge Exam:

ID Please: Bring the proper identification. You are required to bring TWO forms of ID. See page 28 in the CPLP® Candidate Bulletin for details: http://www.astd.org/Certification/For-Candidates/Candidate-Bulletin.aspx

Authorization: Bring a printed copy of your candidate authorization email. This email contains your Test Taker Authorization Code. You will not be able to launch your exam at the test center if you do not have your code.

Comfy is key: Wear comfortable clothes and comfy shoes.

Don’t run on empty. Eat a little something so you don't get hungry while sitting the Knowledge Exam.

Travel light. Leave the big purse and/or bulging briefcase at home or in the car The test centers often don't have space to securely store large items and you are not allowed bring those items into the exam room with you anyway.

Special Note: Did you know?

You cannot bring your wallet or watch into the Knowledge Exam room with you. You cannot have anything in your pockets including tissues, cell phones, dollar bills, or spare change. All pocket contents must be removed prior to entering the Exam room. Only 2 items are allowed: you and your ID. The proctor provides scratch paper and pencil.

http://www.astd.org/Certification/For-Candidates/Candidate-Bulletin.aspx


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A few more tips:

Arrive early. Plan to be there 20 minutes early to get settled in and avoid being late. This is a special note to folks who think that they can get anywhere in the universe in 5 minutes or less. (That kind of thinking does not often pan out!) Arriving late can hurt you. If you're more than 15 minutes late you may forfeit your appointment and be required to pay an additional exam fee.

Take your time on the Knowledge Exam. Although there are a lot of questions, take your time to read each one thoughtfully.

Don't dwell on questions. Answer each as best as you can, or guess. (There's no penalty for guessing.)

If unsure, mark it. After answering a question that you’re unsure of, mark it so you can easily circle back to it. Be sure you answer it first, in case you don't have time to circle back!

When you’re finished. Clicking the Submit button at the end of Knowledge Exam is the longest 60 seconds of your life. Everyone experiences this feeling. Breathe!

You'll know your pass or fail status before you leave the testing center.

Owl Tip: As part of your preparations to sit for the Knowledge Exam, make plans to do something rewarding afterwards. You’ve earned it! Do something that works for you (e.g. have some cake or chocolate, get a pedicure or massage, have a glass of wine)! Yay cake!

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What does success look like?

If you're successful on the CPLP® Knowledge Exam, you'll receive a CPLP® Score Report similar to the one below:

From: "ASTD CI" [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 11:48 AM To: Doe, J Subject: CPLP

® Test Results - Notification

ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI) Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP

®) Score Report

This is to certify that: Name: Jill Doe Examination Date: 06/09/09 Address line 1: [Main St USA] was successful in achieving a passing score on the CPLP

® Knowledge Exam.

Knowledge Examination covers the following areas: Diagnostic Indicators Designing Learning: 89% Delivering Training: 76% Improving Human Performance: 77% Measuring and Evaluating: 66% Facilitating Organizational Change: 71% Managing the Learning Function: 54% Coaching: 64% Managing Organizational Knowledge: 77% Career Planning and Talent Management: 85% These test results were achieved on an examination designed to measure key knowledge as defined by the ASTD Certification Institute and based on the latest ASTD Competency Study: Mapping the Future. Use of these test results for any other purpose is not consistent with the design of Knowledge Examination. Submission of a successful Work Product is required before certification will be granted. Complete details on the requirements for the Work Product submission and deadlines can be obtained at www.cplp.astd.org.


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Did You Know?

According to ASTD CI, the failure rate for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam is roughly 20%? That means 1 in 5 candidates fail.

Believe me, in the five years of the Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP®) credential's existence and in the five years Owl’s Ledge has been coaching people through this certification process, we’ve never met a CPLP® candidate who wants to fail the CPLP® Knowledge Exam!

In addition to the emotional impact and disappointment that one often feels after failing the CPLP® Knowledge Exam, failing the CPLP® Knowledge Exam also means:

Trying to figure out what went wrong!

How to be successful a second time around

Paying $350.00 in re-testing fees (Chapter 2, CPLP® Candidate Bulletin)

Waiting until the next testing window to open, which could be months away

More hours, days, weeks - sometimes months! - of additional study preparation

A delay in achieving your certification

If you do not pass it the first time try and see the gift of learning. You learned new things prepping for the first exam. Study and learn more for the next exam. Adjust your attitude and make the best of it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Areas of Expertise weighted equally on Knowledge Exam?

