Top 11 Freelance Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for freelance designers in the job market for a few reasons. Firstly, certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the designer has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in their field. Additionally, certifications can help build credibility and trust with prospective clients, as they provide assurance that the freelancer is qualified to do the job. Finally, having industry-recognized certifications can make a freelancer more competitive in the job market as it shows that they have taken the time and effort to gain additional qualifications beyond their basic education or experience.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of some of the top certifications for Freelance Designers and explain how they can help to further a freelance designer's career.

What are Freelance Designer Certifications?

Freelance designer certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual's qualifications and expertise in the field of freelance design. It is designed to demonstrate the individual's knowledge and skills, as well as their commitment to quality work and customer service. This type of certification can be beneficial for both employers and freelancers.

For employers, having access to certified freelance designers provides assurance that they are hiring someone with the necessary skills and experience to produce quality work. Additionally, it can help employers save time by quickly identifying qualified individuals who meet their specific needs.

For freelancers, obtaining freelance designer certification can help them stand out from the competition and demonstrate their commitment to excellence. It can also provide them with greater credibility when applying for new jobs or negotiating rates with potential clients. Furthermore, it may even open up opportunities for additional training or certifications that could further enhance their skillset.

Pro Tip: Invest in a freelance designer certification program to help you stay up-to-date on the latest design trends and techniques. This will give you an edge over other freelancers, as well as potential clients, and can help you land more lucrative projects.

Related: What does a Freelance Designer do?

Top 11 Freelance Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a certification program offered by Adobe to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of their products. The ACE program covers a variety of Adobe applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and Dreamweaver.

It typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete the ACE certification process. To become an ACE, you must first pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of the application you are seeking certification in. After passing the exam, you will need to complete a project-based assessment that requires you to demonstrate your proficiency with the application.

You can get started on the ACE certification path by purchasing an exam voucher from Adobe's website or through one of their authorized training partners. The cost for an individual exam voucher varies depending on which application you are seeking certification for, but generally ranges from $100 - $200 USD.

2. Autodesk Certified User (ACU)

Autodesk Certified User (ACU) is a certification program offered by Autodesk that validates a user’s skills and knowledge in the use of Autodesk software. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Inventor, Fusion 360, and more. The ACU program is ideal for students, educators, and professionals who want to demonstrate their proficiency with Autodesk products.

The ACU certification consists of two exams: one on the fundamentals of using Autodesk products and another on a specific product or suite of products. The fundamental exam covers topics such as basic commands and functions, 2D drawing techniques, 3D modeling techniques, visualization techniques, and project management. The product-specific exam covers topics related to the specific product or suite being tested on.

It typically takes about three hours to complete both exams. To get certified as an Autodesk Certified User (ACU), you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the ACU exams depends on which version you are taking; however it usually ranges from $50-$100 per exam.

3. Apple Certified Pro (ACP)

Apple Certified Pro (ACP) is a certification program offered by Apple to recognize professionals and IT specialists who have mastered the skills necessary to support Apple products. This certification demonstrates proficiency in the use of Apple hardware and software, as well as knowledge of other related technologies.

To become an ACP, you must first complete an online exam that covers topics such as Mac OS X, iOS, iCloud, Apple hardware, and more. The exam typically takes around two hours to complete and costs $200 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your ACP certificate from Apple.

In order to maintain your certification status, you must take a refresher course every three years. This refresher course is also available online for a fee of $100 USD.

Overall, becoming an ACP requires dedication and commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends in the industry. It is also important to note that this certification does not guarantee employment but may help increase your chances of gaining employment in the IT field or working with Apple products.

4. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is a professional certification program for interior designers. It is the most widely recognized and respected credential in the interior design industry, and it is required by many state regulatory boards and professional organizations. The NCIDQ certification demonstrates that an individual has met the minimum standards of knowledge, experience, and competence necessary to practice interior design at a professional level.

To become certified, applicants must pass three exams: the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum Exam (PRAC). The IDFX exam focuses on basic design principles, while the IDPX covers more advanced topics such as space planning, code compliance, construction documents, and project management. The PRAC exam tests an applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It typically takes between two to five years to complete all three exams depending on an individual’s prior education and experience. Applicants are encouraged to review their state requirements as some states may have additional requirements that must be met before taking any of the exams.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which exams are taken and where they are taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $500-$700 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. There may also be additional costs associated with study materials or prep courses.

Overall, obtaining NCIDQ certification is an important step for anyone looking to pursue a career in interior design at a professional level. It demonstrates competency in the field and helps ensure that clients receive quality services from qualified professionals.

