Top 10 Layout Artist Certifications

Certifications are important for a layout artist in the job market because they demonstrate professional proficiency and knowledge of industry standards. Certified layout artists have the skills and qualifications necessary to produce high-quality work, which is essential in today’s competitive job market. Certification also shows that an artist is up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques, making them more attractive to potential employers. Finally, certifications can help an artist get higher paying jobs or access to exclusive opportunities, such as training programs or special projects.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the most beneficial certifications for Layout Artists and explain how they can help to enhance a layout artist's career.

What are Layout Artist Certifications?

Layout artist certification is a formal qualification program designed to help aspiring layout artists gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in the field. Layout artists are responsible for creating visuals in order to convey a story or message, often through animation. The certification program offers courses and workshops that focus on topics such as pre-production, storyboarding, design elements, production techniques, and post-production. In addition to teaching these essential skills, the certification program also provides students with an understanding of industry standards and practices as well as how to apply these principles in their own work. With this comprehensive education, layout artists will be better equipped to create compelling visuals and animations that can effectively communicate stories or messages. By obtaining a layout artist certification, individuals will have more job opportunities available to them in the field as well as more credibility when it comes to seeking employment.

Pro Tip: When looking for a layout artist certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification to ensure it is reputable and has a good track record of providing quality certifications. Additionally, be sure to check what types of courses and other requirements are needed to complete the certification program.

Related: What does a Layout Artist do?

Top 10 Layout Artist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Layout Artists today.

1. Certified Professional Layout Artist (CPLA)

Certified Professional Layout Artist (CPLA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of experienced layout artists. It is offered by the Graphic Artists Guild, a professional organization for graphic designers and illustrators.

The CPLA certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as typography, color theory, design principles, page layout, and digital production. The certification also requires applicants to have at least two years of experience working as a layout artist or related field.

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as typefaces, composition techniques, page layout principles, digital production techniques and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $250 USD.

Once an applicant passes the exam they will receive their Certified Professional Layout Artist (CPLA) certificate from the Graphic Artists Guild. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending workshops related to layout artistry.

2. Certified Layout Designer (CLD)

Certified Layout Designer (CLD) is a professional certification program developed by the International Association of Professional Designers (IAPD). The CLD certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of layout design.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of layout design principles and techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their layout design skills.

The cost for the CLD certification program varies depending on the country in which it is taken. Generally, it costs between $150 - $400 USD to take the exam, plus any additional fees associated with submitting a portfolio. It typically takes around one month from application to receive results, but this can vary depending on workloads at IAPD offices.

3. Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign

Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional level of proficiency with Adobe InDesign. It is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the software and its features, as well as an understanding of best practices for creating documents, layouts, and interactive experiences.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign, you must pass the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as document setup, page layout, typography, graphics, color management, and output. The exam typically takes 1-2 hours to complete and requires a score of 80% or higher to pass.

The cost of the ACE exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost can range from $100-$150 USD for online exams or $200-$250 USD for proctored exams taken at authorized testing centers. You can find more information about the ACE program and pricing on the Adobe website.

To prepare for the ACE exam, it is recommended that you have experience using InDesign in a professional setting and are familiar with all its features and capabilities. You may also want to consider taking an official training course offered by Adobe or other third-party providers to help ensure you are adequately prepared for the exam.

4. Certified Layout Technician (CLT)

Certified Layout Technician (CLT) is a certification program offered by the International Sign Association (ISA). It is designed to provide sign professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to accurately measure, layout, and install signs.

The certification program consists of a two-day workshop that covers topics such as measuring techniques, layout principles, sign installation methods, and safety practices. The workshop also includes hands-on training in the use of tools and equipment used in sign installation. Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants receive a CLT certificate from ISA.

It typically takes about two days to complete the CLT certification program. The cost of the program varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD. To register for the CLT certification program, you will need to contact ISA directly or visit their website for more information.

5. QuarkXPress Certification Program

QuarkXPress Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the design and production of digital documents using QuarkXPress. It is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the use of QuarkXPress.

The program consists of two levels: Certified User and Certified Expert. To become certified, users must pass an online exam that covers topics such as document layout, typography, color management, image editing, page elements, printing and outputting. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE Testing Centers across the United States and Canada.

Certified User level takes approximately one hour to complete while the Certified Expert level takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost for each exam is $99 USD per attempt.

To get certified, users must first register for the exam online at Quark's website or contact a local Pearson VUE testing center for more information about registering for the exam. Once registered, users will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to schedule their exam appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center near them. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, users will be awarded their certification certificate from Quark.

6. CorelDraw Certification Program

CorelDraw Certification Program is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills of CorelDraw users. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in the use of CorelDraw software.

