Kirkpatrick Partners
Kirkpatrick Partners, LLC is a privately held professional education firm that sells tiered certification programs (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and consulting services built on the Kirkpatrick Four Levels® training evaluation framework, serving L&D professionals, government agencies, and corporate enterprises globally through direct sales and a 10-country affiliate network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersNewnan, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Kirkpatrick Partners does
Kirkpatrick Partners, LLC is a privately held professional education and consulting firm headquartered in Newnan, Georgia, that commercializes the Kirkpatrick Four Levels® training evaluation framework originally developed by Dr. Don Kirkpatrick in the 1950s. The company sells a tiered certification pathway (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) that teaches learning and development (L&D) professionals, government agencies, and corporate enterprises how to evaluate training programs across four levels — Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results — and to connect training investment to business outcomes. The firm also offers specialty certifications (AI-Powered Evaluation Specialist, Builder, Learning and Performance Manager), bespoke workshops and keynotes, consulting/impact studies, and the self-paced Kirkpatrick Collective learning platform, and in 2026 launched 'kaddie,' an AI-powered instructional design tool built on the model.
The underlying technology is primarily a methodology and content business rather than a software business: the core 'product' is a copyrighted and trademarked evaluation framework supported by a proprietary Blended Evaluation Plan process, six registered trademarks, and an extensive content archive (The Kirkpatrick Vault, podcast, blog archives dating to 2011). The kaddie tool represents the firm's first substantive software product and is built in partnership with UnDesto AI. Revenue is generated through per-participant certification fees (Bronze/Silver at $2,524.50 with early-bird, group, and government/military discounts; AI cert at $1,050-$1,898), workshops, consulting engagements, and a Certified Talent Network. Distribution combines direct online sales, a 10-country network of authorized Kirkpatrick Affiliates (Brazil, China, France, Switzerland, India, Poland, South Korea, UAE, Sweden, UK), and enterprise in-house training for groups of 10+. The company is led by President and CEO Vanessa Alzate, with Dr. Jim Kirkpatrick and Wendy Kayser Kirkpatrick (Founder) serving as Senior Consultants; ownership is concentrated among the founding team and key executives with no disclosed institutional or venture funding.
Kirkpatrick Partners firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kirkpatrick Partners
- Legal name
- Kirkpatrick Partners, LLC
- Website
- https://kirkpatrickpartners.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Kirkpatrick Partners, LLC is a privately held professional education firm that sells tiered certification programs (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and consulting services built on the Kirkpatrick Four Levels® training evaluation framework, serving L&D professionals, government agencies, and corporate enterprises globally through direct sales and a 10-country affiliate network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kirkpatrick Partners industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Training Evaluation & Learning Certification
- NAICS
- Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accreditation Standards, Benchmarking & Framework Organizations (EDADACAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- National/Institutional Accreditors (Career, Faith-Based, Distance, etc.) (EDADACAB)
Keywords
Where Kirkpatrick Partners is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Newnan
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices11 records
Markets served
Kirkpatrick Partners business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Certification Programs: Kirkpatrick Partners generates revenue through tiered certification programs (Bronze, Silver, Gold). Bronze and Silver programs are priced at $2,524.50 per participant with early bird discounts of $300 off for registrations 45+ days in advance. Group discounts are available for organizations with 3+ participants. Additional certifications like AI-Powered Evaluation Specialist ($1,050-$1,898) and Builder Certification are also offered.
- Workshops and Keynotes: The company offers workshops (Igniting the Inner Fire, From Training to Impact) and bespoke keynote presentations for organizations. These are priced separately and can be customized to organizational needs. On-site training options are available for groups.
- Consulting and Impact Studies: Kirkpatrick Partners offers consulting services including impact studies, process audits for alignment with the New World Kirkpatrick Model, and ongoing partnership support for organizations seeking to implement or improve their evaluation practices.
