Top 11 Toy Designer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for toy designers. Certifications demonstrate that a designer has the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to design toys that meet safety standards, comply with industry regulations, and meet customer expectations. Certifications also help to differentiate designers from their peers, allowing them to stand out in a competitive job market. Finally, certifications provide employers with assurance that a designer is qualified to do the job and can be trusted to create safe and enjoyable products for children.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the value of certifications for Toy Designers, as well as how they can help advance a toy designer's career.

What are Toy Designer Certifications?

Toy designer certification is a certification program that provides aspiring toy designers with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to successfully design and develop toys. This certification can be obtained in a variety of ways, including online courses, workshops, seminars, and more.

The goal of toy designer certification is to ensure that aspiring toy designers have the skills necessary to create safe and engaging toys for children. Certification also allows designers to become certified by an industry association or board which can provide additional credibility and recognition when looking for employment or clients.

Certification can help aspiring toy designers learn about the different types of materials used in toys, how to design toys using various methods such as sketching and computer-aided design (CAD), safety standards for children’s products, marketing strategies for selling toys, and more. It can also help them gain insight into the business side of the toy industry such as production techniques, cost analysis, legal issues related to patent protection, licensing agreements, and distribution networks.

Toy designer certification is an invaluable tool for any aspiring toy designer looking to break into the industry. It provides them with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create successful toys while also giving them access to valuable resources that can help them succeed in their career.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research the requirements for toy designer certification in your area. Many certifications require specific qualifications and experience, so make sure you understand what is expected of you before applying. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes to certification requirements or new certifications that may become available.

Related: What does a Toy Designer do?

Top 11 Toy Designer Certifications

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

1. Certified Play Professional (CPP)

Certified Play Professional (CPP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of play therapy. The CPP credential is awarded by the Association for Play Therapy (APT).

To become a CPP, an individual must complete an APT-approved training program and pass a comprehensive exam. The training program typically consists of at least 60 hours of play therapy coursework, supervised practice, and/or research. Courses may be taken online or in person at an accredited institution.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as child development, play therapy theory and techniques, ethical considerations, and professional practice issues. The practical portion requires the candidate to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in play therapy through role-playing scenarios with children.

The cost of becoming a CPP varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for tuition and fees associated with the training program plus an additional fee for taking the certification exam.

In total, it usually takes between 6 months to 1 year to become certified as a CPP after completing all requirements.

2. Certified Toy Inventor (CTI)

Certified Toy Inventor (CTI) is a certification program designed to help toy inventors develop their ideas into successful products. It is offered by the Toy Industry Association, which is the leading trade organization for the toy industry. The program provides participants with a comprehensive overview of the toy industry and its many facets, including product development, manufacturing, marketing, licensing, and distribution.

The CTI program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as idea generation, patent law basics, market research, prototyping, production planning and more. It also includes access to a mentor network of experienced professionals in the toy industry who can provide guidance on specific projects or issues. The in-person workshop takes place over two days and focuses on hands-on activities such as creating a business plan and developing a prototype.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CTI program from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with a resume and portfolio of work samples. Once accepted into the program, participants will be required to pay tuition fees which vary depending on their individual circumstances but generally range from $500 – $2,000 USD.

Overall, Certified Toy Inventor (CTI) is an excellent way for aspiring toy inventors to gain valuable knowledge and experience in order to bring their ideas to life.

3. Certified Toy Designer (CTD)

Certified Toy Designer (CTD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the accomplishments of toy designers. The CTD credential is awarded by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), a non-profit trade association for specialty toy retailers. The CTD program is open to all toy designers, regardless of experience level or type of product design.

The program requires applicants to submit a portfolio of their work, including photos, sketches, and/or prototypes. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge in safety standards and regulations, business practices, and marketing principles related to the toy industry. Upon successful completion of an online exam and submission of their portfolio, applicants will be awarded with the CTD credential.

It typically takes two to three months to complete the program. To get started, applicants should visit ASTRA's website for more information and an application form. There is a one-time fee of $250 USD associated with this certification program.