5. The Society of Digital Agencies (SODA)

The Society of Digital Agencies (SODA) is a professional organization for digital agencies and their employees. SODA was founded in 2018 to provide support, resources, and networking opportunities to digital agencies. It’s mission is to help digital agencies become more successful by providing access to industry-leading resources, best practices, and peer-to-peer collaboration.

It takes about two weeks to get accepted into the Society of Digital Agencies. To join, you must submit an application form with your company information, such as the name of your agency and contact information. You will also need to provide proof of your agency's experience in the digital space. Once you have submitted your application form, it will be reviewed by the SODA team before being accepted or rejected.

The cost of joining SODA varies depending on the type of membership you choose. There are three levels of membership: Basic ($99/year), Professional ($249/year), and Elite ($499/year). Each level offers different benefits including access to exclusive resources and discounts on events and services.

In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs associated with attending certain events or taking advantage of certain services offered through SODA.

6. International Webmasters Association (IWA)

The International Webmasters Association (IWA) is a professional association that provides web professionals with the opportunity to network and collaborate with other web professionals around the world. It also provides members with access to resources, tools, and training materials related to web development, design, SEO, and other topics.

To become a member of the IWA, you must have at least two years of experience in the web industry. You must also complete an application form and pay an annual membership fee of $50 USD. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a membership card and access to all of the benefits offered by the IWA.

The IWA offers several benefits for its members including discounts on conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events; access to exclusive job postings; discounts on books and software; access to online forums; and more. Additionally, members can take advantage of networking opportunities with other web professionals from around the world through online discussion boards.

Membership in the IWA is open to any individual or organization involved in website development or related fields such as graphic design or search engine optimization. The process typically takes about two weeks from when you submit your application until it is approved.

7. International Association of Web Professionals (IAWP)

The International Association of Web Professionals (IAWP) is a professional organization that provides certification and education to web professionals. It was founded in 1998, with the mission of providing web professionals with the credentials they need to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the industry.

IAWP offers two levels of certification: Certified Web Professional (CWP) and Master Certified Web Professional (MCWP). To become certified, applicants must pass a series of exams covering topics such as web design, development, programming, marketing, content management systems, search engine optimization and more. The exams are administered by Prometric Testing Centers around the world.

For CWP certification, it typically takes about 6 months from start to finish to complete the process. For MCWP certification, it can take up to 12 months or longer depending on individual circumstances.

To get IAWP certification, applicants must first register for an exam through Prometric Testing Centers and pay the associated fee. Once registered for an exam, applicants will receive study materials from IAWP which they can use to prepare for their upcoming exams. After successfully passing all required exams, applicants will receive their official IAWP certification documents and be recognized as a Certified Web Professional or Master Certified Web Professional according to their level of achievement.

The cost for CWP certification is $495 USD while the cost for MCWP certification is $795 USD. Both fees include registration for all required exams as well as study materials from IAWP.

8. UX Certification Institute (UXCI)

The UX Certification Institute (UXCI) is an online certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful user experience (UX) designers. The certification program consists of two levels: a basic level and an advanced level.

The basic level covers topics such as user research, usability testing, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design. It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete this level. To get the basic certification, you must pass an online exam that costs $299 USD.

The advanced level covers topics such as product strategy, prototyping, user interface design, content strategy, and mobile UX design. It takes approximately 12-14 weeks to complete this level. To get the advanced certification, you must pass an online exam that costs $399 USD.

In addition to the exams, there are also optional courses available for those who want to go beyond the basics of UX design and gain more in-depth knowledge about specific areas of UX design. These courses cost between $99-$299 USD depending on the topic covered.

9. Human Factors International Certification Program (HFICP)

The Human Factors International Certification Program (HFICP) is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals and organizations develop and maintain high standards in the field of human factors engineering. The program is administered by Human Factors International (HFI), a not-for-profit professional association dedicated to advancing the science and practice of human factors engineering.

The HFICP consists of two levels: Certified Professional (CP) and Certified Expert (CE). The CP level is designed for professionals who have basic knowledge and experience in human factors engineering, while the CE level is intended for those with more advanced knowledge and experience.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process, depending on an individual’s level of experience. To get certified, applicants must first pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge of human factors engineering principles. After passing the assessment, they must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in applying these principles. This portfolio should include examples of projects they have worked on, papers they have written, or other relevant materials.