- Learning Resources and Toolkit: Free resources are available through registration, with the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Toolkit available for purchase. The Kirkpatrick Collective offers on-demand certification programs and self-paced video content.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bronze/Silver Certification - Full Price |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bronze/Silver Certification - Early Bird |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bronze/Silver Certification - Group Rate |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bronze/Silver Certification - Audit |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bronze/Silver Certification - Government/Military Discount |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | AI-Powered Evaluation Specialist - Founding Cohort |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | AI-Powered Evaluation Specialist - Regular Rate |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Builder Certification |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Learning and Performance Manager Certification |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Gold Program Certification |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free Registration |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Kirkpatrick Partners product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kirkpatrick Partners delivers tiered training evaluation certification programs (Bronze, Silver, Gold) built on the proprietary Kirkpatrick Four Levels framework (Reaction, Learning, Behavior, Results), along with specialty certifications, AI-powered instructional design tools, workshops, keynotes, and consulting services that help organizations demonstrate the measurable business impact of learning and talent investments. The firm also operates a self-paced learning platform (The Kirkpatrick Collective) and maintains an authorized global affiliate network for worldwide program delivery.
Product overview
Kirkpatrick Partners offers a portfolio of training evaluation products and programs centered on the Kirkpatrick Four Levels® of Training Evaluation (Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results). The core offering consists of three certification tiers — Bronze Level (evaluation planning fundamentals), Silver Level (business partnership and data analysis), and Gold Level (public sharing of results and best practices) — each available in person and live online through The Kirkpatrick Collective self-paced platform. Adjacent to the core certification pathway, the portfolio includes specialty programs: the AI-Powered Evaluation Specialist Certification (developed with UnDesto AI, integrating generative AI and prompt engineering across all four evaluation levels), the Builder Certification (hands-on instrument design across all four levels), and the Learning and Performance Manager Certification (leadership and stakeholder partnership). Supporting products include the AI-powered kaddie instructional design tool, the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Toolkit (self-paced companion course), Kirkpatrick Workshops and bespoke Keynotes, The Kirkpatrick Vault digital archive, The Kirkpatrick Podcast, and live webinars and conferences.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- kaddie: AI-powered instructional design tool built on the principles of the Kirkpatrick Model that helps learning professionals move beyond content creation and design with evaluation, behavior change, and business impact in mind.
- The Kirkpatrick Model
- Kirkpatrick Four Levels
Products and services
- Bronze Level Certification Program Entry-level certification program teaching the Kirkpatrick Four Levels of Training Evaluation (Reaction, Learning, Behavior, Results). Participants learn to craft a four-level program implementation and evaluation plan using the exclusive Kirkpatrick Blended Evaluation Plan form and planning process. Available in person and live online formats for individual participants and groups.
- Silver Level Certification Program Advanced certification program building on the Bronze level, focusing on communication, collaboration, and partnership with business stakeholders. Participants develop a comprehensive Blended Evaluation Plan, analyze evaluation data, and craft compelling reports or presentations demonstrating program value. Uses The Kirkpatrick Business Partnership Model.
- Gold Level Certification Program Advanced certification for sharing Kirkpatrick Model application results and best practices publicly. Open to Silver Program graduates at no charge, it involves sharing insights via trade publications, events, or case examples in books, journals, or white papers. Provided as a service to the industry.
- AI-Powered Evaluation Specialist Certification Program First-of-its-kind certification developed in partnership with UnDesto AI that equips learning and performance professionals to use AI strategically across all four Kirkpatrick Levels. Covers ethical guardrails, prompt engineering, and practical skills for producing AI-supported evaluation that stakeholders trust. Includes 12 hours of live instruction, session recordings, templates, and a credential.
- Builder Certification Program Hands-on credential equipping learning and performance professionals to design the evaluation instruments that prove training drives performance. Participants build a complete set of evaluation instruments across all four Kirkpatrick Levels, backed by a defensible chain of evidence, using a Builder Evaluation Toolkit. 5-session program with 15 hours of live instruction.
