Top 10 Graphic Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for graphic designers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge. Employers want to know that a graphic designer is qualified to do the job and can be trusted to produce high-quality results. Certifications also show that the designer has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and technology advances. This is particularly important in a field like graphic design where new technology and techniques are constantly emerging. Finally, certifications provide employers with evidence of a designer’s commitment to their craft by showing that they have invested time and energy into furthering their skillset.

The article reviews the top certifications for Graphic Designers and explains how they can help to advance a designer's career.

What are Graphic Designer Certifications?

Graphic designer certification is an official recognition of a graphic designer’s skills, knowledge, and experience in the field. It is usually obtained by taking a series of exams or completing a course of study that tests the individual’s proficiency in various aspects of design, such as typography, color theory, and layout principles. It can also involve professional development courses to help improve existing skills.

Having a graphic designer certification shows potential employers that you have the qualifications to excel in the field and may even give you an edge over other applicants when applying for a job. Being certified also allows you to stay up-to-date on current trends and technologies in design so that you can provide the best possible service to clients. Additionally, it provides a sense of credibility and professionalism which can help build trust with customers. A certified graphic designer will also be more likely to be taken seriously by potential employers since they have proof that they have met certain standards set by industry experts.

Overall, obtaining graphic designer certification is beneficial for anyone looking to establish themselves professionally or advance their career in this field. It is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the art form while staying ahead of the competition.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research a graphic designer certification program thoroughly before committing to it. Check for accreditation and reviews from past participants, and make sure the course content is relevant to your career goals.

Related: What does a Graphic Designer do?

Top 10 Graphic Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a professional certification program offered by Adobe. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency and expertise in one or more Adobe products.

The ACE certification requires passing an exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in using the relevant Adobe product. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete, and it must be taken at an authorized testing center. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to use the product in real-world scenarios.

The cost of taking an ACE exam varies depending on the specific product being tested, but it typically ranges from $100-$200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for retaking an exam if necessary.

To become certified as an Adobe Certified Expert, candidates must pass the relevant ACE exam with a score of 75% or higher. Once certified, individuals can use their ACE credentials to demonstrate their expertise in the chosen Adobe product and may even qualify for certain job opportunities that require this type of certification.

2. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) is a certification program created by Adobe to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe software. It is designed to help students, educators, and professionals validate their skills and advance their careers.

The ACA certification is available for a variety of Adobe products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Animate, Dreamweaver, Premiere Pro, After Effects and more. Each certification requires passing an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions about the product’s features and functions.

It typically takes about two hours to complete an ACA exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on the product being tested; however, most exams cost around $95 USD.

To get an ACA certification, you must first register with Adobe's Certification Program website and select the product you want to be certified in. You will then be directed to the testing center where you can take the exam. Once you have passed the exam, your results will be sent directly to Adobe and your certificate will be issued within two weeks.

3. Autodesk Certified User (ACU)

Autodesk Certified User (ACU) is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a user’s skills in Autodesk software. It is designed for entry-level users who want to demonstrate their proficiency in Autodesk products and gain an edge in the job market.

The ACU certification is available for AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit, 3ds Max, Fusion 360, and other Autodesk applications. The certification requires passing a single performance-based exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of the product features and commands. The exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam at the Autodesk website. Once registered, you can choose to take the exam either online or at a proctored testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on which product you are being tested on but typically ranges from $75-$150 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, your results will be sent to Autodesk and within two weeks your ACU certification will be added to your profile on their website. This certification will remain valid for two years after which time you must retake the exam if you wish to maintain your certification status.

4. Apple Certified Pro (ACP)

Apple Certified Pro (ACP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of Apple professionals. It is offered by Apple Inc. and administered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE company. The ACP certification covers a wide range of topics related to Apple products, including hardware and software installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, networking, security, and more.

To become an Apple Certified Pro, you must pass two exams: one for the specific product you are certifying in (such as Mac OS X or iOS), and one for the general knowledge of Apple products. The exams are administered online through Certiport's website.

