Top 10 Assistant Producer Certifications

Certifications are important for assistant producers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge in specific areas. With the right certifications, assistant producers can show that they have the skills and qualifications to be successful in their role. Additionally, certifications provide proof that an individual has acquired certain skills and knowledge from a reputable source, which enhances their credibility and value as an employee. Certifications also help employers identify qualified candidates for positions and make informed hiring decisions.

This article reviews the top certifications for Assistant Producers and explains how they can help to further an assistant producer's career.

What are Assistant Producer Certifications?

Assistant Producer Certification is a professional qualification that provides aspiring producers with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful in the field of producing. It is designed to equip students with the technical and creative skills needed for producing film, television, radio, and digital media. This certification can help individuals develop their career by providing them with an understanding of the production process from pre-production planning through post-production delivery. It can also provide them with an appreciation of the financial and legal aspects of producing as well as the ability to coordinate all aspects of production. Additionally, certification can open up opportunities for networking and collaboration within the industry.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in an assistant producer certification program. It can help you gain the experience and knowledge needed to become a successful assistant producer, as well as provide valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Related: What does an Assistant Producer do?

Top 10 Assistant Producer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE)

Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE) is a certification issued by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). It is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in broadcast engineering. This certification is the highest level of accreditation available from the SBE and is recognized by many employers as a sign of excellence in broadcast engineering.

It typically takes between one to three years to complete all requirements for the CPBE. To become certified, individuals must have at least five years of broadcast engineering experience, pass a written exam, and demonstrate their knowledge through an oral interview with an SBE panel.

The cost to obtain the CPBE certification varies depending on where you take the exam and if you are already a member of SBE. Generally, it costs around $200-$400 for non-members and $100-$200 for members. The fee includes the cost of taking the written exam, attending an oral review session, and receiving your certificate after passing both parts of the examination process.

2. Certified Audio Video Technician (CAVT)

Certified Audio Video Technician (CAVT) is a certification program offered by the InfoComm International. It is designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot audio/video systems. The certification program consists of three levels: Certified Audio Video Technician (CAVT), Certified Audio Video Designer (CAVD), and Certified Audio Video Engineer (CAVE).

The CAVT level is the entry-level certification, which requires a minimum of one year of experience in the audio/video field. To receive this certification, you must pass an online exam consisting of multiple-choice questions about basic audio/video concepts and principles. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and costs $150 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CAVT certificate in the mail.

The CAVD level requires two years of experience in the audio/video field as well as passing an online exam similar to that for the CAVT level. This exam typically takes about four hours to complete and costs $250 USD. Upon successful completion of this exam, you will receive your CAVD certificate in the mail.

Finally, the CAVE level requires five years of experience in the audio/video field as well as passing an online exam similar to that for both CAVT and CAVD levels combined. This exam typically takes about six hours to complete and costs $400 USD. Upon successful completion of this exam, you will receive your CAVE certificate in the mail.

Overall, it can take up to nine hours of study time and $800 USD in fees to become a fully certified Audio Video Technician (CAVT).

3. Certified Production Manager (CPM)

Certified Production Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CPM certification is designed to provide production managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their operations. It covers topics such as inventory management, production planning, scheduling, quality control, cost control, and supply chain management.

To obtain the CPM certification, applicants must pass a three-hour exam administered by APICS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to production management. Applicants must also demonstrate two years of professional experience in production management or related fields.

The cost of taking the CPM exam varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member. For members it costs $395 USD while non-members pay $495 USD. Exam preparation materials can be purchased separately from APICS for an additional fee.

The time it takes to get your CPM certification depends on how quickly you can prepare for and pass the exam. Generally speaking, it takes about six months to a year of studying to become certified.

4. Certified Digital Media Producer (CDMP)

Certified Digital Media Producer (CDMP) is an industry-recognized certification program developed by the Digital Media Production Association (DMPA). It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated a mastery of digital media production skills and knowledge. The program is open to anyone interested in developing their digital media production skills, regardless of experience or background.

The CDMP program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Master. Each level requires passing an exam that tests the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of digital media production concepts and techniques. The exams are administered online through the DMPA website.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the entire CDMP program depending on how much time you can devote to studying for the exams. The cost for taking the exams varies depending on which level you are attempting; Associate ($150), Professional ($250), and Master ($350).

5. Certified Radio Production Technician (CRPT)

Certified Radio Production Technician (CRPT) is a certification program that provides radio production professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to produce high-quality audio content. This certification is designed to help individuals develop their technical and creative abilities in radio production, while also providing them with the credentials to demonstrate their expertise.

The CRPT certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a practical exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as audio engineering, sound design, music production, digital editing, recording techniques, and more. The practical exam tests the individual’s ability to apply what they have learned in the online course by completing a series of audio production tasks.

To get the CRPT certification, individuals must first register for the program through the Certified Radio Production Technician website. After registering, individuals will be able to access the online course material and take the practical exam when they are ready. The cost of registration is $250 USD. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, individuals will receive their CRPT certification.

6. Avid Certified Pro Tools Operator (ACPO)

Avid Certified Pro Tools Operator (ACPO) is a certification program offered by Avid, the company behind the popular Pro Tools digital audio workstation. It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the fundamentals of Pro Tools and can demonstrate their proficiency in the software. The certification is achieved by taking an online assessment that tests the candidate's knowledge of Pro Tools features, functions, and workflow.

The ACPO exam takes approximately two hours to complete and covers topics such as recording, editing, mixing, automation, MIDI sequencing, signal routing, and more. Candidates must score at least 80% on the exam to pass and receive their certification.