- Learning and Performance Manager Certification Program equipping managers to lead a learning function with strategic business partnership capabilities. Builds role clarity, team-leadership skill, and stakeholder-partnership ability. Participants develop an L&P Manager Playbook including role scope, team structure, evaluation standards, and stakeholder approach. 4-session program with 12 hours of live instruction.
- The Kirkpatrick Collective Self-paced learning platform offering all Kirkpatrick certification programs on demand. Provides access to videos, live coaching labs, and all certification programs bundled at a single price.
- Kirkpatrick Workshops and Classes Short-format educational programs including workshops such as 'Igniting the Inner Fire' (Levels 3 & 4), 'From Training to Impact,' and bespoke keynote presentations tailored to organizational goals. Suitable for group training and kickstarting organizational initiatives.
- Kirkpatrick Evaluation Toolkit A crash course companion for efficient and effective program evaluation. Designed for those starting out, leading lean learning teams, or on a budget. Includes knowledge, techniques, and customizable tools to transform the evaluation process.
- kaddie An AI-powered instructional design tool built on the Kirkpatrick Model that helps learning professionals conduct performance-focused needs assessments, identify behaviors that drive Level 4 Results, develop training outlines aligned to measurable outcomes, and build Kirkpatrick-aligned evaluation plans.
- Consulting and Impact Studies Custom consulting engagements including impact studies, process audits for alignment with the New World Kirkpatrick Model, and ongoing partnership support for organizations seeking to implement or improve their training evaluation practices.
Quantifiable outcome
- IRS reduced training costs by 50% while maintaining key quality standards
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Kirkpatrick Partners
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Kirkpatrick Partners technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability5 records
Feature5 records
Kirkpatrick Partners partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- UnDesto AIcoreUnDesto AI partnered with Kirkpatrick Partners to develop the AI-Powered Evaluation Specialist certification program. This first-of-its-kind certification equips learning and performance professionals to use AI strategically across all four Kirkpatrick Levels. The partnership integrates UnDesto AI's technology expertise with Kirkpatrick's evaluation methodology.
- Emirates AirlineminorEmirates Airline is featured as a trusted partner/logo on the Kirkpatrick Partners website. The airline has used the Kirkpatrick Model for their SOAR (Service Over And Above The Rest) Program, successfully increasing customer satisfaction and decreasing complaints.
- Georgia PacificminorGeorgia Pacific is featured as a trusted partner/logo on the Kirkpatrick Partners website.
- HP (Hewlett-Packard)minorHP is featured as a trusted partner/logo on the Kirkpatrick Partners website.
- NextelminorNextel is featured as a trusted partner/logo on the Kirkpatrick Partners website.
- ToyotaminorToyota is featured as a trusted partner/logo on the Kirkpatrick Partners website.
- Training Magazine NetworkcoreTraining Magazine Network hosts Kirkpatrick Partners webinars including 'Unmasking Truths: Demystifying Training Evaluation' and 'Is Your Training Paying Off? Evaluating Training Impact with the Kirkpatrick Method'. This partnership provides distribution for educational content.
- Across Consultoria em RHcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for Brazil. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the Brazilian market. Located in São Paulo.
- OnDemadcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for China. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the Chinese market. Located in Wuxi.
- LinguaidcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for France. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the French market. Located in Saint-Cyprien.
- Going Beyond Training GmbHcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for India and Pacific Rim. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in these regions. Located in Basel, Switzerland.
- C2C Organizational Development Pvt LtdcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for India. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the Indian market. Located in Bangalore.
- FOR – Focus On ResultscoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for Poland. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the Polish market. Located in Kraków.
- EvaluatecoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for South Korea. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the South Korean market. Located in Seoul.
- RMKcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for United Arab Emirates. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the UAE market. Located in Dubai.
- Promote InternationalcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for Sweden. Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the Swedish market. Located in Stockholm.
- Emotion at Work ConsultingcoreKirkpatrick Affiliate for England (UK). Authorized to offer authentic Kirkpatrick programs in the UK market. Located in London.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kirkpatrick Partners competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Dale Carnegie & Associates: 100+ year-old training IP owner with a global franchise network of certified trainers delivering standardized programs. Very similar business model (proprietary content + certified facilitator network + enterprise workshops), though in leadership/sales rather than evaluation.
