Top 10 Web Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for web designers in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of skills, knowledge, and experience in the field. Certifications show employers that an individual is qualified to do a specific job and has the necessary skills to complete tasks efficiently. They also help differentiate one candidate from another, as employers can quickly identify who has the right qualifications for a particular position. Additionally, certifications provide web designers with credibility and recognition among their peers, which can lead to more job opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Web Designers and explains how they can help to enhance a web designer's career.

What are Web Designer Certifications?

Web designer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates the individual's proficiency and ability to design websites. This certification provides employers with proof that the individual has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully create high-quality web designs.

Having web designer certification can help individuals stand out from the competition, as it shows employers that they have taken the initiative to hone their skills in website design. It also serves as an indication that they are able to produce quality work and can meet deadlines. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise to potential employers, which may increase their chances of getting hired or promoted in their current job.

In addition, having web designer certification may open up opportunities for higher paying jobs or positions with more responsibility in the field of website design. This can be especially beneficial for those who want to advance quickly in their career or transition into a new role within the industry. Furthermore, this type of certification may allow individuals to expand their network by connecting with other professionals in the field through workshops or seminars related to website design.

Pro Tip: Before investing in a web designer certification, make sure to research the program and ensure that the curriculum covers the most current industry standards and technologies. Additionally, look into the reputation of the certifying agency to make sure they have a good track record in providing quality certification programs.

Related: What does a Web Designer do?

Top 10 Web Designer Certifications

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

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Web Design

Adobe Certified Expert in Web Design is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional's ability to design and develop websites using Adobe Creative Suite products. It is designed for those who are proficient in the use of Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and other Creative Suite products.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert in Web Design, you must pass two exams: one on Adobe Dreamweaver and one on Adobe Photoshop. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE and take approximately 90 minutes each to complete. To prepare for the exams, you can take online courses or attend instructor-led classes. There are also study guides available for purchase from third-party providers.

The cost of becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in Web Design varies depending on the provider you choose to purchase your exam vouchers from. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $100-$200 per exam voucher (not including any preparation materials).

Once you have passed both exams and received your certification, it will remain valid for two years before needing to be renewed by taking a recertification exam.

2. CIW Site Development Associate Certification

The CIW Site Development Associate Certification is a professional certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in website development. This certification is aimed at individuals who have a basic understanding of web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side scripting languages like PHP or ASP.NET.

It typically takes about two months to complete the CIW Site Development Associate Certification program. The program consists of four courses: Web Foundations, HTML5 and CSS3 Specialist, JavaScript Specialist, and Server-Side Development using PHP or ASP.NET. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive the certification.

In order to get the CIW Site Development Associate Certification, you must first purchase the required materials from the CIW website (ciwcertified.com). The cost for the materials varies depending on which version you choose; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once purchased, you will have access to online study guides and practice exams that can help you prepare for the final exams associated with each course.

Once all four courses have been completed successfully and all exams have been passed with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your CIW Site Development Associate Certification via email within 2-3 weeks after completion.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of developers who design, build, and maintain applications that are built on the Microsoft platform. This certification requires individuals to demonstrate their expertise in developing and deploying modern web applications and services using Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework.

The MCSD: Web Applications certification requires candidates to pass four exams: Exam 70-480, Exam 70-486, Exam 70-487, and Exam 70-488. Candidates must also have at least one year of experience in designing and developing web applications.

In order to get the MCSD: Web Applications certification, candidates must register for each exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Each exam costs $165 USD. It typically takes around 4-6 months to complete all four exams depending on an individual's availability and study habits.

4. W3C Front-End Web Developer Certificate

The W3C Front-End Web Developer Certificate is an online certification program offered by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It is designed to provide web developers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest technologies and standards used in the development of modern websites. The certificate covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other related topics.

The program takes approximately 6 months to complete, depending on how much time you are able to devote to it. To get the certificate, you must successfully complete all of the coursework and pass a final exam. You will also need to demonstrate your knowledge of web development through a portfolio project.

The cost for the W3C Front-End Web Developer Certificate is $499 USD. This includes access to all course materials and unlimited support from instructors throughout the duration of the program.

5. Apple Certified Professional – Web Design and Development

Apple Certified Professional – Web Design and Development is a certification program offered by Apple to help web professionals demonstrate their proficiency in designing, developing, and deploying websites using Apple technologies. The certification covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Swift, Xcode, and the macOS operating system.

The certification exam consists of two parts: a performance-based exam and a written exam. The performance-based exam requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in creating a functional website using Apple technologies. The written exam tests the candidate's knowledge of web development concepts.

In order to get the certification, candidates must pass both exams with a score of at least 70%. The exams can be taken online or at an Apple Authorized Training Center (AATC). It typically takes about six months to complete all the required courses and exams for the certification.

The cost for the Apple Certified Professional – Web Design and Development certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Online exams cost $150 each while AATC exams cost $200 each.

6. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ)

Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) is a certification program offered by Google to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Google Analytics. The program is designed to help individuals become more knowledgeable and confident in their ability to use Google Analytics for data analysis and reporting.

The exam consists of 70 questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must score at least 80% or higher. You can take the exam as many times as you need until you pass, but there is a fee for each attempt.

