Top 10 Usability Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for an usability engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in the field. Certifications provide employers with a measure of assurance that an applicant has the necessary skills and experience to perform the job effectively. They also provide a way for employers to differentiate between candidates who have similar qualifications but different levels of expertise. Additionally, certifications help to validate an individual’s expertise in the field, which can be beneficial when competing for jobs or negotiating salaries.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Usability Engineers and explains how they can help to advance an usability engineer's career.

What are Usability Engineer Certifications?

Usability engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of usability engineering. Usability engineering is the practice of designing and improving products, systems, or services to make them more user-friendly and efficient. Usability engineers are responsible for ensuring that products are easy to use, efficient, and accessible.

Usability engineer certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this field to potential employers or clients. It also provides a way for employers to identify qualified candidates who have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job. With this certification, employers know they are hiring individuals who have been tested on their understanding of usability principles and techniques, which can result in improved product designs and user experiences.

In addition, having this certification can help individuals stay up-to-date with current trends in usability engineering practices by providing them with access to continuing education opportunities such as conferences, seminars, webinars, workshops, online courses, etc. This allows them to stay informed about new developments in the field so they can continue to improve their knowledge and skills. Finally, earning a usability engineer certification may also help professionals increase their earning potential as it reflects their dedication to the profession and enhances their credibility as an expert in their field.

Pro Tip: When considering a usability engineer certification, look for a program that offers an exam to test and certify your knowledge. Certification is valuable in the industry, and having a recognized certification can help you stand out from other candidates.

Related: What does an Usability Engineer do?

Top 10 Usability Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Usability Engineers today.

1. Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)

Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of usability analysis. The CUA credential is offered by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), an international organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of human behavior in relation to technology, equipment, and systems.

The CUA program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam covers topics such as user interface design, usability testing methods, user research techniques, and ergonomic principles. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field or have completed a relevant degree program.

The practical project requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply usability analysis techniques in a real-world setting. This includes designing a usability study, conducting data collection and analysis, writing a report on findings, and presenting results to stakeholders.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for the CUA certification. The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam or completing the practical project. For example, if you are taking only the online exam it costs $395 USD while if you are completing both parts it costs $595 USD.

2. Certified Professional in Usability and User Experience (CPUX)

The Certified Professional in Usability and User Experience (CPUX) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the field of usability and user experience. This certification is offered by the International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board (UXQB).

It is intended for professionals who have at least two years of experience in the field of usability or user experience, and who are interested in demonstrating their expertise. The CPUX certification includes two levels: Foundation Level and Advanced Level.

To get certified, individuals must pass an online exam for each level. The Foundation Level exam focuses on basic UX principles, while the Advanced Level exam covers more advanced topics such as UX research methods, design processes, evaluation techniques, and more.

The exams can be taken at any time from anywhere around the world via computer or tablet. It takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete each exam.

The cost of getting certified depends on which level you choose to take. The Foundation Level exam costs €350 ($420 USD), while the Advanced Level exam costs €550 ($660 USD).

3. Human Factors International Certified Usability Analyst (HFICA)

The Human Factors International Certified Usability Analyst (HFICA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of human-computer interaction and usability. It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and experience in the area of usability engineering, user experience design, and user interface design.

To become certified as an HFICA, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency through a combination of written exams, practical exercises, and case studies. The certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete.

To get started on the path to becoming an HFICA, applicants must first register for the program by submitting an application form along with payment of a fee. Once registered, applicants will be assigned a mentor who will provide guidance throughout the certification process.

The cost of obtaining the HFICA certification varies depending on the country or region where you live. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 USD for all fees associated with the program including registration fees, exam fees, and any other related costs.

4. Certified Usability Testing Professional (CUTP)

Certified Usability Testing Professional (CUTP) is a certification program offered by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in usability testing. The CUTP certification is an important indicator of expertise in usability testing, as well as a valuable credential for those seeking to advance their careers in this field.

The CUTP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as user research methods, usability test design and execution, data analysis techniques, and report writing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of professional experience in the field of usability testing or equivalent academic training; having completed at least one project involving usability testing; and passing the CUTP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CUTP exam is $295 USD for HFES members and $395 USD for non-members. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and obtaining study materials.

5. User Experience Certification from the Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g UXC)

User Experience Certification from the Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g UXC) is a professional certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of user experience design principles and practices. The certification is designed to help professionals develop their skills in user experience design, research, and evaluation. It is based on the NN/g’s 10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design and covers topics such as usability testing, user interface design, information architecture, accessibility, and more.

The certification process takes approximately three months to complete. It consists of two parts: online learning and an exam. The online learning portion includes reading materials and video lectures from the NN/g UXC curriculum. During this time, you will learn about user experience design principles and practices as well as how to apply them to real-world scenarios. After completing the online learning portion, you will take a 90-minute exam that tests your knowledge of the material covered in the coursework.

To get certified by NN/g UXC, you must first register for the program at nielsennormanuxcertification.com. You will be asked to provide personal information such as your name, contact details, education background, and work experience. Once registered, you can begin the online learning portion of the certification process immediately or schedule it for a later date if needed. The cost of registration is $695 USD plus applicable taxes.

6. International Association of Usability Professionals Certification Program (IAUP CP)

The International Association of Usability Professionals Certification Program (IAUP CP) is a comprehensive certification program that provides professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in user experience (UX) and usability. The IAUP CP is designed to help organizations identify qualified UX and usability professionals, as well as provide individuals with a way to validate their skills and knowledge.

