Top 11 Senior Graphic Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for senior graphic designers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge and skill. They provide employers with evidence that the designer is qualified to take on complex projects and can be trusted to produce high-quality results. Certifications also show potential employers that the designer has made a commitment to continuing professional development, which can be an attractive quality during the hiring process. Additionally, certifications may give senior graphic designers access to exclusive job opportunities or access to more competitive salaries. Finally, having certifications can help a designer stand out from other applicants and make them more likely to be noticed by recruiters.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Senior Graphic Designers and explain how they can help further a senior designer's career.

What are Senior Graphic Designer Certifications?

Senior graphic designer certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of graphic design. This certification is typically awarded by an accredited organization or institution, such as a college or university. The certification provides evidence that the individual has demonstrated mastery of core graphic design concepts and principles, including typography, layout, color theory, printing techniques, imaging software, and other topics related to the field.

Gaining senior graphic designer certification can help individuals stand out in the job market. Employers often prefer to hire certified professionals because they are more likely to possess advanced skills and knowledge in their chosen field. Additionally, having this designation can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Certified professionals also demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism when it comes to designing visual materials for clients or employers. Certification also serves as an opportunity for individuals to stay abreast of current trends in the industry and stay competitive in an ever-changing field.

Pro Tip: When considering a senior graphic designer certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification and ensure that it is accredited and recognized by other design professionals. Additionally, look for certifications that offer continuing education courses to help stay up-to-date on current trends in graphic design.

Related: What does a Senior Graphic Designer do?

Top 11 Senior Graphic Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in Adobe products. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a high level of expertise in using Adobe applications.

The ACE program tests and validates the knowledge and skills of professionals who use Adobe products. The certification is based on the most current version of each product, so it's important to stay up to date with new features and updates.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the ACE program, depending on which product you are certifying for. To become an ACE, you must pass one or more exams administered by Pearson VUE, a third-party testing provider. Each exam costs $180 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. Once you pass the exam(s), you will receive your official Adobe Certified Expert certificate from Adobe directly.

In addition to passing the exams, there are other requirements for becoming an ACE including completing training courses, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in online forums or discussion groups related to your chosen product area.

2. Apple Certified Pro – Creative

Apple Certified Pro – Creative is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Apple’s creative products and services. It is an official recognition of expertise that can help you stand out from the competition and gain credibility with employers, clients, and peers.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a hands-on lab. The written exam covers topics such as software installation, configuration, troubleshooting, system optimization, networking, security, and more. The hands-on lab requires you to demonstrate your knowledge by completing tasks on actual Apple hardware.

To get certified as an Apple Certified Pro – Creative, you must pass both the written exam and the hands-on lab. You can take either or both exams at any authorized testing center or online through Apple’s website.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on which option you choose. If you take them at an authorized testing center, the cost is typically around $200 for both exams combined. If you choose to take them online through Apple’s website, the cost is usually around $150 for both exams combined.

In general, it takes about two weeks to complete all of the requirements for becoming an Apple Certified Pro – Creative if you are taking both exams at once. However, this timeline may vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete each part of the process.

3. Autodesk Certified Professional

Autodesk Certified Professional is a certification program offered by Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design and engineering software. The certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Autodesk products and services. It allows individuals to prove their knowledge of Autodesk software and gain recognition for their expertise.

To become an Autodesk Certified Professional, you must complete an online exam that covers topics such as product features, workflows, best practices, and troubleshooting. The exam typically takes one to two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80% on the exam in order to pass and receive the certification.

The cost of becoming an Autodesk Certified Professional varies depending on the type of exam you take. Generally speaking, exams cost between $80 and $200 USD. Additionally, some exams may require additional fees for proctoring or other services.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk that can be used to demonstrate your proficiency with their products and services. You will also receive a digital badge that can be shared on social media or other websites to show off your accomplishment.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals in Microsoft Office applications. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and OneNote.

The MOS exam consists of multiple choice questions that test your knowledge of the features and functions of the various Microsoft Office programs. The exams are available for each individual application or as a suite exam.

It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam. To get certified, you must pass one or more exams with a score of 750 or higher out of 1000 points. You can take the exams online or at authorized testing centers around the world.

