Top 11 Assistant Curator Certifications

Certifications are important for an assistant curator in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise about museum collections, practices, and policies. Certification also demonstrates that the individual has achieved a specific level of professional development and competency in their field. Employers value certifications as it shows that the candidate is dedicated to their profession and committed to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in curatorial practice. Certifications also provide evidence of a candidate’s commitment to continuing education and professional growth, which can be beneficial when competing for positions in a highly competitive field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Assistant Curators and explains how they can be beneficial in advancing an assistant curator's career.

What are Assistant Curator Certifications?

Assistant curator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a level of expertise and knowledge in curating, managing, and preserving art collections. This certification is typically awarded by educational institutions or professional associations, such as the American Association of Museums (AAM), after completion of an approved curriculum.

The program provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of museum curation, including topics such as collection management, exhibition design and installation, conservation techniques, and public programming. The curriculum also covers the ethical considerations involved in exhibiting artwork from various cultures and backgrounds. Through this program, professionals gain the necessary skills to become successful curators.

Having an assistant curator certification can provide numerous benefits to individuals in the field. It allows them to demonstrate their qualifications for positions at museums or other institutions that manage art collections. It also establishes their credibility among employers and colleagues when applying for promotions or new opportunities in their career field. Furthermore, it serves as evidence of their commitment to professional development and helps them stand out among other applicants.

Pro tip: Make sure you research the credentials and qualifications of any assistant curator certification program before signing up. Many programs require a specific set of skills and knowledge, so make sure you understand what is expected of you before committing to the program. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited by a reputable organization in order to ensure that your certification will be recognized by employers.

Related: What does an Assistant Curator do?

Top 11 Assistant Curator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Curators today.

1. Museum Studies Certificate

Museum Studies Certificate is a program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a museum setting. The certificate program typically takes one year of full-time study, although some programs may offer part-time or online options. Students learn about the history and theory of museums, museum collections management, exhibition design, and public programming. They also gain hands-on experience through internships or fieldwork.

To get the Museum Studies Certificate, students must complete all required courses for the program. Depending on the institution, this may include courses such as Introduction to Museums and Cultural Heritage; History and Theory of Museums; Collections Management; Exhibition Design; Public Programming; Digital Media for Museums; Fundraising for Museums; and Museum Law and Ethics. In addition to coursework, many programs require students to complete an internship or fieldwork project in order to graduate.

The cost of a Museum Studies Certificate varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000 - $10,000 per year. Additional expenses such as books and materials may also be required.

2. Museum Management Certificate

Museum Management Certificate is a professional certification program designed to provide museum professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to manage a museum. It is offered by many universities, museums, and other organizations. The program typically takes one to two years to complete and includes courses in museum management, history, art history, and marketing.

To get the Museum Management Certificate, students must first complete an application process that includes submitting transcripts from previous college or university coursework. Once accepted into the program, students will take courses in topics such as museum operations, collections management, fundraising, marketing strategies, exhibition design, and more. Upon completion of the required coursework and successful completion of a final project or exam, students will receive their certificate.

The cost of a Museum Management Certificate varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking however, tuition fees for this type of program can range anywhere from $2,000 - $10,000 USD depending on the number of credits taken and any additional fees associated with the program.

3. Curatorial Studies Certificate

A Curatorial Studies Certificate is a program of study that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the history, theory, and practice of curating. The certificate is typically offered through a university or college and requires completion of a set number of courses in curatorial studies. Courses may include topics such as exhibition design, museum management, art history, and archival studies.

The length of time it takes to get a Curatorial Studies Certificate varies depending on the institution offering it and the number of courses required for completion. Generally speaking, most programs take one to two years to complete. Some institutions also offer part-time options for those who wish to pursue their degree at their own pace.

To get a Curatorial Studies Certificate, you must first apply to the institution offering the program and meet all admission requirements. Once accepted into the program, you will need to complete all required coursework within the designated timeframe. You may also be required to participate in internships or other experiential learning opportunities as part of your curriculum.

