Top 10 Production Designer Certifications

Certifications for a production designer in the job market are important for several reasons. First, they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers value. They show potential employers that an individual is qualified to handle the tasks associated with production design and is familiar with industry standards. Additionally, certifications can help individuals stand out from the competition when it comes to getting hired or promoted. Finally, certifications provide tangible proof of an individual’s abilities and dedication to their craft, which can be invaluable when competing for jobs in a competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Production Designers and explain how they can help to boost a Production Designer's career.

What are Production Designer Certifications?

Production designer certification is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and experience of individuals who work in the field of production design. This certification is offered by a number of organizations such as the Art Directors Guild, the Production Designers Council, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience with all aspects of production design, from pre-production planning through post-production wrap up.

The certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to get hired for production design jobs or advance their career. Having this certification on your resume can help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge when applying for jobs. It also demonstrates to employers that you have a high level of expertise in the field and that you have taken steps to stay current with industry trends and techniques. Additionally, having this certification may open up new job opportunities or lead to higher pay rates.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different certifications available for production designers and find one that is right for you. Look into the requirements of each certification, including any specific courses or experience needed, to make sure you have what it takes to become certified. This will ensure you have the necessary credentials to qualify for higher-level positions in production design.

Related: What does a Production Designer do?

Top 10 Production Designer Certifications

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

1. Certified Production Designer (CPD)

Certified Production Designer (CPD) is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the film and television production industry. The program is offered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and provides a comprehensive overview of the design process, from concept to completion. It covers topics such as storyboarding, set design, lighting, art direction, camera angles, and more.

It typically takes approximately two years to complete the CPD program. To get started, you must first apply to become an AMPAS member. After you have been accepted as a member, you can then begin your studies towards becoming certified. You will need to take classes in production design theory and practice, attend lectures on filmmaking techniques, and complete practical projects related to production design.

The cost of the CPD program varies depending on the courses taken and other fees associated with membership in AMPAS. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 USD for tuition alone. Additional costs may include travel expenses for attending lectures or workshops in person or online.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for earning your CPD certification, you will be eligible to receive a certificate from AMPAS recognizing your achievement as a Certified Production Designer. This certificate can be used as proof of your expertise when applying for jobs or seeking additional training opportunities in the film and television industry.

2. Certified Professional Production Designer (CPPD)

Certified Professional Production Designer (CPPD) is a professional certification program for production designers. It is designed to recognize the achievement of individuals who have attained a high level of expertise in the field of production design. The CPPD certification requires passing an examination that tests knowledge and skills related to production design, including set design, lighting design, and stage management.

The CPPD exam typically takes about three hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE test center. The cost of the exam varies by region but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

In order to qualify to take the CPPD exam, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements. Applicants must have either a bachelor's degree in theater arts or equivalent experience in production design; two years' experience working as a professional production designer; and three letters of recommendation from industry professionals attesting to the applicant's qualifications for the position. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in computer-aided drafting software such as AutoCAD and 3D modeling software such as Maya or 3ds Max.

Once certified, CPPDs are eligible for promotion within their organization and may receive additional recognition from employers for their expertise in production design.

3. Certified Industrial Designers (CID)

Certified Industrial Designers (CID) are professionals who have met the standards of excellence set by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). CIDs specialize in creating products and services that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. They use their knowledge of materials, processes, technology, and ergonomics to create designs that meet user needs.

It typically takes between two to four years to become a Certified Industrial Designer. The process begins with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field. After completing an undergraduate program, individuals must then pass the IDSA’s certification exam. This exam covers topics such as design methodology, product development, ergonomics, materials selection, manufacturing processes, and more.

In order to take the certification exam, applicants must first become members of the IDSA. Membership is available for both students and professionals and costs $99 per year for students and $150 per year for professionals. Once membership has been obtained, applicants may register for the certification exam which costs $400 per attempt.

Once certified, CIDs can work in various industries including automotive design, consumer electronics design, healthcare product design, furniture design, packaging design and more. Certified Industrial Designers also have access to exclusive job opportunities within the IDSA network as well as discounts on professional development courses offered by IDSA partners.

4. Certified Interior Designers (CID)

Certified Interior Designers (CID) are professionals who have met the qualifications and standards set by their respective professional organizations. CIDs are certified to practice interior design in their respective states, provinces, or countries.

To become a Certified Interior Designer (CID), one must meet certain educational requirements and pass an examination that tests knowledge of interior design principles, materials, and techniques. In the United States, the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) administers the exam. The NCIDQ exam consists of three parts: Principles & Practices of Interior Design (PPID), Interior Design Professional Practice Exam (IDPPE), and the Space Planning Exam (SPEX).

The cost of taking the NCIDQ exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between $500-$1,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying to take the exam.

The amount of time it takes to become a Certified Interior Designer depends on several factors such as how quickly you can complete your education requirements and how quickly you can prepare for and pass the NCIDQ exam. Generally speaking, most people take two to three years to complete all of the necessary steps in becoming a CID.

5. Certified Set Designers (CSD)

Certified Set Designers (CSD) are professionals who specialize in the design, construction, and maintenance of sets for film, television, theater, and other live events. They are responsible for creating the visual environment that sets the tone and mood of a production.

It typically takes up to two years to become certified as a CSD. To qualify for certification, individuals must have at least three years of professional experience in set design or related fields such as art direction or scenic design. They must also complete a certification course offered by an accredited institution.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSD varies depending on the institution offering the course but can range from $500-$3000 USD. Additionally, some institutions may require applicants to take additional exams or submit portfolios demonstrating their knowledge and skills in set design.

6. Certified Lighting Designers (CLD)

Certified Lighting Designers (CLD) are professionals who specialize in the design and implementation of lighting systems. They have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of lighting design, including color theory, optics, and electrical engineering. CLDs work with architects, engineers, interior designers, and other professionals to create aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient lighting solutions for residential and commercial spaces.

