Top 11 Digital Print Operator Certifications

Certifications are important for a digital print operator in the job market because they show potential employers that the operator has a certain level of knowledge and experience with digital printing. Certifications can also help to differentiate an individual from other candidates, making them more attractive to employers. Additionally, many employers require certifications for certain positions as proof that an employee is qualified to perform the duties required by the job. Certifications can also provide access to higher paying jobs and demonstrate commitment to professional development. Finally, certifications can be used as a bargaining chip when negotiating salary or benefits packages.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Digital Print Operators and explains how they can help to advance a digital print operator's career.

What are Digital Print Operator Certifications?

Digital print operator certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes individuals who have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to operate digital printing equipment. This certification provides proof that an individual is knowledgeable and experienced in the operation of digital printing machines and processes, as well as being able to troubleshoot issues.

By obtaining digital print operator certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise to employers and potential clients. This certification can be beneficial for those interested in advancing their careers as it will provide them with the necessary credentials to work in this field. It can also help employers verify the qualifications of applicants when hiring new staff members.

In addition, having digital print operator certification can make it easier for individuals to keep up with industry changes and advances in technology, as they will have access to training materials provided by certifying organizations which are specific to the latest trends and techniques used in digital printing.

Overall, digital print operator certification is an important credential that can help individuals stand out from other job seekers in the field, while also providing them with the knowledge they need to stay up-to-date on changing industry standards.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become a certified digital print operator, make sure you complete all of the necessary training courses and certifications. This includes courses in digital printing fundamentals, color management, press operation, and other industry-specific topics. Additionally, be sure to stay up-to-date on any new technologies or techniques that may be available in the industry. Doing so will ensure that you are well-prepared for any potential job opportunities that come your way!

Related: What does a Digital Print Operator do?

Top 11 Digital Print Operator Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Print Production

Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Print Production is a certification program offered by Adobe. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the use of Adobe products for digital print production. The certification covers topics such as color management, image editing, page layout, and file preparation for print.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Print Production, you must pass a two-hour exam that tests your knowledge and skills related to the topics covered in the certification program. To prepare for the exam, you can take an official training course from Adobe or study on your own using online resources.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $200 to $300 USD. You can find information about upcoming exams and locations at the Adobe website.

Once you’ve passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Adobe recognizing your achievement as an Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Print Production. This certificate is valid for two years and can be renewed by taking another exam at the end of that period.

2. HP Digital Print Solutions Certification

HP Digital Print Solutions Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in HP digital printing solutions. The certification covers topics such as product knowledge, installation and configuration, troubleshooting, and customer support. It is designed for those who work with HP digital printing solutions on a daily basis, such as technicians, installers, IT professionals, and service providers.

The certification consists of two exams: the Core Exam and the Advanced Exam. The Core Exam covers topics such as basic product knowledge, installation and configuration, troubleshooting techniques, customer support strategies, and more. The Advanced Exam focuses on advanced topics such as networking fundamentals, security best practices, and advanced troubleshooting techniques.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the certification program. To get certified you must first register for the program through HP’s Learning Center website. After registering you will be able to access the course materials online or purchase them in print form from an authorized reseller. Once you have completed all of the course requirements you can take the two exams at an authorized testing center near you.

The cost of the HP Digital Print Solutions Certification program varies depending on where you purchase your materials from but typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD.

3. EFI Certified Digital Print Operator

EFI Certified Digital Print Operator is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of digital print operators. It is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in operating digital printing equipment. The certification is available for both EFI-certified and non-EFI certified digital print operators.

The EFI Certified Digital Print Operator program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical test. The written exam covers topics such as basic digital printing principles, color management, press setup, media handling, job preparation, and troubleshooting. The practical test requires the participant to demonstrate their ability to properly set up and operate a digital printing press.

The entire process typically takes around 8-10 hours to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To get EFI Certified Digital Print Operator certification, you must first register for the exam with EFI. After registering for the exam, you will be able to access study materials online or purchase them from EFI directly. Once you have studied for the exam, you can schedule your appointment with an approved testing center to take the written and practical tests.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take your exams and whether or not you are purchasing study materials from EFI directly. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD to become an EFI Certified Digital Print Operator.

4. Canon ImagePRESS Certified Operator

Canon ImagePRESS Certified Operator (CICO) is a certification program designed to help operators of Canon imagePRESS digital printing systems become more knowledgeable and efficient in their use. It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates proficiency in the operation of Canon imagePRESS digital printing systems.

