Top 11 Junior Designer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a junior designer's job market success. Certifications provide employers with tangible evidence that a designer has the knowledge and skills necessary to do their job well. They demonstrate to employers that the designer has put in the work and effort required to become certified in a particular expertise, and can therefore be trusted to deliver high-quality results. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement and higher pay grades as they often qualify candidates for positions they may not have been considered for without them. Lastly, certifications can make a junior designer stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market.

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

What are Junior Designer Certifications?

Junior designer certification is a type of professional certification that allows junior designers to validate their skills and demonstrate their commitment to the design profession. It is offered by various organizations, such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the Interaction Design Foundation (IDF).

The certification typically requires junior designers to complete a series of courses that cover topics such as user experience design, usability testing, graphic design, typography, and visual communication. By taking these courses, junior designers can gain an understanding of the fundamentals of design and learn how to apply them in practice. They can also develop their creative problem-solving skills and learn how to collaborate with other professionals.

Having a junior designer certification can help junior designers stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or internships. It shows employers that they already have a basic foundation in design principles and are committed to continuing their education in this field. In addition, having this certification may qualify junior designers for higher salaries or job promotions.

Pro tip: When considering junior designer certification, make sure to research the organization providing the certification and the qualifications they require. Additionally, reach out to other designers who have gone through the certification process to get feedback on their experience.

Related: What does a Junior Designer do?

Top 11 Junior Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Photoshop. This certification validates a user’s ability to create digital images, edit photographs, and use tools to enhance digital artwork.

The certification exam covers topics such as: creating and editing images, working with layers and masks, color correction and adjustments, retouching photos, using filters and effects, creating vector graphics, preparing files for print or web output, and more.

It usually takes about two hours to complete the ACA exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $180 USD.

To get certified as an ACA in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop you need to pass the official Adobe Certified Professional Exam. You can find study materials from Adobe Press or other sources online to help prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you practice your skills before taking the test.

2. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Web Authoring Using Adobe Dreamweaver

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Web Authoring Using Adobe Dreamweaver is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in using the tools and features of Adobe Dreamweaver. With this certification, individuals can prove they have the skills necessary to design, develop, and maintain websites with the latest web technologies.

The ACA certification exam covers topics such as creating and managing website documents, working with text and images, designing page layouts, using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), creating forms and interactive elements, testing websites for accessibility and compatibility, optimizing web pages for search engines, and more. The exam also includes questions about best practices for website design.

It typically takes 6-12 hours to prepare for the ACA exam depending on your level of familiarity with Dreamweaver. To get certified you must register for an online proctored exam through Certiport or Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but usually ranges from $90-$150 USD.

3. Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD

Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD is a certification program designed to validate entry-level skills in AutoCAD. It is an industry-recognized credential that can help demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the software.

The Autodesk Certified User exam covers topics such as creating and modifying 2D drawings, working with layers and blocks, plotting and publishing, and using design tools. The exam is administered online through a secure testing platform.

It typically takes about two hours to complete the Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD exam. You will need to have a good understanding of the software before taking the exam. You can find study materials online or purchase an official study guide from Autodesk.

To get certified, you must pass the Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once you successfully pass the exam, you will receive an email from Autodesk with instructions on how to access your digital certificate.

The cost for the Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD exam varies depending on where you take it. In some countries, it may be free; however, it usually costs around $100 USD per attempt.

4. Apple Certified Pro: Final Cut Pro X

Apple Certified Pro: Final Cut Pro X is a certification program offered by Apple that recognizes professionals who demonstrate proficiency in the use of Final Cut Pro X, the company’s professional video editing software. The certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of the software and its features and functions.

The certification process involves completing an online course and taking an exam to prove your knowledge of the software. The course covers topics such as editing techniques, color correction, audio mixing, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a score of 80% or higher to pass.

The cost for the Apple Certified Pro: Final Cut Pro X program is $299 USD. It typically takes between one to three months to complete the certification process, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and taking the exam.

To get started with Apple Certified Pro: Final Cut Pro X, visit Apple's website or contact an authorized training center near you for more information about enrolling in the program.

5. Apple Certified Pro: Logic Pro X

Apple Certified Pro: Logic Pro X is a certification program offered by Apple to recognize professionals who demonstrate expertise in the use of their music production software, Logic Pro X. The certification includes a comprehensive exam that tests the user's knowledge and skills in audio engineering, mixing, mastering, and other aspects of music production.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To become certified, you must score at least 80% on the exam. The cost of the certification is $199 USD.

In order to take the exam, you must have a valid Apple ID and be logged into your account when taking it. You can also register for the exam online through Apple’s website or by calling their customer service line. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Apple acknowledging your achievement as an Apple Certified Pro: Logic Pro X user. This certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed annually by passing the same test again.

6. W3C Web Design Specialist Certification

The W3C Web Design Specialist Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of web designers. The certification is offered by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international organization that develops standards for the web.

The certification requires successful completion of two exams: one on HTML/CSS and another on JavaScript/DOM. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions, and can be taken online or in-person at a W3C-approved testing center. The exams take approximately 90 minutes each to complete, and there are no prerequisites required to take them.

To get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion, you will receive an official W3C Web Design Specialist Certificate that is valid for three years from the date of issue.

The cost of the certification varies depending on your location and how you choose to take the exam (online or in-person). Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD per exam if taken online, or around $300 USD per exam if taken in-person at an approved testing center.

