Top 11 Layout Designer Certifications

Certifications are an important piece of the job market for layout designers, as they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge in the field. Certifications from reputable organizations can help employers quickly identify qualified individuals who have the necessary skills to excel in their positions. In addition, certifications can give layout designers a competitive edge when applying for jobs, as they demonstrate a commitment to their craft and could lead to higher salaries or better positions. Finally, some certifications may also provide access to exclusive professional networks or resources that can help them stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for layout designers and how they can help advance a layout designer's career.

What are Layout Designer Certifications?

Layout designer certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of layout and design. This certification is awarded by professional organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and can be earned through a combination of coursework, experience, and passing a comprehensive exam. By becoming certified, layout designers demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and commitment to the profession.

Layout designer certification can provide numerous benefits to professionals in this field. Certification demonstrates an individual's dedication to their craft and serves as an assurance for employers that they are capable of producing quality work. Additionally, those who are certified often have access to more job opportunities than non-certified individuals. Furthermore, having certification may also lead to higher pay rates and increased job security due to their specialized knowledge and expertise. Finally, being certified allows layout designers to stay up-to-date on new industry trends and best practices, giving them an edge over their competition.

Pro Tip: When considering a layout designer certification, look for one that offers hands-on training and experience. This will help you gain essential skills and knowledge to become a successful layout designer. Additionally, make sure to find a certification program that is accredited by an industry-recognized organization.

Related: What does a Layout Designer do?

Top 11 Layout Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe InDesign

Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe InDesign is a professional certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who demonstrate advanced proficiency and expertise in using the InDesign software. This certification is designed to validate the skills of graphic designers, production artists, and other professionals who use InDesign for their work.

The exam is administered online and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as page layout, typography, color management, graphics integration, automation tools, and more. It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete the exam.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign, you must first pass the associated certification exam. You can purchase the exam voucher from Adobe's website for $180 USD. After purchasing your voucher, you will be able to register for the exam at an authorized testing center near you.

Once you have passed the exam and been certified as an Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign, you will receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles to show off your achievement. Additionally, you will also receive a certificate of completion from Adobe that can be used to verify your credentials with employers or clients.

2. Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design

Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design is a professional certification program offered by Autodesk, Inc. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of AutoCAD software for creating and managing complex 2D and 3D drawings. This certification is available to anyone who has successfully completed an approved AutoCAD Layout Design course or has achieved a passing score on the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design exam.

The Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The exam covers topics such as creating and managing layers, setting up page layouts, drawing objects, modifying objects, working with text and dimensions, plotting/publishing drawings, and troubleshooting.

To get certified as an Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design, you must first complete an approved AutoCAD Layout Design course or pass the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed the exam or completed the course requirements, you will receive your certificate from Autodesk confirming your status as an Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design.

The cost of taking the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Layout Design exam varies depending on where you take it; however, most locations charge around $150 USD for the exam fee.

3. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certified Professional

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certified Professional is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to become an expert in CorelDRAW, the popular vector-based graphics software. This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their proficiency in creating digital artwork, logos, illustrations, and other graphic design projects.

The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certified Professional exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical test. The written test covers topics such as working with shapes, text, and color; creating logos; manipulating images; working with layers; and more. The practical test requires applicants to complete a series of tasks using CorelDRAW.

It typically takes around 2-3 months to prepare for the exam and receive your certification. To get certified, you must first register for the exam through Corel's website or at an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD. After passing both parts of the exam, you will be awarded your CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Certified Professional certificate.

4. QuarkXPress Certified Designer

QuarkXPress Certified Designer is a certification program for professionals who use the QuarkXPress software. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s mastery of the advanced features and capabilities of the software. The certification includes both a written and practical exam, which must be completed in order to become certified.

The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as page layout, typography, color management, printing and exporting. The practical exam requires applicants to complete a series of design projects using QuarkXPress.

The certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first register with QuarkXPress and pay the applicable fee. Once registered, applicants will receive their study materials and have access to online resources that can help them prepare for the exams.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification certificate via email within two weeks after completion of the exams.

The cost for the QuarkXPress Certified Designer program is $299 USD (or equivalent in local currency).

5. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification in PowerPoint, Word and Excel

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Microsoft Office applications, such as PowerPoint, Word and Excel. It is designed to validate the skills of individuals who use these programs in their daily work.

How long does it take to get it?

The amount of time required to obtain MOS certification depends on the individual's experience and proficiency with the Microsoft Office applications being tested. Generally, it takes between two and four hours to complete each exam.

How to get it?

To become certified, you must pass one or more exams that measure your knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office applications. The exams are administered by Certiport, an authorized testing center for MOS certifications. You can find a list of authorized testing centers on Certiport’s website.

How much does it cost?

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the country where you take the test, but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD per exam.

6. CIW Web Design Professional Certification

The CIW Web Design Professional Certification is an internationally recognized certification that certifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in web design. It is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques used to create effective websites. The certification is valid for three years and requires the successful completion of two exams.

To get the CIW Web Design Professional Certification, you must first complete the CIW Foundations course, which covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and other web development technologies. After completing the Foundations course, you must pass both the CIW Site Development Associate exam (1D0-620) and the CIW Web Design Professional exam (1D0-621). Both exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. You can purchase study materials or enroll in a training program to help you prepare for the exams. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official CIW Web Design Professional Certification.

7. Adobe Creative Cloud Certifications in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver

Adobe Creative Cloud Certifications are a way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Dreamweaver. These certifications are offered by Adobe and can be earned by taking an exam that tests your proficiency in using the software.

How long does it take to get an Adobe Creative Cloud Certification? The amount of time it takes to prepare for and pass the certification exams will vary depending on your experience with the software. Generally speaking, it is recommended that you spend at least two weeks studying before attempting the exam.

