Top 10 Motion Graphics Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for motion graphics designers in the job market for several reasons. First, certifications can demonstrate a designer’s level of expertise and proficiency in their field. Employers may be more likely to hire someone who has proven their knowledge through a certification program. Additionally, certifications can provide designers with access to additional resources and industry tools that can help them become more effective in their work. Finally, certifications can show potential employers that a designer is current on the latest trends and techniques related to motion graphics design. In short, having a certification demonstrates commitment to the craft and provides evidence of a designer’s ability to produce high-quality work.

This article reviews the top certifications for Motion Graphics Designers and explains how each of them can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Motion Graphics Designer Certifications?

Motion graphics designer certification is a type of certification that validates an individual's proficiency in the field of motion graphics design. Motion graphics design combines elements of both traditional graphic design and animation to create dynamic visuals for use in video, web, and print media. A certified motion graphics designer typically has the skills necessary to create eye-catching visuals for multimedia projects.

The benefits of becoming a certified motion graphics designer are numerous. In addition to the recognition they receive from employers and clients, certified designers often have more opportunities to work on larger projects with bigger budgets. Certification also gives them credibility in the industry, which can help them land higher-paying jobs or attract more clients. Additionally, certification can give designers access to exclusive resources and training programs that will help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and techniques. Finally, having a certification gives designers a competitive edge over non-certified peers when it comes to job applications or contract negotiations.

Pro Tip: When researching motion graphics designer certification programs, look for programs that offer hands-on projects and real-world experience to ensure you have the skills necessary to succeed in the field. Additionally, look for programs that offer industry certifications or recognition from professional organizations to demonstrate your competency and value as a motion graphics designer.

Related: What does a Motion Graphics Designer do?

Top 10 Motion Graphics Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Motion Graphics and Visual Effects

Adobe Certified Expert in Motion Graphics and Visual Effects (ACE) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a user's expertise in using Adobe After Effects to create motion graphics and visual effects. It demonstrates that the user has mastered the skills needed to produce professional-level work with Adobe After Effects.

The certification process typically takes 3-4 months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level. To become certified, users must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as animation principles, color theory, scripting, and more. The practical exam requires users to demonstrate their knowledge of After Effects by creating a project from start to finish.

In order to get certified, users must first purchase an ACE preparation course from Adobe or an authorized training provider. These courses provide step-by-step instruction on how to use After Effects and prepare for the exams. Additionally, users can find practice exams online to help them prepare for the actual tests.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which preparation course you choose and whether you take the exams at an authorized testing center or online through Adobe’s website. Generally speaking, expect to pay around $500-$1,000 for the entire process.

2. Autodesk Certified Professional in Motion Graphics

Autodesk Certified Professional in Motion Graphics is a certification program that demonstrates your expertise in the use of Autodesk software for motion graphics. This certification requires you to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, and Adobe After Effects.

It typically takes around 2-3 months to complete the certification process depending on your experience level. To get certified, you will need to pass an online exam that covers topics such as animation principles, 3D modeling, rendering techniques, and motion graphics workflow. The exam costs $150 USD and can be taken at any authorized Autodesk testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from Autodesk confirming your status as an Autodesk Certified Professional in Motion Graphics. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking the same exam again.

3. Avid Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design

Avid Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design is a certification program offered by Avid, the world’s leading digital audio and video editing software company. The certification is designed to recognize professionals with expertise in motion graphics design and animation.

The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of the Avid Motion Graphics workflow, including creating motion graphics and animations, working with media files, and integrating motion graphics into a project. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to use Avid’s tools for creating motion graphics.

It typically takes around 6-8 weeks to complete the certification process. To get certified, applicants must first register for an online assessment that covers topics such as basic motion graphics concepts, working with media files, and using Avid's tools for creating motion graphics. After passing the online assessment, applicants must then complete a hands-on lab exam that tests their practical skills in using Avid's tools for creating motion graphics.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the country you are located in but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

4. Apple Certified Pro in Motion Graphics Design

Apple Certified Pro in Motion Graphics Design is an official certification program offered by Apple. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in creating motion graphics with the help of Apple's professional applications such as Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor.

The program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. The online exam covers topics such as animation, compositing, motion tracking, color correction, keyframing, and more. It takes approximately 5 hours to complete the exam.

To get certified, you must first pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will be given access to the hands-on project which requires you to create a motion graphics project from start to finish using one of Apple's professional applications. You will then need to submit your project for review by Apple experts who will assess it against industry standards for quality and creativity.

The cost of the Apple Certified Pro in Motion Graphics Design certification varies depending on where you take the exam and whether or not you use any additional materials (such as books or video tutorials). Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD for both parts of the program.

5. Unity Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design

Unity Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design is a certification program offered by Unity Technologies. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in creating motion graphics for interactive applications using the Unity platform. It validates the ability to design, develop, and deploy motion graphics within the Unity engine.

The certification process takes approximately 6-8 weeks from start to finish. The first step is to register for the exam on the Unity Certification website. Once registered, applicants will receive access to a series of online courses and assessments designed to prepare them for the exam. After completing all of the required coursework and assessments, applicants can then schedule their exam date with Pearson VUE.

The cost of the certification varies depending on which package you choose; however, it generally ranges from $199-$499 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and/or taking it at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Once you have passed your exam, you will receive an email confirming your status as a certified professional in Motion Graphics Design with Unity Technologies. You will also receive a digital badge that can be added to your resume or portfolio as proof of your achievement.

6. Cinema 4D Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design

Cinema 4D Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design is a certification program offered by MAXON, the makers of Cinema 4D. This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the technical and creative aspects of motion graphics design using Cinema 4D.