- The Ken Blanchard Companies: Training IP company built on a named founder's methodology (Situational Leadership) distributed through certified trainers and partners worldwide. Structurally similar to Kirkpatrick Partners in founder-brand-IP + global licensee delivery.
- FranklinCovey: Training and consulting firm owning proprietary content (7 Habits, etc.) delivered via a global licensee/facilitator network. Comparable content-IP-plus-distribution-network model and enterprise certification/workshop economics.
Direct peers
- Brandon Hall Group: HCM and L&D research, advisory, and award organization offering research subscriptions, certification programs, and consulting. Direct peer in L&D thought leadership, content monetization, and practitioner credentialing.
- ATD (Association for Talent Development): The primary professional association for the talent development industry, offering the CPLP credential, conferences, research, and member education. Direct peer because both serve the same L&D buyer with certification programs, content, and community.
- Crestcom International: Global leadership and management training company that, like Kirkpatrick Partners, uses a franchise/affiliate distribution model to deliver proprietary content internationally. Closest comparable on the affiliate-led, IP-based training business model.
- DDI (Development Dimensions International): Global leadership and talent development firm selling assessment, training, and certification services to enterprises. Comparable as a training IP owner with a similar mix of methodology, certification, and enterprise consulting revenue.
- LPI (Learning and Performance Institute): UK-based global L&D industry body offering certifications, accreditation, and membership programs. Direct international peer serving the same target buyer (L&D professionals) with credentialing and community.
Others
- Training Magazine: Industry publication and Training Conference & Expo operator. Adjacent peer through media, events, and Emerging Training Leaders recognition - same buyer community and thought-leadership funnel, but not a methodology or certification competitor.
Emerging players
- Watershed Systems: L&D analytics and reporting platform that automates measurement of training impact, directly overlapping with the evaluation layer of the Kirkpatrick Model. Emerging threat as an AI-native alternative to human-led evaluation workflows.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Kirkpatrick Partners social profiles
Digital presenceKirkpatrick Partners financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kirkpatrick Partners leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Kirkpatrick Partners funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kirkpatrick Partners M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kirkpatrick Partners
What does Kirkpatrick Partners do?
Kirkpatrick Partners delivers tiered training evaluation certification programs (Bronze, Silver, Gold) built on the proprietary Kirkpatrick Four Levels framework (Reaction, Learning, Behavior, Results), along with specialty certifications, AI-powered instructional design tools, workshops, keynotes, and consulting services that help organizations demonstrate the measurable business impact of learning and talent investments. The firm also operates a self-paced learning platform (The Kirkpatrick Collective) and maintains an authorized global affiliate network for worldwide program delivery.
Is Kirkpatrick Partners a public or private company?
Kirkpatrick Partners is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Kirkpatrick Partners founded?
Kirkpatrick Partners was founded in 1950. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Kirkpatrick Partners based?
Kirkpatrick Partners is headquartered in Newnan, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kirkpatrick Partners make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Certification Programs are the primary driver. The others are workshops and Keynotes, consulting and Impact Studies and learning Resources and Toolkit.
Who are Kirkpatrick Partners's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Dale Carnegie & Associates, The Ken Blanchard Companies and FranklinCovey. Direct peers are Brandon Hall Group, ATD (Association for Talent Development), Crestcom International, DDI (Development Dimensions International) and LPI (Learning and Performance Institute). Training Magazine is listed as an others. Watershed Systems is listed as an emerging player.
Does Kirkpatrick Partners have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kirkpatrick Partners.
What industry is Kirkpatrick Partners in?
Kirkpatrick Partners's product category is Training Evaluation & Learning Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADACAJ, Accreditation Standards, Benchmarking & Framework Organizations, with a secondary code of EDADACAB, National/Institutional Accreditors (Career, Faith-Based, Distance, etc.). Its NAICS code is 611430 and its SIC code is 8200.