Top 11 Product Designer Certifications

Certifications for product designers are important for a few reasons. First, certifications demonstrate that the designer has the skills and knowledge necessary to design products. This can give potential employers confidence in their abilities and make them more desirable candidates for job openings. Additionally, certifications provide proof of expertise in specific areas such as user experience (UX) design, visual design, or engineering. Having these credentials can help product designers stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to employers. Finally, certifications often come with additional benefits such as access to industry resources or discounts on professional development courses, which can help product designers stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in their field.

The article reviews the top certifications for Product Designers and explains how these certifications can help enhance a product designer's career.

What are Product Designer Certifications?

Product designer certification is an officially recognized qualification that provides an in-depth understanding of the design process and its application to product development. The certification includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as user research, human-centered design, prototyping, usability testing and user experience. As a result, professionals with this certification are able to create products that are successful in the marketplace while also being easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

The certification can help professionals demonstrate their knowledge of product design principles and processes to employers or clients. It can also give them a competitive edge when applying for positions or contracts. Additionally, the certification can be used as a tool for self-improvement by providing individuals with an opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in product design. Ultimately, product designer certification is an invaluable asset for anyone looking to build a career in this field.

Pro Tip: When considering product designer certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Look for programs that provide comprehensive training in key design concepts and methods, such as user experience (UX) design, interface design, visual design, and prototyping. Additionally, check to see if the program provides hands-on experience with real-world projects and access to professional mentors.

Related: What does a Product Designer do?

Top 11 Product Designer Certifications

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

1. Interaction Design Foundation Certification

Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) Certification is an online certification program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become proficient in interaction design. The certification focuses on the fundamentals of interaction design, which includes user research, user experience design, prototyping, and usability testing. It also covers topics such as accessibility, mobile development, and service design.

The IDF Certification program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires a minimum of 30 hours of study time and is completed at your own pace. The Basic level covers the basics of interaction design while the Intermediate level dives deeper into topics such as user research and usability testing. The Advanced level focuses on more complex topics such as service design and mobile development.

To get certified by the IDF you must pass all three levels of the certification program with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed all three levels you will receive a certificate that can be printed out or shared digitally.

The cost for the IDF Certification varies depending on which package you choose. The Basic package costs $99 USD while the Intermediate and Advanced packages both cost $199 USD each. All packages include access to course materials, practice exams, and a certificate upon completion.

2. UX Design Certification from Nielsen Norman Group

The UX Design Certification from Nielsen Norman Group is a professional certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of user experience (UX) design principles and practices. It is designed to give you the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful UX designer. The certification consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam.

The online course takes approximately 10 weeks to complete, with each week focusing on a different aspect of UX design. The topics covered include user research, information architecture, interaction design, usability testing, visual design, and more. At the end of the course, you will have developed an understanding of how to create effective user experiences for web and mobile applications.

To get the certification, you must pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of UX design that were taught in the online course. You can take the exam at any time after completing the online course.

The cost for the UX Design Certification from Nielsen Norman Group is $1,500 USD. This includes access to all materials in the online course as well as one attempt at taking the final exam.

3. Certified Product Designer from the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea

The Certified Product Designer from the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea (IDII) is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in the field of product design. The program is based on a comprehensive curriculum and provides an internationally recognized qualification.

The Certified Product Designer program requires applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in product design, as well as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Applicants must also pass an online assessment and complete two intensive workshops that cover topics such as user research, prototyping, user interface design, and user testing.

To get the certification, applicants must submit an application form, pay the required fee (which is currently €1,500), and attend both workshops. After completing the workshop modules, applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of their work for review by the IDII faculty. If successful, they will receive their official certificate from IDII.

The entire process usually takes around four months to complete.

4. Professional Diploma in Product Design from the Open University

The Professional Diploma in Product Design from the Open University is an online course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative products. The diploma is aimed at professionals who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of product design principles and techniques, as well as those who are looking to develop their career in this field.

