Top 11 Interactive Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for an interactive designer in the job market because they validate the skills and knowledge of the individual. Certification programs provide a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques used in interactive design, as well as best practices for creating user-friendly experiences. Additionally, certifications demonstrate to employers that an individual has invested time and energy into learning the craft, which shows commitment and dedication to the field. Furthermore, certifications can help an interactive designer stand out from other candidates by showcasing their expertise in a certain area or software platform.

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

What are Interactive Designer Certifications?

Interactive Designer Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those working in the interactive design industry. The program is designed to provide an assessment of a designer's knowledge and ability to create effective user experiences. Interactive designers are responsible for creating websites, mobile applications, and other digital products that meet user needs.

The certification helps to ensure that interactive designers have the necessary skills and understanding required for successful product design. It also provides employers with assurance that an individual has met the necessary standards for their role as an interactive designer. By having certified individuals on staff, employers can be sure that their projects will be completed with high quality results.

By completing the certification program, interactive designers can demonstrate their expertise to potential employers or clients, increase their job prospects, command higher salaries, and gain recognition from industry professionals. Furthermore, they may have access to additional resources such as webinars, conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities which can help them stay up-to-date with new trends in design technology and continue developing their skills.

Pro Tip: Consider pursuing an interactive designer certification to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. Many certifications are available online, so you can study from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, many certifications include practice exams and real-world scenarios to give you a better understanding of the material.

Related: What does an Interactive Designer do?

Top 11 Interactive Designer Certifications

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

1. Certified UX Designer

Certified UX Designer is a certification program offered by the Interaction Design Foundation (IDF). It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in user experience (UX) design and show employers that they are qualified for UX-related roles. The certification requires applicants to pass an exam, complete a portfolio project, and submit a final report.

The exam covers topics such as user research, usability testing, information architecture, prototyping, interface design, and more. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. The portfolio project involves creating a UX design solution for a given problem or scenario. The final report should include an explanation of how the applicant’s solution meets the requirements of the project.

To get certified as a UX Designer, applicants must first register on the IDF website and pay the required fee (currently $399 USD). After registering, applicants will receive access to study materials and practice tests to help them prepare for the exam. Once applicants have passed the exam and completed their portfolio project and final report, they can apply for certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a UX Designer varies depending on whether you choose to take part in an online or in-person program. Online programs typically cost between $399-$799 USD while in-person programs can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD depending on location and duration.

2. Certified User Experience Professional (CXUP)

Certified User Experience Professional (CXUP) is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to create user-centered designs and experiences. This certification is offered by the International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board (UXQB).

The CXUP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of key UX concepts, such as user research, usability testing, information architecture, interaction design, visual design, accessibility, prototyping, and more. The certification also requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in UX-related fields.

It typically takes about 6-12 months for an applicant to complete the CXUP certification process. During this time, applicants must complete a series of online courses, pass an exam, submit a portfolio of work samples demonstrating their expertise in UX design principles, and participate in an interview with a panel of experienced UX professionals.

The cost for the CXUP certification varies depending on the country you are applying from. In general, it costs around $1,000 USD for the entire application process.

3. Certified Human-Computer Interaction Specialist (CHIS)

A Certified Human-Computer Interaction Specialist (CHIS) is a professional who has expertise in the design and implementation of user interfaces for computer systems. CHISs have knowledge of the principles of human-computer interaction, user experience design, and usability engineering. They are skilled in designing user interfaces that are both intuitive and efficient for users.

To become a CHIS, you must complete an accredited program in human-computer interaction or related field and have at least three years of experience in the field. You must also pass an exam administered by the Human Factors International (HFI). The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as user interface design, usability engineering, and human-computer interaction principles.

The cost to take the CHIS exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. It usually takes between two to four weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to use the title “Certified Human-Computer Interaction Specialist” on your resume or business cards. You can also apply for membership with HFI which provides access to additional resources such as job postings and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

4. Adobe Certified Expert in Interactive Design

Adobe Certified Expert in Interactive Design is a certification offered by Adobe to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Creative Cloud applications to design interactive content. This certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in creating interactive experiences with Adobe’s tools.

It typically takes around 2-3 months to become an Adobe Certified Expert in Interactive Design, depending on the individual’s experience and knowledge of the software. To get certified, you must pass the ACE exam, which consists of multiple choice questions, hands-on tasks, and performance-based items. The exam costs $180 USD.

To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you have at least six months of professional experience working with Adobe Creative Cloud applications and have a good understanding of user interface design principles. Additionally, there are several online resources available that can help you prepare for the exam such as practice tests and study guides.

5. Apple Human Interface Certification

Apple Human Interface Certification is an official certification program designed to help developers create great user experiences on Apple platforms. It is a comprehensive course that covers the fundamentals of designing and developing user interfaces for Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.

The certification consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as interface design principles, user experience design, accessibility, and more. The exam must be taken in person at an authorized testing center. It consists of 40 multiple choice questions which must be completed within 2 hours.

To get certified, you must first register for the online course and then take the exam at an approved testing center. You must also pay a fee of $150 USD to receive your certificate after passing the exam.

Once you have received your certification, it is valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

6. W3C Mobile Web Specialist Certification

The W3C Mobile Web Specialist Certification is a professional certification for web developers who are looking to demonstrate their expertise in developing and optimizing mobile websites. The certification is offered by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international organization that sets standards for web technologies.

The certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment tests your knowledge of mobile web development, including topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Responsive Design. It takes approximately one hour to complete the online assessment. After completing the online assessment, you will receive a score report that will indicate if you have passed or failed the exam.

