Top 10 Motion Graphics Artist Certifications

Certifications for motion graphics artists are important for a few reasons. Firstly, certifications show potential employers that you have the technical expertise and knowledge to be an effective motion graphics artist. In addition, having certifications demonstrates that you have kept up with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. This can give you an edge over other applicants who lack certifications. Furthermore, some employers may require certain certifications before they will even consider hiring someone, so having them can open up more opportunities in the job market. Finally, certifications can help to build credibility and trust with potential clients or employers by showing them that you are a competent and qualified professional.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Motion Graphics Artists and explain how they can enhance a motion graphics artist's career.

What are Motion Graphics Artist Certifications?

Motion graphics artist certification is a certification program designed to help motion graphics artists demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the field. The certification program is offered by several professional organizations, such as the Motion Graphics Association (MGA) and the International Digital Media Arts Association (IDMAA).

The certification program typically consists of an evaluation of a portfolio of work, including still images, animation, video editing, and other motion graphics projects. It also includes tests on topics such as software proficiency and motion graphics design principles. The program may also include interviews with industry professionals or employers.

By completing a motion graphics artist certification program, professionals can demonstrate their capabilities to potential clients or employers. This can help them stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market. Additionally, those who successfully complete the program may be eligible for membership discounts or access to special resources that are only available to certified professionals. Certification can also provide opportunities for networking with other motion graphics artists and staying up-to-date on industry trends.

Pro Tip: When considering a motion graphics artist certification, make sure to research the program and its curriculum thoroughly. Look for programs that provide hands-on instruction and practical experience in the software and tools used in the industry. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited by leading organizations in the field, such as Adobe or Autodesk.

Related: What does a Motion Graphics Artist do?

Top 10 Motion Graphics Artist Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert in After Effects

Adobe Certified Expert in After Effects is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using the software. This certification is designed to validate the skills of professionals who use After Effects to create motion graphics and visual effects.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert in After Effects, you must pass the ACE exam, which covers topics such as animation, compositing, and effects. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get certified, you must score at least 70% on the exam.

The cost of taking the ACE exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber. In the United States, non-subscribers can take the exam for $180 USD while Creative Cloud subscribers can take it for $150 USD.

Once you have passed the ACE exam, you will receive an official certificate from Adobe that verifies your expertise in After Effects. You will also be listed in the Adobe Certified Expert directory on their website so potential employers can easily find your credentials.

2. Autodesk Certified Professional in Maya

Autodesk Certified Professional in Maya is a certification program that tests and validates the skills of professionals using Autodesk Maya software. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in 3D animation, modeling, rigging, and rendering.

It takes approximately three months to prepare for the Autodesk Certified Professional exam in Maya. Candidates should have a minimum of six months of experience working with Autodesk Maya before attempting the exam. The preparation process includes studying the official Autodesk curriculum, taking practice exams, and attending online or classroom training courses.

To get certified as an Autodesk Certified Professional in Maya, candidates must pass an online exam administered by Autodesk. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and covers topics such as 3D animation, modeling, rigging, and rendering.

The cost for taking the Autodesk Certified Professional exam in Maya is $200 USD per attempt.

3. Apple Certified Pro in Motion

Apple Certified Pro in Motion is an official certification program from Apple that recognizes the expertise of professional Motion users. It is designed to test and validate the skills of professionals who use Motion to create motion graphics, visual effects, and other advanced projects.

The certification exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a hands-on lab exam. The written exam covers topics such as project management, workflow optimization, and advanced techniques for creating motion graphics and visual effects. The hands-on lab exam tests the user's ability to create a real-world project using Motion.

In order to become an Apple Certified Pro in Motion, you must pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher. The entire process typically takes about 5 hours to complete.

The cost for the Apple Certified Pro in Motion certification varies depending on your location. In the US, it costs $299 USD for both exams.

