What is the Certified Adult Learning Specialist?

The Certified Adult Learning Specialist is a globally recognised professional certification by the Global Leadership Institute (GLI), designed to equip professionals with advanced competencies in Soft Skills & Personal Dev..

How long does this certification take?

The programme is 12 Week and can be completed at your own pace through our self-paced online option, or alongside live virtual sessions.

Is this certification globally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are internationally recognised and carry CPD credits, making them valuable for career advancement worldwide.

What level is this certification?

This is a Advanced Level certification, suitable for professionals with relevant experience or background in the field.

You can enrol by emailing info@leadership.rw, contacting us via WhatsApp at +250 788 000 000, or filling the enrolment form below.

Certified Adult Learning Specialist (CADLS) | Online Certification

Executive Summary

Certified Adult Learning Specialist

Designed for today’s high-impact professionals, the Certified Adult Learning Specialist (CADLS) delivers a rigorous Advanced-level curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to excel in instructional design, training delivery and learning management.

This 12 Week programme is structured around recognised instructional-design, quality-assurance and CPD standards, ensuring every graduate applies internationally validated methods to real-world challenges.

GLI’s CADLS holders are recognised by leading organisations across Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Americas as qualified, results-driven professionals. Whether you are advancing your current career or transitioning into new responsibilities, this certification provides the competitive edge you need in 2026 and beyond.

Programme Overview

Certification at a Glance

Certification

Certified Adult Learning Specialist

Acronym

CADLS

Who Should Enrol?

Trainers and Facilitators
Instructional and Curriculum Designers
Learning and Development Professionals
Academic and Education Administrators

Programme Inclusions

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

All study materials and study guide
Access to GLI online learning portal
Online examination and assessment
Digital certificate and digital badge
Physical certificate (shipped to you)
CPD credits for professional bodies
GLI alumni network membership
Facilitator and tutor support
Resource downloads and reference library
Automatic enrolment confirmation

Certification Benefits

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Career Advancement

Accelerate your career towards senior L&D, academic and learning-leadership roles

Professional Recognition

Credential aligned with recognised instructional-design, quality-assurance and CPD standards

Leadership Capability

Develop the strategic and operational skills to lead complex instructional design functions

Organisational Impact

Design and implement instructional design systems that drive performance and measurable results

Compliance Readiness

Master the standards, compliance and ethical governance central to instructional design

Global Employability

Qualify for instructional design roles across training providers, universities, corporates and education institutions worldwide

Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

✦Adult Learner Characteristics

✦Self-Directed Learning

✦Workplace Learning Behaviour

✦Adult Learning Facilitation

✦Learning Transfer

✦Adult Learning Programme Evaluation

Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

The full programme, module by module.

Core CurriculumModules 1–20 · specific to Certified Adult Learning Specialist · module 20 is the capstone

1

Adult Learning Foundations

Adult learning theory (andragogy) · Learning cultures and the learning organisation · How adults learn and what follows for a trainer · How adults learn: relevance, experience and the limits of attention

2

Adult Learner Characteristics

Learner and stakeholder satisfaction · Feedback and learner support · Feedback and learner analytics · Writing learning outcomes: what the learner will be able to do

3

Experience-Based Learning

Customer effort, journeys and designing the experience · Apprenticeships and work-based learning · Mentoring: sharing experience without taking over · Strengths-based coaching

4

Adult Learning Motivation

Recognition and motivation in everyday management · Motivation and self-directed learning · Emerging learning technologies · Learning technology ecosystem

5

Self-Directed Learning

Self-directed and continuous learning · Course structure and sequencing: the order that makes learning possible · Designing practice and feedback: where learning actually happens · Assessment design for learning: testing what was meant to be learned

6

Readiness to Learn

Troubleshooting and readiness · Assessing whether learning has happened · Training needs analysis · Inclusive and accessible training

7

Adult Learning Barriers

Supervised and unsupervised learning · Deep learning and neural networks · Complaint data and learning · From decision to result: implementation, evaluation and learning

8

Workplace Learning Behaviour

Action learning and workplace-based development · Designing learning that survives the workplace · Habit and behaviour change: making it survive a bad week · Behaviour change: why intention is not enough

9

Experiential Learning Design

Experiential and body-based practice in the session · Learning technology, platforms and blended design · Continuous improvement and learning in the team · Learning transfer and the manager’s role