The cost for taking an MOS exam varies depending on where you take it and which version of Office you are taking it for. Prices range from $59 to $129 USD per exam.

5. International Webmasters Association (IWA) Certified Web Professional

The International Webmasters Association (IWA) Certified Web Professional (CWP) program is a professional certification program that verifies an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the web development and design industry. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the core areas of web development, including HTML/XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, web graphics, accessibility and usability.

It takes approximately one year to complete the CWP program. The first step is to become an IWA member. Once you are a member you can then register for the CWP program. You will need to complete five courses that cover topics such as HTML/XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, web graphics, accessibility and usability. Each course requires a minimum score of 70% on the final exam in order to pass.

Once you have completed all five courses and passed the exams with a minimum score of 70%, you will be eligible for certification. The cost of becoming an IWA member is $99 USD per year; however there may be additional fees associated with each course depending on which courses you choose to take. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $50 USD for each course exam that must be paid before taking the exam.

In total it can cost up to $399 USD or more depending on which courses you choose to take in order to become an IWA Certified Web Professional (CWP).

6. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Certification

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is the leading professional certification for interior designers. It is a voluntary credentialing program administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification, an independent, non-profit organization. The NCIDQ certification is recognized by most state regulatory boards and many professional organizations as the standard of excellence in the field of interior design.

The NCIDQ Certification requires that applicants have both educational and experience requirements to be eligible to take the exam. To become certified, applicants must meet education and experience requirements, pass three exams, and complete a Professional Practice Exam (PPE).

It typically takes two to four years to meet all of the requirements for NCIDQ Certification. Applicants must first complete a minimum of six years of combined education and/or experience in interior design before they can apply for the exam. Once they have met these requirements, they can then register for the three exams that make up the NCIDQ Certification: The Fundamentals Exam, Professional Practices & Administration Exam, and Interior Design Professional Exam.

The cost of taking all three exams varies depending on when you take them and where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 to take all three exams plus any associated fees such as registration fees or study materials fees.

In addition to passing all three exams, applicants must also complete a Professional Practice Exam (PPE) which is designed to assess their knowledge of professional practice standards in interior design. This exam must be taken after completing all other parts of the certification process and has an additional cost associated with it.

7. American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Certification

The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) is a professional organization that promotes design excellence and advances the interests of its members. AIGA offers a certification program for graphic designers who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession.

The AIGA Certified Professional in Graphic Design (CP-GD) credential is a voluntary, industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of graphic design. It requires applicants to meet specific educational, work experience, and portfolio requirements, as well as pass an exam.

In order to qualify for AIGA's CP-GD certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in graphic design or related fields. They must also have earned at least 60 credits from an accredited college or university with coursework in graphic design or related disciplines such as visual arts, communications, advertising, marketing, or media studies. Additionally, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work that showcases their skills and abilities as a designer.

Once all the requirements are met, candidates can register for the AIGA CP-GD exam which consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as typography, color theory, layout principles and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $250 USD. Candidates who successfully pass the exam will receive their official AIGA CP-GD certification which is valid for five years before renewal is required.

Overall, obtaining the AIGA CP-GD certification requires dedication and hard work but it can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in graphic design by demonstrating their knowledge and commitment to the profession.

8. Society of Digital Agencies (SODA) Certification

The Society of Digital Agencies (SODA) Certification is an industry certification that recognizes digital agencies for their commitment to excellence in digital marketing. It is a comprehensive program that evaluates and certifies agencies based on their performance, client satisfaction, and technical proficiency.

The certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. During this time, the agency must demonstrate its capabilities in areas such as website design and development, search engine optimization, content creation, social media management, email marketing, analytics and reporting. The agency will also need to provide evidence of successful projects completed for clients.

To get SODA certified, an agency must first submit an application which includes a detailed description of the services they offer as well as examples of their work. The application will then be reviewed by an independent panel of experts who will assess the agency’s qualifications and make a decision regarding certification.

The cost of SODA Certification varies depending on the size of the agency and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for larger agencies.