The cost of a Curatorial Studies Certificate will vary depending on the institution offering it and any additional fees associated with enrollment or course materials. Generally speaking, tuition costs can range from $3,000-$10,000 or more depending on your chosen program.

4. Art History Certificate

The Art History Certificate is a post-secondary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, theory, and practice of art. It is typically offered at the undergraduate or graduate level and can take anywhere from one to two years to complete.

To get an Art History Certificate, students must complete a series of courses that focus on topics such as art criticism, aesthetics, and visual culture. These courses may include lectures, seminars, studio work, and field trips. Depending on the institution offering the program, it may also require additional requirements such as research projects or internships.

The cost of an Art History Certificate varies depending on the school offering it and other factors such as whether you are taking classes online or in person. Generally speaking, tuition for an undergraduate certificate will range from $5,000 to $15,000 while tuition for a graduate certificate will range from $10,000 to $20,000. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with the program such as textbooks and fees for materials used in class.

5. Cultural Heritage Preservation Certificate

A Cultural Heritage Preservation Certificate (CHPC) is a certificate awarded to individuals who have completed a course of study in the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage. The certificate is typically offered through universities, museums, or other organizations dedicated to preserving cultural heritage. It is designed to provide an individual with the knowledge and skills needed to protect and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

The length of time it takes to get a CHPC varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally, most programs require at least one year of study and can take up to three years or more depending on the complexity of the program.

To get a CHPC, individuals must first complete an application process that includes submitting transcripts from previous education, letters of recommendation, and/or other documents demonstrating their commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Once accepted into a program, students will be required to complete courses in topics such as museum management, historic preservation law, ethnography, conservation techniques, and more. Upon completion of all courses and requirements for the program, students will receive their CHPC.

The cost of obtaining a CHPC also varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from several hundred dollars per credit hour up to several thousand dollars per semester depending on whether or not financial aid is available. In addition to tuition costs, there may also be additional fees associated with books and materials required for coursework as well as any travel expenses associated with attending classes or completing internships related to the program.

6. Collection Management and Care Certificate

Collection Management and Care Certificate is a professional certificate program designed to equip library and information professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage collections in libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. The program focuses on the principles of collection management, care, preservation, conservation, and access. It includes topics such as cataloging standards, copyright law, digitization strategies, physical storage requirements, disaster planning and response procedures, and more.

The Collection Management and Care Certificate requires completion of four courses: Introduction to Collection Management; Preservation and Conservation; Accessing Collections; and Digitization Strategies. Each course is typically completed in 4-6 weeks. In total, it takes approximately 16-24 weeks to complete the entire certificate program depending upon the pace of each student.

To get the Collection Management and Care Certificate students must successfully complete all four courses with a passing grade of at least 70%. Upon successful completion of all four courses students will receive their certificate from the American Library Association (ALA).

The cost for the Collection Management and Care Certificate varies depending on whether you are an ALA member or not. For non-members it costs $1125 for all four courses combined while members pay $875 for all four courses combined.

7. Exhibition Design and Production Certificate

Exhibition Design and Production Certificate is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Exhibition Management (IAEM). It is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, plan, manage and produce successful exhibitions. The program consists of four core courses: Exhibition Planning & Design; Exhibition Production & Logistics; Exhibition Marketing & Sales; and Event Technology & Digital Media.

The program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete the coursework. To get the certificate, you must successfully complete all four courses as well as pass an online exam.

The cost of the certificate depends on which organization you take the courses from. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 USD for all four courses and the exam fee.

8. Museum Education and Public Programming Certificate

The Museum Education and Public Programming Certificate is a professional development program designed to equip museum professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide engaging educational experiences in museums. The certificate is offered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

To obtain the certificate, individuals must complete three courses: Introduction to Museum Education, Museum Public Programming, and Evaluation of Museum Programs. Each course consists of lectures, readings, assignments, discussions, and activities that are designed to help participants develop an understanding of museum education theory and practice. Participants must also complete a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to apply their learning in a real-world setting.

