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Best graphic designer certifications
Graphic designer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an graphic designer to employers. However, not all graphic designer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a graphic designer are Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP), Certified Digital Designer (CDD), and Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM).
Below is a list of the best graphic designer certifications. Obtaining an graphic designer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for graphic designers
| Rank | Graphic designer certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP) | IWA |
| 2 | Certified Digital Designer (CDD) | ADDA |
| 3 | Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM) | IPMA |
| 4 | Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | CIDQ |
| 5 | Certified of Medical Illustrator (CMI) | AMI |
| 6 | Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) | Certiport, In... |
| 7 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 8 | Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 | Adobe Systems... |
| 9 | Web Graphics and Multimedia Certificate | IWA |
| 10 | Adobe InDesign CC 2015 | Adobe Systems... |
| 11 | Certified Dreamweaver 8 Developer (MMCP) | Macromedia |
| 12 | Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS) | ETA |
| 13 | Adobe Flash CS4 | Adobe Systems... |
| 14 | Web Technologies Certificate | IWA |
| 15 | Certified Digital Designer - Digital Imaging (CDD) | ADDA |
| 16 | Certified Blockchain & Digital Marketing Professional | Blockchain Co... |
| 17 | Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) | Webmaster Cer... |
| 18 | Program Design Specialist | IFPA |
| 19 | Certified Web Professional - Site Designer (CWP) | IWA |
| 20 | Certified Internet Marketer (CIM) | IMA |
20 best graphic designer certifications
1. 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)
2. 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.
- 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)
3. 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.
- 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)
4. 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)
5. Certified of Medical Illustrator (CMI)
The Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators administers a certification program for illustrators who seek a recognizable means of credentialing. The designation of Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI) denotes this voluntarily earned credential and provides a recognizable means of signifying a practitioners current competency in the profession of medical illustration. Certified Medical Illustrators have passed examinations dealing with business practices, ethics, biomedical science, drawing skills, and have undergone a rigorous portfolio review.
- 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)
6. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)
For those seeking employment that requires demonstrating the ability to use digital media needed to plan, design, build, and maintain effective communications, Adobe Certified Associate is a certification program that validates the skills of job seekers.
- 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? No
7. 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)
8. Adobe Illustrator CC 2015
The Adobe Illustrator CC ACE Exam tests your knowledge of creating and editing vector graphics. This includes preparing graphics for print, Web, and mobile platforms.
- 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?
9. Web Graphics and Multimedia Certificate
Equips the student for work as a Web graphic artist, creating illustrations, pictures, buttons, and other images for use on the Web, as well as the ability to create interactive multimedia designs in Flash or other programs.
- 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
10. Adobe InDesign CC 2015
The Adobe InDesign CC ACE Exam tests your knowledge of laying out and designing text, graphics, and cross-media for onscreen and print documents.
- 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?
11. Certified Dreamweaver 8 Developer (MMCP)
The Dreamweaver 8 Developer certification represents a professional level of expertise in the activities that demonstrate an individual's competency as a Dreamweaver developer. A certified individual should thoroughly understand the Dreamweaver application, web page design, web page authoring, and supporting technologies.
- 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? No
12. Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS)
The Customer Service Specialist (CSS) is a certification that validates one's work skills through employability concepts. Though developed to meet the role of an evolving service oriented electronics technician, CSS is relevant to every industry, employer and employee. Topics included are Safety, Ethics, Respect, Teamwork, Communication, Telephone and Email Techniques, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Relationships, and Sales and 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?
13. Adobe Flash CS4
An Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a person who has demonstrated a professional level in proficiency with one or more Adobe software products. To become an ACE, you must pass one or more product-specific proficiency exams and agree to the ACE terms and conditions.
- 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?
14. 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.
- 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
15. Certified Digital Designer - Digital Imaging (CDD)
Becoming a Certified Drafter, reflects your proven knowledge of drafting. Certification will, enhance your credibility as a professional, improve your opportunities for promotion and pay increases, give you a competitive edge in a highly technical job market When employers hire an ADDA Certified Drafter, they know that the new employee meets certification criteria and that they have demonstrated initiative and pride in the profession by becoming certified.
