Top 10 Graphic Design Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a graphic design assistant in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Employers look for candidates with certifications as evidence that they have the skills necessary to do the job effectively. Certification also shows that an individual has taken the time to learn about graphic design and is up-to-date on current trends and technologies. Having certifications can help a graphic design assistant stand out from other applicants, giving them an edge over those without certification when looking for employment.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Graphic Design Assistants and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Graphic Design Assistant Certifications?

Graphic design assistant certification is a professional credential that provides recognition for individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experience to work as an assistant in the graphic design industry. This certification can help aspiring professionals demonstrate their qualifications to employers and increase their chances of being hired. It also serves as a way to validate the individual’s skills and expertise within the field.

The certification process typically involves taking both online and in-person classes, along with completing exams or other assessment requirements. These courses offer comprehensive instruction on topics such as design principles, software applications, typography, digital media production, and more. By gaining an understanding of these concepts, individuals can better assist graphic designers in their tasks and projects. Additionally, this type of training can open up opportunities for career advancement in related fields such as web design or animation.

In summary, graphic design assistant certification is a valuable tool for those seeking employment or advancement within the industry. It helps employers recognize an individual’s qualifications and sets them apart from other applicants. Furthermore, it offers hands-on training that equips individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in this field.

Pro Tip: When considering a graphic design assistant certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Look for programs that focus on providing hands-on experience and offer courses in multiple areas of graphic design, such as typography, layout, and color theory. Additionally, consider programs that provide access to industry-standard software and equipment so you can gain real-world knowledge and experience in a professional setting.

Related: What does a Graphic Design Assistant do?

Top 10 Graphic Design Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Graphic Design Assistants today.

1. Adobe Certified Associate in Graphic Design

Adobe Certified Associate in Graphic Design is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. This certification proves that you have the skills necessary to create digital graphics, designs, and layouts for print and web projects.

How long does it take to get it? Depending on your experience level and how much time you can dedicate to studying, it usually takes about two months of preparation before taking the exam.

How do you get it? To become certified, you must pass the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as design principles, color theory, typography, layout techniques, photo editing, and video editing. You can find more information about the exam on the Adobe website.

How much does it cost? The cost of the ACA exam varies depending on where you take it. Prices range from $100-$150 USD per exam.

2. AIGA Professional Certification in Graphic Design

AIGA Professional Certification in Graphic Design is a program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of those who work in the field of graphic design. It is the only certification program that is officially recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).

The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment, which tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as typography, layout, color theory, and digital media; and a portfolio review, which evaluates your professional experience. The portfolio review includes an evaluation of your design projects, client feedback, awards received, and other evidence of professional achievement.

The entire process takes approximately four to six weeks to complete. To get started, you must first register for the exam on AIGA's website. Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for the assessment and what materials you need to submit for your portfolio review.

The cost for AIGA Professional Certification in Graphic Design varies depending on whether or not you are an AIGA member. For non-members, it costs $295 USD; for members it costs $195 USD.

3. International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) Certificate in Graphic Design

The International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) Certificate in Graphic Design is a professional qualification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices and techniques of typography. It is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in graphic design or who are already working in the field but want to increase their knowledge.

The ISTD Certificate in Graphic Design consists of three modules: Typography, Visual Communication and Digital Media. Each module requires approximately 40 hours of study, including online tutorials and practical assignments. The course also includes an online assessment at the end of each module.

To get the ISTD Certificate in Graphic Design, you must successfully complete all three modules within two years. You can take the modules individually or as part of a package depending on your needs.

The cost for the ISTD Certificate in Graphic Design varies depending on how you choose to take it. If you take all three modules together as part of a package, it will cost around £1,600 (including VAT). If you take them individually, each module costs £550 (including VAT).

4. Apple Certified Pro in Graphic Design

Apple Certified Pro in Graphic Design is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a user’s knowledge and proficiency with Apple's design applications. It is designed for professionals who use the Mac platform to create visual designs, illustrations, and other artwork.