The diploma takes 18 months to complete, with students studying for six hours per week. It consists of two modules: 'Designing Products' and 'Developing Products'. The first module focuses on the fundamentals of product design, such as how to identify customer needs, how to create prototypes, and how to use CAD software. The second module covers topics such as product development processes, engineering principles, materials selection, and sustainability considerations.

To get the Professional Diploma in Product Design from the Open University, you will need to have completed either a degree or equivalent qualification in a related subject area. You will also need access to a computer with internet access.

The cost of the diploma varies depending on your country of residence. In the UK it costs £1,800 plus VAT; outside the UK it costs £2,400 plus VAT.

5. Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) from Human Factors International

Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) from Human Factors International is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of usability. It is designed to help individuals become more effective at understanding user needs, designing usable products, and improving user experience.

The CUA certification process involves completing a comprehensive online course, passing an exam, and completing a project. The online course covers topics such as human-computer interaction, usability engineering, ergonomics, and usability testing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the course. The project requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world situation.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates have up to three years to complete all requirements for certification.

The cost of obtaining the CUA certification varies depending on whether you are taking the online course or attending an in-person workshop. The cost for taking the online course is $1,995 USD while attending an in-person workshop costs $2,495 USD.

In addition to these fees, there is also a one-time application fee of $50 USD required for all applicants regardless of which option they choose.

6. Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP) from User Experience Professionals Association

The Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP) is a professional certification offered by the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery in the field of user experience design.

The certification process involves three steps: an application, a written exam, and an oral exam. The application requires applicants to provide evidence of their qualifications and demonstrate their knowledge of user experience principles. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test applicants’ understanding of UX concepts and terminology. Finally, the oral exam is a one-on-one interview with a panel of experienced UX professionals who assess applicants’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes around four months from start to finish for applicants to complete the entire CUXP certification process. Applicants should also expect to spend time studying for the written and oral exams prior to taking them.

The cost for the CUXP certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of UXPA. For non-members, it costs $1,495 USD; for members, it costs $995 USD.

7. Certified Accessibility Specialist (CAS) from WebAIM

The Certified Accessibility Specialist (CAS) from WebAIM is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to evaluate, audit, and create accessible websites. This certification demonstrates an understanding of accessibility guidelines and standards, as well as best practices for creating and maintaining accessible websites.

The CAS program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an online exam. The online course covers topics such as accessibility principles, WCAG 2.0/2.1 guidelines, HTML coding techniques, ARIA roles & landmarks, automated testing tools, manual testing techniques, assistive technology devices, and more. The online exam tests your knowledge of these topics by asking multiple choice questions related to the material covered in the course.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the course and another 1-2 hours to take the exam. Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program you will receive your CAS certification from WebAIM.

The cost for the CAS program is $149 USD for individuals or $299 USD for organizations.

8. UX Design Professional Certificate Program from UC San Diego Extension

The UC San Diego Extension UX Design Professional Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to teach students the fundamentals of user experience (UX) design. The program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of UX design. Students will learn about the principles and practices of UX research and design, as well as how to apply them in real-world scenarios.

The program takes approximately four months to complete, with each course taking two weeks to complete. Courses are offered both online and in-person, allowing students to choose their preferred learning style. The courses cover topics such as user research, prototyping, usability testing, and more.

To get the certificate, students must successfully complete all five courses within the program. Upon completion of the program, students will receive an official certificate from UC San Diego Extension that can be used for professional development or job applications.

The cost for the entire program is $2,995 USD. This includes all course materials and access to online resources such as discussion boards and instructor support.

9. UX/UI Design Specialization from Coursera

UX/UI Design Specialization from Coursera is a comprehensive online course designed to teach students the fundamentals of UX/UI design. The specialization consists of 5 courses that cover topics such as user research, interaction design, visual design, prototyping and usability testing. The courses are taught by experienced professionals in the field and include hands-on projects and assignments.

The entire specialization takes approximately 6 months to complete if you commit 8 hours per week to it. You can also choose to take the courses at your own pace, but it will take longer for you to finish them.