10

Problem-Centred Learning

Child-centred communication and specialist interviewing · Monitoring, evaluation and learning for accountability · Citizen-centred public service delivery · Training materials, handouts and visual support

11

Adult Learning Facilitation

Facilitation technique: questions, silence and the room · Virtual classroom facilitation · Facilitation skills and presence · Virtual and hybrid facilitation

12

Prior Learning Recognition

Choosing the right delivery approach · Facilitation and workshops · Automation in project delivery · Agile, Scrum and Kanban delivery

13

Adult Learning Assessment

Organisational maturity, assessment and improvement programmes · Security assessment, vulnerability management and remediation · Assessment and feedback online · L&D maturity assessment

14

Learning Transfer

Facilitation and difficult conversations · HR service delivery and shared services · HR service delivery and case management · HR service delivery and functional maturity

15

Adult Learner Engagement

Engagement mechanics: attention, activity design and gamification · Contracting the coaching engagement · Engagement and motivation · Measuring engagement and impact

16

Adult Learning Environment Design

Curriculum and programme design · Gamification and interactive design · Accessibility and universal design · Onboarding and induction design

17

Adult Learning Programme Evaluation

Leadership development: designing programmes that transfer · Evaluation design: attribution, comparison and honest claims · Contracting and the three-way agreement · Questioning, listening and the coach’s restraint

18

Adult Learning Adaptation

Equity, diversity and inclusive education · Future of work and reskilling · Sustaining transformation and benefits · Sequencing, chunking and scaffolding

19

Adult Learning Quality Assurance

Assurance: the three lines, coordination and avoiding duplicate effort · Dashboards and reporting · System selection and integration · L&D operating models and governance

20

Adult Learning Practicum

Managing emotions in session · Ending sessions and reviews · Intake and initial assessment · Analysis of devices and media

Professional ElectivesModules 21–30 · common to all GLI certifications · broaden your professional range

21

Strategic Communication and Executive Presentation

Vision, purpose and translating direction into work · Audience-centred communication and message structure · Executive leadership: the board interface and enterprise stewardship · Persuasive structure: framing, evidence and the ask

22

Leadership and Team Effectiveness

Leadership identity, style and the limits of style · Leadership assessment, feedback and continuous self-review · What critical reasoning is and what it is not · Situational and adaptive leadership

23

Analytical Thinking and Evidence-Based Reasoning

Creativity and critical-thinking development · Analytical techniques and bias · Evidence-based improvement · Problem framing: symptoms, definition and scope

24

Professional Decision-Making

Managerial decision-making, bias and decision rights · Escalation and decision-making · Decision support: briefs, options and judgement under pressure · Decision frameworks: criteria, weighting and trade-offs

25

Negotiation, Influence and Stakeholder Management

Negotiation preparation: interests, options and the walk-away · Power, followership and organisational politics · Negotiation: preparation, interests and value creation · Concessions, anchoring and the shape of a bargain

26

Project and Execution Management

Proposals, bids and the business case · Project roles and the project manager · Developing the project business case · Planning, scheduling and personal workflow systems

27

Financial Literacy for Professionals

Financial reporting standards and their application · Financial management for the operating manager · Liquidity, funding and balance sheet management · Management accounting: costing, budgeting and decision support

28

Digital Skills, AI and Technology for Professionals

Digital workplace, collaboration and user support · Productivity, collaboration and workflow tools · Tools for interaction and collaboration · Working with data: quality, interpretation and honest presentation

29

Ethics, Governance and Professional Accountability

Ethical leadership: integrity, tolerated behaviour and moral courage · Ethics, conduct and speaking up · Business development risk, ethics and integrity · AI for managers: adoption, oversight and governance

30

Personal Effectiveness, Productivity and Career Growth

Emotional competence: awareness, regulation and expression · Self-awareness, strengths and the accuracy of self-image · Emotional intelligence and self-regulation · Priority: outcomes, importance and the urgency trap

Every module opens in the learning portal with its full lesson set, worked examples, further reading and video masterclasses. 30 modules · 150 lessons.

