Top 10 Video Editor Certifications

Certifications are important for video editors in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency and provide potential employers with a way to verify an applicant's skills. They also show that the editor has taken the time to invest in their craft, which employers value. Having certifications can help set an editor apart from other applicants and give them an edge when competing for jobs. Certifications can also open up opportunities for more advanced positions or higher pay.

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

What are Video Editor Certifications?

Video editor certification is a program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge they need to become proficient in video editing. The certification usually consists of a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as non-linear video editing, motion graphics, color correction, sound design, and visual effects. These courses provide students with an understanding of how to use professional video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.

The main benefit of obtaining video editor certification is that it can open up more job opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the field. Employers are often looking for candidates who have taken the time to learn the necessary skills and demonstrate their proficiency by obtaining certification. Having this certification can also give professionals an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs or promotions.

Additionally, having a video editor certification can make it easier for individuals to find freelance work as many clients are looking for experienced professionals who have demonstrated their expertise through a recognized certification program. Having this type of credential can also be beneficial when seeking out mentorships or networking with potential employers and colleagues in the industry.

Pro tip: Before pursuing a video editor certification, make sure you have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of editing and the major software used in the field. Take advantage of online tutorials and courses to build your knowledge base. Also, practice editing as much as possible to gain experience and confidence.

Related: What does a Video Editor do?

Top 10 Video Editor Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Premiere Pro

Adobe Certified Expert in Premiere Pro is an official certification from Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced proficiency in the use of Adobe Premiere Pro. This certification is designed to validate a user’s knowledge and skills in editing video with Premiere Pro.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert in Premiere Pro, you must successfully pass the ACE exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. It covers topics such as creating projects, working with media, editing audio, color correction, effects and more.

You can take the ACE exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Pearson VUE website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically costs around $180 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded an Adobe Certified Expert in Premiere Pro certificate which is valid for two years from the date of passing. After two years, you will need to retake the exam to maintain your certification status.

2. Apple Certified Pro in Final Cut Pro X

Apple Certified Pro in Final Cut Pro X is an Apple certification program that demonstrates a user's knowledge of the software and their ability to use it professionally. It is designed for professional editors who need to demonstrate their expertise in Final Cut Pro X.

To become an Apple Certified Pro, you must pass a two-hour exam that covers topics such as editing techniques, media management, and effects. The exam is administered at authorized testing centers around the world.

The cost of the certification exam varies depending on the location and testing center, but typically ranges from $150 - $250 USD.

The process of becoming an Apple Certified Pro can take several weeks or months depending on your availability and test center availability. You must register for the exam online and select a date for when you would like to take it. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to prepare for the exam.

3. Avid Certified Professional in Media Composer

Avid Certified Professional in Media Composer is a certification program offered by Avid, the leading provider of digital video editing software. This certification indicates that an individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in Avid Media Composer and is qualified to create professional-level content.

The Avid Certified Professional in Media Composer certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as media management, timeline editing, audio mixing, effects and color correction. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must first register for the exam through the Avid Learning Partner Program (ALPP). After registering, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. Once the exam is completed and passed, applicants will receive their certificate via email.

The cost of the Avid Certified Professional in Media Composer certification varies depending on where you take the exam. The cost typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

4. Apple Certified Trainer in Motion Graphics and Visual Effects

Apple Certified Trainer in Motion Graphics and Visual Effects is a certification program offered by Apple to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the use of its motion graphics and visual effects software. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of the software through a combination of written tests and practical demonstrations.

The program consists of two parts: an online course, which takes approximately 20 hours to complete, and an in-person exam, which requires applicants to demonstrate their skills in front of an Apple Certified Trainer. Applicants must also pass a written test on the fundamentals of motion graphics and visual effects.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the program with Apple’s Training Program. Upon successful completion of the online course and passing the written test, they will be eligible to take the in-person exam. The cost for this program is $1,500 USD.