The amount of time it takes to become an ACP depends on how much experience you have with Apple products and how quickly you can study for the exams. Generally speaking, it should take between four to six weeks to complete both exams if you are studying full-time.

In order to get ACP certified, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Certiport's website. Exam vouchers cost $150 USD each and cover both the product-specific exam and the general knowledge exam. Once you have purchased your exam voucher(s), you will be able to register for your desired exam(s).

After passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your official ACP certificate from Certiport via email within 5-7 business days. You will also receive a digital badge that can be added to your email signature or social media profiles so that others can easily verify your credentials.

5. International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD)

The International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) is a professional organization that promotes excellence in typography and design. It provides resources, education and networking opportunities for designers who specialize in type and typography.

To become a member of the ISTD, you must first submit an application which includes your portfolio, CV, and a statement of intent. You will then be assessed by the ISTD Membership Panel to determine if you meet the criteria for membership. The assessment process typically takes around 6 weeks. After successful assessment, you will receive an email with your membership details.

Membership to the ISTD costs £95 per year for individuals or £150 per year for companies. This fee helps support the organization's activities such as research projects, publications, events and awards programs.

6. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is the leading certification for interior designers in the United States. It is a voluntary professional credential that demonstrates an interior designer’s knowledge and experience in the field, as well as their commitment to ethical practice. The NCIDQ is administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), a non-profit organization established in 1969 to promote standards of excellence in interior design and protect public health, safety, and welfare.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the NCIDQ examination process. To get started, individuals must first meet certain educational requirements and then register for the exam. Once registered, they must take three parts of the exam: Part I – Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), Part II – Professional Practices & Responsibilities Exam (PRAC), and Part III – Practicum Exam (PRAC). After passing all three parts, candidates will receive their NCIDQ certificate.

The cost of taking the NCIDQ exam varies depending on which part(s) you are taking. Generally speaking, it costs $400 to take each part of the exam ($400 for IDFX, $400 for PRAC, and $500 for PRAC). There is also an additional fee of $50-$100 per part for processing fees. In total, it can cost up to $1,450 to complete all three parts of the NCIDQ exam process.

There are also additional fees associated with maintaining your certification once you have passed all three parts of the exam. These include annual renewal fees ($150/year) and continuing education requirements ($50/year).

7. The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)

The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) is a professional organization for design professionals. It was founded in 1914 and is the oldest and largest professional membership organization for graphic designers, visual communicators, and other creative professionals. AIGA provides resources to help its members stay informed on the latest trends in design, as well as providing networking opportunities with other professionals.

It typically takes about two weeks to become a member of AIGA. To become a member, you must fill out an online application form and pay an annual membership fee. The cost of joining AIGA varies depending on your profession and level of experience. Student memberships are available for $50 per year, while professional memberships range from $90-$250 per year.

In addition to the annual membership fee, AIGA also offers additional benefits such as discounts on products and services related to design, access to exclusive events and workshops, access to job postings, and more.

8. International Webmasters Association (IWA)

The International Webmasters Association (IWA) is a professional organization that provides web professionals with the opportunity to network, learn, and grow in their profession. The IWA offers membership for both individuals and organizations.

Individual membership is available for web developers, designers, content creators, digital marketers, and other web professionals. Membership includes access to exclusive resources such as industry news, educational materials, discounts on events and products, networking opportunities with like-minded professionals, and more. It takes about 5 minutes to register for an individual membership. There are no fees associated with individual membership.

Organizational memberships are available for businesses or organizations that employ web professionals or use the internet in their day-to-day operations. Organizational members have access to all of the same benefits as individual members plus additional benefits such as discounts on services and products from IWA partners, priority access to IWA events and programs, and more. It takes about 10 minutes to register for an organizational membership. The cost of organizational membership varies depending on the size of the organization but typically ranges from $100-$500 per year.

9. International Interactive Communications Society (IICS)

The International Interactive Communications Society (IICS) is a professional organization that provides resources and support to individuals and organizations involved in the interactive communications industry. It was established in 2001 and is based in Washington, DC.