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Achieve

Establish a comprehensive understanding of Certified Adult Learning Specialist principles aligned with recognised instructional-design, quality-assurance and CPD standards
Apply evidence-based methods to improve instructional design, training delivery and learning management
Master instructional design and curriculum development and facilitation, delivery and learner engagement
Apply digital, blended and e-learning and assessment, evaluation and quality assurance in real-world settings
Lead risk management, quality and compliance relevant to your field
Design stakeholder engagement and professional communication strategies
Use data-driven decision-making and performance-measurement tools effectively
Apply internationally recognised best practice to advance your career in instructional design

Enrolment Process

How to Get Certified

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Step 1: Choose Your Certification

You are viewing Certified Adult Learning Specialist — one of GLI's 1,990+ globally recognised professional certifications.

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Step 2: Enrol & Pay Online — Instantly

Click Enrol & Study Online to register and pay securely via Paystack, Visa, Mastercard, M-Pesa or bank transfer. Access is granted the moment payment is confirmed.

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Step 3: Study in the GLI Learning Portal

Work through 15 structured modules and 75 lessons at your own pace, with downloadable resources and expert-designed content — all inside the LMS.

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Step 4: Pass, Get Certified & Verified

Sit your final examination online, earn your certificate instantly, and receive a globally verifiable Certificate ID — plus GLI Alumni Network access.

🎓 Enrol & Study Online — Instant Access

Secure checkout · Instant LMS access · Globally verifiable certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is the CADLS certification?

The Certified Adult Learning Specialist is a professional certification awarded by the Global Leadership Institute. It covers 20 core modules specific to Adult Learning Specialist, culminating in the capstone “Adult Learning Practicum”, plus 10 professional elective modules common to all GLI certifications. Candidates study through the online portal, submit the capstone project and sit a final examination; those who pass receive a verifiable certificate carrying a unique certificate ID.

Who should enrol in the CADLS?

This certification is ideal for Trainers and Facilitators, Instructional and Curriculum Designers, Learning and Development Professionals and Academic and Education Administrators, and other professionals seeking to formalise their expertise in instructional design, training delivery and learning management with a globally recognised credential.

How long does the CADLS certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 12 Week and offers flexible learning modes. Self-paced learners can progress at their own schedule, while live virtual participants follow a structured cohort schedule with facilitator-led sessions.

Is the CADLS internationally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are recognised across 100+ countries and are aligned with recognised instructional-design, quality-assurance and CPD standards. Graduates receive a digital certificate, a physical certificate and CPD credits recognised by employers worldwide.

What is the cost of the CADLS certification?

The Certified Adult Learning Specialist is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 449 and Live Virtual at USD 649. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CADLS certification include?

Enrolment includes all study materials and study guides, access to GLI's online learning portal, online examination, digital certificate and badge, physical certificate (posted), CPD credits, GLI alumni network membership, and ongoing facilitator support.

What is the assessment format for the CADLS?

The Certified Adult Learning Specialist is assessed through an online examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, case study analysis, and practical application assignments. The assessment is designed to evaluate real-world competency, not just theoretical recall.

What CPD credits do I earn from the CADLS?

The Certified Adult Learning Specialist carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, which can be applied towards professional body requirements including recognised international professional associations.

Can I study the CADLS while working full-time?

Absolutely. The self-paced option is designed for busy working professionals and allows you to study when and where it suits you. Live virtual sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate professional commitments.

What career outcomes can I expect from the CADLS?

Graduates progress towards senior L&D, academic and learning-leadership roles. The CADLS strengthens your expertise in instructional design, training delivery and learning management and positions you for advancement across training providers, universities, corporates and education institutions.

Graduate Voices

What Our Alumni Say

“

The curriculum was directly applicable to my daily work. I immediately applied what I learned and saw results within weeks of completing the programme.

Head of Learning

Private Sector

“

GLI's certification is the most practical professional programme I have attended. The international frameworks gave me credibility with my employer and clients.

L&D Manager

NGO Sector

“

I earned my CADLS while working full-time. The self-paced format made it possible, and the quality of the content is genuinely world-class.

Lead Facilitator

Government

Certified Adult Learning Specialist

Certified Adult Learning Specialist

Certification at a Glance

Who Should Enrol?

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Core Competencies You Will Develop

Programme Modules

What You Will Achieve

How to Get Certified

Common Questions

What Our Alumni Say

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