4. Maxon Certified Cinema 4D Artist

Maxon Certified Cinema 4D Artist is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Maxon’s 3D animation software, Cinema 4D. The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the software’s features and capabilities.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam tests your knowledge of the software’s features and tools, while the practical assessment requires you to complete a series of tasks using Cinema 4D. Both parts must be completed successfully in order to receive your certification.

In order to get certified, you must first register for the program through Maxon’s website. This registration fee is currently $199 USD. Once registered, you will be able to access the online exam and practical assessment materials. It typically takes about 10-15 hours to complete both parts of the certification process, depending on your experience level with Cinema 4D.

Once both parts are completed successfully, you will receive your Maxon Certified Cinema 4D Artist certificate as well as access to exclusive resources such as additional tutorials and discounts on Maxon products.

5. Adobe Certified Associate in Premiere Pro

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Premiere Pro is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s skills in using Adobe Premiere Pro, a powerful digital video editing software. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Adobe Premiere Pro and its associated tools, such as motion graphics and color correction.

The ACA certification exam typically takes between 60-90 minutes to complete. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of the software and its features. Candidates must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how to create projects with Adobe Premiere Pro, including importing media files, creating sequences, editing clips, and applying effects.

To become certified as an Adobe Certified Associate in Premiere Pro, individuals must pass the ACA Exam for Premiere Pro CC 2020. This exam can be taken at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Pearson VUE website. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $99-$129 USD per attempt.

In addition to passing the ACA Exam for Premiere Pro CC 2020, candidates must also meet certain prerequisites before taking the exam. These include having at least six months of experience working with Adobe Premiere Pro and being familiar with basic video editing concepts such as trimming clips and adding transitions.

6. Apple Certified Trainer for Motion Graphics and Visual Effects

Apple Certified Trainer for Motion Graphics and Visual Effects is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to teach Apple’s Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, and Compressor 4 software. This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in motion graphics and visual effects.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to complete the certification process. To get certified, you must first pass an online assessment test which covers topics such as Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4, and other related topics. Once you pass the assessment test, you will then need to attend a two-day training course that covers the same topics as the assessment test. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive your Apple Certified Trainer for Motion Graphics and Visual Effects certification.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

7. Foundry Certified Nuke Compositor

Foundry Certified Nuke Compositor is a certification program that recognizes the skills of professionals who have mastered the Foundry's compositing software, Nuke. It is designed to help employers identify and recruit experienced compositors who are proficient in Foundry's Nuke software. The certification is awarded after successful completion of an online assessment and a practical exam.

The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions about various topics related to the use of Nuke, such as node structure, keyframes, color management, and more. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a real-world scenario. This includes tasks such as creating a composite from scratch and troubleshooting existing projects.

The Foundry Certified Nuke Compositor certification typically takes about two weeks to complete. To get started, applicants must first register for an account on the Foundry website and pay the associated fee. After registering, they will be given access to the online assessment and instructions on how to prepare for the practical exam. Once they have successfully completed both components, they will receive their certification via email within two weeks.

The cost of becoming a Foundry Certified Nuke Compositor varies depending on which country you are located in; however, it typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

8. Adobe Certified Instructor in After Effects

Adobe Certified Instructor in After Effects is a certification program that allows individuals to become certified experts in the use of Adobe After Effects. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the software and their ability to teach others how to use it.

The certification process involves completing a series of online courses and exams, as well as attending an instructor-led workshop. The online courses cover topics such as animation, motion graphics, visual effects, and more. Once these courses are completed, the individual must pass two exams: one on After Effects fundamentals and another on advanced After Effects techniques. Finally, they must attend an instructor-led workshop where they will receive hands-on instruction from experienced instructors.

The entire process takes approximately 6 months to complete. The cost of the program varies depending on the country you are located in and may include additional fees for course materials or exam fees.

9. Autodesk Certified User in 3ds Max

Autodesk Certified User in 3ds Max is a certification program that provides an industry-recognized credential to demonstrate proficiency in Autodesk 3ds Max software. It is designed for professionals and students who are looking to validate their knowledge and skills in the software.