Once certified, individuals can use their credentials to showcase their expertise in motion graphics and visual effects as well as apply for jobs or freelance work that require such skills.

5. Adobe Certified Associate in After Effects

Adobe Certified Associate in After Effects is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using the After Effects software. The certification exam covers topics such as creating and animating text, working with layers and effects, compositing, and rendering.

The exam takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To become an Adobe Certified Associate in After Effects, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam through the Adobe website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100 to $150 USD. Once you have registered for the exam, you will be able to schedule it at a local testing center.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email confirming your certification status along with a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles.

6. Autodesk Smoke Certified User

Autodesk Smoke Certified User is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their proficiency in using Autodesk Smoke software. Autodesk Smoke is a powerful video editing and compositing solution used by professional editors, motion graphics artists, and visual effects artists. This certification is ideal for anyone who works with Autodesk Smoke on a regular basis and wants to prove their skills and knowledge of the software.

The Autodesk Smoke Certified User exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as media management, timeline editing, compositing, effects, color correction, output formats, and more. The exam takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

To get certified as an Autodesk Smoke Certified User you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam can be taken online through the Autodesk website or at an authorized testing center.

The cost of the Autodesk Smoke Certified User exam varies depending on where you take it; online exams typically cost around $100 USD while exams taken at an authorized testing center may cost more.

7. Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Certification

Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Certification is an official certification program from Blackmagic Design that recognizes the expertise of professionals in the post-production industry. It is designed to validate a user’s proficiency in using DaVinci Resolve, Blackmagic Design’s powerful color correction and finishing software.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as understanding the interface, working with media, editing, color grading, audio mixing, and delivery formats. The practical assessment requires users to demonstrate their ability to complete tasks such as creating projects, importing media, applying effects and transitions, working with color wheels and curves, and outputting projects.

The entire certification process takes approximately 8 hours to complete. To get certified, users must first register for the certification program on the Blackmagic Design website. Once registered they will be able to access the online course material which includes videos and tutorials on how to use DaVinci Resolve. Users then have up to three months to take the written exam and practical assessment at an authorized testing center or online via a web browser.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you take your exam; it can range from $100-$200 USD for online exams or $300-$400 USD for exams taken at an authorized testing center.

8. Boris FX Master Certification

Boris FX Master Certification is an online certification program designed to help users of Boris FX products develop a deep understanding of the software and its capabilities. The program consists of a series of self-paced courses that cover topics such as compositing, motion graphics, 3D modeling, and more. The courses are designed to build upon each other, allowing users to expand their knowledge as they progress through the program.

The certification process takes approximately three months to complete and consists of four modules: Introduction to Boris FX, Advanced Compositing Techniques, Motion Graphics with Boris FX, and 3D Modeling with Boris FX. Each module includes video tutorials, hands-on exercises, and quizzes that must be completed in order for users to receive their certification.

To get certified, users must register for the program on the Boris FX website and pay a fee of $299 USD. Once registered, users will have access to all four modules and can begin working towards their certification at any time. Upon completion of all four modules and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, users will receive their official Master Certification from Boris FX.

9. Grass Valley Edius Certification

Grass Valley Edius Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that verifies a user’s knowledge and proficiency in the use of Grass Valley's Edius editing software. The certification is issued by Grass Valley, a Belden brand, and is designed to demonstrate a user’s expertise in the use of the Edius software for video editing.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online test and a practical exam. The online test covers topics such as basic editing techniques, media management, audio mixing, color correction, and more. The practical exam requires users to demonstrate their knowledge by completing an editing project using Edius.

The certification process takes approximately three weeks to complete. After passing the online test, users must register for a practical exam at one of Grass Valley's partner training centers or through an authorized reseller. Once registered, users have up to three months to complete the practical exam before their registration expires.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where it is taken and who administers it; however, typically it costs around $500 USD for both parts of the process (online test + practical exam).