In order to get certified, you must first register for an account on the Google Partners website. Once registered, you will be able to access the IQ exams from your dashboard. After passing the exam, your certification will be valid for 18 months before needing to be renewed.

The cost of taking the exam is $50 USD per attempt and there are no discounts available.

7. Oracle Certified Master, Web Administrator

Oracle Certified Master, Web Administrator is a certification offered by Oracle that validates a professional’s expertise in administering Oracle WebLogic Server. This certification demonstrates a professional’s ability to install, configure, and manage Oracle WebLogic Server environments.

It takes approximately 8-10 months to complete the training and certification process for the Oracle Certified Master, Web Administrator. To get this certification, you must first pass an online assessment which tests your knowledge of basic concepts related to Oracle WebLogic Server. After passing the assessment, you will then need to attend an instructor-led course on administering Oracle WebLogic Server. The course covers topics such as installation, configuration, performance tuning, security management, and troubleshooting. Upon completion of the course, you must pass an exam in order to receive the certification.

The cost of the Oracle Certified Master, Web Administrator certification varies depending on where you take the training and exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$3,000 USD for both the training and exam fees combined.

8. Brainbench HTML5 Certification

Brainbench HTML5 Certification is a professional certification program designed to assess an individual's knowledge and skills in the use of HTML5. It is intended for individuals who have some experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding. The certification consists of a series of tests that measure an individual’s understanding of the fundamentals of the language, as well as their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.

The Brainbench HTML5 Certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To achieve certification, applicants must score at least 70% on the exam.

To get Brainbench HTML5 Certification, applicants must first create an account on the Brainbench website and register for the exam. After registering, applicants will receive a link to take the online test. Once they have completed the test, they will receive their results within 24 hours.

The cost to take the Brainbench HTML5 Certification exam is $19.95 USD per attempt.

9. Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop CC

Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop CC is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud. This certification is designed to validate a person’s skills and knowledge of the industry-standard software used by graphic designers, photographers, and other digital media professionals.

It typically takes between two to four weeks to complete the necessary training and pass the exam. The training covers topics such as image manipulation, color correction, masking techniques, layer effects, typography, and more. After completing the training, you will need to take an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions and performance-based tasks.

To get certified, you must register for the exam through Adobe's website or an authorized testing center. You will need to pay a fee for the exam (the cost varies depending on your location). Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from Adobe within three weeks.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you take the exam and how many exams you take. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $50-$200 USD per exam.

10. Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design & Communication Using Adobe Illustrator CC

Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design & Communication Using Adobe Illustrator CC (ACA) is an industry-recognized certification that validates one’s skills and knowledge of using Adobe Illustrator CC. This certification demonstrates the ability to use Illustrator CC to create vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations for print, web, and mobile devices. It also shows proficiency in designing complex objects and effects with the program’s various tools.

The ACA exam consists of a total of 55 questions covering topics such as creating shapes, working with layers and color, creating typography, working with effects, and more. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To get certified as an ACA in Visual Design & Communication Using Adobe Illustrator CC, you must pass the ACA exam. You can take the exam online or at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $80 to $180 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Adobe Certified Associate badge which will be displayed on your profile page on Adobe's website. You will also receive a digital certificate that can be shared on social media or added to your resume or portfolio.

Do You Really Need a Web Designer Certificate?

No, you do not need a web designer certificate to become a successful web designer. A web designer certificate can be beneficial for those who are just starting out as it serves as proof of skill and knowledge in the field. However, many web designers have succeeded without having any type of certificate or degree.

In order to become a successful web designer, you must possess certain qualities such as creativity, technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of coding languages like HTML and CSS. You should also have a good eye for design and user experience. If you have these qualities and are willing to work hard and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in web design, then you can become a successful web designer without needing a certificate.

In addition to possessing the right skillset, being passionate about your work is also essential for success in this field. Web design is constantly changing so it’s important to stay on top of new trends and technologies so that your designs remain relevant. As long as you keep learning and pushing yourself to create innovative designs, then you won’t need a certificate to succeed as a web designer.

Overall, while having a web designer certificate may be helpful for some people starting out in this field, it is not essential for becoming successful. As long as you have the right skillset and attitude towards your work, then you can still achieve success without one.

Related: Web Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Web Designer Certifications

Q1: What is a web designer certification?

A1: A web designer certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has met certain standards of proficiency in the field of web design. It typically involves completing courses or exams, and can lead to greater career opportunities.

Q2: How do I become certified as a web designer?

A2: To become certified as a web designer, you should research the available certifications and determine which best suits your skillset and goals. You may then need to complete coursework, pass an exam, or both, depending on the particular certification.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a web designer?

A3: Becoming certified as a web designer can give you credibility in the field and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. It can also provide access to additional career opportunities, such as higher pay or better job prospects.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a web designer?

A4: The amount of time required to become certified will depend on the specific certification program and your level of experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all necessary coursework and exams for most certifications.

Q5: Are there any free resources available for studying for my web designer certification?

A5: Yes! There are many free online resources available for studying for your certification exam, such as practice tests, tutorials, and guides. Additionally, some certifying organizations may offer discounted rates on study materials or other resources specifically designed for their programs.