No, the Areas of Expertise (AOE) are not weighted equally. For example, Designing Learning is worth 15% of Knowledge Exam, Coaching is worth 8%. Review the CPLP®Candidate Bulletin for details: http://www.astd.org/Certification/For-Candidates/Candidate-Bulletin.aspx

Are the questions organized by AOE on Knowledge Exam?

No, the questions are served up randomly and are not marked in any way to alert you as to which AOE the question came from. No clues there!

Do all questions count towards my score?

A little understood fact: Not all 150 questions count toward your score. 25 - 30 of the questions are "pre-release" questions.

These questions are found throughout the exam and (I'm repeating myself) do not count toward your score. They're also not marked in any identifying way, so you won't know which ones they are.

The intent of including these questions in the Knowledge Exam is to test the questions for inclusion in future releases (as scored questions) of the CPLP® Knowledge-based Exam. In other words, they are meant to test the question - not you.



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Does the Knowledge Exam expect me to remember dates and facts?

The CPLP® Knowledge Exam tests knowledge, application, and analysis. This means that the CPLP® is more than a test of memory and regurgitation of terms and definitions - you must know how to apply the information found in Appendix C: Content Outline of the CPLP® Candidate Bulletin: http://www.astd.org/Certification/For-Candidates/Candidate-Bulletin.aspx.

I have to know Theorist’s names and theory dates?

A direct quote from the CPLP® Candidate Bulletin:

"This test does not focus on names or dates. Focus on the application of accepted principles and theories, not on memorizing names and dates."

This means you do not need to memorize names, like Howard Gardner, Malcolm Knowles, etc.; nor do you need to memorize the dates in which they came up with their theories.

What are the Knowledge Exam questions like?

Many questions are situational, requiring you to have firsthand knowledge of the same or similar experience for you to respond correctly to the question.

Some questions may seem like they have two correct answers. That may be the case. Remember! All answers are not created equally. You are looking for the best answer!


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How can I mark questions and return to them while taking the Knowledge Exam?

The computer allows you to mark questions for future review. Candidates often use this technique to mark questions they're unsure of, and to return to them after completing (but before submitting!) the Knowledge Exam. This technique allows candidates to tag questions they have a little (or a lot of) trouble with, and quickly move on to questions they can more readily answer.

What should I do if I don’t have any idea how to answer a question?

This happens to everyone! No matter how well you study, there will always be questions where you won’t have a clue what it is asking or what the correct answer is. Take a guess, tag 'em, and return to them later. Don't waste time dwelling on them! AND - Make sure you answer ALL questions. There's no penalty for guessing - and guesses (even random ABACAB ones) could work out in your favor!

What is the pass rate for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam?

As posted on the ASTD CI Web site: "There is a slight variance from test to test in each testing window; however, on average candidates must answer approximately 75% of the test items correctly to obtain a passing score." (Reminder – that means you must answer approximately 75% of the non-experimental test items correctly. The experimental items – approximately 30 of them – do not count toward your score, but are not marked in a distinguishing way, so you’ll have a hard time telling them apart.)

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Conclusion

I wish you continued success

in your career and

in the contributions

you are making

to improve our profession!

The CPLP® Designation

The number of organizations and individuals who recognize the value of the CPLP® certification is growing. The CPLP® designation following your name signifies your solid foundation of experience in workplace learning and performance and your ability to have a positive impact on bottom-line results.

Make no mistake, preparing for and achieving the CPLP® certification requires hard work and dedication. Successful candidates have:

Reviewed the CPLP® Program Process and Policies

Determined where they are in the preparation process

Determined their baseline by identifying the topics within the AORs that they are and are not familiar with

Identified their study style

Created a study plan which incorporated the study style and gathered the study materials

Devoted regular time to study and prepare

Checked in on their progress via sample exams

Prepared themselves mentally and physically to sit the Knowledge Exam

There are a number of other resources as well as products and services to help you successfully achieve the CPLP® designation.

See the Appendix for some avenues available to you.

Check our Web site, http://www.cplpcoach.com, for new information, updates to this eBook, new eBooks and CPLP® tools.

I wish you continued success in your career and in the contributions you are making to

better our industry.


