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CLP™ Training Program

FAQs

Becoming a Certified Listening Professional™ (CLP™) is an important step in your professional and personal growth as a listener. 

The first thing to keep in mind as you consider participating in the CLP™ training program is that this commitment is not to be taken 

lightly. You will find that--similar to other advanced training/graduate courses--an extensive amount of time is required on the 

candidate’s part.

What Background is Needed to be Considered for CLP™ Candidacy?

Participants are selected by the CLP™ Committee. The ideal candidate has a background connected 

to communication, either academically or experientially based. Most candidates will have at least a BA or BS degree, but 

exceptions may be made when a person has appropriate experience. BA and BS degrees in fields other than communication 

are often accepted. Recent candidates’ degrees have ranged from medically oriented to the ministry. What is most important is to be 

a thoughtful person with a kind heart and a strong desire to enhance listening within one’s self and throughout the world.

The following chart might give you an idea as to the likelihood of being accepted, keeping in mind the comments above and 

the reality that the strongest candidates will be given highest priority.

How Is the CLP™ Program Organized?

The CLP™ program lasts for approximately one year, beginning in late spring and ending at the next year’s convention with an oral 

presentation of your major project. Candidates sign a contract indicating that they understand the extent of the commitment and agree 

to complete all assignments on time. The reason for a strict participation rule is that only a limited number of candidates are accepted 

each year. In this way, individualized attention and more robust discussion in which everyone can partake can be held.  Note, this structure

also means the rest of the cohort is counting on you to interact with thoughtful responses to their contributions.

When everyone contributes, a variety of insights are provided. An individual who is not actively participating is depriving the training 

cohort of his/her unique views. Thus, this person may be dropped from the program without a refund unless unusual circumstances can 

be documented. The decision will be made by the CLP™ Committee and is final.

For the first six months, bi-weekly reading assignments are given. Participants must be prepared to discuss these readings by 

replying to questions posed in online written discussion forums and in live Internet chats that occur about once per month. Additional 

presentations by guest speakers are given throughout the program. Consequently, candidates must have adequate Internet access and 

capability, including a head set with earphones and microphone.

Most of July is kept free of on-line live meetings, but not readings, to accommodate vacations. Participants will negotiate exact times 

for on-line events, but some adjustments to individuals’ schedules may be needed occasionally. For the first three or four months, 

reports will be due on articles candidates are asked to read, primarily from the International Journal of Listening (IJL), but other sources 

may be included. Part of the reason for this requirement is to familiarize each individual with resources that will most likely be needed 

to complete a major project.

A written exam is usually taken in December, followed by an oral portion that gives the candidate an opportunity to clarify written 

answers. During the last four to six months of the program, participants will work on this major project with an assigned mentor. This project 

must be approved of by the CLP™ Committee in advance. It should be something that enhances the candidate’s understanding of listening 

and assists in each person’s work life. The extent of this project is meant to be at least equal to that of a graduate school’s major independent 

study. The program culminates with a presentation, usually at the annual convention, describing the candidate’s final project.

What Costs are Involved in Getting Certified?
In addition to the $400 USD ($600 USD for non-ILA members) fee, the CLP™ training program requires the purchase of about $100 worth 

of reading materials, plus what ever costs are involved to complete the project.  The program fee includes access to a significant number 

of online materials.  Information about the materials to purchase will be provided upon acceptance into the program. Candidates must have 

adequate Internet access and capability, including a head set with earphones and microphone to complete the program. Participants may 

also incur some additional costs in obtaining materials for their individual major projects. The U.S. $400 (U.S. $600 for non-ILA members) 

CLP™ fee can be paid directly to ILA on-line via credit card or through PayPal or by mailing a check directly to the ILA.

Whom Can I Contact for More Information About the Training?
The Certified Listening Professional™ (CLP™) is offered by the International Listening Association (ILA). If you would like to learn more about 

the CLP™ training program, you can contact Dr. Richard D. Halley, CLP Training Facilitator and Emeritus Professor of Communication, at 

rhalley@weber.edu.

What will I receive with my certification? 

You will receive a certificate, updated yearly on renewal. The renewal fee is $25 USD per year after the first year with current ILA 

membership and $125 USD per year without ILA membership and preferred listing as a current CLP on the ILA website.  

Where Do I Sign Up for the CLP™ Training Program?

Use this link to download and then complete the application form. You will be charged a $25 USD processing application fee.  The fee can be 

paid directly to ILA on-line via credit card or through PayPal or by mailing a check directly to the ILA. Once the application and fee are 

received, the CLP Committee will review your materials and contact you when a decision has been made.  Please be aware that only a limited 

number will be accepted.

Other fees will only be charged when you are accepted into the program.

Applications are taken throughout the year; however, training cohorts usually start in late April or early May. Potential CLP™ candidates are 

encouraged to attend the annual convention to meet previous participants and the Training Facilitators.