To work in graphic design, it's beneficial to be familiar with the basic ideas and equipment. A graphic design certification school is one approach to learn about the industry and obtain experience. Knowing more about the available graphic design certification programs might assist you in selecting one to enroll in, which could advance your career goals.
In this blog, we go over the professional advantages of earning a graphic design certification and outline the eight available options.
Benefits of graphic design certification
Earning a graphic design certification has several benefits, such as:
Gaining basic training
A graphic design certificate program can give you foundational knowledge, which may be helpful if you're trying to start a career in graphic design. Through these types of programs, you can learn graphic design theories and principles and how to apply them in your work. While it's possible to teach yourself these topics, it might be easier and more impactful to learn them through a structured course.
Developing your portfolio
Graphic design courses can also help you develop your own portfolio. When you apply for positions as a graphic designer, many employers want to see examples of your past work. In a certification course, you typically have the opportunity to complete your first projects and have experts evaluate them.
Improving your resume
If you already work in graphic design but wish to gain a promotion or a different type of job, you may need additional training. A graphic design certification course can supplement your prior knowledge and help you advance your career.
You can list the certification on your resume to show your proficiency to prospective employers. If you're an entry-level professional, you can also take graphic design courses to add skills to your resume.
8 graphic design certifications to consider
Here are eight options for graphic design certifications, whether you're a beginner or trying to advance your career:
1. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)
The Adobe Certified Associate certification is an industry-recognized credential that shows a professional has entry-level graphic design skills.
There are several certifications available within this program, each corresponding to a different software application. Earning one of these certifications shows you have proficiency in a specific Adobe software application, basic project management skills and knowledge of design principles.
To earn certification, individuals must pass an exam related to that software. The exams last approximately 50 minutes and test individuals' familiarity with essential software features.
2. Graphic Design Specialization
This course from CalArts through Coursera teaches students fundamental skills related to graphic design. This is a good certification for those who want to start a career in graphic design because it teaches the basics needed to get started.
All the course materials are available online, and students can complete them at their own pace. It's recommended to work three hours per week on this course, which makes it take around six months to complete.
While you don't need prior experience in graphic design for this certification program, it's helpful to have a beginner's level of knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite programs. In addition, it's beneficial to have access to these programs to complete your coursework.
3. UI/UX Design Specialization
Another course offering from CalArts through Coursera is the UI/UX Design Specialization. In this course, students learn how to bring a design-centric approach to user experience design. It covers all stages of the UI/UX development process, including completing user research, defining strategy and developing wireframes.
This is also a good certification to pursue if you're interested in related careers that involve developing websites and apps or marketing. There's no prior experience required to enroll in this online course. At the recommended pace of five hours per week, students can typically expect to finish in about four months.
4. UX Design Professional Certificate
The UX Design Professional Certificate is an online course provided through Coursera. All course materials are entirely online, including lectures, assignments and readings. The course is free to enroll in, but it's required to pay to sign up for Coursera to earn a certification of completion. The time to complete the course depends on your time commitment, but many users complete the program in under six months with part-time study.
Through this certification program, you can learn the basics needed for an entry-level job in UX design. It also teaches you how to use common software applications for UX designers. You typically don't need any prior experience to enroll in this course.
5. Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers Specialization
This online course from the University of Colorado Boulder teaches the basics of graphic design elements. You can learn the history of the graphic design industry and core concepts such as balance, alignment, contrast and proximity.
It can also teach you how to use white space and work alongside other creative professionals. In addition, this course allows you to gain practical experience with popular graphic design tools.
6. Graphic Design Certificate
When you enroll in the graphic design certificate program from the Pratt Institute, you can learn about topics such as basic design elements, typography and brand design. In addition, you can gain proficiency with some industry-standard applications. The school teaches this certificate program in person in New York City, meaning it's necessary to live locally if you want to enroll.
7. Professional Certificate in Graphic Design
This graphic design certificate, offered online through Sessions College, can prepare students for a career in graphic design. Through this program, you can grow your professional portfolio, receive feedback from experts and develop graphic design skills. You can also complete this program at your own pace, and many students finish the entire course in under nine months, depending on how many hours per week they work.
8. Graphic and Digital Design certificate
This graphic and digital design certificate program from the Parsons School of Design comprises eight courses that can give you a thorough understanding of many topics related to graphic design. Some of these courses include:
- Color theory
- Digital graphics
- Digital imaging
- Typography
- Communication and promotional design
One benefit of this program is you can choose in-person or online learning options. This means you can find both engaging video lectures with industry experts and videoconferencing in small class groups.
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