Top 11 Graphics Designer Certifications

Certifications are an important way to demonstrate a graphics designer’s knowledge and skills in the job market. Certifications provide employers with an objective measure of a designer’s qualifications and abilities. They also provide designers with evidence of their commitment to professional development, which can make them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can give designers access to exclusive industry resources and networks, enabling them to stay up-to-date on trends and techniques in the field. Finally, certifications allow designers to demonstrate their mastery of specific software programs or design principles, making them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Graphics Designers, and explains how they can be beneficial to a graphics designer's career.

What are Graphics Designer Certifications?

Graphics designer certification is a type of certification that is earned by individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to design graphics for various media. This type of certification can be beneficial to those seeking to become certified graphics designers, as it will help them stand out in the competitive field of graphic design.

The certification tests an individual's knowledge of graphic design principles, techniques, and technologies. It also evaluates their ability to create effective designs for different types of media, such as websites, print materials, logos, illustrations, and more. Those who pass the test are awarded with a certificate that demonstrates their competence in this field and can help them gain recognition from employers.

Having a graphics designer certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers are often looking for applicants with specialized skills and knowledge; having a certificate can make an individual more attractive to potential employers. Furthermore, having a certificate may also open up opportunities for higher pay or promotions within the company. Lastly, having a certificate shows dedication and commitment to one’s profession which can be highly valued by employers as well.

Pro Tip: If you're looking to become a certified graphics designer, consider taking courses that focus on the fundamentals of design, such as typography, color theory, composition, and layout. Understanding these core principles will not only help you be successful in your certification exam but also give you the necessary skills to excel in your career.

Related: What does a Graphics Designer do?

Top 11 Graphics Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in Adobe products. It is the highest level of certification available from Adobe, and it shows that you are an expert in your field. To become an ACE, you must pass one or more Adobe certification exams.

The amount of time it takes to become an ACE depends on how much experience you have with the product and how much study you do for the exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to prepare for the exams and become certified.

To get started, you will need to register for an Adobe ID and create a profile on the Adobe website. From there, you can select which product certifications you would like to pursue. You will then be given access to study materials and practice tests so that you can prepare for the exam. Once ready, you can purchase an exam voucher from Adobe and schedule your exam at a testing center near you.

The cost of becoming an ACE varies depending on which products you are certifying in. The cost of each exam ranges from $180-$250 USD per exam, plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Autodesk Certified User (ACU)

Autodesk Certified User (ACU) is a certification program that provides users with the skills and knowledge needed to use Autodesk software products. It is designed for those who need to demonstrate basic proficiency in Autodesk software to employers, customers, or colleagues.

The ACU program consists of two levels: Autodesk Certified User (ACU) and Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP). The ACU level requires passing one exam while the ACP level requires passing two exams. Both exams are administered online through the Autodesk Certification website.

The ACU exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as basic navigation, file management, drawing tools, 3D modeling tools, annotation tools, and rendering tools. The ACP exam typically takes about four hours to complete and covers topics such as advanced navigation, file management, drawing tools, 3D modeling tools, annotation tools, and rendering tools.

To get certified at either level you must register for an exam on the Autodesk Certification website and pay the associated fee. The fee for an ACU exam is currently $75 USD while the fee for an ACP exam is currently $150 USD. Once you have passed an exam you will receive a digital certificate from Autodesk that you can use to demonstrate your competency in using their software products.

3. Apple Certified Pro (ACP)

Apple Certified Pro (ACP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Apple products and services. The ACP certification is available for Mac, iOS, and iPadOS devices. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in Apple technologies and maximize their potential as an Apple professional.

To become an ACP, you must pass three exams: one on Mac OS X, one on iOS/iPadOS, and one on Apple Services. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions about Apple products and services. To pass each exam, you must score at least 70%. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.

The cost of the ACP certification varies depending on your location and the number of exams you take. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$200 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

The time it takes to get your ACP certification depends on how quickly you can complete all three exams. Most people take two to three weeks to complete all three exams depending on their availability and study habits.

4. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certification

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certification is an official certification program from Corel Corporation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the use of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite software. The certification is designed to provide employers, customers and other stakeholders with an assurance that certified individuals are knowledgeable and experienced in using the software.

