Top 10 Lighting Designer Certifications

Certifications for lighting designers are important for several reasons. First, certifications demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. This can give employers confidence that a candidate is qualified to do the job. Second, certifications can help a lighting designer stand out from other applicants in the job market. Finally, certifications show potential employers that a lighting designer has taken the time to invest in their own professional development and has gone above and beyond to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Lighting Designers and explain how they can help further a lighting designer's career.

What are Lighting Designer Certifications?

Lighting designer certification is a program designed to provide professionals in the lighting design industry with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. This certification program is offered by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of lighting design principles, including light sources, control systems, and energy efficiency.

Certification can help lighting designers stand out from other applicants when seeking jobs or promotions. Having a certification shows employers that an individual has taken the time to become knowledgeable about the field and has demonstrated their commitment to learning about this specialized area of design. Certification also allows lighting designers to stay up-to-date on emerging trends in the industry and gain access to exclusive resources from IES. Additionally, having a certification can open up job opportunities outside of traditional lighting design roles, such as consulting for architects or working as an independent contractor for businesses.

Overall, becoming certified as a lighting designer can help individuals establish themselves as experts in their field and increase their chances of success in the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering lighting designer certification, make sure to research the requirements and regulations for each certifying body. Some certifications may require specific educational or professional experience, while others may require a written exam or portfolio review. Make sure to understand all of the requirements before beginning the certification process.

Related: What does a Lighting Designer do?

Top 10 Lighting Designer Certifications

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

1. Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)

The Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) is a professional certification for lighting designers. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of lighting design. The CLD designation is based on a combination of education, experience, and successful completion of an exam.

To become a CLD, applicants must have at least five years of professional lighting design experience and must have completed either a two-year technical degree program or four-year college degree program in architecture, interior design, engineering, or related field. Applicants must also submit three letters of reference from professionals in the industry attesting to their qualifications.

The application process takes approximately six weeks to complete and involves submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and references. Once approved, applicants must register for and pass the IES Lighting Design Exam which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as lighting fundamentals, lighting systems, daylighting systems, energy efficiency, and control systems.

The cost to apply for the CLD designation is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes. The exam fee is $200 USD plus any applicable taxes.

2. Certified Professional Lighting Designer (CPLD) from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP)

Certified Professional Lighting Designer (CPLD) from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP) is a certification program that recognizes lighting designers who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field. This certification is available to lighting professionals with at least five years of experience in the lighting industry, who can prove their expertise through a combination of education, experience, and professional references.

The CPLD certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as lighting design principles, energy efficiency, sustainability, human factors, and codes & standards. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section must be completed within three hours and the essay section must be completed within four hours.

To apply for the CPLD certification, applicants must complete an application form which includes providing proof of education, work experience, references from employers or clients, and payment of an application fee. Once approved by NCQLP's Board of Directors, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost for taking the CPLD exam is $500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee includes access to study materials prior to taking the exam as well as one retake if necessary. After successfully passing both sections of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CPLD certificate which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Lighting Consultant (CLC) from the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)

A Certified Lighting Consultant (CLC) from the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) is a professional designation that recognizes lighting designers who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field. It is an internationally recognized credential, which requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence in lighting design through a rigorous review process.

To become a CLC, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements. This includes holding at least three years of professional experience in lighting design, completing at least ten hours of IALD-approved continuing education courses, and passing the IALD’s written exam. The exam covers topics such as photometry, color theory, energy efficiency, daylighting, and more.

The process to become a CLC typically takes around six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application package which includes their resume and other supporting documents such as references and letters of recommendation. Once approved by the IALD’s Board of Directors, applicants must then register for the written exam and complete all necessary coursework before taking the test.

The cost to become a CLC varies depending on the fees associated with each step of the process. In general, it can range from $500-$1000 USD or more depending on individual circumstances.

4. Certified Advanced Lighting Designer (CALD) from the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Certified Advanced Lighting Designer (CALD) from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a certification program for lighting design professionals that demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field. The program is focused on developing and demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of lighting design, technology, and energy efficiency.

