Top 11 Concept Artist Certifications

Certifications are important for concept artists in the job market because they provide employers with evidence of an artist’s skills and abilities. Certifications demonstrate that an individual has a certain level of knowledge, training, and experience in a particular area. This can help employers quickly identify qualified candidates who have the appropriate skills to work on their projects. Additionally, certifications can give an artist credibility and recognition for their work, which may lead to more job opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Concept Artists and explains how they can help to enhance a concept artist's career.

What are Concept Artist Certifications?

Concept artist certification is a type of professional recognition that is awarded to those who demonstrate proficiency in the creation of concept art. Concept art, also known as pre-visualization or visualization, is a form of digital illustration used in the development of video games, movies, and other forms of media. Concept artists are responsible for creating detailed artwork and illustrations that will eventually be used to create the finished product. The concept artist certification program provides an assessment system to measure competency in the field and allows artists to prove their skillset.

The concept artist certification program can help those who wish to become professionals by providing them with an opportunity to gain recognition for their work. It can also provide employers with an assurance that potential hires have met certain criteria and can be trusted to perform at a high level. Furthermore, it can give employers confidence that they are hiring someone who has a set of skills necessary for success in their particular field. Additionally, having a certified concept artist may give potential employers access to more resources or funding opportunities due to the increased credibility associated with certification.

Pro tip: When considering concept artist certification, make sure to research the qualifications and experience required for each program. It's also important to have a clear understanding of the cost associated with certification, as well as any other requirements that may be needed in order to receive certification.

Related: What does a Concept Artist do?

Top 11 Concept Artist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Concept Artists today.

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop

Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have advanced knowledge and skills in using Adobe Photoshop. This certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the software and its features, as well as an understanding of how to use it in creative design workflows.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. The online exam tests your knowledge of the features and tools available in Photoshop, as well as your ability to use them effectively. The hands-on project requires you to create a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skill level with the software.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process. You can begin by registering for the online exam on Adobe's website. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to submit your portfolio for review. After submitting your portfolio, it will be reviewed by an Adobe Certified Expert panel who will determine if you have achieved mastery of the software.

The cost for the Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop certification is $180 USD per person.

2. Autodesk Certified Professional in 3ds Max

Autodesk Certified Professional in 3ds Max is a certification program for professionals who are proficient in using Autodesk 3ds Max software. This certification is designed to demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to the use of 3ds Max, including modeling, animation, rigging, lighting, texturing, rendering and other related topics.

It typically takes around 8-12 hours of self-study and practice to prepare for the exam. You can find study materials online or purchase official Autodesk training courses. Once you feel ready for the exam, you can book it through Autodesk’s website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your country and currency but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70%. Upon passing the exam you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk confirming your certification status as an Autodesk Certified Professional in 3ds Max.

3. Pixologic Certified ZBrush Artist

Pixologic Certified ZBrush Artist is a certification program that demonstrates an artist's proficiency in using the ZBrush software. It is designed to help artists showcase their skills and demonstrate their knowledge of the software to potential employers, clients, and peers.

The certification process takes approximately 2-3 months to complete. The first step is to take a series of online courses from Pixologic University which cover topics such as anatomy, sculpting, texturing, lighting, rendering and more. Once the courses are completed, applicants must submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their mastery of the ZBrush software. Upon successful completion of both steps, applicants will receive a certificate from Pixologic confirming their status as a Certified ZBrush Artist.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on the course package selected. The most basic package starts at $99 USD and includes access to all courses offered by Pixologic University as well as one submission for review by an expert panel. Additional submissions can be purchased for an additional fee.

4. Toon Boom Certified Harmony Artist

Toon Boom Certified Harmony Artist is a certification program that recognizes animators who have mastered the use of Toon Boom’s animation software, Harmony. This certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the tool and its features.

The certification process consists of an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment tests your knowledge of the software and its features, while the practical exam requires you to complete an animation project using Harmony. The entire process takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

In order to get certified, you must first purchase a Toon Boom Certified Harmony Artist Exam voucher from Toon Boom’s website. The cost for this voucher is $99 USD. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can register for the exam on Toon Boom’s website and follow the instructions provided there.