7. CIW Web Design Professional Certification

The CIW Web Design Professional Certification is a program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful web designer. The certification requires that individuals demonstrate their ability to design, develop, and deploy websites using industry-standard tools and technologies.

The certification consists of four courses: Web Design Foundations, HTML5 & CSS3 Specialist, JavaScript Specialist, and Mobile & Responsive Design Specialist. Each course must be completed within 12 months in order to receive the certification. Upon completion of all four courses, individuals will have gained an understanding of key concepts related to web design such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, mobile development, responsive design principles, usability testing methods, and more.

In order to get the CIW Web Design Professional Certification you must complete all four courses within 12 months and pass the associated exams for each course with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for the certification varies depending on which training provider you choose but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

8. Brainbench Junior Graphic Designer Certification

Brainbench Junior Graphic Designer Certification is a certification program that tests the knowledge and skills of junior graphic designers. The certification is designed to assess an individual’s understanding of basic design principles, tools, and techniques. It also evaluates their ability to create effective visual solutions for a variety of projects.

The Brainbench Junior Graphic Designer Certification is a 60-minute online exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as typography, color theory, composition, layout, and digital media. The exam also includes questions about industry standards and best practices.

In order to obtain the certification, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, individuals will receive an official Brainbench Junior Graphic Designer Certification certificate and badge which can be displayed on their website or social media profiles.

The cost of the Brainbench Junior Graphic Designer Certification is $99 USD.

9. Brainbench Junior Web Designer Certification

Brainbench Junior Web Designer Certification is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of junior web designers. It is a comprehensive assessment that covers topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and other related technologies. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to create websites from scratch and maintain existing sites.

The Brainbench Junior Web Designer Certification takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass.

To get certified, you need to register for the exam online at Brainbench’s website. The cost of the certification varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $50-$100 USD. Once you have registered for the exam and paid the fee, you will be provided with instructions on how to access the exam. After completing the exam successfully, you will receive your certificate via email within 24 hours.

The Brainbench Junior Web Designer Certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge of web design principles and technologies as well as validate your skillset in this field.

10. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a person’s skills in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of products.

The MOS certification requires passing one or more exams that test your knowledge and skills in the specific Microsoft Office application. Each exam typically takes about 45 minutes to complete and covers topics such as creating documents, formatting text, working with tables, using formulas, creating presentations, and more. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in.

In order to become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist, you must pass one or more exams for each application you wish to be certified in. Depending on how many exams you take and how quickly you can learn the material, it may take anywhere from several weeks to several months to get your certification.

The cost of becoming a Microsoft Office Specialist varies depending on the number of exams taken and where they are taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $100 USD per exam. However, some discounts may be available through educational institutions or other organizations that offer MOS certifications.

11. IC3 Digital Literacy Certification

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates and verifies a person’s knowledge of computer hardware, software, networking, and the internet. It is designed to measure the skills needed to use technology effectively in today's digital world. The certification covers three areas: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online.

It typically takes about four to six weeks to complete the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification program. The program consists of online self-paced courses that can be taken at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection. Each course must be completed within its allotted timeframe in order to receive certification.

In order to get the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification, you must first register for the program on the Certiport website. Once registered, you will have access to all of the courses required for certification. After completing each course, you will need to take a final exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification varies depending on where you are taking it from; however, it generally costs around $150 USD per course or $450 USD for all three courses combined.

Do You Really Need a Junior Designer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a junior designer certificate to pursue a career in design. A certificate may be beneficial for certain situations such as job interviews and applications, but it is not a requirement.

A junior designer certificate can provide you with recognition of your skills and knowledge in the field of design, but it is not necessary for success. Most employers look at your portfolio and experience when considering hiring someone for a design role. If you have the right talent and experience, you should be able to find work without the need of a certificate.

That being said, having a junior designer certificate can give you an edge over other candidates who don’t have one. It shows that you are committed to learning more about design and willing to invest time and resources into your craft. This could set you apart from other applicants and make it easier to land an interview or job offer.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a junior designer certificate is up to you. If it feels like something that would benefit your career path then go for it! However, if it doesn’t feel necessary then don’t worry about it too much; there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate your knowledge of design without one.

Related: Junior Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Junior Designer Certifications

Q1. What is a Junior Designer Certification?

A1. A Junior Designer Certification is a certification program designed to help junior designers gain the skills and knowledge needed to become successful professionals in the field of design. It covers topics such as design principles, user experience, graphic design, motion graphics, web design, and more.

Q2. Is a Junior Designer Certification necessary for success?

A2. While having a Junior Designer Certification may be beneficial for some employers, it is not necessarily essential for success in the field of design. Many employers look for creative problem-solving skills and an understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry when considering potential hires.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a Junior Designer Certification?

A3. The length of time to complete a Junior Designer Certification will vary depending on the type of certification chosen and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and mastering the material covered by the program. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed in six months or less with regular study and practice sessions.

Q4. What is covered in a Junior Designer Certification?

A4. A Junior Designer Certification typically covers topics such as user experience (UX), graphic design, motion graphics, web design, typography, color theory, branding, logo design, digital marketing strategies, SEO best practices and more. Depending on the specific program chosen, additional topics may also be included in your certification coursework.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Junior Designer Certification?

A5. Most programs do not require any prior experience or knowledge to enroll in a Junior Designer Certification course; however it is important that you have basic computer literacy skills such as working with software programs like Photoshop or Illustrator before beginning your studies as this will make learning easier down the road when tackling more complex topics like animation or web development techniques..