Top 10 Set Designer Certifications

Certifications for a set designer are important in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform their duties effectively. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the set designer is qualified for the job, and it can give job seekers an edge when competing for positions. The certifications may include a degree in theater design or technical theater, as well as hands-on experience in the field. Additionally, having certifications can increase an individual's credibility and make them more attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for set designers and how they can benefit a professional's career.

What are Set Designer Certifications?

Set designer certification is a type of professional recognition awarded to individuals who have demonstrated their ability to design and construct effective sets for theatrical, film, and television productions. This certification is typically earned through a combination of formal education in set design and practical experience building sets.

Having certification indicates to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to create sets that are both visually appealing and technically sound. It also shows that they understand how to work within the constraints of limited budgets, tight timelines, and other production challenges. Certification may also be beneficial when applying for grants or seeking higher levels of responsibility in the industry.

The process for obtaining certification varies by organization, but typically requires applicants to submit documentation of their education and experience as well as pass written examinations or portfolio reviews. Having this certification can provide greater career opportunities in set design, such as access to more prestigious projects or higher pay grades. It can also help those looking to break into the field by providing tangible evidence of their qualifications.

Pro Tip: If you're considering pursuing a set designer certification, make sure to research the requirements thoroughly. Most certifications involve taking classes and completing a project or portfolio that demonstrates your skills. Additionally, be sure to look into any other requirements such as continuing education or professional experience that may be necessary for certification.

Related: What does a Set Designer do?

Top 10 Set Designer Certifications

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

1. Professional Set Design Certification from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)

The Professional Set Design Certification from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in set design. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in set design.

To get the certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in set design and complete a written examination. The exam covers topics such as drafting, blueprint reading, construction techniques, materials selection and safety regulations. Applicants should also demonstrate knowledge of theatre history and stage terminology.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete. Applicants must submit their application form, fee payment, proof of experience and the completed written examination to IATSE for review. Once approved, applicants will receive their certificate within two weeks.

The cost of the Professional Set Design Certification is $250 USD for IATSE members and $500 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Production Designer from the Art Directors Guild (ADG)

Certified Production Designer (CPD) is a professional certification offered by the Art Directors Guild (ADG). It is designed to recognize the highest level of production design expertise and experience. The CPD program recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of professional excellence in the field of production design.

The CPD program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of film/television production design. Applicants must also provide evidence of their work experience in the field and provide references from industry professionals who can attest to their qualifications.

The process for obtaining a CPD designation typically takes six months or longer, depending on how quickly an individual can complete all required paperwork and submit it for review. The cost for applying for a CPD designation varies depending on whether or not an applicant is already an ADG member. For non-members, the fee is $500; for members, it is $300.

In addition to submitting all required paperwork and fees, applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as production design theory, history, techniques, aesthetics, and more. After passing this exam and having their application accepted by the ADG board, applicants will receive their official CPD designation certificate from the ADG.

3. Certificate in Set Design and Construction from the Professional Association of Theatrical Designers and Technicians (PATT)

The Certificate in Set Design and Construction from the Professional Association of Theatrical Designers and Technicians (PATT) is a professional certification program for those working in the theatrical design and construction industry. This program provides students with the skills necessary to design, construct, and maintain sets for theatre productions.

The Certificate in Set Design and Construction takes approximately six months to complete. Students must complete a series of courses, including Introduction to Theatre Technology, Fundamentals of Theatre Design, Scene Painting Techniques, Drafting for Theatre Production, and Scene Shop Practices. Upon completion of these courses, students are eligible to take the PATT certification exam.

In order to get the certificate, applicants must first become members of PATT. Membership costs $50 annually. After becoming a member, applicants can register for the Certificate in Set Design and Construction program by filling out an online application form on the PATT website. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to pay a tuition fee of $2,500 which covers all course materials and access to online resources such as tutorials and videos.

Upon successful completion of all courses and passing the certification exam with a score of 80% or higher, students will receive their Certificate in Set Design and Construction from PATT. This certificate is valid for three years after which it must be renewed by taking additional courses or retaking the certification exam.

4. Certificate in Set Design and Construction from the United Scenic Artists (USA)

The Certificate in Set Design and Construction from the United Scenic Artists (USA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved mastery of the craft of set design and construction. This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise to employers, clients, and other industry professionals.

The program requires applicants to pass both a written exam and a practical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as drafting, design principles, materials selection, rigging systems, lighting systems, safety protocols, and more. The practical skills assessment tests an applicant’s ability to construct sets using various tools and techniques.

The program takes approximately three months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application form with proof of experience in the field of set design and construction. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to attend classes at USA’s training facility in New York City or online via video conferencing. Upon completion of the coursework and exams, applicants will receive their certificate from USA.

The cost for this program varies depending on the type of training chosen (in-person or online). The cost for in-person training is $2,500 plus additional fees for travel expenses if applicable. The cost for online training is $1,500 plus additional fees for materials if applicable.

5. Certified Scenic Designer from the International Association of Scenic/Set Designers & Technicians (IASDTT)

Certified Scenic Designer from the International Association of Scenic/Set Designers & Technicians (IASDTT) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the design and construction of theatrical scenery. This certification is designed to provide a standard of excellence for the field, and to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their craft.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of professional experience as a set designer or technician, and having completed at least two courses in scenic design or production technology. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their work, and pass both a written examination and an oral interview.

The certification process can take up to six months depending on the applicant's experience and availability for interviews. The cost varies depending on the applicant's country of residence; however, it typically ranges between $200-400 USD.

