Top 10 Digital Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for digital designers in the job market because they demonstrate the designer’s proficiency and expertise in the field. Certifications can also help a digital designer stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have taken the time to learn and develop their skills. Certifications may also give digital designers access to exclusive job opportunities or higher-paying positions. Furthermore, having certifications is beneficial for networking and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Digital Designers and explain how they can help advance a digital designer's career.

What are Digital Designer Certifications?

Digital Designer Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have mastered the skills required to design and develop digital products. It is designed for professionals who are looking to demonstrate their proficiency in the field of digital product design and development.

The certification covers topics such as user experience (UX) design, interaction design, visual design, usability testing, prototyping, frontend development, and more. Having this certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to develop successful digital products.

Having a Digital Designer Certification can help an individual stand out from other job applicants and can open up opportunities for career advancement. With this certification, individuals can show potential employers that they possess the technical skills needed to create successful digital products. Additionally, it can help them build credibility with clients when working on projects as a freelancer or consultant. Ultimately, having a Digital Designer Certification demonstrates mastery of essential skills needed in today’s tech industry and gives individuals an edge in the competitive job market.

Pro Tip: When considering digital designer certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience in addition to theory. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and technologies involved in digital design, and give you the skills needed to become a successful digital designer.

Related: What does a Digital Designer do?

Top 10 Digital Designer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Digital Designers today.

1. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is an official certification program offered by Adobe Systems Incorporated. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the use of Adobe products and services.

To become an ACE, you must pass one or more exams that measure your knowledge and skills in the use of specific Adobe products and services. The exams are administered through Pearson VUE, a global leader in computer-based testing.

The time it takes to get certified varies depending on the individual’s experience with the product or service being tested. Generally, it takes about two weeks from the time you register for an exam until you receive your results.

To get certified, you need to purchase an exam voucher from Pearson VUE and register for the exam(s) you want to take. The cost of each exam varies depending on the product or service being tested, but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam.

Once you have passed all required exams, you will be officially recognized as an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE). You will receive a certificate and digital badge that can be used to showcase your expertise on resumes, websites, social media profiles, etc.

2. Apple Certified Pro – Creative

Apple Certified Pro – Creative is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated technical proficiency in the use of Apple’s professional creative applications. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the use of Final Cut Pro, Motion, Logic Pro X, Compressor and other related Apple applications.

The certification process consists of two parts: taking an online exam and completing a hands-on assessment. The online exam covers topics such as workflow integration, media management, editing techniques and effects creation. The hands-on assessment requires you to complete a series of tasks using the Apple professional creative applications.

It typically takes about 6 months to become certified after registering for the program. To get started, you must first register for the program through the Apple website. After registration, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam and hands-on assessment materials.

The cost for becoming an Apple Certified Pro – Creative is $299 USD. This fee includes access to all required materials and exams as well as ongoing support from Apple throughout your certification journey.

3. Autodesk Certified User (ACU)

Autodesk Certified User (ACU) is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a user’s technical skills and knowledge of Autodesk products. The program is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in Autodesk software, including AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Inventor, Fusion 360, and more. It also provides employers with a reliable way to assess the skills of potential hires.

To become an ACU, you must pass an Autodesk-authorized exam. The exam typically takes 1–2 hours to complete and tests your understanding of the features and functions of the Autodesk product you are using. You must score at least 80% on the exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming an ACU varies depending on which Autodesk product you are taking the exam for. Generally speaking, exams range from $100–$200 USD per attempt.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk and be listed as an ACU on their website. This certification is valid for two years from the date of completion and can be renewed by taking another authorized exam or completing a course related to your product area.

4. Wacom Certified Professional (WCP)

Wacom Certified Professional (WCP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of Wacom products. This certification is ideal for those who are serious about their creative work and want to demonstrate their expertise in digital art and design.

The process of obtaining the WCP certification requires successful completion of an online assessment that tests your knowledge of Wacom products, software, and workflow. The assessment takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the certification, you must score 80% or higher on the assessment.

The cost of the WCP certification is $99 USD. After successfully completing the online assessment, you will receive a digital certificate that can be used as proof of your professional status. You will also gain access to exclusive discounts on Wacom products and services, as well as invitations to special events hosted by Wacom.

5. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) is a certification program offered by Adobe to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in Adobe digital media software. It is designed for students, educators, and professionals who want to validate their skills in Adobe products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Animate, and Premiere Pro.

The ACA exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as design principles, image editing techniques, animation principles, web design concepts, video production concepts and more. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but typically ranges from $95 - $180 USD.

To get an ACA certification you must first register for the exam through the Adobe website. Once registered you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your exam. After completing the exam you will receive a score report within 48 hours indicating whether or not you passed the exam. If you pass the exam then you will be awarded an official Adobe Certified Associate certificate.

6. UX Design Certification from Interaction Design Foundation

The Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) offers a UX Design Certification, which is designed to help aspiring UX designers build the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in the field. The certification consists of five courses that cover topics such as user research, user interface design, usability testing, and information architecture. The courses are self-paced and can be completed in about 12 weeks.

To get the certification, you must complete all five courses and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from IDF.

