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CPLPCOACH.COM Tip of the Week - March 2008
===================================================================  What is the CPLP(TM) Knowledge-based Exam Like?

Here's what you should know about the CPLP(TM) Knowledge-based Exam:

• The test is administered by computer at ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI) authorized testing centers.
• The CPLP(TM) Knowledge-based 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!
• The 150 questions are derived from subject matter taken from across nine (9) Areas of Expertise (see the Candidate Bulletin for details).
• Areas of Expertise (AOE) are not weighted equally. For example, Designing Learning is worth 15% of the exam, Coaching is worth 8%. (See page 4 of the Candidate Bulletin for details -http://www.astd.cplp.org)
• 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!
• Little understood fact: Not all 150 questions count toward your score. A percentage of the questions are "pre-release" questions.
• These questions are found throughout your 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 exam is to test the questions for inclusion in future releases (as scored questions) of the CPLP(TM) Knowledge-based Exam. In other words, they are meant to test the question - not you.
• The CPLP(TM) tests knowledge, application and analysis. This means that the CPLP(TM) is more than a test of memory and regurgitation of terms & definitions - you must know how to apply the information found in Appendix C: Content Outline of the Candidate Bulletin.
• Names & dates - I'm quoting directly from the bottom of page 5 of the 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.

• Many questions are situational, requiring you to have firsthand knowledge of the same or similar experience in order 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!
• 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 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.
• This happens to everyone - no matter how well you study, there will always be questions where you have no idea what the question is asking or any clue as to what the correct answer is. Take a guess, tag 'em, and return to them later. Don't waste time dwelling on them!
• Make sure you answer ALL questions. There's no penalty for guessing - and guesses (even random ABACAB ones) could work out in your favour!

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EXAM CRAM - Owl's Ledge CPLP(TM) Online Practice Exams
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Are you studying for the CPLP(TM) Knowledge-based Exam? Are you looking for a little practice?

Try our Owl's Ledge CPLP(TM) Online Practice Exams!

The Owl's Ledge CPLP(TM) Practice Exams are designed to:

• Immediately score your exam upon submission. Watch your skills improve with each new test you take.
• Offer you instant feedback about each question. Learn your mistakes and weak spots so you can avoid falling into the same traps next time around.
• Provide you with actual CPLP(TM) exam objectives that take the guesswork out of test-taking. You'll be knocking out correct answers on Exam Day with no problem!
• Provide you with specific resources you can reference to focus your study efforts, including ASTD CI recommended resources as well as online resources.

Try the exams out now!
http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/146.cfm

Ready to buy? Subscribe to www.CPLPCOACH.com and gain instant access to the complete set of online practice exams (120+ questions) and more!

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CPLP Registry Offered Online by ASTD CI

The ASTD Certification Institute (ASTD CI) has started a CPLP registry - an online listing of CPLP candidates and the CPLP certified.

This registry is voluntary and offers candidates and CPLPs an opportunity to select which information (if any) they choose to have listed.

For example, you can choose to have any or all of the information displayed:

• Main (mailing) and alternative (e.g., business) addresses
• Primary and alternative phone numbers
• Primary and alternative fax numbers
• Primary and alternative email addresses

Follow these steps to opt-in and get listed:

1. Go to http://www.cplp.astd.org and select CPLP Application. 
   
2. Click on the registration login link, and use your ASTD login to access your personal certification record.
   
3. Your first time through, click the Verification button at the bottom of the screen (you'll have an opportunity to revise your information afterwards). 
   
4. Your Personal Information page reloads. Select My Summary.
   
5. Select Update to make revisions to your information and/or opt-in to publicly displaying your information.
   
6. Select which fields of information to publicize.  Beside the fields, you can check "Visible in the Public Registry" if you'd like to include this information in your listing.  You can choose all available fields - or just one or two - the choice is yours! 
   
7. Select Yes from the drop-down to be added to the Public Registry. 
   
8. Click Submit.

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Did You Know...?

CPLP program testing fees are $750 (ASTD members) and $950 (ASTD non-members) per person. These fees are set at an introductory price and are scheduled to increase after June 30, 2008.

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Attention Certified Professionals in Learning & Performance - Calling all CPLPs!

We'd like to hear from you!

1. Recertification - What questions do you have about recertification? We're almost a year away from when the very first CPLPs will have to file for recertification (2009). How are you
tracking your recertification points? What events and activities are you tracking?

2. Recognition - How have you celebrated your certification success? How have you been recognized by your organization and/or local chapter? How would you like to be recognized for your achievement?

Contact us! http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/department6.cfm

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Record Your Comments & Questions!

Share your thoughts about our products & services. You can record an audio comment in our audio comment system. You can also ask us a question! You never know - we might just play your comment or question on our site.

http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/144.cfm

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Where in the World Are You?!?

We're tracking CPLP candidates, CPLP certified, and CPLP curious around the world! Get yourself on the map and see where others are located. Check it out!

http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/144.cfm

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About the Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP) Certification Program & Process

Looking for a summary of the Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP) certification program & process before wading through 370+ pages in the Candidate Bulletin?

Read the full article at: 
http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/118.cfm?sd=2

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Book Recommendations

Looking for a few good books to assist you in your study efforts?

For Managing the Learning Function (worth 9% on the exam) check out:

-- "What Every Manager Should Know About Training: An Insider's Guide to Getting Your Money's Worth From Training" by Robert Mager

http://tinyurl.com/3chd6s

-- "10 Steps to Successful Project Management" by Lou Russell

http://tinyurl.com/2q9pzv

-- "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization" by Peter Senge

http://tinyurl.com/2w6trf

For Coaching (worth 8% of the exam):

-- "Coaching for Performance" by John Whitmore

http://tinyurl.com/3bnygp

For these books - and more recommendations - visit our bookstore! Featuring CPLP-related books and Owl Study Packs that can be customized to suit your personal study plan!

http://www.cplpcoach.com/public/department57.cfm

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That's it for this week!

~ Trish Uhl, PMP, CPLP
Owl's Ledge LLC - The CPLP Certification Experts