The CICO program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 focuses on basic operations such as setting up jobs, running jobs, and performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. Level 2 focuses on advanced operations such as color management, workflow optimization, and job automation.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete both levels of the CICO program. During this time, participants must complete online courses, hands-on training sessions, and pass a written exam for each level.

To get started with the CICO program, interested individuals should contact their local Canon office or authorized reseller for information about enrollment. The cost of the CICO program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD for both levels combined.

5. Xerox Certified Production Professional

Xerox Certified Production Professional (XCP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the operation of Xerox production printing systems. The XCP certification is offered by Xerox Corporation and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their ability to effectively use the latest technologies, processes, and techniques for producing high-quality, cost-effective print jobs.

The XCP certification is available to all Xerox production printer operators. It requires an individual to pass a series of tests that measure their knowledge in areas such as system setup, job preparation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and safety. To become certified, an individual must pass both a written exam and a hands-on practical exam.

The written exam covers topics such as system setup, job preparation, troubleshooting, maintenance, safety procedures, environmental considerations and customer service. The hands-on practical exam requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to set up the machine correctly for a given job and produce quality output with minimal waste or errors.

It typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks to complete the XCP certification process depending on how quickly you can complete the exams. The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD.

6. Ricoh Accredited Digital Print Specialist

Ricoh Accredited Digital Print Specialist (RADPS) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in digital printing. The program is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of digital printing.

The RADPS certification requires applicants to complete a series of courses and assessments, including an online exam. The coursework covers topics such as digital workflow, color management, media selection, and print production. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to use Ricoh's advanced software and hardware solutions for digital printing.

The RADPS certification typically takes about three months to complete. Applicants must attend all required classes and pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once certified, applicants will receive a certificate from Ricoh that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in digital printing.

The cost of the RADPS certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as location. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for the entire program.

7. Konica Minolta Accredited Digital Print Operator

Konica Minolta Accredited Digital Print Operator (KMADPO) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in digital printing. The program is open to anyone interested in becoming a certified digital print professional, including Konica Minolta customers, employees, and partners.

The KMADPO certification requires successful completion of an online training course and passing a comprehensive exam. The training course covers topics such as color management, image quality, media selection, and workflow optimization. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the online course.

To get certified as a Konica Minolta Accredited Digital Print Operator, you must first register for the program on the Konica Minolta website. Once registered, you will be given access to the online training course and exam. Once you have successfully completed both components of the program and passed the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will become certified as a Konica Minolta Accredited Digital Print Operator.

The cost for registration into the KMADPO program is $299 USD per person. This fee covers all aspects of the program including access to the online training course and exam.

8. Océ Accredited Digital Print Professional

Océ Accredited Digital Print Professional is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in digital printing. The program is offered by Océ, a global leader in digital imaging and printing solutions.

The program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. To become an Océ Accredited Digital Print Professional, applicants must pass both levels with a minimum score of 70%. Level 1 consists of online training modules covering topics such as color management, file preparation, workflow optimization, and print production. Level 2 involves an on-site assessment which includes a written exam and hands-on demonstration of the applicant’s skills.

The entire process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the availability of the applicant and the assessment center.

To get started, applicants must first register for the program through Océ’s website. Once registered, they will receive access to the online training modules as well as information about how to schedule their on-site assessment.

The cost for the Océ Accredited Digital Print Professional program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

9. Kodak Prinergy Certified Operator

Kodak Prinergy Certified Operator is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of Kodak Prinergy Workflow software. The program is administered by Kodak and provides an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in the use of Prinergy Workflow.

The Kodak Prinergy Certified Operator program consists of two parts: (1) an online assessment and (2) a hands-on exam. The online assessment tests knowledge of key concepts related to the use of Prinergy Workflow software, such as job setup, file preparation, output options, and troubleshooting. The hands-on exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to set up jobs, prepare files for output, and troubleshoot issues within the Prinergy Workflow environment.

The program typically takes between three and four weeks to complete. Candidates must first register for the program and pay the associated fee before they can take the online assessment. After passing the online assessment, candidates must then schedule their hands-on exam at one of several authorized testing centers worldwide.

The cost for taking part in the Kodak Prinergy Certified Operator program varies depending on location. In most cases, it costs around $500 USD to take part in the program, which includes both the online assessment and hands-on exam fees.

