If you work in learning, credentialing, or professional development long enough, you’ll eventually hear someone use the words certificate, certification, and credential interchangeably. I’ve found myself double-checking the differences more than once, and based on conversations I’ve had with my colleagues, clients, and partners, I’m definitely not the only one. The challenge is that these…
I’ve always loved the practice of digging into data and research to see what I could learn and take away from some of my favorite experts. And as we approach the second half of 2026, I figured there is no better time to dig through some of the latest research to see how the association…
Our previous article in this series, Knowledge Management, Powered by Content Management, touched on: The differences between knowledge management and content management How content management systems are the basis for knowledge management Now we’ll go over how to find the right content management system. But before we get into the how, it’s worth remembering why…
If you’re an association leader in learning and development or certification, you’re probably sitting on more data than you realize. (Or maybe you realize it and it makes you slightly anxious!) Every learner interaction, every assessment result, every course enrollment and engagement pattern adds to a growing pool of information that could be shaping better…
What does it really take to build a thriving career and bring others along with you? International Women’s Day gave us the opportunity to recognize leaders who shape our organizations, strengthen our communities, and inspire the next generation of professionals. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights a powerful truth: when leaders invest in others…
International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the leaders who strengthen our organizations, uplift their communities, and pave the way for the next generation of professionals. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” speaks to a simple but powerful idea: when leaders pour into others through mentorship, collaboration, and shared knowledge, everyone rises. We sat…
If you’re like most associations, you’ve got content everywhere. Articles, webinars, conference recordings, research reports, certification prep materials, member resources – all built to support your industry and your members’ learning journeys. But learning has evolved dramatically over the past few years. Learners have come to expect: Real-time personalized content recommendations Microlearning and microcredentials Badging…
What does it look like when an association builds three certification prep courses in under a year, earns rave reviews from learners, and keeps pushing forward to make them even better? Ask Letty Kluttz. As Senior Vice President of Membership, Education, and Programs for APIC (the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology), Letty…
Associations invest an enormous amount of time and care into building credible certification and learning programs. But when learners get stuck—can’t log in, can’t find an answer, or aren’t sure what to do next—the experience can quickly shift from empowering to frustrating. At Holmes Corporation, we see customer support as a critical part of protecting…
The challenge isn’t finding learners who want professional development. It’s having the resources to serve them. New research from Leading Learning’s Strategic Outlook for Association Learning Businesses 2026 reveals a surprising truth: internal constraints, not market demand, are the primary obstacle holding association learning businesses back. For leaders who’ve spent years worried about competition from…