Demand for instructional designers remains high as an increasing number of L&D teams move to an online training model. And with more opportunities than ever before, now’s a great time to upskill or reskill as a learning experience designer.
In fact, Devlin Peck’s recent report 1 revealed that novice instructional designers (IDs) in the US have earned an 8% salary increase over the past three years. If you’re an instructional designer or L&D specialist looking to hone your skills or broaden your knowledge, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up eight of the best learning and development certifications for all experience levels.
Certification, certificate, or master’s degree?
Before you pick a program, it helps to know what you’re shopping for. A certificate confirms you completed a course of study. A certification is typically exam-based and verifies your competence against a published standard. A master’s degree is the longest and most academic route.
This list focuses on certificates and certifications. If you’re weighing up a full degree instead, see our roundup of the best instructional design master’s programs. And if you just want to sharpen one skill without a formal credential, these top-rated instructional design courses are a lighter lift.
1. Training Industry Senior Leaders Program – best for senior L&D staff
The Training Industry Senior Leaders Program is an elite, cohort-based executive development experience built for senior L&D professionals who are ready to lead at the enterprise level.
It’s a business-focused leadership experience rather than a design course: you’ll work on the strategy, operations, and leadership skills that enterprise L&D roles demand, capped by a business simulation.
Program overview
The program blends self-paced preparation with live, expert-facilitated sessions. Every two weeks, you work through prework, readings, assignments, and discussions before joining a two-hour live session with your executive-level cohort. You’ll also learn from accomplished guest speakers — executive leaders and industry experts.
Price
- The program costs $7,995 (early-bird discounts available — $4,995 at the time of writing)
Duration
- Five months (virtual, cohort-based)
Format
- Virtual — self-paced preparation plus live two-hour cohort sessions, with a business simulation capstone
2. ATD Instructional Design Certificate – best for novice IDs looking to develop their skills
ATD is a leading talent development company that offers a range of certifications for IDs and L&D specialists to propel their careers.
This certification is designed to give attendees detailed insight into the theory behind effective learning experiences. You can choose to attend this course online or face-to-face, but it’s important to bear in mind that it’s live and requires active participation in the sessions.
Program overview
The program consists of ten modules that cover the fundamentals of instructional design. That includes the following topics:
- Learning design basics
- Conducting needs assessment
- Working with SMEs
- Designing and developing learning materials
- Evaluation methods
Price
- This certification costs $1,995 for ATD members and $2,245 for non-members
Duration
- Two weeks (21 credit hours of learning)
Format
- Online or face-to-face – live sessions
3. Learning & Development Certificate Program by AIHR – best for L&Ds looking to build a learning culture
This certification by AIHR is a great choice for L&D specialists looking to foster a learning culture in their organization and improve training impact.
It equips participants with the necessary skills and experience to design and implement an effective L&D program. It also tackles common challenges like plugging knowledge gaps, driving digital transformation, and talent retention.
To successfully earn your certificate, you need to complete a capstone project related to the course topics.
Program overview
Learners cover five courses and 12 modules throughout the program, as well as completing a capstone project. Here’s how the curriculum looks:
- Course 1 – Learning and Development Strategy
- Course 2 – Designing Digital Learning Experiences
- Course 3 – Skills Gap Analysis
- Course 4 – Coaching
- Course 5 – Learning Analytics
- Capstone Project
The modules have a variety of lessons, quizzes, and additional reading materials.
Price
AIHR no longer publishes per-certificate prices on the course page. Check the official site for current plans — a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.
Duration
- Around 35 hours of learning — most participants finish in 3-4 months (you get 12 months of access to the course materials)
Format
- 100% online (self-paced)
4. Professional Certificate in Learning and Development by Western Continuing Studies – best for IDs specializing in adult learning
This program is ideal for IDs who want to specialize in designing training for adult learners.
The curriculum covers the core teaching principles you need to design and develop effective learning experiences for an adult audience in either further education or corporate settings.
Over the course of the program, you’ll learn different adult learning theories, strategies to build blended learning communities, and how to run a needs assessment.
There’s a nice mix of theory and practice, making it ideal for instructional designers with limited hands-on experience.
Program overview
The program offers a nice selection of elective courses, and one required course, “Approaches to Teaching and Learning.”
To earn the certificate, you must complete six electives as well as the mandatory course. Here’s an overview of the elective courses:
- Course 1 – Teaching Online
- Course 2 – Teaching with Technology
- Course 3 – Collaboration, Teams, and Communities in Learning
- Course 4 – Needs Assessment
- Course 5 – Program Design Methods
- Course 6 – Active Training Techniques
- Course 7 – Assessment and Evaluation in Learning Contexts
Price
- This certification costs $4,165
Duration
- 10-36 months
Format
- 100% online – instructor-led
5. Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF) by LPI – best for live online training delivery
The Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF) is the LPI’s world-leading certification in live online facilitation, aimed at trainers who deliver to remote audiences.