10. Fujifilm Accredited Digital Printing Technician

Fujifilm Accredited Digital Printing Technician (ADPT) is a certification program designed to recognize professional digital printing technicians who demonstrate the highest level of proficiency in the operation and maintenance of Fujifilm digital printing equipment. This certification is awarded by Fujifilm upon successful completion of a comprehensive training program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and an online exam. The ADPT program is designed to ensure that certified technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide superior service and support for Fujifilm digital printing systems.

The ADPT program requires a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. During this time, participants will learn about the fundamentals of digital printing technology, as well as how to properly operate and maintain Fujifilm digital printing systems. Participants will also learn about troubleshooting techniques, best practices for color management, safety procedures, and more.

Once the classroom instruction has been completed, participants must pass an online exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as basic electronics theory, operating procedures, maintenance procedures, safety protocols, color management principles, and more. Participants must score at least 80% on the exam in order to be awarded the ADPT certification.

The cost of the ADPT program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per person.

11. Heidelberg Certified Digital Print Operator

Heidelberg Certified Digital Print Operator (HCDPO) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward those who have achieved a high level of competency in operating Heidelberg digital printing equipment. The HCDPO program is designed to provide an industry-recognized certification for print professionals who demonstrate the ability to operate Heidelberg digital presses safely and efficiently.

The HCDPO program consists of two parts: an online knowledge assessment and a hands-on practical assessment. The knowledge assessment consists of multiple choice questions related to the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Heidelberg digital printing equipment. The practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to set up, adjust, and operate a Heidelberg digital press.

The entire process takes approximately four hours. Candidates must first complete the online knowledge assessment before they can take the practical assessment. Once both assessments are completed successfully, candidates will receive their official HCDPO certificate from Heidelberg.

The cost for the HCDPO program varies depending on where you take it. In some cases, employers may cover the cost for their employees. Otherwise, the cost typically ranges from $100-$400 USD depending on location and other factors.

Do You Really Need a Digital Print Operator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Digital Print Operator Certificate to become a digital print operator. However, having the certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge of the technology and show that you are qualified for the job. In addition, some employers may require a certificate or prefer candidates who have earned one.

In today’s digital world, employers are looking for employees who understand the latest technology and trends in digital printing. Having a Digital Print Operator Certificate can be beneficial in demonstrating your knowledge of the equipment, software, and techniques used in digital printing. The certificate also shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the field and that you are committed to staying up-to-date on new developments in it.

Having a Digital Print Operator Certificate can also be beneficial if you want to move up within your current company or apply for other jobs within the same field. Employers often look for candidates with certifications when making hiring decisions because it indicates that an individual has specialized knowledge and experience related to their industry. A Digital Print Operator Certificate demonstrates that you have taken the initiative to gain more knowledge and expertise in this field and can be an asset when applying for higher positions or jobs outside of your current role.

Overall, having a Digital Print Operator Certificate is not necessary to become employed as a digital print operator; however, it can give you an edge over other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to learning about digital printing technology. It is ultimately up to you whether or not obtaining this certification is worth it; however, if you are serious about pursuing this career path, then it could certainly benefit you in both short-term and long-term job prospects.

Related: Digital Print Operator Resume Examples

FAQs About Digital Print Operator Certifications

Q1: What is a Digital Print Operator Certification?

A1: A Digital Print Operator Certification is a certification program designed to certify individuals in the operation of digital printing equipment. This certification program provides comprehensive training on the proper use of digital printing equipment, as well as industry-specific best practices.

Q2: How do I become certified?

A2: To become certified, you must first complete a course that covers the fundamentals of digital printing, such as color management and press calibration. After completing the course, you must take an exam to prove your understanding of the material. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded a certificate from a recognized certifying body.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified?

A3: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how much time you have available for study and practice. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on your level of commitment and ability.

Q4: What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A4: Becoming certified shows employers that you are knowledgeable and proficient in operating digital printing machines. It also demonstrates that you are dedicated to staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments. Additionally, having a certification may help you qualify for job promotions or salary increases within your field.

Q5: Are there any other requirements for certification?

A5: Yes, most certifying bodies require that applicants have at least two years of experience working with digital printing equipment prior to taking their exams. Additionally, some certifications may require ongoing continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification status.