The cost for the certificate program varies depending on whether you are an AAM member or non-member. For AAM members, the cost is $1,495; for non-members it is $1,795. This fee includes all course materials and access to online resources.

9. Nonprofit Management Certificate

A Nonprofit Management Certificate is a type of professional development program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage nonprofit organizations. The certificate program typically covers topics such as fundraising, grant writing, budgeting, and volunteer management. It also explores the legal and ethical responsibilities of running a nonprofit organization.

The length of a Nonprofit Management Certificate program varies depending on the institution offering it. Most programs can be completed in six months or less, although some may take up to two years to complete.

To get a Nonprofit Management Certificate, you must first apply and be accepted into an accredited program that offers the certificate. Once accepted, you will need to complete all course requirements for the certificate. This may include attending lectures, completing assignments, taking exams, and participating in internships or field experiences.

The cost of a Nonprofit Management Certificate varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2,000 in tuition fees. Additional fees may include books and other materials needed for coursework.

10. Digital Humanities and Technology in Museums Certificate

The Digital Humanities and Technology in Museums Certificate is an online professional development program offered by the American Alliance of Museums. It is designed to help museum professionals gain a better understanding of how digital technologies can be used to enhance their work. The certificate consists of four courses that explore topics such as digital storytelling, data management, virtual reality, and web design. The program takes approximately six months to complete and costs $1,200 for members of the American Alliance of Museums or $1,500 for non-members. To get the certificate, students must complete all four courses with a passing grade and submit a final project demonstrating their mastery of the material.

11. Fundraising for Museums and Cultural Institutions Certification

Fundraising for Museums and Cultural Institutions Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The program provides museum and cultural institution professionals with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to effectively raise funds for their organizations.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as donor relations, grant writing, event planning, fundraising strategies, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

To get started on the Fundraising for Museums and Cultural Institutions Certification program, you must first join AFP as a member. Membership fees vary depending on your organization type; however, individual memberships start at $150 per year. Once you have become a member of AFP, you can register for the online course through the AFP website. The cost of the online course is $295 USD plus applicable taxes.

Once you have completed both components of the program (the online course and the final exam), you will receive your Fundraising for Museums and Cultural Institutions Certification from AFP. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed in order to remain current.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Curator Certificate?

No, you do not need an assistant curator certificate in order to become an assistant curator. While having a certificate may demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the field, there are many other paths for becoming an assistant curator without a certificate.

For example, many museums offer internships or apprenticeships that can provide valuable experience in the field of curation. Additionally, some schools offer courses related to curation and art history which can help build knowledge and skills necessary for the job. Finally, networking with people already in the field can be extremely beneficial in finding opportunities and learning more about what it takes to become an assistant curator.

In short, while having a certificate could be beneficial when applying for jobs as an assistant curator, it is not required. With enough dedication and hard work, anyone has the potential to become an assistant curator without one.

Related: Assistant Curator Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Curator Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Curator Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Curator Certification is a specialized certificate that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully manage a museum’s collection and exhibitions. It also provides the opportunity for professional development and recognition within the field of curation.

2. What qualifications do I need to become an Assistant Curator?

Answer: Generally speaking, most employers prefer candidates who possess at least a bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies or a related field. Experience working in collections management or exhibitions is also preferred.

3. How long does it take to complete an Assistant Curator Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete an Assistant Curator Certification varies depending on the individual’s experience and availability. Generally speaking, most certifications take between six months to one year to complete all requirements.

4. What topics are included in an Assistant Curator Certification Course?

Answer: Topics typically covered in an Assistant Curator Certification course include museum operations, collections management, exhibition design and implementation, budgeting and grant writing, public relations and marketing, as well as other topics related to the field of curation.

5. Do I need to renew my Assistant Curator Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require renewal every three years in order for certification holders to maintain their credentials and stay up-to-date with industry standards and practices.