The practical exam requires you to develop a mobile website using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. You can use any web development tools you like (including frameworks such as Bootstrap). The practical exam takes approximately four hours to complete and must be completed within six months of passing the online assessment.

To get certified, you must pass both the online assessment and the practical exam with a score of at least 80%. Once you have passed both exams, your results will be verified by W3C before they issue your certificate.

The cost of the W3C Mobile Web Specialist Certification depends on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $200 USD to take both exams together (online assessment + practical exam).

7. Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)

A Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the field of usability engineering. The CUA certification is offered by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in human-computer interaction, user interface design, usability engineering, and related disciplines.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the requirements for the CUA certification. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as user interface design principles, usability testing methods, user research techniques, and accessibility standards. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in a related field or have completed a relevant college degree program.

The cost of the CUA exam varies depending on whether you are an HFES member or not. For non-members, the cost is $400 USD; for members it is $250 USD.

8. International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board (UXQB) Certification

The International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board (UXQB) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the field of user experience (UX). The UXQB certification is designed to assess the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the UX field. It is an international standard for evaluating UX professionals, and it has been adopted by many organizations as a benchmark of excellence.

To get certified, you must pass a two-part exam that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of UX. The first part is an online multiple-choice exam which tests your knowledge of UX concepts, principles, and processes. The second part is a hands-on project that requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply these concepts in practice. Both parts must be completed within six months.

The cost of the certification depends on where you take the exam. In some countries, the cost may be as low as $200 USD while in other countries it can be more expensive. You can find out more about pricing on the UXQB website.

Once you have passed both parts of the exam, you will receive your certificate from the International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board (UXQB). This certificate will serve as proof that you are qualified for positions related to user experience design and development.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: Windows Store Apps Using HTML5

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: Windows Store Apps Using HTML5 is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to design, develop, and maintain applications for the Windows platform using HTML5. This certification is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in building applications that are optimized for the Windows 8 operating system and the Windows Store.

It typically takes around three months of studying and preparation to get this certification. To get it, you must first register for the exam through Microsoft's Learning website. You will then need to study for the exam by utilizing resources such as books, online courses, or practice exams. Once you feel ready to take the exam, you can schedule it through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

The cost of this certification varies depending on where you take the exam and if you use any additional resources such as books or online courses. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD to take the exam without any additional resources.

10. IBM Certified Advanced Application Developer – Interactive Design

IBM Certified Advanced Application Developer – Interactive Design is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of experienced application developers in developing interactive applications using IBM technologies. This certification validates the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop interactive applications that are secure, reliable, and scalable.

To become an IBM Certified Advanced Application Developer – Interactive Design, applicants must pass two exams: C2090-621: Developing Web Applications with IBM WebSphere Studio V5.0 and C2090-622: Developing Java Applications with IBM WebSphere Studio V5.0. The exams are four hours each and cover topics such as designing web applications, developing Java applications, debugging code, creating user interfaces, and deploying application components.

The cost for both exams is $200 USD each. The exams can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers or online through the IBM Professional Certification Program website. It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the exams depending on how much experience you have with the required technologies.

11. Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer is a certification program offered by Oracle for professionals who wish to demonstrate their expertise in developing mobile applications using the Java ME 1 platform. This certification validates that the candidate has the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, test, and deploy mobile applications on devices running the Java ME 1 platform.

The Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as application architecture, user interface design, security, performance optimization, debugging and troubleshooting.

To get certified as an Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer you must first pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer exam. To register for this exam you must have an Oracle account and pay the associated fee (currently $245 USD). Once you have registered for the exam you can take it at any Pearson VUE testing center or online from your home or office.

The cost of becoming an Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer is $245 USD for the exam registration fee.

Do You Really Need a Interactive Designer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an interactive designer certificate in order to be an effective interactive designer. While having a certificate can provide evidence of your knowledge and skills, employers often place more emphasis on your portfolio and experience than any type of certification or degree.

In some cases, a certificate may be beneficial if it showcases specific skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are seeking a job as an interactive designer with expertise in 3D design software, having a 3D design certification could help demonstrate your proficiency in the field. However, even then, employers will likely be more interested in seeing examples of your work and hearing about the challenges you have faced and overcome as an interactive designer.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a certification program should depend on your individual goals and career ambitions. If you feel that acquiring a certificate would benefit you by providing additional qualifications or demonstrating specific competencies to potential employers, then it might be worth considering. However, if you already possess the necessary skills for the job and have sufficient experience to back them up, then there is no real need for a certificate.

Related: Interactive Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Interactive Designer Certifications

1. Q: What is an interactive designer certification?

A: An interactive designer certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of interactive design. Interactive design encompasses the development of websites, applications, and other digital products.

2. Q: What qualifications do I need to become certified as an interactive designer?

A: Requirements for becoming certified vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include having a degree or certificate in web design or a related field, and passing a comprehensive exam.

3. Q: Where can I find information about available interactive designer certifications?

A: There are many organizations that offer certifications in interactive design. Some popular ones include Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Apple Certified Professional (ACP), and National Web Design Association (NWDA). You can find more information about these certifications online.

4. Q: How much does it cost to get an interactive designer certification?

A: The cost of getting an interactive designer certification depends on the certifying organization. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$500 for the exam fee alone, plus any additional fees associated with study materials or other services provided by the certifying organization.

5. Q: How long does it take to get certified as an interactive designer?

A: The amount of time required to complete your certification will depend on several factors, such as how much prior experience you have in the field and how quickly you are able to study for and pass the exam(s). In most cases, it will take anywhere from several weeks to several months before you receive your official certification credentials.