Top 11 Freelance Graphic Designer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a freelance graphic designer's job market success. They demonstrate that the designer has a certain level of knowledge and skills in their chosen field, as well as a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. Certifications also provide potential clients with assurance that the designer is qualified to provide quality work. Having certifications can help freelance graphic designers stand out from other applicants, as it shows that they are serious about their profession and have taken steps to become more knowledgeable and skilled. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for freelance designers, such as access to exclusive job postings or invitations to industry events. Ultimately, certifications can be valuable assets for freelance graphic designers in today's competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for freelance graphic designers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Freelance Graphic Designer Certifications?

Freelance graphic designer certification is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of graphic design. This certification can be obtained by taking an exam administered by a certifying body such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). The certification ensures that freelance graphic designers have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality services to their clients.

The benefits of obtaining freelance graphic designer certification are numerous. Firstly, having this certification will give freelance designers credibility and recognition in their field. Certification also provides assurance to potential employers and clients that the freelancer has the necessary qualifications and experience to do a good job. Furthermore, it allows freelancers to stand out from the competition, as most employers prefer candidates with certifications over those without them. Finally, having this certification might give freelancers access to certain resources and opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, such as special discounts on software or hardware products or invitations to conferences or workshops related to their industry. Obtaining freelance graphic designer certification can therefore greatly improve a freelancer’s career prospects and help them establish themselves as a top-notch professional in their field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research any freelance graphic designer certification program you are considering thoroughly. Look for programs that provide practical experience and instruction from experienced professionals in the field, as well as include a portfolio review process and feedback from industry experts. This will help ensure that you gain the necessary skills to be successful as a freelance graphic designer.

Related: What does a Freelance Graphic Designer do?

Top 11 Freelance Graphic Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Graphic Design

Adobe Certified Expert in Graphic Design is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced proficiency in using Adobe’s graphic design tools. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their mastery of the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes industry-leading applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more.

The certification process typically takes between 2-3 months to complete. The first step is to take an online assessment that tests your knowledge of the Creative Cloud suite. After passing the assessment, you will then be required to submit a portfolio of work demonstrating your proficiency with the software. Once your portfolio has been approved, you will receive an email confirming your certification status and providing access to the official Adobe Certified Expert badge.

In order to get certified, you must have an active subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud and pay a fee for the certification exam (which varies depending on location). Additionally, you may need to purchase additional training materials or courses in order to prepare for the exam.

The cost of getting certified can vary depending on what type of training materials or courses are purchased, but it typically ranges from $100-$500 USD.

2. Autodesk Certified Professional in Graphic Design

Autodesk Certified Professional in Graphic Design is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the use of Autodesk software for graphic design. The certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in Autodesk tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other programs used for digital image manipulation and vector illustration.

The Autodesk Certified Professional in Graphic Design certification requires the successful completion of a series of exams. The exams cover topics such as basic design principles, color theory, typography, digital imaging fundamentals, layout and composition techniques, and more. The exams are administered online through a secure website.

In order to become certified as an Autodesk Certified Professional in Graphic Design, you must have at least six months of experience using Autodesk software for graphic design projects. You must also pass the required exams with a minimum score of 80%.

The cost of the Autodesk Certified Professional in Graphic Design certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and the country where they are taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

It typically takes two to three weeks to complete all required exams and receive your official certificate from Autodesk.

3. International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) Certification

The International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) Certification is a professional accreditation program designed to recognize the highest standards in typography and graphic design. The ISTD certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of typography, its history, principles, and applications. The program is open to both experienced professionals and those just starting out in the field.

To get the ISTD certification, applicants must first complete an online application form. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to complete a series of courses and examinations that cover topics such as typeface design, layout, composition, and production. Upon successful completion of all coursework and exams, applicants will receive their ISTD certification.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on how quickly an applicant can complete all requirements.

The cost for the ISTD certification varies depending on which country you are applying from. In the United States it costs $395 USD for members of the society or $495 USD for non-members. Other countries may have different fees associated with the program so it’s best to check with your local chapter for more information about pricing.

4. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certification

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certification is a professional certification program that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in using the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite software. This certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their abilities and proficiency in the use of CorelDRAW for graphic design, illustration, page layout, photo editing, animation, web graphics and other related tasks.

The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certification Program consists of two levels: CorelDRAW Certified Professional (CCP) and CorelDRAW Certified Expert (CCE). To become certified at either level, an individual must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of the software. The CCP exam covers topics such as creating vector illustrations, working with text objects, understanding color management tools and more; while the CCE exam covers advanced topics such as creating complex designs with multiple layers, using advanced effects and filters, working with digital images and more.

The exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through the Corel Learning Portal. It typically takes around 4 hours to complete both exams. The cost of taking the exams varies depending on where you take them; however it typically costs between $100 - $200 USD per exam.

5. National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) Certification

The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a professional’s expertise in Adobe Photoshop. The program offers three levels of certification: Certified Associate, Certified Professional, and Certified Expert.

To become certified at any level, you must pass the NAPP Certification Exam. The exam covers topics such as image editing, retouching, color management, and other advanced techniques. It is administered online and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the level of certification you are seeking. For example, the cost for the Certified Associate exam is $99 USD while the cost for the Certified Professional exam is $199 USD.

In order to get certified, you must first register with NAPP and create an account. Once your account is created, you can purchase the appropriate exam and schedule a time to take it online. After completing the exam successfully, you will receive your official certificate from NAPP via email within 7-10 business days.

6. Apple Certified Pro in Graphic Design

Apple Certified Pro in Graphic Design is a certification program offered by Apple that recognizes professionals who demonstrate expertise in the use of Apple's professional graphic design software.

The certification process involves completing a series of online and hands-on exams, as well as a final project. The online exams consist of multiple-choice questions related to the use of Apple's professional graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The hands-on exam requires applicants to complete a series of tasks using the software, such as creating logos or manipulating images. The final project requires applicants to create a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of the tools and techniques learned during the certification process.

The entire certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. Applicants must have an active Apple ID and be enrolled in an accredited college or university program in order to qualify for the certification program.

The cost of the Apple Certified Pro in Graphic Design varies depending on which exams are taken and how many times they are taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for all exams and projects required for the certification.

7. Microsoft Office Specialist in Graphic Design

Microsoft Office Specialist in Graphic Design is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in using the Microsoft Office suite of design tools. This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their ability to create and edit documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and other graphic design elements using the Microsoft Office suite.

The certification requires individuals to pass two exams: one for Microsoft Word and one for Microsoft PowerPoint. The exams are designed to test an individual’s knowledge of the features and functions of each program as well as their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes around 10 hours to complete both exams, depending on your level of experience with the software. To get certified, you must first register with Certiport, which is an authorized testing center for Microsoft Office Specialist certifications. You can then purchase vouchers from Certiport that will allow you to take the exams at any authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on where you take them but generally ranges from $100-$200 per exam.

8. QuarkXPress Certified Designer

QuarkXPress Certified Designer is a professional certification program offered by Quark Inc. that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the QuarkXPress design software. The certification is designed to prove to employers, customers, and other professionals that an individual has met the highest standards of proficiency in using QuarkXPress.

The certification process involves completing an online assessment that tests knowledge of the features and functions of QuarkXPress. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions, as well as drag-and-drop exercises. To receive the certification, applicants must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the assessment.

The certification process typically takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $99 USD. To get started, applicants must create an account with Quark Inc., purchase the assessment, and then complete it online. Once completed, applicants will receive their official certificate via email within 48 hours.

9. Adobe Creative Cloud Certification

Adobe Creative Cloud Certification is an official certification program offered by Adobe that validates your skills in using Adobe Creative Cloud products. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the latest version of Adobe’s creative tools, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and more.

To get certified, you must pass a series of exams that test your knowledge and skills in using the various Adobe Creative Cloud products. The exams are administered online through the Adobe website and typically take between two and four hours to complete. You must also pay a fee for each exam you take. The cost of each exam can vary depending on which product you are testing for.

Once you have passed all of the necessary exams, you will be awarded an Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) or an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification depending on which level of proficiency you achieved. These certifications are valid for two years from the date they were issued. After two years, you will need to retake the exams to maintain your certification status.

