Top 10 Production Editor Certifications

Certifications for a production editor demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They can help a production editor stand out from other job candidates by demonstrating their commitment to the profession. Certifications also show potential employers that an individual has gone through rigorous training and has attained the necessary skills to be successful in their role. Additionally, certifications can provide access to industry-specific networks, resources, and contacts that can be invaluable to a production editor’s career. Finally, certification programs often provide continuing education opportunities that help keep production editors up-to-date on trends and techniques in the field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Production Editors and explains how they can help to advance a production editor's career.

What are Production Editor Certifications?

Production editor certification is a process of recognition and credentialing that recognizes a person's expertise in the production editing field. Production editors are responsible for overseeing the entire production process from start to finish, including pre-production, post-production, and distribution. They are responsible for making sure that all elements of the production come together in an efficient and timely manner.

Production editor certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field by providing them with a recognized credential that shows employers that they possess the skills necessary to succeed in this role. It also provides them with access to industry resources, tools, and training opportunities that can help them stay up-to-date on current trends and technology related to production editing. Certification can also provide individuals with networking opportunities that can lead to job opportunities or career advancement. Finally, it provides individuals with a sense of pride and accomplishment as they work toward achieving their professional goals.

Pro Tip: When considering production editor certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification and understand what is required of you in order to earn it. Ensure that the certification will be recognized by employers and that it is up-to-date with current industry standards.

Related: What does a Production Editor do?

Top 10 Production Editor Certifications

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

1. Certified Production Editor (CPE)

Certified Production Editor (CPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in the production editing field. It is administered by the Association for Editors and Proofreaders (AEP).

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, style guides, proofreading techniques and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPE exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in production editing or one year of full-time experience plus a college degree in English or journalism. They must also submit three letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues attesting to their production editing skills.

The cost for the CPE exam is $350 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate and digital badge that they can use to demonstrate their achievement.

2. Certified Professional Editor (CPE)

Certified Professional Editor (CPE) is a professional certification program offered by the Editors' Association of Canada (EAC). The CPE is designed to recognize editors who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in their editing skills and knowledge. The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical project.

The online assessment tests the editor's knowledge of grammar, punctuation, style, and other elements of editing. It also covers topics such as copyediting, proofreading, document production, and digital publishing. The assessment takes about three hours to complete.

The practical project requires the editor to demonstrate their editing skills by completing a specific task or tasks within a given timeframe. This could include copyediting a manuscript or creating an editorial style guide for a client. The project must be completed with accuracy and precision in order to pass the assessment.

The cost for the CPE certification program varies depending on whether you are an EAC member or non-member. For members, the fee is $220 CAD plus taxes; for non-members it is $320 CAD plus taxes.

In order to become certified as a CPE, you must successfully complete both the online assessment and practical project within one year from when you register for the program.

3. Certified Technical Editor (CTE)

Certified Technical Editor (CTE) is a certification program offered by the Society for Technical Communication (STC). It is designed to recognize technical editors who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field.

The CTE certification consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam tests knowledge of editing techniques, grammar, punctuation, style guides, document design, and other topics related to technical editing. The oral exam assesses the candidate’s ability to apply editing principles in practice.

The CTE certification process takes approximately six months from start to finish. Candidates must first complete an application form and submit it with all required documents to STC for review. Once accepted, candidates must pass both the written and oral exams in order to receive the certification.

The cost of the CTE certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of STC. For non-members, the fee is $450 USD; for members, it is $375 USD.

4. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a certification program that allows individuals to demonstrate their expertise in Adobe products. It is designed to recognize the highest level of proficiency in using Adobe products and technologies.

To become an ACE, you must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as product features, workflow techniques, and troubleshooting. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE and take approximately two hours to complete.

To get started, you will need to register for an exam through the Pearson VUE website. You will then be able to select the exam you wish to take from the list of available exams. Once you have selected your exam, you will be required to pay a fee before taking the test. The cost of each exam varies depending on the type of exam taken, but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam.

Once you have successfully completed an ACE exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be shared on social media or included on your resume or online portfolio. This badge serves as proof of your expertise and can help employers identify qualified candidates for job openings requiring Adobe expertise.

5. Apple Certified Pro - Final Cut Pro X

Apple Certified Pro - Final Cut Pro X is a certification program from Apple that recognizes professionals who demonstrate expertise in using the Final Cut Pro X video editing software. It is designed to validate and recognize the skills of those working in the media industry, such as editors, producers, and videographers.

The certification requires passing an online exam that tests your knowledge of the software's features and functions. The exam covers topics such as editing techniques, media management, audio mixing, color correction, effects creation and more. To get certified you must have a minimum of two years experience in video production or post-production.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and you will receive your results immediately after submitting it. If you pass the exam you will be awarded with an Apple Certified Pro - Final Cut Pro X certificate.

The cost for taking the exam is $299 USD.

6. Avid Certified Professional Editor

Avid Certified Professional Editor is a certification program offered by Avid, the leading provider of digital media production tools. This certification program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of Avid editing tools and techniques. The certification is based on a comprehensive exam that tests an individual’s knowledge of Avid editing software, workflow processes, and industry standards.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the certification process. To get certified, an individual must first register for the exam through the Avid website. Once registered, they will receive access to study materials and practice exams to prepare for the exam. After studying and taking practice exams, they can then take the official exam at a local testing center or online.