- 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)
16. Certified Blockchain & Digital Marketing Professional
Certified Blockchain and Digital Marketing Professional™ is a unique training and certification specially designed to demonstrate how Blockchain can revolutionize digital marketing. This course focuses on the core concepts of digital marketing and Blockchain technology. It discusses how Blockchain can overcome the challenges faced by digital marketers in the current scenario. The course will render expertise on eliminating digital marketing middlemen, eliminating online ad fraud, building trust and transparency while giving customers full control of their information with the use of Blockchain technology. Certified Blockchain and Digital Marketing Professional training will prove to be your USP and will act as a catalyst to accelerate your career growth.
- 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
17. 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.
- 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?
18. Program Design Specialist
The IFPA Program Design Specialist Certification prepares you to design exercise programs for specific client populations, eliminate training plateaus, and achieve maximum results for your clients. This course covers 40 individual exercise programs to create your own personal training arsenal. The IFPA Program Design Specialist Certification is also designed to teach the student advanced principles in strength training program design.
- 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 2 year(s)
19. Certified Web Professional - Site Designer (CWP)
CWP Site Designer implements and maintains Web sites using authoring and scripting languages, content creation and management tools, and digital media.
- 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)
20. Certified Internet Marketer (CIM)
The IMA Certified Internet Marketer (CIM) professional certification program provides participants with the foundational Internet marketing education needed to succeed in today's fast-changing online business environment.
- 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?
What is the best certification for a graphic designer?
The best graphic 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 graphic 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 are some of the most in-demand certifications for graphic designers?
The most in-demand graphic designer certification is Adobe Certified Associate based on all active job postings. Having this graphic designer certification will give you access to more graphic designer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a graphic designer career and salary?
The Master Certified Web Professional - Designer certification will help you to secure a senior graphic designer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior graphic designer's average salary is $68,008 whereas graphic designers make an average salary of $49,450.
The most common combination of graphic designer certifications include: Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP), Certified Digital Designer (CDD), and Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM).
Online courses for graphic designers to earn certifications
1. User Experience Design Immersive (Full-time)
Launch a future-proof career designing digital experiences that power revenue, user loyalty, and product success. Distinguish yourself as a designer by compiling a portfolio to showcase solo, group, and client projects to employers based on UI design and Agile methodologies...
2. User Experience Design (Part Time)
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...
3. UX Designer
Design impactful user experiences for products in today’s digital world. Build a portfolio that showcases your ability to transform user research to high-fidelity interactive designs...
4. Product Design
Learn the steps you need to turn an idea into reality. By the end of this course you’ll learn how to bring an idea from concept to hand off for development and onto creation of a prototype...
5. 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!...
6. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design
The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...
7. Visual Design (Part Time)
Gain the vocabulary and tools to tackle diverse design challenges on the job. Kickstart your portfolio and create beautiful, responsive designs for the web. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
8. Intro to UX Design
Are you interested in UX Design, but have no prior experience or an idea of where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this two-hour livestream, we’ll explore the decision-making process that separates a good user experience from a great one, and learn some tools that you can implement in your own UX process today. All in real time, taught by an industry professional. Come learn the basics and gain the skills you need to begin your UX Design journey!...
9. Graphic Design Mastery- AI, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign
Graphic Design for beginners including Graphic Design Theories, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AI & Creative Thinking...
10. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners
Photoshop graphic design for beginners! Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...
11. T-Shirt Design Workshop 02: Mixed Media Design
Create T-Shirt Designs using Photoshop, Illustrator, and hand-drawing techniques...
12. Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design
Design 4 Beautiful eye catching Graphic Design Projects from Scratch with Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design Basics...
13. Graphic Design Masterclass Intermediate: The NEXT Level
Up Your Graphic Design Skills: Logo Design, Photo Manipulation, Package Design, Infographics, Portfolio Building, Grids!...
14. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects
Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...
15. T-Shirt Design Workshop 01: Foundation
Design a t-shirt like a professional: specialty printing methods, fabrics, inks, dyes, and washes...
16. T-Shirt Design Masterclass In Photoshop Sell Your T-Shirt
Design Stylish TShirt Photoshop With Adobe Photoshop CC and Learn How To Earn Money By T-Shirt Design...
17. Graphic Design Bootcamp: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
Bestselling Beginner Course! Use Photoshop, Illustrator, & In Design for logo design, web design, poster design, and more...
18. 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!...
19. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects
Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...
20. The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course
Learn Graphic Design Theory and the Basic Principles of Color Theory, Typography, Branding, Logo Design, Layout & More!...