An increasing interest in growth among working professionals has led to a need for professional development. A professional association is a private group that exists to advance and protect the interests of a profession and to offer services to its members (e.g., certification, publications, educational opportunities). In many professions, a credential such as licensure or certification is required for the individual to practice in that field. Many colleges and universities offer courses to meet the continuing education needs of professionals.

The main way professional associations provide continuing education opportunities is by sponsoring conferences, meetings, and workshops for their members. Organizations also play an important part in offering continuing education opportunities for the professionals they employ. Some organizations have developed college-like curricula within their own training centers. As in all other areas of HRD, it is vitally important that the effectiveness of corporate universities be measured to demonstrate a positive organizational impact.

As an enabler, an HRD department must establish policies and procedures that foster an effective and equitable distribution of continuing education throughout an organization. As a resource provider, an HRD department should consider program-support options, including tuition reimbursement, educational leave, paid association fees, and compensation of travel expenses to off-site professional development. Many feel that such programs will make employees more valuable to organizations.