The CALD certification requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in lighting design or related fields, as well as an accredited degree in architecture, engineering, interior design, or other related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the AIA to demonstrate their knowledge of lighting design principles and practices.

The CALD certification process typically takes around six months to complete. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form with proof of experience and educational qualifications. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then register for and pass the qualifying exam within one year.

The cost to apply for the CALD certification is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and providing you with access to study materials for the exam.

5. Certified Residential Lighting Designer (CRLD) from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)

Certified Residential Lighting Designer (CRLD) is a professional certification program offered by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in residential lighting design. The CRLD certification is intended to provide assurance to clients that they are working with an experienced, knowledgeable, and qualified lighting designer.

The CRLD certification process includes a written exam as well as an online portfolio review. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in residential lighting design or equivalent work experience. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as lighting principles, product selection, installation techniques, and codes & standards.

The CRLD certification requires a fee of $295 USD for NKBA members or $395 USD for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the application and testing materials as well as the online portfolio review. Once the application has been approved and the fee paid, applicants will receive access to study materials and practice exams before taking the actual exam.

The entire process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish depending on how quickly applicants complete their applications and submit their portfolios for review.

6. Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLT) from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLT) from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in outdoor lighting design. It is designed to help landscape architects, engineers, and other professionals develop their skills in the field of outdoor lighting design.

To become a COLT, applicants must meet certain requirements. This includes having at least three years of experience in the field of outdoor lighting design, as well as completing an approved course or seminar on the subject. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASLA to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of outdoor lighting principles and practices.

The COLT certification process can take anywhere from two to four months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of education and experience in outdoor lighting design. Once the application is approved, applicants will be sent an email containing information about registering for the exam. The exam fee is $395 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

Once all requirements have been met and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their official COLT certificate from ASLA within two weeks of passing the exam. The certificate is valid for three years after which point it must be renewed by taking additional courses or seminars on outdoor lighting design topics or retaking the exam.

7. Accredited Outdoor Lighting Professional (AOLP) from the International Dark-Sky Association

The Accredited Outdoor Lighting Professional (AOLP) from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in outdoor lighting. This certification is designed for professionals who are involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of outdoor lighting systems.

To become an AOLP, applicants must complete a comprehensive course that covers topics such as light pollution, light trespass, glare, and energy efficiency. The course includes both online and in-person components and typically takes between 18 and 24 months to complete. Applicants must also pass a written exam at the end of the course to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

The cost of becoming an AOLP depends on the chosen course provider. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the provider and length of the course.

Once certified as an AOLP, professionals will be able to demonstrate their commitment to dark sky-friendly lighting practices as well as provide clients with expert advice on how to reduce light pollution in their area.

8. Accredited Professional in Light & Health Certification Program from The Center for Environmental Therapeutics

The Accredited Professional in Light & Health Certification Program from The Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use light and other environmental interventions to improve health and well-being. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the science behind light therapy, its application in clinical practice, and how it can be used to improve individual health outcomes.

The program consists of four online courses: Introduction to Light Therapy, Clinical Applications of Light Therapy, Advanced Light Therapy Techniques, and Assessment & Treatment Planning. Each course is self-paced and can be completed within a few weeks or months depending on the amount of time available. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive an Accredited Professional in Light & Health Certificate from CET.

To become an Accredited Professional in Light & Health, individuals must complete all four courses within two years. In addition, they must pass a final exam at the end of each course with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the entire certification program is $1,200 USD. This fee includes access to all four courses as well as any materials required for successful completion of the program.

Upon completion of the certification program, graduates will have access to CET’s professional network and resources including job postings, research opportunities, industry events, and more.

9. Accredited Professional in Human Centric Lighting Certification Program from The Center for Environmental Therapeutics

The Accredited Professional in Human Centric Lighting Certification Program from The Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) is a comprehensive educational program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, and maintain human-centric lighting systems. This certification program is designed to help professionals understand the science behind how light affects people and how to create optimal lighting environments.