To get this specialization, you must first create an account on Coursera’s website. Once you have done that, you can enroll in the individual courses or purchase the entire specialization package. The cost of the entire specialization is $399 USD (or local equivalent).

10. Advanced Product Design Certification from the University of Washington

Advanced Product Design Certification from the University of Washington is a professional certification program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, and market successful products. The program is designed to help students become better product designers who can create innovative solutions for their clients.

The Advanced Product Design Certification from the University of Washington takes approximately one year to complete. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Product Design, Advanced Product Design, and Professional Practice in Product Design. Each course is offered online and requires a minimum of 12 credit hours to complete.

To get the Advanced Product Design Certification from the University of Washington, students must first apply for admission into the program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in product design or related fields. After being accepted into the program, students will need to complete all three courses and pass an exam at the end of each course in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the Advanced Product Design Certification from the University of Washington depends on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. In-state students pay $1,500 per course while out-of-state students pay $2,000 per course. This means that it will cost between $4,500-$6,000 total for all three courses depending on your residency status.

11. Professional Certificate in Interaction and Interface Design from Stanford Center for Professional Development

The Professional Certificate in Interaction and Interface Design from Stanford Center for Professional Development is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to design effective user interfaces. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience Design, Visual Design, and Prototyping. Each course is five weeks long and covers topics such as user research, usability testing, interaction design principles, visual design principles, prototyping tools and techniques, and more.

To get the certificate, students must complete all four courses within one year. The cost of the program is $4,500 (USD). This includes access to course materials and instructor support throughout the duration of the program. Students also have access to online forums where they can connect with other students in the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a professional certificate from Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development that demonstrates their expertise in Interaction and Interface Design.

Do You Really Need a Product Designer Certificate?

Product design is a complex field that requires a combination of creative problem-solving and technical know-how. As such, it is important that those who wish to pursue a career in product design have the necessary qualifications and certifications to prove their competence. A product designer certificate is one way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show employers that you possess the required skills and knowledge.

The decision as to whether or not you need a product designer certificate ultimately depends on your specific career goals. If you are looking for entry-level work in the field, then a certificate may not be necessary; however, if you are looking to advance your career or gain more specialized skills, then obtaining a certificate can be beneficial. A certificate provides evidence that you have taken the time and effort to develop a strong foundation in product design principles, allowing employers to better understand your capabilities and strengths. Additionally, having a certification can help you stand out from other applicants who may lack such credentials.

In addition to helping with job opportunities, a product designer certificate can also provide access to professional networks and resources that could further enhance your knowledge of the industry. Furthermore, many programs offer continuing education credits which can help keep your skills up-to-date as new technologies emerge. Ultimately, obtaining a product designer certificate can be extremely beneficial for those seeking higher levels of success within this competitive field.

Related: Product Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Product Designer Certifications

Q1: What is a product designer certification?

A1: A product designer certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in the design and development of products. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or educational institution after successful completion of a course or program, and may include an exam or portfolio review.

Q2: How do I get certified as a product designer?

A2: To become certified as a product designer, you will need to complete an approved course or program related to product design and development, which may include an exam or portfolio review. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate experience in the field and meet any other requirements set by the certifying organization.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a product designer?

A3: Becoming certified as a product designer can help you gain recognition for your skills, increase your job opportunities, demonstrate your commitment to the profession, and provide you with access to exclusive resources such as networking events and career advancement opportunities.

Q4: What type of jobs can I apply for with a product designer certification?

A4: With a product designer certification, you can apply for positions such as user experience (UX) designer, user interface (UI) designer, graphic/visual designer, interaction/motion graphics designer, web developer/programmer, data visualization specialist and more.

Q5: How much does it cost to get certified as a product designer?

A5: The cost of getting certified as a product designer will vary depending on the certifying organization; however, many organizations offer discounted rates for students. Additionally, some employers may cover all or part of the cost for their employees who wish to become certified.