The cost of the certification varies depending on which version of Avid software you are using (Media Composer, Pro Tools, etc.). Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD for each version of software you wish to be certified in.

7. AVID Media Composer Certification

AVID Media Composer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that proves a user’s proficiency in the AVID Media Composer video editing software. It is designed to demonstrate that a user has the skills necessary to create professional-level projects using AVID Media Composer.

The certification process consists of two parts: passing the AVID Certified User Exam and completing an AVID Certified User Course. The exam tests a user’s knowledge of the software and its features, while the course covers topics such as project setup, media management, editing techniques, and more.

The exam can be taken online or at an authorized testing center. It takes about 90 minutes to complete and costs $150 USD. The course must be taken through an authorized training provider and typically takes anywhere from one to three days to complete depending on the provider. The cost of the course varies by provider, but it generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Once both parts are completed successfully, users will receive their official AVID Media Composer Certification credentials which they can use to showcase their expertise in this powerful software.

8. Adobe Premiere Pro Certification

Adobe Premiere Pro Certification is an official certification program offered by Adobe that validates a user's skills in using the Adobe Premiere Pro video editing software. It is designed to demonstrate a user's proficiency in the software and provide employers with assurance of their ability to create high-quality video projects.

The Adobe Premiere Pro Certification consists of two exams: ACE Exam (9A0-409) and ACP Exam (9A0-410). The ACE Exam tests a user’s knowledge of the fundamentals of video editing, while the ACP Exam tests a user’s advanced skills in creating complex projects.

To get certified, you must pass both exams with at least 75% accuracy. Each exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on your location, but it typically ranges from $180-$200 per exam. You can take each exam multiple times if needed, but you will need to pay the fee each time.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive an official Adobe Premiere Pro Certification badge which can be displayed on your website or social media profiles to show off your achievements.

9. DaVinci Resolve Certification

DaVinci Resolve Certification is a certification program offered by Blackmagic Design, the company behind the popular video editing software DaVinci Resolve. The certification program was designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in using DaVinci Resolve.

The certification consists of two exams: the DaVinci Resolve Certified Professional exam and the DaVinci Resolve Certified Expert exam. The Professional exam covers topics such as color grading, audio mixing, and mastering. The Expert exam covers advanced topics such as color science, compositing, and visual effects.

It usually takes about 4-6 weeks to complete the certification process. To get certified, you must first take an online course that covers all of the topics included in the exams. After completing the course, you can then register for one or both of the exams and take them at an authorized testing center near you.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which exam(s) you choose to take and where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 per exam to get certified.

10. Avid Pro Tools Certification

Avid Pro Tools Certification is a certification program that demonstrates your proficiency in the use of Avid Pro Tools, the industry-standard digital audio workstation. The certification is designed to validate your skills and knowledge in the areas of recording, editing, mixing, and mastering with Pro Tools.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on lab assessment. The online exam covers topics such as basic concepts, session setup, recording techniques, editing functions, mixing processes, and automation. It takes approximately two hours to complete. After passing the online exam, you must complete a hands-on lab assessment at an authorized Avid Learning Partner facility. This assessment tests your ability to create a professional mix using Pro Tools software. The assessment typically takes three to four hours to complete.

In order to become certified in Avid Pro Tools you need to purchase an Avid Certified User Exam voucher from an authorized reseller or directly from Avid. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where it is purchased but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the certification process you will receive an official certificate from Avid acknowledging your achievement as an Avid Certified User for Pro Tools.

Do You Really Need a Production Editor Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no; you do not necessarily need a production editor certificate in order to be successful in the field of production editing. However, there are some advantages that can come along with having a certification. A certificate can provide an added measure of credibility and demonstrate a certain level of expertise that can help you stand out from the competition.

A production editor certificate can also give you access to more opportunities. For example, if you work for a company that requires its editors to have specific certification, then it could be beneficial for you to obtain one. Additionally, a certification may open up possibilities for higher-level positions or increased pay.

Finally, earning a production editor certificate may also be useful if you decide to pursue freelance opportunities or start your own business. Having the right credentials can help you attract clients and establish yourself as an expert in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue certification will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you think it would be beneficial for your career path, then it may be worthwhile to invest in obtaining a production editor certificate.

Related: Production Editor Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Editor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Production Editor?

A: To become a Production Editor, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in publishing, journalism, communications or related field. You may also need to have experience with desktop publishing software and digital production processes.

2. What types of certifications are available for Production Editors?

A: There are several certifications available for Production Editors, such as the Certified Professional Editor (CPE) certification from the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd). The CPE is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of editing skills and knowledge.

3. How much does it cost to get certified as a Production Editor?

A: The cost of getting certified as a Production Editor depends on the type of certification you pursue. Generally speaking, certification costs range from around $100 to $500 USD depending on the program and associated fees.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Production Editor?

A: The amount of time needed to become certified as a Production Editor can vary greatly depending on your experience level and the specific certification program you choose. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to two years to complete the necessary coursework and exams required for certification.

5. Are there any online courses I can take to help me prepare for my production editor certification exam?

A: Yes! There are numerous online courses available that can help you prepare for your production editor certification exam, such as those offered by IPEd or other professional organizations like Copyediting Training Online or Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). These courses provide valuable information about editorial standards and techniques that will help you succeed in your exam preparation efforts.