Eps 40 - What is TAP certification and why do I need it?
How do you prove that you are competent to stand up on front of your clients and deliver an effective training program? Have you been tested? Where's the badge? Many training companies have their own internal TTT (train-the-trainer) qualifications. But how do they 'stack-up' against industry-standard trainer qualifications? Are they recognised? This is the first of a mini-series looking at Trainer Certifications, which can help you and your people decide which credentials will work for you. Today, we are going to look at TAP, Learning a UK-based training certification body which runs the internationally-recognised Certificate in Training Delivery. Prove you can You have heard of a 'TTT', right? Simply put, it stands for 'Train the Trainer'. A Train the Trainerprogram is usually created to enable a training professional to deliver a specific piece of content to set standards. For example: When I worked at Disneyland Paris, I completed a TTT in order to prove that I could deliver on-boarding for new cast-members. I learned how to: Conduct a training needs analysis Design a training plan in order to satisfy job requirements Competently deliver a training session to adults Communicate via visual, auditory and kinaesthetic media Evaluate training program success In fact, I have undertaken multiple TTT's produced by a range of organizations over a number of years, including most recently, the TAP Certificate in Training Delivery for Experienced Trainers Although many 'internal' TTT's are good, many are not good enough. This is why organizations turn to the TAP as a 'benchmark' of trainer skills development. It is not uncommon for organizations to expect you and your training consultants to have completed such a qualification. Therefore, your TTT 'badge' proves that you have the necessary skills and experience to deliver a quality training experience. So when a prospective client next asks for proof of your training skills or those of your team. (what are you going to tell them?) Show your credentials Of course, TAP is not the only programme out there. Many countries have their own national bodies supporting training professionals in acquiring training skills e.g. AITD (Australian Institute of Training and Development), In the US, the ATD (Association for Talent Development) provides a robust and internationally-recognized Certificate in Training Design and Delivery In Ireland, the IITD offers a MA (Masters of Arts) in Learning & Development Consultancyin association with University College Cork. In the case of TAP, training professionals who pass the respective exam can put either TAP.cert, TAP.dip or TAP.mdip(Master Diploma) after their name. If you decide to take the relevant ATD route, you can put the coveted title ATD Master Trainer ™ on your LinkedIn profile. Once you have passed, you can proudly show your qualification on your LinkedIn page and/ or CV making it easy for prospects to find you. In the age of the internet, people make up their minds quickly. Having the right certification makes you, findable, hireable and professional. What are your next steps? Biggest takeaways for you today: Where TAP Learning is recognised internationally Which kinds of learning programs are offered by TAP Learning Why understanding Adult Learning Theory is essential Why you need to re-certify and how to go about it How to get your TAP Diploma or TAP Master Diploma Which resources are available to TAP Learning graduates Some helpful resources for you: TAP- TAP Learning for Training Professionals [UK] ATD- Association for Talent Development [USA] AITD- Australian Institute for Training and Development [AUS] IITD- Irish Institute of Training and Development [IRL] Disney Institute- Walt Disney's Training and Development Institute [USA]