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Appendix A: Owl’s Ledge - CPLP® Products & Services

Owl’s Ledge understands that different CPLP® products and services appeal to people at different points in the credentialing process. The table below helps you find the material you need, when you need it.

Simply click on the product / service link to read more or to order today!

Owl’s Ledge - CPLP® Products & Services

You’re a CPLP® Knowledge Exam candidate…

CPLP® Mastery Series: Knowledge Exam Online Preparation Course

CPLP® Online Practice Exams (subscribe to CPLPCOACH.com)

You’re a CPLP® Work Product candidate…

Private, One-on-One CPLP® Work Product Coaching

CPLP® Work Product Group Coaching Workshop

CPLP® Work Product Self-Study (subscribe to CPLPCOACH.com)

You’re considering the CPLP®…

CPLP® Boot Camp Lite: The ASTD Competency Model® & Professional Certification

http://www.cplpcoach.com/products/item17.cfm







http://www.cplpcoach.com/members/department37.cfm



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Appendix B: About the Author

Trish Uhl is a Learning Strategist with 15+ years experience. Areas of expertise: project management, instructional design, needs assessment, performance improvement, competency development, instructor-led training, course development, computer-based training, training facilitation and delivery.

With a background in IT project management, Trish is a contributing author to two books about technology and leadership for high performance teams – 10 Steps to Successful Teams and Fortify Your Sales Force: Leading & Training Exceptional Teams.

A recipient of Training Magazine’s Top Young Trainer award, Trish is recognized as a leader in the training industry for her dedication to the advancement of the learning profession, commitment to peer development, and excellent leadership qualities.

Trish’s experience in designing, developing and facilitating blended learning programs and her work on transformation management projects in a variety of industries in the U.S., China, Europe, Canada, and the UK have formed the foundation of her work with cross-functional and cross-cultural teams in geographically dispersed organizations.

Known for her dynamic presentations skills and her innovative practice of embedding “soft” (core) skills with technical training, Trish has developed and continues to deliver programs such as her “Accidental Project Manager” workshop and CPLP® preparation courses to clients worldwide.

~ TRISH UHL, PMP, CPLP

[email protected]

At-A-Glance

2010 Speaker – ASTD International Conference & Exposition (Chicago, IL)

Training Magazine 2009 Top Young Trainer Award Recipient

Contributing Author – ASTD Press, “10 Steps to Successful Teams” (Oct 2009)

Contributing Author – Pfeiffer, “Fortify Your Sales Force: Leading & Training Exceptional Teams” (Feb 2010)

2009/10 Committee Member: ASTD International Conference & Exposition Planning Advisory Committee

2011 President – Chicagoland Chapter, ASTD (CCASTD)

10+ years project management experience managing projects – from small initiatives, to large scale, enterprise-wide implementations

15+ years professional experience as facilitator, conference speaker, learning strategist, instructional designer & course developer

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Appendix C: Acronyms, Terminology & Concepts

Terms and concepts you'll need to understand for the Knowledge Exam:

ASTD

ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI)

CPLP®

CPLP® Candidate Bulletin

ASTD WLP Competency Model®

The foundational competencies

The integration of the nine (9) Areas of Expertise

What the CPLP® Knowledge Exam like?

What is the CPLP® Work Product submission?

ASTD

The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) is a non-profit association for workplace learning and performance professionals. Started in 1943, in recent years ASTD has widened the profession’s focus to link learning and performance to individual and organizational results, and is a sought-after voice on critical public policy issues. ASTD is the world's leading association of workplace learning and performance professionals, forming a world-class community of practice. The ASTD provides resources (such as research and publications), offers professional development opportunities, and serves as a voice of the profession to media and public policy makers. The ASTD Certification Institute administers the only credential in the workplace training and development field the CPLP®.

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ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI)

The CPLP® is administered by the ASTD Certification Institute. This entity accredits individuals working in the workplace learning and performance arena. They built the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP®) credential to provide a way for workplace learning and performance professionals to prove their value to employers and to be confident about their knowledge of the field.

ASTD's Certification Institute embarked on building the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP®) credential to raise the bar and provide a means for workplace learning and performance professionals to prove their value and knowledge of the field. The Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP®) certification is the premier credential recognized internationally in the learning & performance profession. It signifies an individual has the process knowledge, experience, and training required to practice the methodologies prescribed by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). It has become a professional standard and is becoming a prerequisite for countless organizations and companies worldwide.

