Using ASTD as a model

[Matt Elwell]

Hey, folks. I've been thinking for a while that some kind of certification structure would help our field. I actually wanted a certification for instructors who teach improvisation for the theater, since anyone can call themselves an improv teacher these days. But, for the corporate arena, having some standardization could only help legitimize our field in the context of more established training methods.

Currently, I am pursuing a "Certified Professional in Learning and Performance" from the American Society for Training and Development. This is a rather recent program (last three years) for those working in training/knowledge management. I figured it would help me legitimize myself to clients.

Here's the section of their site that deals with CPLP certification:
http://www.astd.org/content/ASTDcertification/

What I think is worth noting in their approach is that they began with a comprehensive COMPETENCY STUDY to determine exactly what roles training professionals fill in organizations, what expertise do they need to fill these roles, and what "foundational competencies" must they possess to be effective in these roles.

Here's an explanation of the ASTD competency model from their site:
http://www.astd.org/content/research/competency/

Here's a book on the process they followed:
Mapping the Future

What makes sense to me about their approach is that they begin by clearly identifying who they are and how they connect to the bigger picture, i.e. what is their function as it relates to the businesses they serve. This naturally leads to an understanding of the standards someone must adhere to exemplify that position. Once this is accomplished, figuring out how to design the testing criteria to prove these standards have been met seems like it would be a lot easier.

In the meantime:
I would guess that this process would be similar to what contractors say when replacing a kitchen: "fast, cheap,or good ... pick two." It will take a while to do correctly, and at some point and independent body will need to be founded that just handles the certifications -- (ASTD Certification Institute is a different company from ASTD so the certifying body can have relative autonomy.) So, a natural question in the meantime would be, "what can we do to start heading in the direction of a 'profession?'"

To that I say, "is anyone working on a code of ethics for Applied Improvisational Professionals?" If some of us started working on this, maybe we would have a draft that the membership could vote on during the conference in Portland. It could then be featured prominently on the site. Granted this would be toothless until policies for enforcement and review were developed, but I don't think those are immediate concerns. The immediate benefit is positioning AIN as the standard-bearer for our industry and beginning to start the path to legitimacy as a "profession."

Here's an example of a code of ethics:
The International Coaching Federation

I'm using the word profession a lot. Someone told me that one of the reasons ASTD initiated their whole certification was to get Workplace Learning and Performance professional moved from an "occupation" to a "profession" like doctors, lawyers, etc.

Here's a blog entry on what makes something a "profession"
http://scientificmethod.org/what-is-a-profession.html

Well, there's some stuff to chew on. I hope it helps. I'm glad this is being pursued!

Matt