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Best freelance web designer certifications

Freelance web designer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an freelance web designer to employers. However, not all freelance web designer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a freelance web designer are Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP), Certified Web Professional - Web Developer, and Certified Digital Designer (CDD).

Below is a list of the best freelance web designer certifications. Obtaining an freelance web designer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

8 best freelance web designer certifications

1. Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP)

Certification details
  • 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)

2. Certified Web Professional - Web Developer

Certification details
  • 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? 

3. Certified Digital Designer (CDD)

Professional Certification is an on-line examination provided by ADDA to establish a credentialing system based on an individual's competency level. The examinations are based on years of experience or training level. Examinations are Professional Level but are available to students. Examinations may be taken at any approved testing site or through a proctor approved by ADDA. Professional Certification through ADDA is a 3 year lifespan, from date of certification and requires renewal.

Certification details
  • 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. Web Technologies Certificate

Provides the Web developer with a solid foundation in the basic technologies used to create Web sites. This is appropriate for anyone working as a Web professional.

Certification details
  • 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

5. Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS)

Technology changes. Standards update. Instrumentation evolves. The learning curve for Central Service professionals is steep and ever-changing, and the demands placed on them ever-growing. To help professionals stay abreast of rapidly changing medical technology, IAHCSMM offers the Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) exam, which tests knowledge and recognition of medical instruments, as well as reviewing instrumentation practice skills. The CIS exam will test your proficiency in the identification and cleaning of medical instruments, and upon completing and passing the exam you will hold the designation of Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

6. Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)

The Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) exam, validates the basic hands-on skills and knowledge that a professional is expected to understand and use. Foundational skills include basic knowledge of Internet technologies, network infrastructure, Web authoring using XHTML, and job skills such as project management.

Certification details
  • 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? 
Certifying organization
Webmaster Certification Online

7. Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM)

The In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association's (IPMA) Certified Graphic Communications Manager (CGCM) designation was created in 1976 to establish a professional standard of proficiency for the in-house graphic arts and printing management profession.

Certification details
  • 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 5 year(s)

8. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Prepare for a new career in the high-growth field of data analytics, no experience or degree required. Get professional training designed by Google and have the opportunity to connect with top employers. There are 337,400 U.S. job openings in data analytics with a $67,900 average entry-level salary. Data analytics is the collection, transformation, and organization of data in order to draw conclusions, make predictions, and drive informed decision making. Over 8 courses, gain in-demand skills that prepare you for an entry-level job. You’ll learn from Google employees whose foundations in data analytics served as launchpads for their own careers. At under 10 hours per week, you can complete the certificate in less than 6 months. You’ll prepare yourself for jobs that include junior or associate data analyst, database administrator, and more. Upon completion of the certificate, you can directly apply for jobs with Google and over 130 U.S. employers, including Walmart, Best Buy, Astreya. 82% of Google Career Certificate graduates report a positive career outcome like a new job, promotion, or raise within 6 months.

Certification details
  • 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

What is the best certification for a freelance web designer?

The best freelance web designer certification is Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP). The Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP) is awarded by the International Webmasters Association. 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 freelance web designer certification:

  • To become a certified Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 3 year.

What certifications can impact a freelance web designer career and salary?

The Master Certified Web Professional - Designer certification will help you to secure a graphic designer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A graphic designer's average salary is $45,772 whereas freelance web designers make an average salary of $61,732.

Best certifications

The most common combination of freelance web designer certifications include: Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP), Certified Web Professional - Web Developer, and Certified Digital Designer (CDD).

Online courses for freelance web designers to earn certifications

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Translate user wants and needs into intuitive digital experiences that power revenue, loyalty, and product success. Build confidence and credibility to tackle complex design problems on the job. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...

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