Top 10 Photo Retoucher Certifications

Certifications are important for a photo retoucher in the job market because they provide proof of professional qualifications and demonstrate a level of expertise. They also help to differentiate one retoucher from another in a competitive industry, giving employers assurance that the individual is knowledgeable and experienced with the tools and techniques required for success. Certifications also allow employers to more easily identify qualified professionals and show that they have taken steps to stay up-to-date with changes in technology, standards, and trends. Ultimately, certifications can give photo retouchers an edge when applying for jobs or bidding on projects.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Photo Retouchers and explains how they can help to further a photo retoucher's career.

What are Photo Retoucher Certifications?

Photo retoucher certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and expertise in the field of photo retouching. It is typically obtained from an accredited institution or organization, and involves passing an exam or completing a course of study.

Having photo retoucher certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees. For employers, it can help ensure they are hiring qualified personnel who have the necessary skills to perform their job duties correctly and efficiently. For employees, having this type of certification can demonstrate to potential employers that they are knowledgeable and experienced in the field of photo retouching, which can lead to better job opportunities. Additionally, having photo retoucher certification may also qualify individuals for higher salaries or other benefits.

Pro Tip: When looking for a photo retoucher certification, make sure to research the program and ensure it meets your needs. Look for a program that is accredited by a professional organization and offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of photo retouching. Additionally, try to find programs that offer hands-on experience or mentorship opportunities so you can gain practical knowledge in addition to theory.

Related: What does a Photo Retoucher do?

Top 10 Photo Retoucher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Photo Retouchers today.

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop

Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the most advanced features and functions of Photoshop. It is designed for professionals who use Photoshop to create or edit digital images for print, web, video, or other media.

The certification process takes approximately one to two months to complete. To become certified, you must pass a series of exams that test your knowledge and skills with the software. The exams are divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each level consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as layers and masks, color correction, retouching techniques, typography, vector tools, and more.

To get started on the path to becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop, you must first purchase the Adobe Certified Expert Exam Voucher from Adobe’s website. The voucher costs $180 USD and includes access to all three levels of exams. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can register for the exam at any time by logging into your Adobe account.

Once you have completed all three levels of exams successfully, you will receive an email confirming your certification status as an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop. You will also receive a certificate that can be used to demonstrate your expertise with the software to employers or clients.

The cost for becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop is $180 USD for the exam voucher plus any additional fees associated with taking the exams (such as proctoring fees).

2. Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is a professional designation for photographers who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the field. The CPP designation is awarded by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

To become a CPP, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in the areas of photographic technique, lighting, posing, digital imaging, and business practices. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of images that demonstrate their technical proficiency and creativity.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements for becoming a CPP. The first step is to join PPA and register for the CPP program. Then you will need to study for and pass the written exam. You will also need to submit your portfolio of images for review by PPA's Certification Committee. Once you have completed all these steps, you will be awarded your CPP designation.

The cost to become a CPP varies depending on whether you are already a member of PPA or not. If you are not already a member, then it will cost around $400-$500 USD to join PPA plus the cost of registering for the CPP program ($150 USD). If you are already a member of PPA then it will only cost $150 USD to register for the CPP program.

3. Certified Digital Retouching Professional (CDRP)

Certified Digital Retouching Professional (CDRP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in digital retouching. It is the only professional certification available for this specialized field.

The CDRP program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in digital retouching techniques, such as color correction, image manipulation, masking, and layering. Applicants must also show that they understand the ethical considerations involved in digital retouching.

To get certified, applicants must pass an online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions and practical tasks. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and covers topics such as color theory, file formats, workflow processes, software tools, and more.

The cost of the CDRP certification varies depending on the country in which you are taking the exam. In the United States, it typically costs around $250 USD. Once you have passed the exam and received your certificate, you will be eligible to use the Certified Digital Retouching Professional (CDRP) designation after your name.

4. Certified Professional Retoucher (CPR)

Certified Professional Retoucher (CPR) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of professional retouchers. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of retouching techniques, tools, and processes.

The CPR certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam tests knowledge in areas such as color theory, digital image manipulation, compositing, and more. The practical assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to retouch images using the latest software and techniques.

The entire process typically takes about two months to complete. Candidates must first register for the online exam, which costs $250 USD. Once they pass the online exam, they can then register for the practical assessment, which costs another $250 USD.

Once both parts of the certification process are completed successfully, candidates will receive their official CPR certificate from Retouch Pro International (RPI). This certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking a refresher course or completing additional training modules offered by RPI.

Overall, becoming certified as a Certified Professional Retoucher requires time and financial commitment but can be well worth it for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

5. Apple Aperture Certification

Apple Aperture Certification is a professional certification program offered by Apple to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of the Aperture software. The program is designed to help photographers, digital imaging professionals, and other creative professionals gain a deeper understanding of the features and capabilities of Aperture.

The certification exam consists of two parts: an online test and a hands-on lab assessment. The online test covers topics such as image management, editing, workflow optimization, and outputting images for print or web. The hands-on lab assessment requires candidates to complete tasks using Aperture on Mac computers.

In order to become certified, candidates must successfully pass both parts of the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The entire process typically takes around four hours to complete.

The cost for Apple Aperture Certification varies depending on where you take the exam and which package you choose. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD for all materials needed to take the exam including study guides, practice exams, and access to an online learning portal.

6. Adobe Certified Associate in Photoshop

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Photoshop is an industry certification that validates an individual’s skills in using Adobe Photoshop. It is a globally recognized credential that proves proficiency in the use of this powerful image editing software. This certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to create digital images, edit photos, and design graphics for print or web projects.

