ATD BEST Award entries are evaluated by a team of talent development experts. These individuals are practitioners with worldwide expertise and include chief talent development officers and other senior learning leaders.

BEST entries are evaluated on several criteria.

1. Enterprise Strategy and the Role of Talent Development (25%)

2. Signature Talent Development Contributions: Applicants will be asked to present three complete signature contributions. The same evidence structure is repeated so reviewers can compare strategic importance, judgment, scale, evaluation, impact, and learning without rewarding narrative style. (40%)

3. Enterprise Measurement and Value (25%)

5. Future Readiness and Strategic Judgment (10%)