Once you have completed both parts of the exam, your results will be reviewed by Toon Boom and if successful, you will receive your official certification as a Toon Boom Certified Harmony Artist.

5. Foundry Certified Nuke Artist

Foundry Certified Nuke Artist is a certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the visual effects industry. The certification program is designed to help employers identify qualified individuals who are proficient in using Foundry's Nuke software.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical test. The written exam tests candidates’ knowledge of Nuke, its features, and how to use them effectively. The practical test requires candidates to complete an assigned project using Nuke within a specific time frame.

The entire certification process takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be done remotely or at one of Foundry's training centers. To get certified, candidates must first register for the program on the Foundry website and pay the applicable fee (currently $400 USD). After registering, they will receive access to study materials which they should review before taking the exams.

Once both exams have been successfully completed, candidates will receive their official Foundry Certified Nuke Artist certificate via email within 2-3 weeks. This certificate is valid for two years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking an updated version of the exams every two years.

6. Allegorithmic Substance Painter Certification

Allegorithmic Substance Painter Certification is a certification program offered by Allegorithmic, the creators of the Substance Painter software. The certification provides an official recognition of your skills in using Substance Painter for 3D texturing and painting.

The certification consists of two parts: a written test and a practical hands-on assessment. The written test covers topics such as material creation, texturing workflow, and rendering techniques. The practical assessment evaluates your ability to create textures from scratch using Substance Painter’s tools and features.

The certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the project you are working on. You can take the written test anytime online, but you must complete the practical assessment within one week after passing the written test.

The cost of the Allegorithmic Substance Painter Certification depends on which level you are applying for: Beginner (€99), Intermediate (€199) or Advanced (€299).

7. The Gnomon School Digital Matte Painting Certification

The Gnomon School Digital Matte Painting Certification is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create digital matte paintings. This certification is designed to give aspiring matte painters the tools they need to become professional digital matte painters. The program consists of three courses, each focusing on a different aspect of creating digital matte paintings. The first course covers the basics of digital painting, including color theory and composition. The second course focuses on advanced techniques such as lighting and texturing. Finally, the third course covers advanced topics such as 3D modeling and compositing.

The entire program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the student’s individual progress. To get certified, students must successfully complete all three courses and pass an assessment at the end of each course. The cost for the entire program is $3,500 USD (approximate).

In addition to earning their certification, students will also receive a Gnomon School Digital Matte Painting Certificate upon successful completion of the program. This certificate can be used as proof of their expertise in this field when applying for jobs or other opportunities in the industry.

8. Blender Institute Certified Blender Artist

Blender Institute Certified Blender Artist (BICA) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in using the open source 3D software, Blender. It is an official certification from the Blender Institute, which is part of the Blender Foundation.

The BICA program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. To become certified at Level 1, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as modeling, materials, lighting, rendering and animation. The exam typically takes around three hours to complete and can be taken multiple times if needed. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official BICA certificate and digital badge.

To become certified at Level 2, applicants must demonstrate their ability to use Blender to create professional-level 3D graphics by submitting a portfolio of work for review by the Blender Institute team. This portfolio should include examples of work created with Blender in areas such as modeling, materials, lighting, rendering and animation. Applicants must also provide references from other professionals who can vouch for their skillset. Once approved by the institute team, applicants will receive their official BICA certificate and digital badge for Level 2 certification.

There is no cost associated with taking either the Level 1 or Level 2 exams or becoming certified at either level.

9. Adobe Certified Expert in Illustrator

Adobe Certified Expert in Illustrator is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using the Adobe Illustrator software. This certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to create and edit vector graphics, as well as design logos, illustrations, and other artwork.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that test their knowledge of Adobe Illustrator tools and features. The exams are available online or can be taken at an authorized testing center. The total cost of the certification process varies depending on the number of exams taken and the location of the testing center.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you can devote to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it will take several weeks or months to complete all of the necessary tests and become certified. It is important to note that some prior experience with Adobe Illustrator is recommended before attempting these exams.

The cost for becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in Illustrator varies based on which exams you choose to take and where you take them. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $180 USD, although this cost may vary depending on your location.