The certification requires passing a series of exams which cover topics such as creating vector graphics, working with text, color management, working with bitmap images, and outputting files for print or web. The exams are administered online by Corel Corporation and can be taken at any time.

To become certified, you must pass all four exams within one year of starting the program. Each exam costs $75 USD and must be paid for before taking it. The entire cost of the certification program is $300 USD.

Once you have successfully passed all four exams, you will receive your official CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certification certificate from Corel Corporation. This certificate will serve as proof of your proficiency in using the software and can be used to demonstrate your skills to potential employers or customers.

5. Adobe Creative Suite Master Certification

Adobe Creative Suite Master Certification is a professional certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using the Adobe Creative Suite of products. The certification covers the core applications of the Creative Suite, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Dreamweaver.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a hands-on exam. The online assessment tests your knowledge of the Creative Suite tools and features. Once you pass this assessment, you can take the hands-on exam at an authorized testing center. This exam requires you to demonstrate your ability to use the Creative Suite tools to complete various tasks.

It typically takes around 40 hours to study for and complete the certification process. However, this may vary depending on your experience and familiarity with the Creative Suite tools.

To get certified, you must first purchase an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam voucher from Adobe or an authorized reseller. The cost of the voucher varies depending on which version of the Creative Suite you are certifying for; it can range from $150-$400 USD. Once you have purchased a voucher, you can register for an ACE exam session at any authorized testing center worldwide.

Overall, getting Adobe Creative Suite Master Certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in using these powerful software tools and set yourself apart from other professionals in your field.

6. International Webmasters Association Graphic Design Certification

The International Webmasters Association (IWA) Graphic Design Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of experienced graphic designers. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to create effective visual communication solutions for web, print, and multimedia projects.

The IWA Graphic Design Certification requires candidates to pass two exams: one on design principles and concepts, and another on software applications related to graphic design. The exams are administered online and take approximately two hours each to complete. Candidates must also submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their design capabilities in order to be certified.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the country you are applying from, but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for exam retakes or portfolio reviews.

To get started with the IWA Graphic Design Certification process, candidates must first register with the IWA website and pay the associated fees. Once registered, they will need to complete both exams within six months in order to receive their certification. After passing both exams, candidates will then have one year from the date of their successful completion to submit their portfolio for review by IWA experts. If approved, they will receive their official certificate of completion as well as other benefits associated with being an IWA certified designer.

7. Microsoft Office Specialist Graphic Design Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist Graphic Design Certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications to create and edit graphics. The certification is designed to develop the skills needed to produce professional-quality graphic designs, including working with text, images, shapes, colors, and other elements.

The certification requires passing two exams: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert Exam for PowerPoint 2019 and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert Exam for Word 2019. Both exams cover a range of topics related to creating professional-quality graphic designs. The exams are designed to assess the individual's ability to apply their knowledge of design principles and techniques when creating graphics in Microsoft Office applications.

It typically takes around 10-12 hours of study time to prepare for the MOS Graphic Design Certification exams. It is recommended that individuals have at least one year of experience working with Microsoft Office applications before attempting the exams.

The cost of taking the MOS Graphic Design Certification exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs between $80-$100 USD per exam.

8. IC3 Digital Literacy Certification in Graphics Design

IC3 Digital Literacy Certification in Graphics Design is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge to create and manipulate digital images. The certification focuses on the use of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDraw software, as well as other relevant topics.

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification in Graphics Design consists of three exams: Foundations, Applications, and Advanced. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as image manipulation, color theory, typography, layout principles, file formats, and more.

In order to receive the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification in Graphics Design, you must pass all three exams with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for each exam is $95 USD.

Once you have successfully passed all three exams and received your certification, it will be valid for two years from the date of issue. You can then renew your certification by taking one of the recertification exams offered by IC3.

9. The Open Group Certified Professional in Digital Design

The Open Group Certified Professional in Digital Design (CPDD) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in digital design. This certification is offered by The Open Group, an international association of technology companies and organizations that develops standards for the IT industry.

