Top 11 Instructional Technologist Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for instructional technologists as they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and experience in a specific area. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the applicant is well-versed in the use of instructional technology and can apply it to their own specific needs. Additionally, certifications can help instructional technologists stand out from other applicants by demonstrating their commitment to professional development and mastery of technology skills. Finally, certifications may be necessary for certain positions or roles within organizations, so having them can make an individual more competitive when applying for those positions.

This article reviews the top certifications for Instructional Technologists and explains how they can help to advance an instructional technologist's career.

What are Instructional Technologist Certifications?

Instructional technologist certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise and knowledge in the field of instructional technology. This certification validates an individual’s ability to design and develop effective learning experiences, evaluate the effectiveness of existing learning programs, and utilize emerging technologies to create innovative teaching strategies. As instructional technology continues to evolve and become more complex, having this certification can help professionals stay ahead of the curve when it comes to their knowledge and use of new tools, techniques, and strategies.

The certification also provides employers with assurance that they are hiring someone who is knowledgeable in the field and capable of creating effective learning experiences for their students or employees. Additionally, those who hold the certification may be viewed as more credible sources when consulting with other professionals on educational initiatives or projects. The credential helps demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and staying up-to-date on best practices for using technology in education. Ultimately, having instructional technologist certification can increase one’s job prospects within the field as well as provide them with greater career advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: When exploring instructional technologist certification options, look for a program that aligns with your specific career goals. Make sure the program offers the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field, and that it is accredited by an authoritative organization. Also, be sure to research any prerequisites or additional qualifications needed for certification before enrolling.

Related: What does an Instructional Technologist do?

Top 11 Instructional Technologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Instructional Technologists today.

1. Certified Instructional Technology Specialist (CITS)

Certified Instructional Technology Specialist (CITS) is a professional certification offered by the International Board of Certified Trainers (IBCT). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the use of instructional technology and its application to learning.

The CITS certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as instructional design, technology integration, educational software, and multimedia development. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in the field.

To become certified, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of three years' experience working with instructional technology. They must also attend an IBCT-approved training program or workshop on instructional technology.

The cost of the CITS certification varies depending on the type of training program or workshop taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for the exam fee and $2,000 for the training program or workshop fee.

2. Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL)

Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful educational technology initiatives. The CETL program is offered by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

The CETL certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of planning, implementation, evaluation, and management of educational technology initiatives. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to use current technologies to support teaching and learning.

To obtain the CETL certification, applicants must complete an application process that includes submitting a portfolio detailing their experience with educational technology initiatives. Once approved, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as instructional design, assessment strategies, project management, data analysis, and more. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the CETL certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD for both the application fee and exam fee.

3. Certified Learning Experience Designer (CLED)

Certified Learning Experience Designer (CLED) is a professional certification program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to create effective, engaging, and interactive learning experiences. The certification is offered by the International Board of Certified Learning Experience Designers (IBLCED).

The CLED certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as instructional design, technology-enhanced learning, user experience design, and learning analytics. To qualify for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in designing or developing learning experiences.

The CLED certification process consists of an online application form followed by an assessment that tests the applicant’s knowledge in different areas related to learning experience design. The assessment takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions as well as short answer questions. Applicants who pass the assessment are then eligible for the CLED certification.

The cost of obtaining a CLED certification varies depending on the provider. Generally, it can range from $200-$1000 USD for an individual to become certified.

4. Certified Instructional Designer (CID)

Certified Instructional Designer (CID) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of instructional design. The CID certification program is offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI).

The CID certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as instructional design theory, adult learning theory, assessment and evaluation methods, instructional design models, and technology-based instruction. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and is approximately four hours in length.

To be eligible for the CID certification program, applicants must have at least five years of experience in instructional design or related fields. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and skills in the field.

The cost to take the CID exam is $395 USD. Once certified, there are annual renewal fees associated with maintaining the certification status.

5. Certified Online Instructor (COI)

Certified Online Instructor (COI) is a professional certification program that recognizes and validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of online instructors. It is designed to help instructors become more effective in their roles as facilitators of learning in an online environment.

The COI certification requires the completion of a series of courses and assessments. The courses cover topics such as instructional design, online teaching strategies, assessment methods, and technology tools for teaching online. The assessments are designed to measure the instructor's ability to apply the knowledge they have gained from the courses.

The COI certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete. During this time, instructors will be expected to complete all coursework and assessments required for the certification.

To get certified as an Online Instructor, you must first complete an application form on the COI website. Once your application has been approved, you will receive instructions on how to register for the courses and assessments required for certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Online Instructor varies depending on which institution or organization you choose to pursue your certification through. Generally speaking, most institutions charge a fee for each course taken towards the certification process as well as an additional fee for taking the final assessment at the end of the program.

6. Certified Educational Technologist (CET)

A Certified Educational Technologist (CET) is an individual who has been certified by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as having a comprehensive knowledge of educational technology and its application in educational settings. The CET certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and understanding of the use of technology in teaching, learning, assessment, and school administration.

The CET certification process involves completing an online application form, passing a written exam, submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your mastery of the competencies outlined by ISTE, and paying a fee. The entire process takes approximately six months to complete.

In order to become certified as a CET, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years' experience working with educational technology in an educational setting; possessing at least two years' experience teaching or providing professional development related to educational technology; and having completed at least 12 hours of continuing education related to educational technology within the past two years.

The cost for becoming certified as a CET is $325 USD for members of ISTE and $425 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online application form, the written exam, and the portfolio submission process.

7. Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP)

Certified eLearning Professional (CeLP) is a certification program offered by the eLearning Guild, an international professional organization focused on advancing the practice of eLearning. The CeLP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies necessary to be successful in the field of eLearning.

