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Best design consultant certifications
The best certifications for a design consultant are Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Certified Agile Developer (CAD), and Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP).
Design consultant certifications demonstrate your competency as a design consultant to employers. However, not all design consultant certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best design consultant certifications. Obtaining a design consultant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for design consultants
14 best design consultant certifications
1. Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ)
The NCIDQ Examination consists of three separate exam sections, the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum Exam (PRAC), that measure a candidate's proficiency in interior design principles and application of knowledge to protect public health, safety and welfare. Two of the exams, IDFX and IDPX, are multiple choice exams.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
2. Certified Agile Developer (CAD)
Agile approaches help teams respond to unpredictability through incremental, iterative work cadences, known as sprints. Agile methodologies are an alternative to waterfall, or traditional sequential development. Agile, a popular method of delivering top-quality software on schedule through a collaborative, iterative approach. Certification helps in understanding the key principles of Agile software development, which promote faster release cycles, better deliverable's and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. You’ll gain knowledge on policies and process improvements that can enhance interactions between developers and project and program managers. Agile software development, uses iterative, feature-driven, customer-focused Agile practices to develop applications that meet user requirements. In this certification, you also gain practical experience performing each role within an Agile team.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
3. Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ)
Completion of the NCIDQ Examination recognizes that an individual has met minimum competency standards for the practice of interior design. NCIDQ's role includes the establishment of standards for education and experience and the administration of a minimum competency examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
6. Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI)
The NAHI Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) program is a certification that is earned. The designation is given only to home inspectors who demonstrate their advanced knowledge of, and proficiency at, all aspects of a home inspection.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
9. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED)
For professionals with expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education and healthcare sectors. The LEED BD+C exam is designed to measure your knowledge and skill in understanding the LEED Rating system and ability to facilitate the project certification process.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS)
The PPAI Professional Development Certification Program Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) Certification is a PPAI industry credential awarded to promotional products professionals with at least three years of promotional products industry experience, and who have met rigorous educational course and testing requirements-demonstrating exemplary commitment to their profession. Professionals who have earned their CAS provide the highest standard of conduct and integrity.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Certified IT Consultant (CITC)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
14. Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD)
Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers (CKBD) Certified Kitchen Designers (CKD) and Certified Bath Designers (CBD) specialize in the design, planning, and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms, and prove advanced knowledge of technical and personal communication skills required to succeed as a design specialist.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a design consultant?
The best design consultant certification is Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ). The Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) is awarded by the Council for Interior Design Qualification. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this design consultant certification:
- To become a certified Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for design consultants?
The most in-demand design consultant certification is Certified Interior Designer based on all active job postings. Having this design consultant certification will give you access to more design consultant jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a design consultant career and salary?
The Certified Agile Developer certification will help you to secure a project designer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A project designer's average salary is $62,498 whereas design consultants make an average salary of $77,803.
The most common combination of design consultant certifications include: Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Certified Agile Developer (CAD), and Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP).
Online courses for design consultants to earn certifications
1. Learn Figma: User Interface Design Essentials - UI/UX Design
Master Figma app to get a job in UI Design, User Interface, User Experience design, Web Design & UX design...
2. User Experience Design Essentials - Adobe XD UI UX Design
Use XD to get a job in UI Design, User Interface, User Experience design, UX design & Web Design...
3. Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design
Design 4 Beautiful eye catching Graphic Design Projects from Scratch with Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design Basics...
4. Digital Design Masterclass For Graphic Designers
Icon Set Design, E-book cover, Digitizing Sketches, Social Media Design, Wordpress Web Design, Adobe Xd, GIFS and more!...
5. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design
The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...
6. Graphic Design Mastery: The FULL Branding & Design Process
Follows the FULL Graphic Design Process for A Company: Logo, Ad, Social Media, T-Shirt, Package, Website Design & More!...
7. User Experience Design & User Interface Design Fundamentals
Learn the basics of successful User Experience Design and User Interface Design...
8. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners
Photoshop graphic design for beginners! Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...
9. Learn User Experience Design from A-Z: Adobe XD UI/UX Design
Learn how to become a professional UX/UI Designer and create beautiful websites and applications from scratch...
10. Adobe XD Mega Course - User Experience Design
UI Design, User Interface, User Experience design, UX design & Web Design...
11. The Complete User Interface Design Bootcamp - Sketch UI/UX
Master Sketch software to get a job in UI Design, User Interface, User Experience design, Web Design & UX design...
12. Graphic Design Mastery- AI, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign
Graphic Design for beginners including Graphic Design Theories, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AI & Creative Thinking...
13. Graphic Design Bootcamp: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
Bestselling Beginner Course! Use Photoshop, Illustrator, & In Design for logo design, web design, poster design, and more...
14. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects
Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...
15. Master Digital Product Design: UX Research & UI Design
A complete design education for product designers: Research the user experience, then design a great user interface...
16. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects
Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...
17. Graphic Design Masterclass Intermediate: The NEXT Level
Up Your Graphic Design Skills: Logo Design, Photo Manipulation, Package Design, Infographics, Portfolio Building, Grids!...
18. Adobe Photoshop CC - Web Design, Responsive Design & UI
Learn how to design a professional quality website in Photoshop CC...
19. UI/UX design with Adobe XD: Design & Prototype a Mobile App
Learn how to design a beautiful and engaging mobile app with Adobe Experience Design (XD). Learn-by-doing approach...
20. Master Web Design in Photoshop: Complete UI/UX Masterclass
Learn UI/UX and how to create stunning website Everything you need to know about web design in 2023 All in Photoshop...