To become a Certified Lighting Designer (CLD), one must complete a certification program offered by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The IES offers two levels of certification: Associate Lighting Designer (ALD) and Professional Lighting Designer (PLD). The ALD program consists of four courses covering topics such as light sources, lighting controls, photometry, and daylighting. The PLD program includes six courses covering topics such as advanced photometry, advanced controls, computer-aided design (CAD), and special applications. Both programs require passing an exam at the end of each course to receive certification.

The cost for the ALD program is $1,500 USD for members of IES ($2,000 USD for non-members) while the cost for the PLD program is $3,000 USD for members ($4,000 USD for non-members). It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete both programs depending on individual progress.

7. Certified Scenic Designers (CSD)

Certified Scenic Designers (CSD) is a professional certification program offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). The CSD program provides an opportunity for scenic designers to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of scenic design.

The CSD certification process involves completing an application, passing a written exam, and submitting a portfolio of work. The application requires applicants to submit information about their education, professional experience, and other qualifications. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a two-day written exam that covers topics such as theatre history, production technology, design principles, and drawing techniques. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work that demonstrates their skills as a scenic designer.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the entire CSD certification process. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing for the exam early in order to ensure they have enough time to study and create a portfolio of work that meets the standards set by USITT.

The cost of applying for the CSD certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of USITT. Non-members must pay an initial fee of $150 plus any applicable taxes; members pay only $50 plus taxes. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 for both members and non-members after they have been certified as CSDs.

8. Certified Digital Media Designers (CDMD)

Certified Digital Media Designers (CDMD) are professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of digital media design. They are knowledgeable in the areas of graphic design, web design, animation, video production, and multimedia development. CDMDs possess the skills needed to create effective visual communication solutions for a variety of clients and industries.

To become certified as a CDMD, one must complete an approved program offered by an accredited institution. The program typically takes two years to complete and includes courses in digital media design fundamentals, interactive media production, motion graphics and animation, web development, and multimedia authoring. Upon successful completion of the program, students must pass an examination administered by the Certified Digital Media Designers Association (CDMDA).

The cost of becoming certified as a CDMD varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition fees for such programs range from $2,000 to $10,000 USD. Additionally, there is usually an exam fee associated with taking the CDMDA certification exam which can range from $150 to $500 USD.

In addition to completing an approved program and passing the certification exam, applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from industry professionals attesting to their professional experience in digital media design. Once all requirements have been met and verified by the CDMDA board of directors, applicants will be granted certification as a Certified Digital Media Designer (CDMD).

9. Professional Production Designer Certificate Program

The Professional Production Designer Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to equip aspiring production designers with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a successful career in film, television, theater, and other media. It is offered by the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and takes approximately one year to complete.

The program consists of four core courses which cover topics such as set design, lighting design, costume design, and production management. Students also take elective courses that focus on topics such as art direction, scenic painting, drafting and rendering techniques, sound design, and more. The curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of production design while also giving them the opportunity to explore their own creative ideas.

To get the certificate, students must successfully complete all four core courses plus three electives with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Professional Production Designer Certificate from the Academy of Art University.

The cost for this certificate program varies depending on how many credits are taken each semester but typically ranges from $4,000-$7000 per semester for California residents and $6,000-$9000 per semester for non-residents.

10. Advanced Production Designer Certificate Program

The Advanced Production Designer Certificate Program is a specialized program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a professional production designer. The program focuses on the creative and technical aspects of production design, including set design, lighting, costume design, props, and more.

The program typically takes three semesters to complete and includes courses in visual communication, theater design, film production design, digital media production, and more. Students will learn how to create storyboards for films and television shows as well as how to create 3D models for virtual sets. They will also gain an understanding of the principles of color theory and composition as well as learn about the history of art direction in film.

In order to get the Advanced Production Designer Certificate Program certificate, students must complete all required coursework with a grade of C or better. They must also pass a comprehensive final exam that covers all topics from the program.

The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it but generally ranges from $3,000-$5,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Production Designer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a production designer certificate depends on your specific goals and situation. Generally, a certificate may be beneficial if you are looking to break into the field of production design, as it can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge. However, many production designers do not have formal certifications but instead possess relevant experience or an extensive portfolio.

If you already have some experience in the industry or a strong portfolio, then pursuing a certificate may not be necessary. If you are just starting out in the field and want to build your skillset, then a certificate could be useful. Certificates provide valuable education in topics such as film history, visual design fundamentals, digital media production techniques and more. Additionally, they can provide access to mentorships and internships with experienced professionals in the industry.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not getting certified is worth your time and effort. If you feel confident in your abilities without one, then there is no need for it—but if you wish to pursue further education and gain more credibility within the industry then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial for your career prospects.

Related: Production Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Designer Certifications

Q1. What is a Production Designer Certification?

A1. A Production Designer Certification is a professional certification that validates the competency of individuals in the field of production design. It demonstrates mastery in the areas of set and costume design, scenic artistry, lighting design, and sound engineering.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Production Designer?

A2. To become certified as a Production Designer, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the Production Designers Guild (PDG). The PDG offers both online and in-person exams to those interested in becoming certified.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a Production Designer Certification?

A3. It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete a Production Designer Certification depending on how much time is invested into studying for the exam and any additional coursework needed for completion.

Q4. Is there a required experience level for obtaining a Production Designer Certification?

A4. Yes, most organizations require at least two years of relevant experience before taking the exam for certification as a Production Designer.

Q5. What are some benefits of having a Production Designer Certification?

A5: Having a certified Production Designers credential gives you increased job security, access to higher paying positions, and recognition from employers that you have demonstrated mastery in your field of expertise