To become an ACPO certified Pro Tools operator, you must first purchase an Avid Learning Partner membership from Avid's website. This membership gives you access to all of Avid's online training courses related to Pro Tools as well as discounts on other products from Avid. Once you have completed your training courses and feel ready for the exam, you can purchase a voucher code from Avid that will allow you to take the ACPO exam online. The cost of this voucher is $150 USD.

Once you have passed the ACPO exam and received your certificate, it will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification after two years, you will need to retake the ACPO exam or complete one of Avid's advanced certifications such as Expert Certification or Master Certification in order to maintain your status as an ACPO certified Pro Tools operator.

7. Apple Certified Pro – Final Cut Pro X (ACP-FCPX)

Apple Certified Pro – Final Cut Pro X (ACP-FCPX) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved expertise in the use of Apple’s professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro X. The ACP-FCPX certification is earned by passing an exam that covers topics such as media management, editing techniques, and effects.

The certification process takes approximately two weeks to complete. First, you must register for the exam through Apple's Training and Certification website. Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to access the online study materials and practice exams. After studying the materials and taking the practice exams, you can then schedule your official exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost of the ACP-FCPX certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam at an authorized testing center in North America or Europe.

Once you have successfully passed the ACP-FCPX exam, you will be awarded with an official certificate from Apple which will serve as proof of your expertise with Final Cut Pro X.

8. Adobe Certified Expert in Premiere Pro (ACE-PP)

Adobe Certified Expert in Premiere Pro (ACE-PP) is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates to employers, peers, and clients that the holder has the necessary skills to edit video projects using Adobe Premiere Pro.

To become an ACE-PP, you must pass two exams: the Premiere Pro Fundamentals Exam and the Premiere Pro Advanced Exam. The Fundamentals Exam covers basic concepts of editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, while the Advanced Exam focuses on more complex topics such as color correction, audio mixing, and motion graphics. Both exams are available online through Adobe’s website.

The cost of both exams is $180 USD each. The total cost of becoming an ACE-PP is $360 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for retaking an exam if you do not pass it on your first attempt.

The length of time it takes to become an ACE-PP varies depending on how much time you have available to study for the exams and how quickly you can complete them. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to three months to prepare for both exams and become certified.

9. Adobe Certified Associate in Audition CC (ACA-AuCC)

Adobe Certified Associate in Audition CC (ACA-AuCC) is an industry-recognized certification for individuals who demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Audition Creative Cloud (CC). It is designed to validate one’s skills and knowledge in the use of Adobe Audition CC.

The ACA-AuCC certification exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To become certified, one must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam through the Adobe website. The cost of the exam is $95 USD. After registering, you will receive instructions on how to access and take the exam online. You can also find study materials online to help prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email confirming your certification status as well as a digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. You will also be listed in the official Adobe Certified Associate registry so employers can easily verify your credentials.

10. Avid Certified User – Media Composer 8/9/10 (ACU-MC8/9/10)

Avid Certified User – Media Composer 8/9/10 (ACU-MC8/9/10) is a certification program offered by Avid Technology. It is designed to help users demonstrate their proficiency in the use of the Avid Media Composer software. The certification is valid for versions 8, 9 and 10 of the software.

The ACU-MC8/9/10 certification requires applicants to successfully pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge and understanding of the software’s features and functions. The assessment consists of 50 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Applicants must achieve a score of 80% or higher in order to pass the exam.

To obtain the ACU-MC8/9/10 certification, applicants must first register with Avid Technology and create an account on the Avid Learning Portal. Once registered, they can purchase access to the ACU-MC8/9/10 exam for a fee of $99 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive an official digital certificate from Avid Technology that can be shared with employers or used as proof of proficiency when applying for jobs or other opportunities related to media production.

The ACU-MC8/9/10 certification is valid for two years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking and passing a new version of the exam at any time during this period.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Producer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need an assistant producer certificate in order to become an assistant producer. However, depending on the type of production you’re interested in, having a certificate can be beneficial.

If you want to work in television or film, then having a certificate from a reputable program can help you stand out from other applicants and give you more credibility. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and have acquired specific skills related to producing. It also demonstrates that you’re serious about pursuing a career in this field and are willing to invest time and money into it.

Additionally, if you’re looking for hands-on experience or internships, many companies may require that applicants have an assistant producer certificate before they will consider them. This is especially true for larger production companies who want to ensure they’re hiring experienced individuals who know what they are doing.

In conclusion, while it isn't necessary to have an assistant producer certificate in order to become an assistant producer, it can certainly be beneficial if you're looking for certain types of positions or internships. Investing time and money into acquiring a certificate can pay off in the long run by giving you more credibility with potential employers and helping you stand out from other applicants.

Related: Assistant Producer Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Producer Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Producer Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Producer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and experience in the field of television and film production. This certification covers topics such as budgeting, scheduling, pre-production, post-production, and other related areas.

2. How do I become certified as an Assistant Producer?

Answer: To become certified as an Assistant Producer, you must complete a course of study approved by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This includes taking classes on production management, budgeting, scheduling, and other related topics. Once you have completed your coursework and passed the required exams, you will be awarded your certification.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming an Assistant Producer?

Answer: Yes, there are some prerequisites for becoming an Assistant Producer. These include having at least two years of experience in television or film production and passing the required exams with a score of at least 80%.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Assistant Producer?

Answer: Depending on your prior experience and how quickly you can complete the required coursework and exams, it typically takes anywhere from six months to one year to become certified as an Assistant Producer.

5. What are the benefits of having an Assistant Producer Certification?

Answer: Having an Assistant Producer Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work in television or film production. This certification can also open up opportunities for promotions or higher salaries within the industry since employers know that you are qualified for the job.