The certification requires passing two exams: one on the fundamentals of 3ds Max, and one on a specific project. The fundamentals exam covers topics such as navigation, modeling, materials, lighting, animation, and rendering. The project exam requires users to create a scene or animation using the skills they have learned from the fundamentals exam.

It usually takes around 8 hours to complete both exams and get certified.

To get certified, you must first purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam Voucher from an authorized reseller. Then you can register for the exams online at Certiport’s website. Once you have passed both exams with a score of 70% or higher, you will be officially certified as an Autodesk Certified User in 3ds Max.

The cost of the Autodesk Certification Exam Voucher varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically costs around $150 USD.

10. Avid Certified Media Composer Editor

Avid Certified Media Composer Editor is a certification program for those who are looking to become professional editors in the Avid Media Composer software. This certification is designed to give professionals the skills and knowledge they need to use Avid Media Composer effectively.

The certification consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on training course. The online exam covers topics such as media management, editing techniques, audio mixing, and color correction. After passing the online exam, applicants must complete a hands-on training course that includes working with projects in Avid Media Composer.

It typically takes around three months to complete the Avid Certified Media Composer Editor program. To get started, applicants must purchase an Avid Learning Partner membership from the Avid website. This membership costs $99 per year and gives access to all of the necessary materials for the certification program. Once purchased, applicants can then register for either an online or classroom-based training course with an approved Avid Learning Partner.

The cost of the entire certification program will depend on which type of training course you choose and how many courses you take. Online courses tend to be more affordable than classroom-based courses, but both will cost several hundred dollars depending on how many classes you take.

Do You Really Need a Motion Graphics Artist Certificate?

No, you do not need a motion graphics artist certificate in order to become a successful motion graphics artist. While having a certificate can certainly help bolster your credentials and demonstrate your knowledge of the software and techniques used in motion graphics design, it is not an absolute prerequisite for success.

Motion graphics artists are typically self-taught or have experience with other related fields such as graphic design or animation. Having a solid understanding of the fundamentals of animation, color theory, typography, and design principles will serve you well in creating effective motion graphics. Additionally, having a portfolio filled with well-crafted projects that demonstrate your skillset is often more important than having a certificate. Employers want to see that you can create compelling visuals that meet their needs and vision for the project.

Finally, having strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for any motion graphics artist as they often work on teams with other creatives such as directors, producers, and designers. Knowing how to effectively communicate your ideas and collaborate on projects is key to achieving success in this field.

In conclusion, while having a motion graphics artist certificate can be beneficial to your career goals in the field of motion graphics design, it is not an absolute necessity for success. A combination of technical skill, creativity, portfolio work, communication skills and collaboration are all necessary components of becoming a successful motion graphics artist.

Related: Motion Graphics Artist Resume Examples

FAQs About Motion Graphics Artist Certifications

1. What is a Motion Graphics Artist Certification?

Answer: A Motion Graphics Artist Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates proficiency in the design and production of motion graphics for digital media. The certification is awarded by an organization or institution that has assessed the individual's knowledge and skills in this field.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Motion Graphics Artist?

Answer: Becoming a certified Motion Graphics Artist can provide credibility to your work, enhance your portfolio, demonstrate your commitment to the profession, and give you access to industry resources and opportunities.

3. What qualifications do I need to become a certified Motion Graphics Artist?

Answer: To become a certified Motion Graphics Artist, you’ll need technical knowledge of Adobe After Effects and other programs used for motion graphics, as well as experience working on projects with clients or employers. You may also need to pass exams or tests to demonstrate your skill level and understanding of motion graphics principles.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time needed to complete the certification process will vary depending on the requirements set forth by the certifying organization or institution. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all necessary steps for certification.

5. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date associated with them, usually two or three years after they are issued. It’s important that you stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends in order to maintain your certification status over time.