Topic 5:

HR/OD Certifications or Graduate Programs

Question: I am applying to graduate school and am hoping to specialize in some aspect of organization development (OD) but I have not narrowed down my focus. I am very much interested in certifications that will help me to become a better facilitator and also build my credentials as an OD professional. Is there a listing out there of professional certifications available to the HR/OD population? This is probably too broad a question, but in your opinion, what are the most useful/marketable certifications or training programs available?

--No Name, New York City

Answer: Your background information indicates that although you have 12 years in HR, it has been mostly in human resource management, rather than training/HRD, with no exposure to OD. Therefore, in terms of OD preparation, the program you select should include some basic OD and facilitation courses as well as your choice of specialization. ASTD does not evaluate or rate academic or vendor-based certification/training programs and the Q&A Column's policy is to remain neutral and objective. However, whether you plan to pursue further education/training on-site (particularly in NYC) or online, you have a variety of options.

--AR