There are many associations for learning and development professionals. These associations serve diverse topics within the corporate training industry, including instructional design, performance improvement, and learning and development. Most focus on furthering the skills and knowledge of professionals or improving an organization’s position in the industry. Training associations are typically nonprofits, operating as 501(c)3 organizations. However, some are for-profit organizations carrying the name of an association.
An association’s strategy may be broad, with the objective of appealing to a large audience of professionals. Others specialize their interests and offerings to appeal to a niche professional group.
The following is a list of some of the most prominent associations in the global training industry:
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
The Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly ASTD, is a global association of talent development professionals with more than 125 chapters.
European Civil Engineering Education and Training Association (EUCEET)
The European Civil Engineering Education and Training Association (EUCEET) promotes cooperation among universities, student associations, national and international civil engineering societies, and construction and consulting companies to foster good practices in civil engineering education and training.
Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA)
The Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA) promotes the development and application of distance learning in the federal government.
International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) accredits education and training providers.
International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)
The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) shares evidence-based performance improvement research and practices and offers certifications for performance improvement professionals.
International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA)
International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) is a global network of vocational educators, vocational skills training organizations, business and industrial firms, and others interested in vocational education and training.
ISA – The Association of Learning Providers
ISA is an association of training, performance and talent development companies.
Learning Guild
The Learning Guild (formerly the eLearning Guild) is a community of practice for people involved in the design, development, strategy and management of organizational learning.
Life Sciences Trainers & Educators Network (LTEN)
The Life Sciences Trainers & Educators Network (LTEN), formerly the Society for Pharmaceutical and Biotech Trainers, is a global organization for life sciences learning professionals.
National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE)
The National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) supports workforce education professionals and partners with businesses and national leaders to transform workforce education programs.
National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDA)
The National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDA) is an affinity group of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) that supports training and organizational development professionals working at the local, state or federal level.
Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) is a professional association for human resources (HR) professionals.
Training Officers Consortium (TOC)
The Training Officers Consortium (TOC) is a community for federal training professionals to network and access professional development opportunities and resources.
United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA) supports distance learning research, development and praxis across education, training and communications.