How do I get an Adobe Creative Cloud Certification? To earn a certification, you must first register for an exam through the Adobe website or a third-party provider such as Pearson VUE or Kryterion. Once registered, you will be given access to study materials and practice exams to help you prepare for the actual exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from Adobe.

How much does it cost? The cost of taking an Adobe Creative Cloud Certification Exam varies depending on which version of the software you are testing for. For example, an exam for Photoshop CS6 may cost $180 USD while an exam for Photoshop CC 2018 may cost $240 USD.

8. Apple Certified Pro in Final Cut Pro X

Apple Certified Pro in Final Cut Pro X is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of Apple’s professional video editing software. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise and knowledge of the latest version of Final Cut Pro X. The certification requires passing an online exam, which tests a user’s ability to effectively use Final Cut Pro X for editing, effects, media management, and more.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. To become certified, users must score 80% or higher on the exam. The cost for the exam is $199 USD.

To get started with becoming Apple Certified Pro in Final Cut Pro X, you will need to register with Apple’s Professional Learning Center (PLC). Once registered, you can access the exam preparation materials and take practice exams before taking the real one. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive your certificate from Apple and be listed as an Apple Certified Professional in Final Cut Pro X on their website.

9. Avid Media Composer Certification

Avid Media Composer Certification is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the Avid Media Composer video editing software. The certification is offered by Avid, the company that develops and sells the Media Composer software.

The certification requires candidates to pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of the software's features and functions. The exam covers topics such as media management, timeline editing, audio mixing, color correction, and more. Candidates must also complete a hands-on project that demonstrates their ability to use the software in a real-world scenario.

The entire process takes approximately 8 hours to complete and can be done at any time from any location with an internet connection. Candidates must have access to an Avid Media Composer system in order to take the exam and complete the project.

The cost of the Avid Media Composer Certification program varies depending on where you purchase it from. Typically, it will cost around $400 USD for both the exam and project components.

10. Adobe After Effects Certification

Adobe After Effects Certification is a professional certification program offered by Adobe for individuals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in using the After Effects software. This certification proves that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to create motion graphics, visual effects, and animations.

The certification consists of two exams: the ACE Exam (Adobe Certified Expert) and the ACI Exam (Adobe Certified Instructor). The ACE Exam tests your knowledge of After Effects features and techniques, while the ACI Exam tests your ability to teach others how to use After Effects. Both exams must be passed in order to receive your Adobe After Effects Certification.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams. Generally speaking, it takes several months of preparation before you’re ready to take either exam.

To get certified, you need to register with Adobe’s website and purchase a voucher for each exam. You can then schedule an appointment at a testing center near you or take the exam online from home. The cost of each voucher varies depending on which country you are located in, but typically costs around $180 USD per exam.

Once both exams have been passed, you will receive an official Adobe After Effects Certification badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles as proof of your expertise in using this powerful software.

11. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is a professional certification program that helps to ensure the public health, safety and welfare of interior design services. It is the only credential recognized by all U.S. jurisdictions that regulate interior design practice.

To become certified, applicants must have a combination of education and experience in interior design and pass two examinations administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ). The first examination is the Fundamentals Exam, which tests basic knowledge of interior design principles and concepts. The second examination is the Professional Exam, which tests more advanced knowledge of interior design principles and methods.

The process typically takes between one to two years to complete, depending on how quickly an individual can complete their educational requirements and pass both exams. To get started, applicants must submit an application to CIDQ along with documentation of their education and experience in interior design. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to pay fees associated with taking the exams as well as any additional fees associated with their educational requirements.

The total cost of obtaining NCIDQ certification can range from $400 - $2,000 depending on the applicant's educational requirements and exam fees.

Do You Really Need a Layout Designer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A layout designer certificate is not a requirement for most jobs in the field of design, and there are plenty of successful designers who have never had one. However, it may be beneficial to consider getting a certificate if you are looking to specialize in layout design or further your career in the field.

Layout design is an important part of many types of design projects, from webpages and apps to magazines and books. This type of work requires knowledge about how best to arrange elements on a page in order to create an effective visual experience for viewers. It also involves understanding how typography, colors, images, and other elements can interact with each other to create a visually appealing composition. Having a certificate that demonstrates your understanding of these concepts can be helpful when applying for jobs or trying to stand out among other applicants.

A layout designer certificate can also provide recognition from professionals in the industry and give you access to exclusive job opportunities. In addition, having certification may make you more attractive as a candidate since employers often look for candidates who have taken steps beyond the basic requirements necessary for their position.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a layout designer certificate depends on your individual goals and career path. If you’re just starting out in the field or don’t plan on specializing in layout design, then it may not be necessary for you at this time. On the other hand, if you’re looking for ways to set yourself apart from other candidates or break into more specialized roles within the industry, then obtaining certification could be worth considering.

Related: Layout Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Layout Designer Certifications

Q1: What is a Layout Designer Certification?

A1: A Layout Designer Certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of layout design. This certification is typically obtained by passing an exam or completing a course related to layout design.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Layout Designer?

A2: To become certified as a Layout Designer, you must complete the necessary training and pass an exam. Depending on your background, you may be required to take additional courses or workshops in order to obtain the certification.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Layout Designer?

A3: Becoming certified as a Layout Designer can help open up new career opportunities and increase earning potential. It can also provide recognition of your expertise in the field, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions.

Q4: Where can I find information about available certifications?

A4: Information about available certifications can be found through various organizations such as Professional Association of Designers (PAD), American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Additionally, many universities offer courses and workshops related to layout design that may lead to certification.

Q5: How long does it take to get certified?

A5: The amount of time it takes to get certified will vary depending on the type of certification you are pursuing and the amount of experience you have with layout design. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from several months to several years before achieving certification.