The cost of the certification depends on whether you choose to pay for each course individually or if you purchase an All-Access Pass. If you purchase each course individually, it will cost $99 per course. If you purchase an All-Access Pass, it will cost $499 for one year of access to all IDF courses and certifications.

7. Google Digital Garage Certification

Google Digital Garage Certification is a free online program that provides users with the opportunity to learn digital skills. It offers courses in areas such as web design, digital marketing, coding, and data analysis. The program is designed to help users become more confident and successful in their online activities.

The certification consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of specific modules that cover topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, Google AdWords, and analytics. The modules are self-paced and can be completed at any time. It typically takes around 10-15 hours to complete each level of the certification.

To get the Google Digital Garage Certification, you need to sign up for an account on the Google Digital Garage website. After signing up, you can access all of the available courses and begin learning at your own pace. Once you have completed all of the required modules for each level, you will receive a certificate confirming your completion of the program.

The Google Digital Garage Certification is completely free to access and take part in; there are no costs associated with it whatsoever.

8. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an entry-level understanding of core Microsoft technologies. It is intended to provide foundational knowledge for those who are interested in pursuing a career in IT and related fields. MTA certifications are available for Windows Server, Networking, Database Administration, Software Development, Security, and Mobility & Devices.

The MTA certification exams typically take between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on the type of exam taken and the country in which it is taken. Generally, the cost ranges from $75-$125 USD per exam.

To get an MTA certification, you must first pass one or more of the associated exams. Exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. Once you have passed the exam(s), you will receive your MTA certificate via email within 3-4 weeks after passing the exam(s).

9. CIW Web Design Specialist

CIW Web Design Specialist is a certification program offered by the Certified Internet Webmasters (CIW) organization. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in web design, development, and management. The program includes topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Photoshop, e-commerce, multimedia design and more.

The CIW Web Design Specialist certification can be earned in two ways: either through passing the CIW Web Foundations Associate exam or by completing the CIW Web Design Series. The former requires passing one exam while the latter requires completion of four courses and an associated exam.

The CIW Web Foundations Associate exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $195 USD. The CIW Web Design Series consists of four courses that take approximately 16 hours each to complete. The cost for each course ranges from $99 - $149 USD depending on the bundle purchased.

In order to become certified as a CIW Web Design Specialist an individual must pass both the required exams with a score of 70% or higher. Once this is achieved they will receive their official certificate from CIW which will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

10. Brainbench Digital Designer Certificate

Brainbench Digital Designer Certificate is a professional certification for digital designers. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of digital designers in areas such as web design, graphic design, user experience (UX) design, interface design, and coding. This certificate is offered by Brainbench, an online testing and certification platform.

The Brainbench Digital Designer Certificate exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as web design principles, HTML/CSS coding basics, UX design principles, graphic design fundamentals, typography basics, interface design principles, color theory basics, and more.

To get the Brainbench Digital Designer Certificate you need to register on the Brainbench website and take the exam. You will be required to pay a fee of $99 USD in order to take the exam. Once you have successfully completed the exam you will receive your certificate via email within 24 hours.

The Brainbench Digital Designer Certificate is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in digital design to potential employers or clients. It can also help boost your career prospects as it shows that you are knowledgeable in this field.

Do You Really Need a Digital Designer Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on what you are looking to achieve. If you are looking to become a professional digital designer, then a certificate may be beneficial in order to gain credibility and demonstrate your knowledge and skill set. A certificate can also help you stand out amongst other applicants when applying for jobs or freelance contracts.

On the other hand, if you are already a digital designer with experience and skills, then it may not be necessary to obtain a certificate. That being said, if you would like to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and techniques, as well as learn new software tools, then a certificate could still be beneficial for that purpose.

Ultimately, it is important to assess your current knowledge and experience level in order to determine whether or not obtaining a digital design certificate would be worthwhile for achieving your goals.

Related: Digital Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Digital Designer Certifications

Q1: What is a digital designer certification?

A1: A digital designer certification is an official recognition of one's skills and expertise in the field of digital design. It demonstrates that the individual has acquired the necessary knowledge and experience to create effective, engaging, and visually appealing designs for various media platforms.

Q2: What are the benefits of obtaining a digital designer certification?

A2: Obtaining a digital designer certification can help enhance an individual's career prospects by demonstrating their technical abilities and providing them with the confidence to pursue higher-level roles within the industry. Furthermore, having an official recognition of one's skillset can also give them an added edge when it comes to competing for jobs.

Q3: What types of certifications are available?

A3: There are a variety of certifications available for digital designers, depending on their level of experience and specialization. Some popular certifications include Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), Apple Certified Pro (ACP), Google Certified Professional (GCP), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and WordPress Developer Certification.

Q4: How long does it take to obtain a certification?

A4: The amount of time required to obtain a certification varies depending on the type of certification being pursued. Generally speaking, most certifications require taking an exam or completing coursework that typically takes between 1-3 months to complete.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a digital designer certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications require applicants to have some prior experience in the field before they can apply. Additionally, some certifications may also require applicants to submit samples of their work as part of the application process.