The program consists of two levels: CorelDraw Certified Professional (CCP) and CorelDraw Certified Expert (CCE). To become certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that test their knowledge and understanding of the software. The CCP exam covers basic concepts such as working with shapes, objects, layers, text, color management, and printing. The CCE exam focuses on more advanced topics such as vector graphics, bitmap editing, animation, web design, and 3D modeling.

The certification process typically takes around three months to complete. To get started, individuals must register for the program online at the Corel website. After registration is complete they will receive instructions on how to access the online exams and how to prepare for them.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The CCP exam costs $195 USD while the CCE exam costs $295 USD.

7. Certified PageMaker Pro Layout Artist (CPPLA)

Certified PageMaker Pro Layout Artist (CPPLA) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of experienced Adobe PageMaker Pro Layout Artists. This certification demonstrates a mastery of the technical aspects of creating professional-level PageMaker documents, as well as an understanding of design principles and best practices.

The CPPLA exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as document setup, page layout, typography, color management, graphics integration, and output. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and requires a passing score of 80% or higher to earn the certification.

To get certified as a CPPLA, you must first register for the exam through Adobe's website. You will then receive an email with instructions on how to download the exam software and schedule your test date at one of their testing centers. The cost for the exam is $150 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be awarded your CPPLA certificate from Adobe.

8. Certified Digital Publishing Professional (CDDP)

Certified Digital Publishing Professional (CDDP) is a certification program designed to help professionals develop their expertise in the digital publishing industry. The CDDP certification is offered by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF), an organization that promotes digital publishing standards and best practices.

The CDDP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of digital publishing technologies, processes, and best practices. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their understanding of these topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first register with IDPF and pay a fee of $250 USD. Once registered, applicants can access study materials and practice exams online to prepare for the test. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from IDPF confirming their status as a Certified Digital Publishing Professional (CDDP).

The CDDP certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking another exam or completing additional coursework.

9. Adobe Certified Associate in InDesign

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in InDesign is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe InDesign, a professional design software. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of the software and prepare them for entry-level jobs in graphic design, digital publishing, and other creative fields.

To become an ACA in InDesign, you must pass the Adobe Certified Associate exam. The exam is offered by Certiport, an official testing center for Adobe certifications. It consists of 65 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $95 - $150 USD. You can register for the exam online or by calling Certiport at 1-888-999-9830. You will need to create an account with Certiport and provide payment information before you can take the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Adobe verifying your certification status as well as a digital badge that can be shared on social media or added to your resume or portfolio.

10. Apple Certified Pro in Pages

Apple Certified Pro in Pages is an official certification from Apple that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in using the Pages app. This certification is designed to help you stand out and demonstrate your proficiency with the Pages app.

It takes approximately two hours to complete the Apple Certified Pro in Pages exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, which are based on topics such as document layout, formatting, collaboration, and more.

To get Apple Certified Pro in Pages, you must first register for the exam at the Apple Certification website. After registering, you will receive a voucher code that can be used to purchase the exam from Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the Apple Certified Pro in Pages exam is $150 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Apple and a digital badge that can be added to your online portfolio or social media profiles.

Do You Really Need a Layout Artist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the industry you are hoping to enter. If you are looking to become a professional layout artist, then a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate can demonstrate competency in layout design and show potential employers that you have the requisite skills and knowledge for the job.

However, if you are just starting out as a layout artist and are still learning the ropes, then a certificate may not be necessary. Employers will usually be more interested in seeing examples of your work, so it is important to focus on creating quality portfolio pieces that showcase your ability. Many employers also prefer to hire people with experience in the field, so gaining some hands-on experience through internships or freelance work can also help your chances of getting hired.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not you need a certificate depends on your individual situation. If you feel that a certificate could help further your career goals, then it may be worthwhile pursuing one. However, there is no guarantee that having a certificate will guarantee employment; employers will ultimately look at your skillset and portfolio when making their hiring decisions.

Related: Layout Artist Resume Examples

FAQs About Layout Artist Certifications

1. What is a Layout Artist Certification?

A Layout Artist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in the art of designing, creating, and manipulating layouts for creative projects. It is typically awarded by an accredited institution or organization after completing a set amount of courses and/or passing an exam.

2. What are the benefits of having a Layout Artist Certification?

Having a Layout Artist Certification can open up more job opportunities, as employers may view it as proof of knowledge and ability in layout design. It also allows you to demonstrate your commitment to the field and can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.

3. How do I become certified as a Layout Artist?

In order to become certified as a Layout Artist, you must complete the required courses and/or pass an exam. Depending on where you obtain your certification, requirements may vary slightly.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Layout Artist?

The amount of time required to complete all requirements for certification will depend on which institution or organization is offering the certification program, but most programs can be completed in 6 months or less.

5. Is there an online option for obtaining a Layout Artist Certification?

Yes! Many institutions and organizations offer online versions of their certification programs that allow students to complete their studies at their own pace from anywhere with internet access.