The program consists of three levels of certification: Level 1 – Introduction to Human Centric Lighting; Level 2 – Advanced Design & Installation; and Level 3 – Expert Consultation & Maintenance. Each level requires completion of an online course and successful passing of a final exam. The courses are self-paced and can be completed in as little as two weeks, depending on the individual’s study habits.

In order to receive the Accredited Professional in Human Centric Lighting Certification, individuals must successfully complete all three levels of certification within one year from the date they begin their studies. Upon completion of all three levels, individuals will receive a certificate from CET that verifies their professional status as an Accredited Professional in Human Centric Lighting.

To get started with this certification program, individuals must first register online at CET's website and pay a registration fee of $125 USD. After registering, individuals will receive access to their online course materials which include video lectures, readings, quizzes, and other resources related to human-centric lighting. Once all courses have been completed successfully and the final exams have been passed with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will be awarded their Accredited Professional in Human Centric Lighting Certification from CET.

Overall, the Accredited Professional in Human Centric Lighting Certification Program from The Center for Environmental Therapeutics provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, and maintain human-centric lighting systems. This certification program takes approximately two weeks to complete if studied diligently but must be done within one year from start date in order for individuals to be awarded their certificate from CET verifying their professional status as an Accredited Professional in Human Centric Lighting. The cost for this program is $125 USD when registering online at CET's website.

10. Accredited Professional in Tunable White Certification Program from The Center for Environmental Therapeutics

The Accredited Professional in Tunable White Certification Program from The Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) is a professional certification program that provides specialized training and certification in the use of tunable white lighting. This program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, and maintain tunable white lighting systems.

The program consists of an online course, which takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, followed by a written exam. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the exam, participants will receive their Accredited Professional in Tunable White Lighting certificate.

In order to participate in this program, you must have a basic understanding of lighting design principles and be familiar with the use of tunable white technology. You must also have access to a computer with internet connection and be able to dedicate 8-10 hours for completing the online coursework.

The cost of this program is $695 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Lighting Designer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a lighting designer certificate to work as a lighting designer. However, having such certification can be beneficial in terms of demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the profession.

A certificate in lighting design can demonstrate that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the profession and understand its principles. This can give potential employers confidence in your ability to create effective lighting solutions for their projects. It also shows that you are willing to invest in yourself and your career, which is an attractive quality for any employer.

Having a certificate may also help you stand out from other applicants when looking for work. Employers often look for candidates who possess specialized knowledge or certifications that set them apart from the competition. Having a recognized certificate in lighting design can help you stand out from other applicants and make your resume more impressive.

Finally, having a certification can open up opportunities to specialize in certain areas of lighting design or even teach others about the profession. Many colleges offer courses on lighting design, so having such certification could make it easier for you to get accepted into these programs or even teach courses yourself if desired.

In conclusion, while having a lighting designer certificate is not necessary to work as a lighting designer, it can be beneficial in terms of demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the profession, standing out from other applicants, and opening up opportunities for specialization or teaching others about the profession.

Related: Lighting Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Lighting Designer Certifications

1. What is a Lighting Designer Certification?

Answer: A Lighting Designer Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles, techniques and technologies involved in designing lighting systems for entertainment and architectural applications.

2. How do I obtain a Lighting Designer Certification?

Answer: In order to obtain a Lighting Designer Certification, you must complete an approved educational program and pass the required exams. Many educational institutions offer courses in lighting design or related fields, such as theatre design or electrical engineering. Additionally, certain organizations offer certification programs specifically for lighting designers.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Lighting Designer Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Lighting Designer Certification demonstrates your expertise in the field and can improve your job prospects or provide an edge when seeking promotions within your current position. Having this certification may also qualify you for membership in various professional organizations, which can provide additional resources to help further your career goals.

4. Are there any prerequisites for earning a Lighting Designer Certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, no prerequisites are required to earn a Lighting Designer Certification; however, some programs may require prior experience in lighting design or related fields before taking their courses or exams. Additionally, some certifications may require continuing education credits each year to maintain their validity.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Lighting Designer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Lighting Designer varies depending on the specific requirements of each certification program; however, most programs require at least one year of study and practice before taking the final exam and earning the certification.