10. NewBlueFX Master Certification

NewBlueFX Master Certification is an online certification program that provides training and certification on the use of NewBlueFX video editing software. It is designed to help users become more efficient and productive with their video editing projects. The program consists of six modules, each focusing on different aspects of video editing such as color correction, motion tracking, audio mixing, and more. Each module includes a series of lessons, quizzes, and practice exercises to help users gain a comprehensive understanding of the software.

The certification process takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. To get certified, users must first register for the program by providing their contact information and payment details. Once registered, they will be able to access the course material from any device with internet access. After completing all six modules, users can take a final exam which will determine if they have achieved the NewBlueFX Master Certification status or not.

The cost for NewBlueFX Master Certification is $99 USD. This fee covers all materials needed to complete the course including access to all six modules as well as the final exam. Upon successful completion of the program, users will receive a digital certificate that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in using NewBlueFX video editing software.

11. Sony Vegas Pro Certification

Sony Vegas Pro Certification is an official certification program offered by Sony Creative Software. It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in using Sony Vegas Pro, the company’s powerful video editing software.

The certification process consists of an online exam that tests your knowledge of the features and functions of Sony Vegas Pro. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of at least 80%.

To get certified, you must first purchase a certification voucher from the Sony Creative Software website. The cost for the voucher is $99 USD. Once you have purchased the voucher, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. You can then take the exam at any time within one year from when you purchased the voucher.

Once you have completed and passed the exam, you will be awarded with a digital certificate indicating your successful completion of Sony Vegas Pro Certification. You can then add this certification to your resume or portfolio to demonstrate your expertise in video editing with Sony Vegas Pro software.

Do You Really Need a Video Editor Certificate?

No, you do not need a video editor certificate to become a successful video editor. However, having a certificate can give you an edge in the job market and demonstrate your commitment to the field. A certificate can also provide you with the necessary theoretical knowledge to help you understand the basics of video editing.

A good way to learn and practice video editing is through online tutorials and by taking courses in video editing software. There are many free online tutorials that teach the basics of video editing, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and Avid Media Composer. These tutorials can provide step-by-step instructions on how to use these programs and equip you with the basic skills needed for video editing. Additionally, they often provide helpful tips and tricks that professional editors use in their work.

Having a certificate can also be beneficial when applying for jobs or internships in the field of video editing. It shows employers that you have taken initiative to gain knowledge about the subject matter and are serious about pursuing a career in this field. Additionally, if you decide to pursue further education related to video editing, having a certificate will make it easier for you as some universities require applicants to have some form of certification before enrolling in their programs.

In conclusion, although having a video editor certificate is not necessary for becoming a successful video editor, it can give you an edge over other applicants who may not have one. Furthermore, it provides valuable theoretical knowledge which can help you understand the fundamentals of video editing better. Ultimately though, your skill level will be determined by how much time and effort you put into honing your craft through practice and experience rather than just relying on certificates alone.

Related: Video Editor Resume Examples

FAQs About Video Editor Certifications

1. What types of video editor certifications are available?

Answer: There are a variety of video editor certifications available, including Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Premiere Pro, Avid Certified Professional (ACP) in Media Composer, Apple Certified Pro in Final Cut Pro X, and more.

2. How do I become certified as a video editor?

Answer: To become certified as a video editor, you must first pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in the software you want to be certified for. You can find exam preparation materials and training courses online or through the software provider.

3. What is the cost of getting a certification?

Answer: The cost of getting a certification varies depending on the provider and level of certification you’re looking for. For example, Adobe ACE certifications range from $180-$360 USD depending on which application you take the exam for.

4. Is there an age requirement to get certified?

Answer: Most certification providers do not have an age requirement to be eligible for certification; however, some may require you to be 18 years or older to apply for their exams or courses. It’s best to check with the provider directly before applying for any certifications or courses.

5. Are video editor certifications worth it?

Answer: Yes! Video editor certifications are definitely worth it if you want to demonstrate your expertise in the field and stand out from other editors when seeking job opportunities or clients. They also show employers that you have taken steps to further your education and stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.