4. Certified Creative Toy Designer (CCTD)

Certified Creative Toy Designer (CCTD) is a professional certification program offered by the Toy Industry Association (TIA). The CCTD program was developed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the design and development of toys and games. It is designed for professionals who are actively engaged in the toy industry, including designers, engineers, product developers, marketers and more.

The program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral presentation. The written exam covers topics such as safety standards, marketing principles, design fundamentals, prototyping techniques and more. To pass this portion of the program, applicants must score at least 80% on the exam.

The second part of the program is an oral presentation. Applicants must present their own original toy or game concept to a panel of industry experts. This presentation should demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the toy industry as well as their creativity and innovation when it comes to designing new products.

In order to become certified, applicants must successfully complete both portions of the CCTD program within one year from the date they register for it. The cost for registration is $500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

5. National Institute for Play Certification (NIPC)

The National Institute for Play Certification (NIPC) is a professional certification program that recognizes and encourages the use of play in educational, therapeutic, and recreational settings. It is designed to help professionals gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively use play in their work with children and adults. The NIPC is based on the belief that play is essential for healthy development, learning, and well-being.

To become certified through the NIPC, applicants must complete a comprehensive online training program. This program consists of seven modules which cover topics such as: the importance of play; how to create safe and supportive environments; how to assess individual needs; how to design effective activities; how to facilitate meaningful interactions; and how to evaluate outcomes. The program also includes an assessment component which requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the material by completing a series of questions related to each module.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the entire NIPC certification process. Applicants must complete all seven modules within this timeframe in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming certified through the NIPC varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are already employed in a field related to play therapy or education. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for individuals who are not already employed in a related field, while those who are employed may be able to receive discounted rates or even have their employer pay for part or all of the cost.

6. American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is a non-profit trade association that provides resources, education, and advocacy for specialty toy retailers. ASTRA was founded in 1997 and has grown to become the premier organization for specialty toy retailers.

ASTRA offers a variety of benefits to its members including access to exclusive discounts, networking opportunities, educational resources, industry news and more. Membership is open to any individual or business that specializes in selling toys.

It takes up to three weeks for ASTRA membership applications to be processed. To apply for ASTRA membership, individuals must fill out an application form on their website and submit it along with payment. The cost of membership depends on the type of membership chosen; individual memberships start at $99 per year while business memberships range from $250-$1,000 per year depending on the size of the business.

7. International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI)

The International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) is an international organization that works to promote the interests of the global toy industry. It was founded in 1974 and has since grown to represent over 60 countries, with members from all around the world. ICTI provides a platform for toy manufacturers, retailers, distributors, suppliers and other stakeholders to come together and discuss issues related to safety, quality control, product design, marketing and more.

In order to become a member of ICTI, companies must meet certain criteria such as having an established presence in the toy industry and a commitment to upholding ethical standards. Companies must also provide evidence of their compliance with ICTI’s Code of Business Practices. Once accepted into ICTI, companies are required to pay annual fees which vary depending on the size of their business.

The process for becoming a member of ICTI typically takes around two months from when an application is submitted until it is approved or rejected. Companies can apply online through the ICTI website or by submitting a paper application form.

There are different levels of membership available at ICTI and each one carries its own fee structure. The annual fees range from $2,500 USD for small businesses up to $25,000 USD for large corporations.

8. National Association of Professional Child Product Manufacturers (NAPCPM)

The National Association of Professional Child Product Manufacturers (NAPCPM) is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support to manufacturers of products for children. The association works to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of child products in the marketplace.

It takes approximately two weeks to become a member of NAPCPM. To become a member, you must fill out an application form and submit it along with payment of the annual membership fee. The annual membership fee is $100.

Once your application is approved, you will receive access to the NAPCPM website where you can find information about product safety standards, industry news, and other resources for manufacturers. You will also be able to connect with other members in order to exchange ideas and best practices.

9. International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is a non-profit organization that works to support game developers around the world. It was founded in 1994 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most influential organizations for game developers. The IGDA provides resources, advocacy, education, networking opportunities, and more to its members.