The IAUP CP consists of two components: the Professional Qualification Exam and the Professional Practice Exam. The Professional Qualification Exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of UX and usability principles, while the Professional Practice Exam evaluates their practical experience in applying those principles. In order to become certified, candidates must pass both exams.

The IAUP CP takes approximately 6-8 months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience and commitment. Candidates must first register for the program by submitting an application form and paying a registration fee. After registering, they will receive access to study materials, which they should use to prepare for both exams. Once they have completed their studies, candidates can schedule their exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the IAUP CP varies depending on which exam(s) you are taking and where you take them. The registration fee is $100 USD, while each exam costs $150 USD per attempt.

7. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Certification Program (HFES CP)

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Certification Program (HFES CP) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of human factors and ergonomics. This program is designed to provide employers, organizations, and the public with assurance that certified individuals have met established standards for competency in the practice of human factors/ergonomics.

To become certified, individuals must demonstrate their knowledge and experience by passing an examination administered by HFES. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ergonomic principles, design processes, research methods, and safety regulations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements or have at least three years of professional experience in the field of human factors/ergonomics. Applicants must also submit a portfolio that includes evidence of their work experience or education.

The cost of the HFES CP certification varies depending on whether you are an HFES member or non-member. For members, it costs $250; for non-members it costs $400. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 for both members and non-members.

Once you have passed the exam and submitted your application materials, you will receive your certification within 4-6 weeks from HFES’s office in San Diego, California.

8. User Experience Qualification Board Certification Program (UXQB CP)

The User Experience Qualification Board Certification Program (UXQB CP) is an international certification program that verifies the knowledge and skills of user experience professionals. It is designed to ensure that UX practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of the user experience field, as well as the ability to apply their knowledge in practice.

The program consists of two stages: the Certified Professional in User Experience (CPUX) exam and the Certified Professional in Usability Testing (CPUT) exam. Both exams are administered by the UXQB, and both must be passed in order to receive certification.

The CPUX exam focuses on topics such as user research, usability testing, interface design, and information architecture. The CPUT exam focuses on topics such as usability testing techniques, test planning and execution, data analysis, and reporting results.

It typically takes around three months to complete both exams. This includes studying for each exam and taking them at a certified testing center.

In order to get certified through the UXQB CP program, you must first register for an account with the UXQB website. You will then need to purchase access to either or both of the exams from the website. Once you have purchased access to an exam, you will be able to download study materials from the website and schedule a time to take your exam at a certified testing center near you.

The cost of getting certified through this program varies depending on which exams you choose to take; however, it typically costs around $500-$600 USD for both exams combined.

9. Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP)

A Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) is a professional who has demonstrated competency in the field of human factors engineering, which focuses on optimizing the interaction between people and technology. The certification is offered by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), an international organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of human behavior in relation to technology.

It typically takes two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study to obtain CHFP certification. To become certified, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, engineering, or computer science; at least three years of relevant work experience; and pass an exam administered by HFES. The exam covers topics such as ergonomics, human performance, system design, safety management, and risk assessment.

The cost to take the CHFP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of HFES or not. For non-members, it costs $450 USD for the first attempt and $250 USD for each subsequent attempt. For members, it costs $350 USD for the first attempt and $150 USD for each subsequent attempt. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 USD for maintaining your certification status.

10. International Standards Organization 9241-11: Ergonomics Requirements for Office Work with Visual Display Terminals (ISO 9241-11 ERVDT).

ISO 9241-11 ERVDT is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to provide ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs). This standard applies to all types of VDTs, including computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. It provides guidance on how to design and use VDTs in order to reduce the risk of fatigue, discomfort, and injury.

The standard was first published in 1998 and has been revised several times since then. The current version was published in 2019. It takes about a year from the start of development until the publication of a new version of ISO 9241-11 ERVDT.

To get ISO 9241-11 ERVDT, you can purchase it from the ISO website or from other online retailers. The cost varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges between $50 and $100 USD.

Do You Really Need a Usability Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and current level of experience. If a person is looking to move into a field that requires an Usability Engineer Certificate, then it would be beneficial to pursue the certificate. It is important to note, however, that having an Usability Engineer Certificate does not guarantee success in the field. The certificate provides a good foundation of knowledge and understanding of usability engineering principles, but it does not guarantee that a person will become successful at usability engineering.

For someone who already has an extensive background in software development, web design, or user interface design, then pursuing the Usability Engineer Certificate might not be necessary. However, if the individual is looking for more specialized training in usability engineering principles that can help them stand out from other applicants when seeking employment or promotion opportunities, then obtaining the certificate would be beneficial.

Ultimately, whether or not one needs an Usability Engineer Certificate depends on their current level of experience and their career goals. While having the certificate can be beneficial for some people's careers, it may not be necessary for everyone.

Related: Usability Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Usability Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Usability Engineer Certification?

A1. A Usability Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of usability engineering. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that the person has achieved a certain level of knowledge and competency in this specialized discipline.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Usability Engineer?

A2. In order to become certified as a Usability Engineer, you must complete an approved course of study and pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as the International Institute for Usability Professionals (IIUP).

Q3. What topics are covered in the certification exam?

A3. The topics covered in the certification exam include user research, usability testing, prototyping, design principles, user interface design, accessibility considerations, and usability evaluation methods.

Q4. How long does it take to obtain Usability Engineer Certification?

A4. The amount of time required to obtain certification varies depending on factors such as the individual’s prior experience and learning style but typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification including coursework and examination preparation.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining Usability Engineer Certification?

A5. Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have at least two years of experience working in the field or related disciplines before they can qualify for taking the certification examination.