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP®)

What is the CPLP®?

The Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP®) certification is the premier credential recognized internationally in the learning & performance profession. The CPLP® is based on the ASTD Workplace Learning & Performance (WLP) Competency Model®. It signifies that an individual has the process knowledge, experience, and training required to practice the methodologies prescribed by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). It has become a professional standard and is becoming a prerequisite for countless organizations and companies worldwide.

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According to the ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI), there are currently more than 850 CPLP® certifications in more than 5 countries, and the numbers continue to grow at a vigorous rate.

Industries that rely on CPLP® certification include information technology, insurance, banking & financial, aerospace, retail, healthcare, government, military, legal, non-profits, and numerous other professions.

Many corporations are now requesting CPLP® certification as a requirement for career development or as a prerequisite to employment.

The requirements for CPLP® certification are extensive. ASTD CI requires specific experience criteria to be met before an application can be submitted. The CPLP® Candidate Bulletin is the authoritative source for explanation of the required work background.

Upon completion of the eligibility requirements and passing Knowledge Exam, candidates must also pass phase 2 - the Work Product submission. Additional continuing certification requirements have to be fulfilled in order to maintain certification.

ASTD CI mandates that you accumulate at least sixty (60) recertification credits every 3 years after achieving your CPLP® certification. Recertification points can be accumulated through continuing education, on-the-job experience, leadership & recognition, and other related programs, seminars, and educational opportunities.

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CPLP® Candidate Bulletin

The Candidate Bulletin is a document created by ASTD to give CPLP® Candidates information about the certification process. The current CPLP® Candidate Bulletin was revised in 2009. It's divided into individual MS Word and PDF documents, so you can download only the portion(s) of the CPLP® Candidate Bulletin that you need.


ASTD WLP Competency Model®

For an overview of the Competency Model®, CPLP® and how these fit into our industry check out the following short webinar. http://web.me.com/meowl/CLIPS/01_Overview.html

What is the CPLP® Knowledge Exam like?

The Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP®) Knowledge Exam is a computer-based exam composed of 150 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four answers, and the CPLP® candidate is required to choose the best answer to the question. A total of 150 minutes (or 2 and 1/2 hours) hours are allowed for Knowledge Exam.

The intent of the questions is to test a thorough understanding of the skills and knowledge critical to workplace learning & performance. Given as such, many questions are designed to check both key understanding (knowledge) and the ability to practically apply concepts simultaneously.



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To best prepare for the CPLP® Knowledge Exam, consider the following key question types:

Situational questions - these questions require you to rely on your knowledge, real-world experience, and judgment in order to answer them correctly.

Memorization questions - the CPLP® Knowledge Exam will have some questions that are short and direct and can be answered quickly - e.g. factual questions.

Calculation questions - these questions require you to perform simple calculations to select the correct answer.

Story problem questions - these questions require you to spend time teasing out what information presented is essential and which irrelevant to answering the question.

Test Items - 25 to 30 questions on the CPLP® Knowledge Exam do not count toward your score. These questions are included as part of the validation process to assess their quality for inclusion in the official CPLP® Knowledge Exam.

Non-ASTD Learning System questions - the ASTD Learning System is meant to present some, but not all, of the subjective content found on the CPLP® Knowledge Exam. Questions can originate from other reference materials and subjects related to workplace learning & performance. The best source for understanding the full scope of the subject matter found on the CPLP® Knowledge Exam is Appendix C in the CPLP® Candidate Bulletin.

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Bloom’s Taxonomy

"This taxonomy is a hierarchical structure representing six levels of thinking and learning skills that range from basic learning objectives such as knowledge of content through higher-order learning such as synthesis, evaluation, and creativity."

Create

Evaluate

Analyze

Apply

Understand (Describe / Explain)

Knowledge (Remember)

The CPLP® Knowledge Exam tests your ability to not only “Know” and “Understand” elements of the ASTD Competency Model®, but to “Apply” them as well.

