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Best graphic designer/production certifications

The best certifications for a graphic designer/production are Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM), Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), and Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ).

Graphic designer/production certifications demonstrate your competency as a graphic designer/production to employers. However, not all graphic designer/production certifications provide the same value.

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

4 best certifications for graphic designer/productions

4 best graphic designer/production certifications

1. 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)

2. 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.

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 3 year(s)

3. 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.

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 1 year(s)
Certifying website
Certified Interior Designer
Certifying organization
Council for Interior Design...

4. 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.

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 graphic designer/production?

The best graphic designer/production certification is Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM). The Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM) is awarded by the In-Plant Printing and Mailing 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/production certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 5 year.

What certifications can impact a graphic designer/production career and salary?

The Certified Graphics Communications Manager 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 designer/productions make an average salary of $48,619.

Best certifications

The most common combination of graphic designer/production certifications include: Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM), Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), and Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ).

Online courses for graphic designer/productions to earn certifications

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1. User Experience Design Immersive (Full-time)

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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)

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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...

3. UX Designer

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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

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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

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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

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The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...

7. Visual Design (Part Time)

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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

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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. T-Shirt Design Workshop 02: Mixed Media Design

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Create T-Shirt Designs using Photoshop, Illustrator, and hand-drawing techniques...

10. Graphic Design Mastery- AI, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign

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Graphic Design for beginners including Graphic Design Theories, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AI & Creative Thinking...

11. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners

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Photoshop graphic design for beginners!  Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...

12. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects

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Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...

13. Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design

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Design 4 Beautiful eye catching Graphic Design Projects from Scratch with Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design Basics...

14. Graphic Design Masterclass Intermediate: The NEXT Level

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Up Your Graphic Design Skills: Logo Design, Photo Manipulation, Package Design, Infographics, Portfolio Building, Grids!...

15. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects

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Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...

16. T-Shirt Design Workshop 01: Foundation

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Design a t-shirt like a professional: specialty printing methods, fabrics, inks, dyes, and washes...

17. Graphic Design Bootcamp: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

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Bestselling Beginner Course! Use Photoshop, Illustrator, & In Design for logo design, web design, poster design, and more...

18. T-Shirt Design Masterclass In Photoshop Sell Your T-Shirt

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Design Stylish TShirt Photoshop With Adobe Photoshop CC and Learn How To Earn Money By T-Shirt Design...

19. The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course

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Learn Graphic Design Theory and the Basic Principles of Color Theory, Typography, Branding, Logo Design, Layout & More!...

20. Graphic Design Masterclass: Design 40+ Projects in Photoshop

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Use Photoshop to create YT thumbnails, banners, catalogues, Instagram & Facebook Graphics, Cards, CV, Newsletters & more...

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