You’ll learn how to create immersive online experiences that keep remote audiences actively engaged, become proficient with interactive web conferencing technologies, and implement effective techniques for online collaboration.
It’s a strong fit for corporate trainers and L&D specialists who run live virtual sessions and want a recognized credential for their delivery skills.
Program overview
The program combines 18 hours of online sessions with 12 hours of self-study. The public schedule is published on the official site.
Price
- Not listed on the official site — see the LPI public schedule for dates and booking
Duration
- 18 hours online + 12 hours self-study
Format
- 100% online – live online sessions plus self-study
6. Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) by The Training Industry – best for training managers
The Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™) program is a highly-respected qualification created by the Training Industry.
It’s specifically designed for corporate training managers, equipping you with the skills you need to successfully manage your organization’s learning programs.
Some of the core competencies you’ll develop include:
- Optimizing your organization’s learning processes
- Strategically aligning business-centric and demand-based training models
- Developing and implementing high-impact training solutions
- Assessing business and training performance
It’s ideal for current or aspiring training managers working in corporate environments. It’s also important to note that it does require high levels of participation compared to other options on this list.
Program overview
To earn your certificate, you must complete the following steps:
- Step 1 – complete ten eLearning modules
- Step 2 – complete the virtual practicum
- Step 3 – take the CPTM exam (this takes two and a half hours, and you get two chances)
As well as completing ten eLearning modules, you must also complete a virtual practicum and a comprehensive final exam.
The virtual practicum gives you a chance to solve a real-world business problem with your peers, developing and defending a learning solution and identifying success metrics.
There is also a keynote discussion with experienced training executives to round off the practicum.
Price
- The CPTM training program costs $3,695
Duration
- Six weeks
Format
- 100% online – a mix of self-paced courses and live practicum sessions
7. Certificate in Designing Online Learning (CDOL) by LPI – best for IDs designing live online learning experiences
The Certificate in Designing Online Learning (CDOL) from LPI is a comprehensive and well-renowned qualification. With a strong focus on designing and developing online training, it’s ideal for IDs that specialize in live virtual learning experiences.
The program provides lots of opportunities to gain hands-on experience, such as building an instructional design portfolio and having it reviewed by the course facilitator.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to deliver effective online classroom sessions, re-purpose traditional classroom activities for a virtual setting, and facilitate engaging live online training events.
Program overview
To earn your CDOL Certification, you must complete the following steps:
- Attend six workshop sessions and complete the relevant assignments
- Complete a learning journal – participants build an instructional design portfolio over a six-week period
- Take part in an online portfolio review – the course facilitator will evaluate your portfolio and suggest feedback to implement
Price
- Not listed
Duration
- Approximately 40 hours
Format
- 100% online – blended learning (mix of live sessions and self-paced modules)
8. The Instructional Design Bootcamp by Devlin Peck – best for building an eLearning portfolio
Devlin Peck is one of the most famous instructional designers in the world. And while his bootcamp doesn’t offer an “official” certification, it’s a very well-respected program that prepares IDs for the job market with a portfolio and hands-on experience.
The goal of the bootcamp is to convert educators into remote instructional designers and prepare them to land their first role. As such, the curriculum covers a range of highly practical and relevant topics.
You’ll take part in over 500 on-demand lessons, live workshops, and one-on-ones with your facilitators. You’ll also have a dedicated bootcamp pro to support you throughout the program.
With guidance and feedback from an experienced team of facilitators, you’ll develop a strong eLearning portfolio that showcases your skills.
It’s ideal for beginners who are trying to build a portfolio, or corporate IDs looking to make the leap to freelance.
Program overview
Throughout the bootcamp, you’ll cover all the essential topics you’ll need to become a better, more employable instructional designer. That includes:
- The Storyline Project Lab
- Creating your Flagship Project
- Building a standout portfolio
- Acing instructional design interviews
- Winning leads on LinkedIn
Price
- The bootcamp costs $5,400-$9,400 depending on the tier (Foundations $5,400, Practitioner $7,400, Professional Certification $9,400, when paid upfront)
Duration
- Approximately six months, dedicating five to ten hours per week (you can move through the content at your own speed)
Format
- 100% online – blended learning
Final thoughts
Whether you’re starting out your ID career or looking for the next step in your journey, a well-respected L&D certification can help you reach your goals.
This list has plenty of options for instructional designers and L&Ds of all experience levels, so you can choose the right qualification for your needs and future plans!
By Nicola Wylie
Nicola Wylie is a learning industry expert who loves sharing in-depth insights into the latest trends, challenges, and technologies.