The ACA exam typically takes around two hours to complete and covers topics such as basic photo manipulation, color correction, layer effects, typography, vector drawing tools, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and hands-on tasks that assess your ability to complete real-world tasks with the software.

To get certified as an Adobe Certified Associate in Photoshop, you must pass the ACA exam. You can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $80-$100 USD.

To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you take an official Adobe training course or self-study using official Adobe materials such as tutorials and practice exams. Additionally, there are many resources available online such as video tutorials and study guides to help you prepare for the ACA exam.

7. National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) Certification

The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of proficiency in Adobe Photoshop. It is designed to recognize the expertise of experienced professionals and to help employers identify qualified candidates for positions requiring Photoshop skills.

The NAPP Certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam tests knowledge of the fundamentals of Photoshop, while the practical exam evaluates the candidate’s ability to use the software in real-world scenarios. To earn certification, candidates must pass both exams with a minimum score of 80%.

The NAPP Certification program takes approximately three months to complete. Candidates must first register for and complete the written exam, which typically takes about four weeks. After passing the written exam, candidates can then register for and take the practical exam, which usually takes around eight weeks.

To get certified, candidates must purchase an NAPP membership and pay a one-time registration fee of $99 USD. This fee covers both exams as well as access to exclusive member benefits such as discounts on Adobe products and services, access to online tutorials and webinars, and more.

8. Lightroom Professional Certification

Lightroom Professional Certification is a certification program offered by Adobe that provides an in-depth understanding of the Lightroom software. This certification is designed to help photographers and digital artists become proficient in the use of Lightroom, allowing them to create stunning images with ease.

The certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment. To get certified, you must first take an online course that covers all aspects of Lightroom from basic navigation and editing tools to advanced techniques. After completing the course, you will then be required to pass a series of exams that assess your knowledge and skills in using Lightroom.

The cost for this certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD for the entire program.

Once you have completed all requirements for the certification program, you will receive a certificate from Adobe that proves your proficiency in Lightroom. This certificate can be used as proof of your knowledge when applying for jobs or when looking to further your career in photography or digital artistry.

9. Capture One Pro Certification

Capture One Pro Certification is a professional certification program offered by Phase One, the makers of Capture One Pro software. It is designed to give photographers and imaging professionals the skills and knowledge needed to get the most out of their Capture One Pro software.

The certification consists of an online course that covers topics such as image editing, color management, workflow optimization, and more. The course is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 8 hours. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a final exam to receive their certification.

To get certified, participants must first register for the program on the Phase One website. There is a fee associated with registration which varies depending on whether you are an individual or an organization. Once registered, participants will have access to all course materials and will be able to take the final exam when they are ready.

The cost for Capture One Pro Certification varies depending on whether you are an individual or an organization. For individuals, it costs $199 USD; for organizations, it costs $499 USD.

10. Corel Painter Certification

Corel Painter Certification is a professional certification program offered by Corel Corporation. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved mastery of the Corel Painter software. The certification requires an individual to demonstrate their skills in using the software, as well as their knowledge of digital art and design principles.

The Corel Painter Certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam covers topics such as painting techniques, composition, color theory, brushstrokes, and other aspects of digital art creation using the Corel Painter software. The practical project requires applicants to create a portfolio of artwork that demonstrates their skill level with the software.

The entire process typically takes about six months to complete. Applicants must first register for the program on the Corel website and then complete the online exam within two weeks after registration. After passing the exam, applicants are required to submit their portfolio for review by a panel of experts at Corel. If successful, applicants will receive their official certification within four weeks after submitting their portfolio.

The cost for the Corel Painter Certification program varies depending on where you live and which version of the software you are using (Standard or Pro). Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for Standard users and $400 USD for Pro users.

Do You Really Need a Photo Retoucher Certificate?

Photo retouching is becoming an increasingly popular profession, with many people turning to photo retouchers for help in improving their photos and making them look more professional. While some may think that a photo retoucher certificate is necessary to get work in the field, this isn’t necessarily true.

Having a certificate can certainly be beneficial and can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn the skills necessary to be a successful photo retoucher. However, it is not always required for entry-level positions or freelance work. Many employers are willing to overlook the lack of a certificate if they feel you have the right skills and experience.

The best way to prove your skills is through your portfolio and past projects. Having a few impressive pieces of work can go a long way in convincing employers that you know what you’re doing. If you do decide to pursue a certificate, make sure it’s from an accredited institution and covers topics such as color theory, editing software, and post-processing techniques. Having these certifications can give you an edge over other applicants without them but they are not essential for getting started in the field.

In conclusion, while having a photo retoucher certificate may be beneficial for certain jobs or freelance opportunities, it isn’t always necessary at the entry level or when starting out as a freelancer. Your portfolio should be your main focus when trying to land jobs as this will showcase your skills better than any certification ever could.

Related: Photo Retoucher Resume Examples

FAQs About Photo Retoucher Certifications

1. What is a Photo Retoucher Certification?

Answer: A Photo Retoucher Certification is a professional certification that shows proficiency in photo retouching techniques such as color correction, image manipulation, and digital restoration.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time required to complete a Photo Retoucher Certification can vary depending on the program, but typically ranges from 3-12 months.

3. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Photo Retoucher Certification include improved job prospects, higher pay rates, and increased credibility with clients and employers.

4. Is there an exam involved?

Answer: Yes, most programs require students to take an exam in order to be certified as a Photo Retoucher. This exam tests knowledge in topics such as photo editing software and techniques, color theory, and image resolution.

5. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Most certifications require applicants to have some prior experience with photo retouching or digital imaging before they are eligible to apply. Additionally, basic knowledge of Photoshop or other photo editing software is recommended but not always required.