Once their portfolio has been accepted, applicants must then attend an in-person interview with a panel of HFI experts. During this interview, applicants will be asked questions about their experience and knowledge related to human factors engineering. If successful, applicants will be awarded either the CP or CE certification depending on their performance during the interview.

The cost for HFICP certification varies depending on which level you are applying for and whether or not you are an HFI member. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD to apply for CP certification and $1,000 USD to apply for CE certification (plus any applicable taxes).

10. Professional Web Designers Alliance (PWDA)

The Professional Web Designers Alliance (PWDA) is an international organization that provides web designers with a platform to network and collaborate. It was founded in 2000 and is based in the United States.

The PWDA offers members access to resources, support, and networking opportunities. Membership is open to all web designers regardless of experience level or location. To become a member, you must fill out an online application form and pay an annual fee. The fee varies depending on the type of membership you choose.

To get the most out of your membership, it's important to take advantage of the various benefits offered by PWDA. These include access to exclusive discounts on software and services, free web hosting, educational materials, and more. Additionally, members can participate in online forums where they can ask questions and share ideas with other professionals in the field.

Overall, joining the PWDA is a great way for web designers to stay up-to-date on industry trends, gain valuable insights from experienced professionals within their field, and build relationships with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about web design.

11. American Institute of Graphic Arts Certification Program (AIGAC).

The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Certification Program is a professional development program designed to recognize and reward graphic designers who demonstrate the highest level of professional competence. The program is designed to help graphic designers build their skills, increase their knowledge, and gain recognition for their work.

The AIGA Certification Program consists of three levels: Certified Associate (CA), Certified Professional (CP), and Certified Master (CM). Each level requires the completion of a set of core courses, as well as additional elective courses. In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the field of graphic design.

It typically takes around two years to complete all the requirements for AIGA Certification. The core curriculum includes topics such as typography, color theory, digital imaging, layout design, and web design. Elective courses may include topics such as branding and identity design, motion graphics, user experience design, and more.

To get certified through AIGA, applicants must first submit an application form along with a portfolio that demonstrates their proficiency in graphic design. Once approved by AIGA’s review board, applicants will be required to take an exam that tests their knowledge on the topics covered in the curriculum. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certification from AIGA.

The cost for AIGA Certification depends on which level you are applying for and whether you are a member or non-member of AIGA. The cost ranges from $495-$995 depending on your membership status and certification level.

Do You Really Need a Freelance Designer Certificate?

The short answer is no. You don't need a freelance designer certificate to be successful as a freelancer. However, having one can give you an edge over other freelancers who don't have a certification in the same field.

A freelance design certificate can demonstrate that you have taken the time to learn the necessary skills and best practices for designing quality work. This can increase your chances of being hired by clients as they will have more confidence in your abilities as a professional designer. Additionally, having a certification could also help you stand out from the crowd of other freelancers competing for the same job opportunities.

Having a freelance design certificate may also open up new opportunities for growth within the industry. Many companies look for designers with certifications when hiring, so having one could increase your chances of getting noticed and being considered for higher-paying positions or projects. Additionally, many organizations offer additional benefits to those who possess certifications, such as access to exclusive resources or discounts on software and services.

Overall, having a freelance design certificate is not essential to becoming successful as a freelancer; however, it does provide certain advantages that may be beneficial depending on your goals and aspirations within the industry. Therefore, if you are looking to take your career to the next level or simply want to improve your chances of landing jobs with reputable clients, then obtaining a freelance design certificate could be worth considering.

Related: Freelance Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Freelance Designer Certifications

Q1: What is a Freelance Designer Certification?

A1: A Freelance Designer Certification is a credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of freelance design. It is typically awarded by an accredited organization or institution and involves completing certain coursework and/or tests.

Q2: How do I get a Freelance Designer Certification?

A2: The requirements for obtaining a Freelance Designer Certification vary depending on the organization or institution offering it. Generally, you must complete certain coursework, exams, and other criteria set forth by the institution to earn your certification.

Q3: What are the benefits of having a Freelance Designer Certification?

A3: Having a certification can help demonstrate your professional qualifications to potential employers or clients as well as increase your earning potential. Additionally, it can provide you with access to specialized training and resources that may not be available to non-certified freelancers.

Q4: Are there any prerequisites to obtaining a Freelance Designer Certification?

A4: Depending on the institution offering the certification, there may be prerequisites such as prior education or experience in design that must be met before being eligible for certifications.

Q5: Does having a Freelance Designer Certification guarantee employment?

A5: No, having a certification does not guarantee employment; however, it can help increase your chances of finding work as clients may view certified freelancers more favorably than those without certifications.