To become an Apple Certified Pro in Graphic Design, you must pass a series of exams administered by Apple. These tests are designed to assess your knowledge of the fundamentals of graphic design as well as your proficiency with the latest versions of Apple's design applications including Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDRAW, QuarkXPress, and more.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how much experience you have with the software you are testing on. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all the required exams.

In order to get certified, you will need to purchase an exam voucher from Apple which can be purchased online or at any authorized Apple reseller. The cost of each exam varies depending on the type of exam you are taking but typically ranges from $50 - $150 USD per exam.

Once you have completed all required exams and passed them successfully, you will receive your official Apple Certified Pro in Graphic Design certification which will be valid for two years before needing renewal.

5. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in Graphic Design

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification in Graphic Design is a professional certification program that validates a user’s skills and knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite. It is designed to give professionals an edge in the competitive job market by demonstrating their proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications.

The MOS Certification in Graphic Design covers four main areas: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. The certification requires applicants to pass three exams: one for each application. Each exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of how to use the software effectively, as well as their ability to apply it to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete all three exams and obtain the MOS Certification in Graphic Design. To get started, applicants must first purchase a voucher from Microsoft that allows them to take the exams at an authorized testing center. Once they have purchased a voucher, they can register for each exam individually or purchase a package that includes all three exams at once.

The cost of obtaining the MOS Certification in Graphic Design varies depending on whether you purchase individual vouchers or a package with all three exams included. Individual vouchers range from $100-$150 per exam, while packages range from $300-$400 for all three exams combined.

6. Autodesk Certified User in Graphic Design

Autodesk Certified User in Graphic Design is an industry-recognized certification that validates a user’s skills and knowledge of Autodesk software. It demonstrates competency in the use of design tools, such as AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Maya, Revit and more. This certification is designed to help users demonstrate their proficiency with Autodesk software products to employers and peers.

The Autodesk Certified User in Graphic Design certification requires passing two exams: one for AutoCAD and one for either 3ds Max or Maya. The AutoCAD exam covers topics such as drawing setup, basic drawing commands, editing objects, layers, text styles, dimensioning and plotting. The 3ds Max or Maya exam covers topics such as modeling techniques, animation principles and rendering options.

The exams can be taken online or at an authorized testing center. Online exams take approximately 90 minutes each to complete; testing centers may require additional time for check-in procedures.

The cost of the Autodesk Certified User in Graphic Design certification varies by region but typically ranges from $75-$150 per exam.

7. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certificate Program

The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certificate Program is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite software. The program is endorsed by Corel Corporation and provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of the software and gain recognition from employers, peers, and industry professionals.

The program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. To obtain the certificate, participants must complete both levels. Level 1 requires participants to take an online exam that covers the basics of using CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, including vector drawing tools, text tools, color management tools, photo-editing tools, graphic design techniques, and more. Level 2 requires participants to complete a project that demonstrates their understanding of the software's capabilities.

The entire program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete depending on the individual's experience with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. Participants can register for the program online. The cost of the program is $99 USD per level (Level 1 & 2).

8. QuarkXPress Certification Program

The QuarkXPress Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of QuarkXPress. The program is offered by Quark, Inc., the makers of QuarkXPress.

The program consists of two levels: Certified User and Certified Professional. To become certified, you must pass an online exam that tests your knowledge and skills with QuarkXPress. The exams are administered through the Prometric testing center.

Certified User: This certification requires that you pass a 90-minute exam that covers topics such as creating documents, working with text, using graphics, and understanding the basics of page layout and design. It takes approximately one hour to complete the exam. The cost for this certification is $99 USD.

Certified Professional: This certification requires that you pass a 180-minute exam that covers topics such as advanced page layout techniques, working with master pages, creating tables and charts, using color management tools, and understanding typography principles. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam. The cost for this certification is $199 USD.

To get started on either level of certification, you must first purchase an Exam Voucher from Quark's website or from an authorized reseller partner. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can then register for your exam at Prometric's website or by calling their customer service number at 1-800-741-7261 (U.S.) or +1-443-751-4820 (International). After registering for your exam, you will receive a confirmation email containing instructions on how to schedule your appointment at a local Prometric testing center near you.

Once you have passed your exam and received your certificate from Prometric, it will be sent to Quark where it will be verified before being added to the official list of certified users/professionals on their website.