10. Corel Painter Master Certification

Corel Painter Master Certification is a professional certification program for digital artists and designers who use Corel Painter software. The certification is offered by Corel Corporation, the makers of the software, and it is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in using the program.

The certification process involves completing an online assessment that tests your knowledge of the software. Once you pass this assessment, you will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to apply for Corel Painter Master Certification.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the online assessment. Generally, it should take no more than two hours to complete the assessment.

To get certified, you must first purchase a copy of Corel Painter software from their website or an authorized reseller. Then, create an account on their website and follow the instructions to register for the certification program. Once registered, you will be able to access the online assessment and submit your answers when finished.

The cost for Corel Painter Master Certification is $99 USD per person. This fee covers all costs associated with taking the online assessment and receiving your certificate upon successful completion.

11. Wacom Certified Pro Pen Tablet Artist

Wacom Certified Pro Pen Tablet Artist is a certification program designed to recognize digital artists who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of Wacom pen tablets and creative software. This certification is awarded to those who demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in creating digital artwork with the Wacom pen tablet and its accompanying software. The program is open to anyone, regardless of experience level or profession.

The process of becoming a certified pro artist typically takes about two weeks from start to finish. First, applicants must complete an online application form that includes questions about their background and experience with digital art. Applicants must also submit three samples of their work for review by the Wacom Certification Team. Once approved, applicants will be invited to take an online exam that tests their knowledge of the Wacom pen tablet and its accompanying software. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official certification as a Wacom Certified Pro Pen Tablet Artist.

The cost for this certification varies depending on the type of product purchased; however, it typically ranges from $99 to $199 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the online exam or submitting artwork samples for review by the Wacom Certification Team.

Do You Really Need a Concept Artist Certificate?

No, you do not need a concept artist certificate to become a successful concept artist. While having a certificate may demonstrate that you have received some formal training in the field, it is not necessary for success. The most important factor in becoming a successful concept artist is developing skills and knowledge through experience.

Having an interest in art and understanding of design principles can provide a great foundation for creating concept art. A variety of online tutorials, books, and other resources are available to help an aspiring concept artist learn the fundamentals of the craft. It is also important to gain experience by practicing with different tools and techniques. Aspiring concept artists should also look into networking with other professionals in the industry to obtain feedback on their work and get advice on how to improve.

In addition, having a portfolio of work that showcases your talents is essential for getting hired as a professional concept artist. Having completed projects or pieces that demonstrate your creativity and skill level will give potential employers an idea of what kind of work you are capable of producing. Participating in competitions or conventions can also be beneficial for gaining exposure and making connections with other professionals in the field.

Ultimately, having a certificate may be beneficial for demonstrating that you have received some form of formal training in the field, but it is not necessary for becoming a successful concept artist. With hard work and dedication, aspiring artists can develop their skills through practice and experience while showcasing their work through portfolios and networking opportunities to gain recognition from potential employers.

Related: Concept Artist Resume Examples

FAQs About Concept Artist Certifications

Q1. What is a concept artist certification?

A1. A concept artist certification is an official recognition of a person’s skill and knowledge in the field of concept art. It validates their experience and expertise in creating visual designs for video games, animation, film, television, and other media types.

Q2. How do I become certified as a concept artist?

A2. To become certified as a concept artist, you must complete a course from an accredited school or institution that focuses on developing your skills in the areas of drawing, painting, digital design, and other visual arts related to concept art. You will also need to submit a portfolio showcasing your best work for review by industry professionals.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a concept artist?

A3. Becoming certified as a concept artist can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or pursuing freelance projects. It also shows potential employers that you have achieved mastery in your craft and are capable of producing high-quality results on time and with accuracy.

Q4. What kind of jobs can I get with a concept artist certification?

A4. With a concept artist certification, you may be qualified to work as a character designer, illustrator, storyboard artist, matte painter, environment designer, or any other position related to creating visuals for video games, animation films/series, television shows/movies etc.

Q5. How long does it take to get certified as a concept artist?

A5: The length of time it takes to become certified as a concept artist depends on the program or institution you choose to pursue your studies from and how much effort you put into honing your skillset during the process. Generally speaking however it can take anywhere between 6 months - 2 years depending on the complexity of the courses taken and the individual's learning speed/ability