The CPDD certification requires individuals to demonstrate their understanding of digital design principles, techniques, and tools. It also requires them to demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts to create effective digital designs. The certification is divided into two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 focuses on foundational knowledge of digital design principles and techniques, while Level 2 focuses on advanced topics such as user experience design, web development, mobile application development, and game development. To obtain the CPDD certification, individuals must pass both levels of the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of taking the CPDD exam depends on which level you are taking. For Level 1, it costs $195 USD; for Level 2 it costs $295 USD. In addition to the cost of the exam fee, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or accessing study materials online.

To get started with studying for the CPDD exam, individuals can visit The Open Group website where they will find information about upcoming exams, study materials such as practice exams and tutorials, as well as other resources to help them prepare for the exam. It typically takes around 6-12 months of studying and preparation before taking the exam.

10. CompTIA Strata IT Fundamentals in Graphics Design

CompTIA Strata IT Fundamentals in Graphics Design is a certification program designed to provide entry-level professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand basic concepts of graphics design. It covers topics such as color theory, typography, layout principles, digital imaging, and vector graphics. It also provides an understanding of how these concepts are applied in the real world. The program is designed for those who have little or no experience in the field of graphic design.

The CompTIA Strata IT Fundamentals in Graphics Design exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, you must score at least 700 out of 900 points. The cost of the exam is $220 USD.

To get CompTIA Strata IT Fundamentals in Graphics Design certification, you must first pass the exam. You can prepare for the exam by taking an online course or attending a classroom training session offered by an authorized CompTIA partner. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from CompTIA.

11. CIW Advanced Web and Graphic Design Professional

CIW Advanced Web and Graphic Design Professional is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, and manage effective web sites. It covers topics such as web page design, multimedia, animation, search engine optimization (SEO), web hosting, e-commerce, content management systems (CMS), and more.

The CIW Advanced Web and Graphic Design Professional certification requires the completion of three courses: CIW Site Development Associate, CIW Multimedia Specialist, and CIW E-Commerce Specialist. Each course takes approximately 20 hours to complete.

In order to get the certification you must pass all three exams with a score of 70% or higher. The exams cost $125 each for a total of $375 for the entire program.

Once you have successfully completed all three courses and passed all three exams you will receive your official CIW Advanced Web and Graphic Design Professional certification.

Do You Really Need a Graphics Designer Certificate?

When it comes to entering the field of graphic design, there are many options available for aspiring designers. While a certificate may be beneficial in some cases, it is not always necessary. A designer's portfolio is often more important than any certification they may have received.

A certificate can help demonstrate knowledge and experience in the area of graphic design and provide validation from an accredited institution, but it’s not the only way to show that you are qualified for a job. Having a portfolio of work to back up your skills is far more important than having a certificate, as potential employers will want to see examples of what you can do.

If you have experience in graphic design and don’t have a certificate, don’t worry - you can still pursue opportunities without one. You can take courses online or through local schools or universities if you wish to add credentials to your resume, but it’s not essential. In fact, many employers prefer applicants with practical experience over those with certificates alone.

If you decide to pursue a certificate in graphic design, make sure that the program is accredited by an organization that is recognized by employers in the industry. This will ensure that your certificate has value and will give you an edge over other applicants who may not have one.

In conclusion, while having a certificate in graphic design can be helpful for some jobs and demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field, it is not always necessary for success in this field. Building up a portfolio of work and gaining practical experience should be the primary focus for aspiring designers looking to break into this competitive industry.

Related: Graphics Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Graphics Designer Certifications

Q1. What are the benefits of a Graphics Designer Certification?

A1. A Graphics Designer Certification can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. It can also help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies, so that you can remain competitive in the job market.

Q2. What are the different types of Graphics Designer Certifications available?

A2. There are a variety of certifications available, such as Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Autodesk Certified User (ACU), CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certification, and many more. Each certification focuses on a specific software or skill set related to graphic design.

Q3. How do I obtain a Graphics Designer Certification?

A3. You must pass an exam associated with the certification program you wish to obtain. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you take courses or participate in training programs related to the certification you are interested in obtaining.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The length of time required varies depending on the certification program and level of experience required for completion, but typically ranges from several weeks to several months for most programs.

Q5. Will my graphics designer certification expire?

A5. Yes, most certifications have expiration dates which vary from one program to another, usually ranging from one to three years after completion of the certification program requirements. It is important to keep track of your expiration date and renew your certification prior to its expiration date in order to maintain its validity and value on your resume or portfolio