The CeLP certification process consists of three parts: a written exam, a portfolio review, and an online interview. The written exam tests knowledge and understanding of core eLearning concepts and processes. The portfolio review assesses experience with creating and delivering effective online learning experiences. Finally, the online interview evaluates practical application of skills in designing, developing, and delivering effective eLearning solutions.

To obtain the CeLP certification, candidates must complete all three components within six months from the date they register for the program. Candidates must also maintain their membership with the eLearning Guild throughout this period in order to remain eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining the CeLP certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the eLearning Guild. For non-members, it costs $495 USD to register for both parts one and two (the written exam and portfolio review). Part three (the online interview) is free for non-members but requires that they become members at least two weeks before their scheduled interview date. For members, it costs $295 USD to register for parts one and two; part three is free for members as well but requires that they maintain their membership throughout the entire process.

8. Certified Educational Media Professional (CEMP)

Certified Educational Media Professional (CEMP) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of educational media.

To become certified as a CEMP, an individual must have at least three years of experience in educational media production or management, demonstrate competency in seven core areas related to educational media, and pass an examination administered by AECT. The seven core areas are: research and evaluation; instructional design; multimedia production; instructional technology; educational software development; distance learning technologies; and project management.

The process of becoming certified as a CEMP typically takes about six months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Once the application is approved, applicants must then take the CEMP exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering the seven core areas mentioned above.

The cost for taking the CEMP exam is $195 for members of AECT and $295 for non-members. If successful on the exam, applicants will receive their certification within four to six weeks after passing.

9. Certified Digital Learning Facilitator (CDLF)

A Certified Digital Learning Facilitator (CDLF) is a professional certification program designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively facilitate digital learning in the classroom. The program is offered by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

The CDLF certification requires completion of two courses: one online course and one face-to-face workshop. The online course covers topics such as understanding digital learning, developing effective instructional strategies, using technology to support student learning, and assessing student progress. The face-to-face workshop focuses on applying the concepts learned in the online course to real classroom scenarios.

The entire certification process typically takes 6–8 weeks to complete, depending on individual schedules and availability of workshops. It can be completed at any time during the year.

The cost of obtaining a CDLF certification varies depending on where you live and which institution you choose to take your courses through. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD for both courses combined.

10. Certified Distance Education Professional (CDEP)

Certified Distance Education Professional (CDEP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward professionals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of distance education. The certification is offered by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

The CDEP is an online-based program that consists of four courses: Introduction to Distance Education, Designing Effective Courses, Teaching and Learning in Online Environments, and Managing Distance Education Programs. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and can be completed at the student’s own pace.

To become certified as a CDEP, applicants must successfully complete all four courses with a passing grade of 70% or higher. Upon completion of the program, applicants will receive a certificate from DEAC verifying their status as a Certified Distance Education Professional.

The cost for the CDEP program is $395 USD. This fee includes access to all four courses and the certificate upon successful completion of the program.

11. Advanced Instructional Systems Design Certification (AISD-C).

Advanced Instructional Systems Design Certification (AISD-C) is a certification program offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI). The AISD-C program is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of instructional design.

This certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in instructional design principles, processes, and techniques. In order to become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation, and management.

The AISD-C certification program typically takes about 2 years to complete. During this time, applicants must complete a series of courses and workshops related to instructional design. They must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in the field.

In order to get certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least 3 years of experience in instructional design or related fields; completing at least 12 hours of professional development activities; and passing the AISD-C exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the Advanced Instructional Systems Design Certification program depends on several factors such as the type of coursework required and the length of time it takes to complete the program. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $2,000-$4,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Instructional Technologist Certificate?

No, you do not need an instructional technologist certificate to be successful in the field of instructional technology. Instructional technologists are professionals who design and develop learning materials, create educational software and multimedia, and teach people how to use technology for learning. Although a certificate may help you gain recognition as an expert in the field, it is not necessary when it comes to finding work or advancing your career.

In today's competitive job market, employers want to see that you have the knowledge and skills related to instructional technology without necessarily requiring a certificate. The best way to demonstrate your expertise is by having a portfolio that showcases your work. This could include examples of software programs you have designed, multimedia projects you have created, or courses that you have taught using technology.

Having a certification can be beneficial in some cases since it shows that you have taken the time to learn about the field and understand certain topics in greater detail than someone who has only had informal training. However, employers usually look at more than just your credentials when deciding if they should hire you – they also consider your experience with instructional technologies and your ability to communicate effectively with other team members. Therefore, having a certification alone will not guarantee success; rather, it is important to take advantage of any opportunities available to gain experience in the industry and build relationships with others who are already working in the field.

In conclusion, while having an instructional technologist certificate may be helpful for those looking for work in this field, it is not necessary for success. It is still important for prospective employees to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency through their portfolio of work and their ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Related: Instructional Technologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Instructional Technologist Certifications

1. What is an Instructional Technologist Certification?

Answer: An Instructional Technologist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices and tools used in designing, developing, and delivering digital learning experiences.

2. What qualifications do I need to get certified?

Answer: To become certified as an instructional technologist, you must typically have a degree in instructional technology or a related field such as education or computer science. You may also need to pass an examination or demonstrate your skills through portfolio presentation.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as an instructional technologist can vary depending on the certifying organization and your prior experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the necessary requirements for certification.

4. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as an instructional technologist can provide many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater credibility in the industry. Additionally, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills in designing effective digital learning environments that can be applied both professionally and personally.

5. Is certification required for certain positions?

Answer: While certification is not required for all positions involving instructional technology, employers may prefer candidates who have earned professional certifications due to their greater knowledge and expertise in this field. Additionally, some organizations may require certification for certain roles or offer promotions based on certification status.