It does not take any particular amount of time to join the IGDA; anyone can join at any time by visiting their website and signing up for a membership. There are several different types of memberships available, ranging from free to paid professional memberships. Free members have access to basic resources such as newsletters and discounts on industry events, while paid professional members have access to additional benefits such as exclusive job postings and discounts on conferences.

The cost of joining the IGDA depends on which type of membership you choose. Free membership is free, while professional membership costs $99 per year or $9 per month.

Overall, the International Game Developers Association is an invaluable resource for game developers around the world, providing them with valuable resources, advocacy, education, networking opportunities, and more.

10. American Academy of Pediatrics – Toy Safety Certification Program

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Toy Safety Certification Program is a voluntary program that certifies toys as safe for children. The program is designed to provide parents and caregivers with an extra layer of assurance that the toys they are purchasing for their children meet the highest safety standards.

To become certified, toy manufacturers must submit their products to an independent third-party laboratory for testing. This testing includes both physical and chemical analyses, as well as evaluation of potential hazards such as small parts, sharp edges, and toxicity levels. Once the tests are completed and the results reviewed by AAP staff, a certification label can be issued if the product meets all safety requirements.

The process typically takes four to six weeks from submission to completion. To get started, manufacturers must fill out an application form and submit it along with a sample of their product and applicable fees. Fees vary depending on the type of product submitted but generally range from $250-$500 per item.

Once certified, manufacturers may use the AAP’s logo or “Toy Safety Certified” label on their packaging or promotional materials to indicate that their product has been tested and approved by AAP experts.

11. International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA)

The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for playground equipment and surfacing materials. IPEMA was founded in 1996 to promote safety and quality standards in the playground industry.

IPEMA certification is a voluntary process that requires manufacturers to submit their products to an independent laboratory for testing. The tests ensure that the product meets the highest safety standards set by ASTM International, an internationally recognized standards body. Once certified, the manufacturer can then display the IPEMA seal of approval on their products.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks for a product to be certified by IPEMA. To get started, manufacturers must fill out an application form and submit it along with a sample of the product they wish to have tested. The application fee varies depending on the type of product being tested, but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

Once approved, manufacturers must pay an annual fee of $250 USD per year to maintain their certification status. This fee covers ongoing laboratory testing and other administrative costs associated with maintaining certification status.

Do You Really Need a Toy Designer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. You do not need a toy designer certificate in order to become a successful toy designer. However, having such a certificate may provide an advantage in certain circumstances.

Having a certificate can demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. It can also make you more attractive to potential clients or investors who are looking for someone with specific qualifications or experience in the field of toy design. Additionally, having a certificate can help you stand out from other applicants who may not have received formal training in this area.

In most cases, however, it’s possible to become a successful toy designer without having any kind of certification. Many individuals who are passionate about creating toys are self-taught and develop their skills through trial and error as well as research and practice. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a toy designer but don’t want to pursue certification, there are other ways to build your portfolio and gain experience in the field such as volunteering with local organizations or shadowing experienced professionals in the industry.

Overall, while having a toy designer certificate may be beneficial, it is not absolutely necessary for success in this field. With hard work and dedication, it is entirely possible to pursue a career in toy design without one.

Related: Toy Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Toy Designer Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a toy designer?

Answer: To become a toy designer, you typically need to have a degree in industrial design or engineering, as well as experience in toy design and development. Depending on the employer, additional certifications such as a Certified Toy Designer (CTD) may be required.

2. What is the Certified Toy Designer (CTD) certification?

Answer: The Certified Toy Designer (CTD) is an industry-recognized credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in toy design and development. This certification is administered by the American Academy of Game Designers and Manufacturers.

3. How do I obtain the CTD certification?

Answer: To obtain the CTD certification, applicants must pass an online examination that covers topics such as safety regulations, product development, marketing principles, and manufacturing processes. Additionally, applicants must have at least five years of experience in toy design or related fields.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: Once all requirements are met, it typically takes up to 10 business days for applications to be processed and approved by the American Academy of Game Designers and Manufacturers.

5. Is there an expiration date for this certification?

Answer: Yes, all CTD certifications are valid for three years from the date of issue before they must be renewed.