9. Adobe Creative Cloud Certification Program

Adobe Creative Cloud Certification Program is an online training program designed to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge in Adobe Creative Cloud products. The program consists of a series of courses, exams, and projects that are designed to assess the user’s proficiency in using Adobe Creative Cloud tools.

The certification program takes approximately 6-8 months to complete depending on your level of commitment and availability. To get started, you must first purchase an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. This will give you access to the entire suite of Adobe Creative Cloud products. After purchasing your subscription, you can then enroll in the certification program by signing up for one or more courses offered through the Adobe Education Exchange website.

Each course has its own specific requirements and cost associated with it. Some courses may require prerequisites while others may not. Once you have completed all the required coursework, you can take the final exam which will certify that you have achieved a certain level of proficiency in using Adobe Creative Cloud tools. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Adobe acknowledging your achievement.

The cost for enrolling in the certification program varies depending on which courses you choose to take and how many exams you need to pass. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 USD for a full certification program including all course materials and exams.

10. Corel Painter Certification Program

The Corel Painter Certification Program is an online-based program designed to help users become proficient in the use of Corel Painter software. This certification program is designed to help users develop their skills and knowledge in creating digital art, illustrations, and paintings.

The Corel Painter Certification Program consists of three levels: Certified Painter Apprentice (CPPA), Certified Painter Professional (CPP) and Certified Painter Master (CPM). Each level requires the completion of a series of tests, which are available online. The tests cover topics such as basic painting techniques, color theory, composition, working with layers and more.

To become a certified painter apprentice (CPPA), you must pass the CPPA exam. This exam covers basic painting techniques and features of the Corel Painter software. To achieve the Certified Painter Professional (CPP) level, you must pass both the CPPA and CPP exams. The CPP exam focuses on advanced painting techniques and features of Corel Painter software. To achieve the highest level – Certified Painter Master (CPM) – you must pass all three exams: CPPA, CPP and CPM.

The cost for each certification exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $50-$100 USD per test. You can purchase each test individually or purchase all three exams at once for a discounted price.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete each test as well as how much time you have available to study for them. Generally speaking, it should take about two months to complete all three exams if you dedicate yourself to studying for them regularly.

Do You Really Need a Graphic Design Assistant Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Graphic Design Assistant Certificate to pursue a career in graphic design. However, having one can help open up more opportunities and provide you with additional knowledge and skills that will help you succeed.

While having a certificate may not be necessary to become a graphic designer, it can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or internships. A certificate program can provide you with the hands-on experience and technical knowledge that employers often look for when hiring new employees. It can also help demonstrate your commitment to learning and developing your skills in the field of graphic design.

In addition to providing practical experience, a certificate program can also teach you important industry-specific concepts such as color theory, typography, digital media production, motion graphics and more. This type of training can provide an invaluable foundation of knowledge that will serve you well as you progress in your career.

Overall, while having a Graphic Design Assistant Certificate is not mandatory for pursuing a career in the field of graphic design, it is certainly beneficial for anyone looking to gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen profession.

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FAQs About Graphic Design Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Graphic Design Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Graphic Design Assistant Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of an individual to provide administrative and creative support for graphic design projects.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Graphic Design Assistant Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Graphic Design Assistant Certification include being able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field, increase your employability, stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, as well as open new opportunities for career advancement.

3. What topics are covered in a Graphic Design Assistant Certification program?

Answer: Topics covered in a Graphic Design Assistant Certification program may include design principles, typography, color theory, layout techniques, file management, branding/marketing strategies, software applications such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), etc.

4. How long does it take to complete a Graphic Design Assistant Certification program?

Answer: The length of time required to complete a Graphic Design Assistant Certification program varies depending on the institution offering the course. Generally speaking, most programs require around 200 hours of instruction and can be completed within 4-6 months.

5. Are there any prerequisites required for enrolling in a Graphic Design Assistant Certification program?

Answer: Most institutions offering this certification will require students to have some prior experience with graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop/Illustrator). Additionally, some programs may require applicants to have completed certain courses or demonstrate relevant portfolio work prior to enrollment.