Many of us may have stumbled into learning and development (L&D) unintentionally, but that doesn’t mean every future career move needs to be this way. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, L&D professionals are responsible for taking ownership of their careers. With so much time, energy, and money at stake, we benefit from approaching our careers more strategically. One of the most effective ways to elevate your credibility, influence, and knowledge is through strategic credentialing, which involves proactive decision-making to find L&D programs that align with your goals. A strategic approach to credentialing is about more than adding letters after your name or lines on your resume–it’s also about positioning yourself as an L&D professional who combines practical expertise with theoretical understanding and strategic insight.
Why L&D Credentialing Matters
Credentials tell a story about your professional goals, interests, and priorities. This story is reflected in conversations with peers, job applications, interviews, “About” pages, and more. You are responsible for shaping and sharing your credentialing story in a way that gives you confidence. A structured L&D program can help you fill gaps in your knowledge and provide the beginning stages for gaining necessary experience.
Credentials can fill that gap by:
- Building credibility: A relevant credential can help you establish expertise and increase trust with colleagues, leaders, and stakeholders.
- Expanding perspective: Continuing your education helps you connect with best practices and develop a theoretical foundation.
- Improving career mobility: Credentials can open doors to new roles, promotions, pay increases, and other opportunities.
- Demonstrating growth: Completing a program shows commitment to growth, learning, and perseverance.
- Networking: L&D programs offer opportunities to connect with others and build lasting professional relationships.
Evaluation Criteria for Choosing a Credential
The decision to enroll in an L&D program depends on multiple factors and should not be taken lightly. Before enrolling, you should consider:
- Career goals: Enrolling in an L&D program should serve a purpose and help you achieve your career goals. Be clear on what you want to achieve and how a specific credential will help.
- Current credentials and experience: An L&D credential does not replace experience, so use your experience to complement your education. Similarly, your education should complement your experience and fill missing knowledge or skill gaps.
- Various program options and alternatives: Options include degrees, certifications, and certificates, each offering different advantages. You may even be able to accomplish your goals without obtaining a new credential.
- Budget and financing options: There is a large variance in program costs. Carefully consider what you can afford and whether you have access to financing options, including scholarships, discounts, or employer funding.
- Motivation, discipline, and bandwidth: Even if you have the resources and justification for completing an L&D program, do you have the support, motivation, and discipline to do so? These programs require commitment, and the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly.
- Curriculum alignment: L&D lacks universally agreed-upon standards, and it’s no different for credentialing programs. Choose a program with a curriculum that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Delivery format: Programs may be online, in-person, or hybrid. Online programs usually offer the greatest flexibility, while hybrid and in-person options may be more immersive.
- Program reputation: Take time to review a program’s reputation. Some programs carry more weight among peers and hiring managers.
- Potential ROI: You may not be able to calculate the exact ROI upfront, but you can make an educated assumption based on anticipated benefits.
- Prerequisites: Programs may have prerequisite requirements you must meet before qualifying for enrollment. Verify whether your program of interest has any prerequisites before applying.
Once you have clarity around enrolling in an L&D program, you can map your options more strategically and start making decisions.
Bringing It All Together
Strategic credentialing comes down to being intentional about decisions. Now, let’s look at how the evaluation criteria fit into a simple, strategic approach for finding an L&D program that makes sense for you.
- Define goals: Consider your career goals and what you want to accomplish in the near and distant future. Gain clarity on these goals and how a new credential could help.
- Assess gaps: Based on your current education, experience, and future goals, examine any knowledge, experience, or skill gaps that should be addressed.
- Explore options: Look at various L&D program options to understand what is available and how they align with your goals. Narrow your search to a few options that excite you. You may even realize that a new credential is not the best fit right now.
- Evaluate fit: Evaluate the fit of each program based on your goals and gaps. Consider the details of the program, your ability to complete it, and how it aligns with your goals.
- Application plan: Once you find the right program, create an application plan. Each program has different requirements, so read carefully and be mindful of any prerequisites. Create a checklist and complete each application step correctly.
The Bottom Line
As L&D continues to evolve and grow, a strategic approach to credentialing can help you in many facets of your career. A strategic approach requires you to be intentional about your decision-making when exploring a new credential. During this process, you should consider the 10 evaluation criteria and how they come together to help you take a strategic approach. When approached intentionally, this process can help you map your credentialing strategically, select programs that truly fit your needs, and position yourself as a well-rounded L&D professional who blends practical experience with theoretical insight.