Adobe Creative Cloud Certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in using Adobe’s creative tools and can help open up new career opportunities for those looking to break into the digital design industry.

10. International Webmasters Association (IWA) Web Graphics Designer Certification

The International Webmasters Association (IWA) Web Graphics Designer Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of web graphics designers. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in web design.

The IWA Web Graphics Designer Certification is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of web graphics design, from basic principles to advanced techniques. The certification process includes an online assessment, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as color theory, typography, layout, user experience design, and more. Once the assessment is completed and passed, candidates must submit a portfolio of their work for review by the IWA's expert panel.

The entire process typically takes between two and three months to complete. Candidates are encouraged to practice their skills before taking the assessment in order to maximize their chances of success.

The cost of the IWA Web Graphics Designer Certification varies depending on the country where it is taken. In most cases, it costs around $150 USD.

11. International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA) Certificate

The International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA) Certificate is a professional qualification for graphic designers. It is awarded to those who demonstrate a high level of skill and knowledge in the field of graphic design. The certificate is internationally recognized and provides an assurance of quality to employers, clients, and colleagues.

The ICOGRADA Certificate can be obtained through a combination of study and work experience. Generally, applicants must have at least two years’ experience in the field of graphic design as well as passing an examination. The examination consists of both theoretical and practical components which test the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques used in graphic design.

In order to apply for the ICOGRADA Certificate, applicants must first become members of ICOGRADA. Membership fees vary depending on where you live but typically range from $50-100 USD per year. Once membership has been obtained, applicants will be able to register for the certification process which includes submitting their portfolio along with other required documents such as references and transcripts.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants must then take part in an interview with a panel of experienced professionals in order to assess their skills and knowledge before being awarded the certificate. This process typically takes around six months from start to finish but can vary depending on individual circumstances.

The cost of obtaining the ICOGRADA Certificate varies depending on where you are located but typically ranges from $200-500 USD plus any additional costs associated with becoming a member or taking part in interviews or examinations.

Do You Really Need a Freelance Graphic Designer Certificate?

The short answer is no. A freelance graphic designer certificate is not a requirement for working as a freelance graphic designer. However, there are many benefits to earning such a certificate.

A freelance graphic designer certificate shows potential employers that you have taken initiative to learn the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job. It also demonstrates your commitment to the profession, as well as your dedication to keeping up with industry trends and best practices. Having a certificate can also provide recognition from peers and other professionals in the field, which can be beneficial when looking to expand one's network or find new opportunities.

Additionally, having a freelance graphic designer certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who don't have one. It can show potential employers that you have an advanced understanding of the latest tools and techniques used in the field and that you are serious about wanting to pursue a career in this area.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a freelance graphic designer certificate depends on what type of work you want to do, your experience level, and how competitive the market is in your area. If you are just starting out or if there is less competition in your area, then it may not be necessary for you to get certified. However, if you want to stand out from other applicants or compete for higher-level jobs then earning a certification may be worthwhile.

Related: Freelance Graphic Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Freelance Graphic Designer Certifications

1. What is a Freelance Graphic Designer Certification?

Answer: A Freelance Graphic Designer Certification is a certification that shows employers and clients that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to work as a freelance graphic designer. It also provides proof of your abilities and qualifications.

2. How do I get a Freelance Graphic Designer Certification?

Answer: You can obtain a Freelance Graphic Designer Certification by completing an online course or attending a workshop or seminar in person. You may also be able to take an exam in order to become certified.

3. What are the benefits of having a Freelance Graphic Designer Certification?

Answer: Having a Freelance Graphic Designer Certification will give you credibility with employers and clients, show potential customers that you are qualified, and help you stand out from other freelancers in the field. Additionally, it will give you access to new opportunities and increase your earning potential.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a freelance graphic designer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete the certification process can vary depending on the type of program or course you choose to complete. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months before you receive your certification.

5. Is there an official body that accredits freelance graphic designer certifications?

Answer: Yes, some freelance graphic designer certifications are accredited by official bodies such as Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) or International Webmasters Association (IWA). These organizations provide validation and recognition for those who have achieved certain levels of proficiency in their chosen field.