IICS offers membership to individuals, organizations, and companies involved in the interactive communications industry. Membership includes access to exclusive events, discounts on products and services, educational resources, networking opportunities, and more. There are three levels of membership: basic ($99/year), premium ($199/year), and corporate ($499/year).

It typically takes 1-2 weeks for an application to be processed. To join IICS, applicants must complete an online form with personal information such as name, address, phone number, email address, etc., as well as provide payment information. Once the application has been processed and approved by IICS staff members, applicants will receive a confirmation email with their membership details.

The cost of joining IICS depends on the type of membership chosen. Basic membership costs $99/year; premium membership costs $199/year; and corporate membership costs $499/year. All memberships include access to exclusive events, discounts on products and services, educational resources, networking opportunities, and more.

10. Society of Digital Agencies Certification Program (SDACP)

The Society of Digital Agencies Certification Program (SDACP) is a certification program designed to recognize digital agencies that demonstrate excellence in the areas of client service, project management, and technical proficiency. The program was developed by the Society of Digital Agencies (SODA), an organization dedicated to promoting best practices among digital agencies.

The SDACP is a comprehensive certification program that requires agencies to demonstrate their proficiency in key areas such as strategy, design, development, marketing, and analytics. It is divided into three levels: Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level. Each level has its own set of criteria and requirements that must be met before certification can be granted.

To get certified at any level, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as portfolio samples and references. Once the application is approved, applicants will then have to complete an online assessment in order to prove their knowledge and expertise in the areas covered by the SDACP. This assessment typically takes around two hours to complete.

Once the assessment is completed successfully, applicants will receive their official SDACP certificate from SODA. The cost of getting certified depends on which level you are applying for; Foundation Level costs $99 USD while Advanced Level costs $199 USD and Expert Level costs $299 USD.

Overall, the SDACP is a great way for digital agencies to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in client service, project management and technical proficiency. It also helps them stand out from other digital agencies by showing potential clients that they are serious about providing quality services and products.

Do You Really Need a Graphic Designer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a graphic designer certificate. A certificate can certainly help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field, but it is not essential for success in the industry. In many cases, employers are more interested in seeing a portfolio of your work than any kind of certification.

Having said that, there are certain circumstances in which a graphic designer certificate may be beneficial. For instance, if you plan to teach design at a college or university level, then having a certification could give you an edge over other candidates. Additionally, some organizations may require that their employees have a minimum level of education or training. In these cases, having a certificate could give you the edge needed to get the job.

Finally, obtaining a graphic designer certificate can also be beneficial for your own personal growth and development as a professional. Taking classes and studying more advanced topics can help you stay up-to-date with current design trends and techniques while also giving you valuable insights into the industry overall. This knowledge can help you become more confident in your abilities and be better prepared for any challenges that may come along in your career path.

In conclusion, while having a graphic designer certificate is not essential for success in the field, it can certainly be beneficial under certain circumstances. If you’re considering pursuing one, make sure that it aligns with your long-term goals and will add value to your career path before making any commitments.

Related: Graphic Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Graphic Designer Certifications

Q1. What is a Graphic Designer Certification?

A1. A Graphic Designer Certification is an official recognition of the knowledge and skills required to design effective visual communication solutions. It can be obtained through accredited programs and professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).

Q2. What types of certifications are available?

A2. There are several different types of graphic designer certifications, including Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Apple Certified Pro (ACP), Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and International Webmasters Association (IWA).

Q3. How do I obtain certification?

A3. Obtaining a graphic designer certification typically involves taking courses or passing examinations related to the specific software or technology involved in the certification process. For example, ACE requires individuals to pass exams for each Adobe product they wish to become certified in.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and how much time you dedicate to studying for it. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 1-2 months if you study diligently and have prior experience with the software or technology being tested on the exams.

Q5. Are there any costs associated with obtaining a certification?

A5. Yes, there may be costs associated with obtaining a graphic designer certification depending on which one you pursue and where you take the tests or courses necessary for it. Some certifications require payment for registration fees, exam fees, textbooks or other materials needed for successful completion of the program requirements.