The certification process takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete, depending on the individual's skill level and experience with Cinema 4D. To become certified, applicants must complete an online application form and submit a portfolio of their work demonstrating their proficiency in motion graphics design. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then attend an intensive training course at one of MAXON's authorized training centers. The course covers topics such as modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, rendering and compositing in Cinema 4D. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass a written exam to receive their certification.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 USD for tuition and materials for the course. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with travel expenses or lodging if you need to travel to attend the class.

Once certified, professionals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in motion graphics design using Cinema 4D and will be eligible for job opportunities that require this certification.

7. Blender Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design

Blender Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design is a certification program offered by Blender, an open-source 3D computer graphics software. This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the use of Blender for creating motion graphics.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a portfolio review. The written exam tests your knowledge of the Blender interface and workflow, as well as your understanding of animation principles, such as timing, keyframing, and compositing. The portfolio review evaluates your ability to create motion graphics using Blender.

The certification process can take anywhere from one to three months to complete, depending on how quickly you are able to prepare for the exams and submit your portfolio.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on which type of certification you are applying for (Basic or Pro). The Basic Certification costs $99 USD while the Pro Certification costs $299 USD.

8. After Effects Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design

After Effects Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design is a certification program offered by Adobe. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using After Effects, the industry-standard motion graphics and visual effects software.

The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in key areas of motion graphics design, including compositing, animation, effects, and scripting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as hands-on exercises that assess an applicant’s ability to use After Effects for creating professional motion graphics projects.

It typically takes 8-10 hours to complete the exam. To get certified, applicants must first register for the exam through Adobe's website and then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the exam is $180 USD.

9. Final Cut Pro X Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design

Final Cut Pro X Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design is a certification program offered by Apple. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in creating motion graphics with Final Cut Pro X. The certification requires the successful completion of an exam, and it is valid for two years.

The exam is administered online and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as animation, effects, color correction, titling, and audio editing. The cost of the exam is $299 USD.

In order to become certified, you must first register for the exam on Apple's website. After registering, you will be provided with study materials and access to practice tests that can help you prepare for the actual exam. Once you have completed the exam successfully, you will receive your certification from Apple within four weeks of passing the test.

The cost of becoming a Final Cut Pro X Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design includes the fee for taking the exam ($299 USD) as well as any additional costs associated with studying for it (such as books or online courses).

10. Nuke Studio Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design

Nuke Studio Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design is a certification program offered by Foundry, the creators of Nuke Studio. It is designed to help motion graphics professionals demonstrate their expertise and proficiency with Nuke Studio. The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project.

The written exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of motion graphics design, including compositing, animation, scripting, and color management. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

The practical project requires you to create a motion graphics sequence using Nuke Studio. You will be given a brief and must submit your work within two weeks. This project should demonstrate your ability to use all aspects of Nuke Studio including compositing, animation, scripting, and color management.

In order to get certified as a Nuke Studio Certified Professional in Motion Graphics Design you must pass both the written exam and the practical project with an 80% or higher score.

The cost for the certification is $499 USD which includes access to training materials and resources as well as support from Foundry experts throughout the process.

Do You Really Need a Motion Graphics Designer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. First, it is important to consider why you are interested in obtaining a motion graphics designer certificate. Are you looking to expand your skillset, start a career in motion graphics design, or simply add an impressive credential to your resume? Depending on the answer, the need for such a certificate can vary greatly.

If you are looking to jumpstart a career in motion graphics design, then a certificate may be necessary. Many employers require applicants to have formal education or training and having a specialized certification can help set you apart from other applicants with similar qualifications. Additionally, having completed courses in motion graphics design will give you the foundational knowledge needed to perform well in the field.

On the other hand, if you already have experience as a motion graphics designer and are looking for ways to expand your skill set or impress potential employers, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. You may be able to demonstrate your knowledge and experience through portfolios and references instead. However, if you feel that taking courses would be beneficial for expanding your skillset or refreshing your knowledge of certain topics within motion graphics design, then pursuing certification could be worthwhile.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a motion graphics designer certificate will depend on what goals you hope to achieve by obtaining one.

Related: Motion Graphics Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Motion Graphics Designer Certifications

Q1. What is a motion graphics designer certification?

A1. A motion graphics designer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s expertise in creating high-quality motion graphic designs. It typically requires passing an exam and/or completing a course or program related to motion graphics design.

Q2. How do I become certified as a motion graphics designer?

A2. Becoming certified as a motion graphics designer typically involves taking an exam or completing an approved course or program related to motion graphics design. You may also need to provide proof of relevant experience, such as portfolio samples or letters of recommendation from employers or clients.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a motion graphics designer?

A3. Becoming certified as a motion graphics designer can help you stand out from other job applicants, demonstrate your expertise to potential employers, and increase your earning potential in the industry. It can also improve your understanding of the latest trends and techniques in the field, which can lead to better quality work for clients or employers.

Q4. How much does it cost to become certified as a motion graphics designer?

A4. The cost of becoming certified as a motion graphics designer varies depending on the type of certification you pursue and any associated fees for exams or courses that may be required for certification eligibility. Generally speaking, certifications will range from free (for online self-paced courses) to hundreds of dollars (for more comprehensive programs).

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a motion graphics designer?

A5. Prerequisites vary depending on the type of certification you are pursuing; however, most certifications require at least some experience with graphic design software such as Adobe After Effects and Illustrator, familiarity with animation principles, and knowledge of industry best practices such as color theory and typography fundamentals.