6. Certificate in Set Design from the National Institute for Scene Designers (NISD)

The Certificate in Set Design from the National Institute for Scene Designers (NISD) is a professional development program designed to equip aspiring set designers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their field. The program consists of six courses, each focusing on a different aspect of set design. These include: Introduction to Set Design, Visual Storytelling, Drafting & Model Making, Lighting & Color Theory, Scenic Artistry & Painting, and 3D Modeling & Animation. The program also includes an internship experience where students gain hands-on experience working in the industry.

The Certificate in Set Design from NISD typically takes between 12-18 months to complete. Students must complete all six courses and the internship requirement to receive their certificate.

To get started with the Certificate in Set Design from NISD, prospective students must first apply online. Once accepted into the program, students will be provided with access to course materials and resources needed for successful completion of the program.

The cost of the Certificate in Set Design from NISD varies depending on individual circumstances; however, it generally ranges between $2,000-$4,000 USD. This cost may include tuition fees as well as additional expenses associated with completing the required internship experience.

7. Certified Set Designer from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC)

The Certified Set Designer from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the field of set design. This certification is designed to provide recognition for those individuals who are dedicated to excellence in their craft and are committed to the highest standards of professionalism.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive application process. This includes submitting a portfolio of work, providing references, and passing an exam. The exam consists of questions related to set design principles, techniques, materials, tools, and safety protocols. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to collaborate with other departments on a production team.

The certification process usually takes between four and six months depending on how quickly the applicant completes all requirements. The cost for this certification is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

Once certified, individuals can use the ASC Certified Set Designer designation when applying for jobs or listing their credentials on resumes. They will also receive access to exclusive resources such as discounts on products and services related to set design as well as networking opportunities with industry professionals.

8. Professional Set Designer Certification from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)

The Professional Set Designer Certification from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is a certification program that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in designing sets for motion pictures and television. The certification program is designed to ensure that set designers possess the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective, aesthetically pleasing, and safe sets for motion picture and television productions.

To become certified as a professional set designer, applicants must first complete an online application process. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then pass an exam administered by SMPTE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as lighting design, set construction, safety considerations, budgeting, and more.

The exam typically takes around two hours to complete and can be taken at any SMPTE-certified testing center. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of taking the Professional Set Designer Certification Exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per person.

9. Certificate in Film and Television Set Design from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts

The Certificate in Film and Television Set Design from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts is a program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to design and construct sets for film and television. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Set Design, Advanced Set Design, Digital Set Design, and Production Design. Each course focuses on different aspects of set design such as lighting, composition, perspective, color theory, drafting techniques, materials selection and budgeting.

The certificate can be completed in one semester if taken full time or over two semesters if taken part-time. To get the certificate, students must complete all four courses with a passing grade. The courses are offered both online and on-campus at NYU's main campus in Manhattan.

The cost of the certificate varies depending on whether you take it online or on-campus. For online classes, tuition is $2,400 per course plus a $50 registration fee per course. For on-campus classes at NYU's main campus in Manhattan tuition is $3,500 per course plus a $50 registration fee per course.

10. Advanced Diploma in Theatre and Performance Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design

The Advanced Diploma in Theatre and Performance Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design is a two-year, full-time program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful theatre and performance designers. The course covers a range of topics including design principles, materials and techniques, research methods, production management, lighting design, costume design and more.

It takes two years to complete the Advanced Diploma in Theatre and Performance Design. During this time, students will attend lectures, seminars and workshops as well as complete practical projects. They will also have the opportunity to work on real-life theatre productions with professional practitioners.

To get onto the Advanced Diploma in Theatre and Performance Design course at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design you must have either an undergraduate degree or relevant experience in the field. You must also submit a portfolio of your work for consideration by the admissions team.

The cost of the Advanced Diploma in Theatre and Performance Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design is £13,500 per year for UK/EU students or £19,500 per year for international students (2020/21).

Do You Really Need a Set Designer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a set designer certificate in order to be successful in the field. However, having a set designer certificate can help demonstrate your commitment and knowledge of the craft, which can be beneficial for those seeking employment in the industry.

Having a set designer certificate can give potential employers an indication of your qualifications and experience in the field. It shows that you have taken the time to learn about the profession and that you understand the technical aspects involved with creating sets for film and television productions. Having this certification may also make it easier to find work since many production companies prefer to hire candidates with some type of formal training or certification.

In addition, obtaining a set designer certificate can provide you with additional resources such as access to industry contacts or even discounts on supplies used in set design projects. This could potentially save you money and time while helping you create better sets. It could also open up opportunities for networking and collaboration with other professionals in the industry who may be able to offer advice or assistance on future projects.

Overall, having a set designer certificate is not essential but it can certainly help boost your career prospects by providing proof of your dedication and proficiency in this field. It’s important to note however that having a certificate does not guarantee success; hard work and dedication are still required for success in any profession!

Related: Set Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Set Designer Certifications

1. What is a Set Designer Certification?

A Set Designer Certification is an official recognition of an individual's expertise in the field of set design. It is awarded by organizations such as the United Scenic Artists, the Professional Set Designers Association and other professional organizations.

2. How do I become certified as a set designer?

In order to become certified as a set designer, you must complete a training program approved by one of the above mentioned organizations. This typically includes courses in drafting, drawing, construction techniques and scenic design theory. After completion of the program, you must pass an examination to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in set design.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a set designer?

By becoming certified as a set designer, you will demonstrate to employers that you have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of set design. Additionally, certification can lead to higher wages and more job opportunities within the industry.

4. Are there any other requirements for certification?

Yes! In addition to completing an approved training program and passing an examination, most certifying organizations also require candidates to submit letters of recommendation from peers or supervisors who can attest to their experience in the field of set design.

5. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

Most certifications are valid for three years from the date they are issued. To maintain your certification status, you may be required to complete continuing education courses or attend workshops related to your specialty during this time period.