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Appendix D: Books/URLs

Recommended Books & Infolines

Title Focus ISBN #

2004 ASTD Competency Study: Mapping the Future Information about the demographics and methodologies used to create the ASTD WLP Competency Model®

1562863681

ASTD Handbook for Workplace Learning Professionals (2008)

Multiple AOEs 1562865129

Training for Dummies Designing Learning, Delivering Training 0764559850

What Smart Trainers Know Designing Learning 0787953865

Basics of ISD (Infoline) Designing Learning 1562863134

Training & Learning Styles (Infoline) Designing Learning 1562861603

Basics of Stand-Up Training (Infoline) Delivering Training 1562863894

Telling Ain’t Training Delivering Training 1562863282

Facilitation Basics Delivering Training 1562863614

HPI Essentials Improving Human Performance 1562863150

Evaluating Training Programs Measurement & Evaluation 1576753484

How to Measure Training Results Measurement & Evaluation 0071387927

Return on Investment (ROI) Measurement & Evaluation 1562864068

Evaluation Basics (Infoline) Measurement & Evaluation (See the ASTD Store)

Leading Change Facilitating Organizational Change 0875847471

Change Basics Facilitating Organizational Change 1562864521

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Recommended Books & Infolines

Title Focus ISBN #

Leadership and the New Science Facilitating Organizational Change 1576753441

How to Budget Training (Infoline) Facilitating Organizational Change 1562862588

Organization Development for Trainers (Infoline) Facilitating Organizational Change 1562863851

Organizational Culture (Infoline) Facilitating Organizational Change (See the ASTD Store)

Change Management (Infoline) Facilitating Organizational Change 1562862421

Chaos & Complexity Theory (Infoline) Facilitating Organizational Change (See the ASTD Store)

Project Management for Trainers Managing the Learning Function 1562861417

10 Steps to Successful Project Management Managing the Learning Function 1562864637

What Every Manager Should Know About Training Managing the Learning Function 1879618192

The New Mager Six-Pack Managing the Learning Function 187961815X

The Fifth Discipline Managing the Learning Function 0385517254

Coaching Training Coaching 1562863444

Coaching for Performance Coaching 185788535X

Coaching & Feedback (Infoline) Coaching (See the ASTD Store)

Working Knowledge Managing Organizational Knowledge 1578513014

In Action: Leading Knowledge Management and Learning Managing Organizational Knowledge 1562861360

Career Anchors: Self Assessment Career Development & Talent Management 0787984280

Succession Planning (Infoline) Career Development & Talent Management 1562861891

Career Systems Development (Infoline) Career Development & Talent Management (See the ASTD Store)

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Referenced Web Addresses

Name URL

The ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI) Web site http://www.cplp.astd.org

CPLP® Candidate Bulletin http://www.astd.org/Certification/For-Candidates/Candidate-Bulletin.aspx

An overview of the ASTD Competency Model® and CPLP® (Webinar) http://web.me.com/meowl/CLIPS/01_Overview.html

An overview of the what, why, and how of the CPLP® program (Webinar) http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/193.cfm

Learning & study preferences – VARK http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

Find local ASTD Chapters http://www.astd.org/Members/Chapters/Chapter-Locator.aspx

Find ASTD Global Networks http://www.astd.org/International.aspx

Lookup in-person and online study groups http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/197.cfm

LinkedIn CPLP Candidate Group http://www.linkedin.com/groups/CPLP-Candidate-Group-113118?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

ASTD Infolines http://www.astd.org/Publications/Infoline.aspx

ASTD Learning System http://store.astd.org/Default.aspx?tabid=167&ProductId=7871

ASTD Learning System Content Updates http://www.astd.org/Publications/Books/ASTD-Learning-System/Content-Updates.aspx

Find some recommended texts online - Google Books http://books.google.com

Search Engine http://www.clusty.com

Search Engine http://www.kartoo.com

Owl’s Ledge CPLP Online Practice Exams http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/146.cfm

ASTD Practice CPLP Exam (pCPLP) http://pcplp.astd.org

Kolb’s Learning Styles Inventory http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm





http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire%20

http://www.astd.org/Members/Chapters/Chapter-Locator.aspx

http://www.astd.org/International.aspx




http://www.astd.org/Publications/Infoline.aspx

http://store.astd.org/Default.aspx?tabid=167&ProductId=7871



http://books.google.com/

http://www.clusty.com/

http://www.kartoo.com/



http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm

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Notes

CREDITS

A very special thank you to Renie

McClay, Louann Swedberg, Diane

Boewe, M.E. Majeske for their

unwaivering dedication & support

in putting this eBook together!

CPLP® MASTERY SERIES - CPLPCOACH.COM · CPLP® related coaching provided by Owl’s Ledge,...

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