9. International Association of Web Masters and Designers (IAWMD) Certification

The International Association of Web Masters and Designers (IAWMD) is an organization that provides professional certification for webmasters and designers. The IAWMD Certification is a comprehensive program designed to certify the skills, knowledge, and abilities of web professionals in the areas of web design, development, management, and security.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the IAWMD Certification program. The program consists of four courses: Web Design & Development; Web Management; Web Security; and Professional Practices & Ethics. Each course requires approximately 50 hours of study time and includes a variety of topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, Apache server administration, search engine optimization (SEO), content management systems (CMS), e-commerce solutions, website security principles and practices, project management techniques and more.

In order to obtain the IAWMD Certification you must successfully complete all four courses within the designated timeframe. Upon completion you will receive a certificate from IAWMD recognizing your achievement.

The cost for the IAWMD Certification program varies depending on how it is taken: online or in person. Online courses typically cost around $1,000 while in-person classes can range from $2,500-$3,500 depending on location and other factors.

10. National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) Certification

The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to recognize and validate the expertise of professional Photoshop users. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of using Adobe Photoshop, including image manipulation, color management, digital asset management, and more.

It typically takes between six to twelve months to complete the NAPP Certification program. To get started, applicants must first become a member of NAPP and then take an online assessment to determine their level of proficiency in the software. Once they have passed the assessment, they can then move on to taking a series of courses and exams covering topics such as retouching, compositing, layer masking, filters and effects, and more.

In order to receive certification from NAPP, applicants must pass all required exams with a score of 80% or higher. Once they have completed all requirements for certification, they will receive their official NAPP certificate.

The cost for the NAPP Certification program varies depending on which type of membership you choose (Basic or Premium). Basic membership costs $99 per year while Premium membership costs $149 per year.

11. International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) Certification

The International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) Certification is a professional certification program for typographers and graphic designers. It is designed to recognize the highest standard of typography and design skills, knowledge, and expertise. The certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in type design, layout, and production.

To become certified by the ISTD, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in typography or graphic design. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work for review by an ISTD panel of experts. The portfolio should include examples from various areas of typography such as typeface design, page layout, book cover design, logo design, and lettering.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. During this time applicants will be asked to participate in interviews with ISTD panel members and provide additional information about their work experience. Once all requirements are met and the portfolio has been reviewed, applicants will receive their official ISTD Certificate.

The cost for the ISTD Certification varies depending on the country where you are applying from. In general it costs around $500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

Do You Really Need a Senior Graphic Designer Certificate?

No, you do not need a senior graphic designer certificate to become a successful graphic designer. While having a certificate may be helpful in some cases, it is not necessary or required for success in the field.

Most employers look for experience and talent when hiring graphic designers, not certificates. Having a certificate may demonstrate knowledge of certain software or design principles, but employers are more likely to look at your portfolio and past work experience when making their decision.

In addition, there are many other ways to gain knowledge and skills that will help you succeed as a graphic designer without needing to obtain a certificate. You can attend workshops or seminars, take online courses, or even just practice on your own with free tools available online. You can also learn from professionals by interning with them or attending their lectures.

Ultimately, the best way to become an excellent graphic designer is to have a combination of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. That said, having a senior graphic designer certification may give you an edge over other applicants if you are applying for certain positions that require such credentials. But if you don’t have one, don’t worry: there are still plenty of opportunities out there for talented individuals who have the right combination of skills and experience.

Related: Senior Graphic Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Graphic Designer Certifications

1. What is a Senior Graphic Designer Certification?

Answer: Senior Graphic Designer Certifications are professional certifications that demonstrate a person's expertise in graphic design. This certification typically requires demonstration of knowledge and skills related to the use of software for creating digital artwork, typography, colors, images, and other aesthetic aspects of graphic design.

2. How do I obtain a Senior Graphic Designer Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Senior Graphic Designer Certification, you must meet certain educational and/or experience requirements and pass an exam. Depending on the certification provider, there may be additional requirements such as portfolio reviews or interviews.

3. What are the benefits of having a Senior Graphic Designer Certification?

Answer: Having a Senior Graphic Designer Certification can help validate your skillset to potential employers and clients, increase your earning potential, give you access to industry resources, and provide opportunities for professional growth.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Senior Graphic Designer Certification?

Answer: Yes, depending on the certification provider there may be prerequisites such as education or experience requirements that must be met before taking the certification exam.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Senior Graphic Designer?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified will vary depending on individual circumstances such as educational background or experience level but generally speaking it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to complete all required coursework and pass the certification exam.