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Best project designer certifications
Project designer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an project designer to employers. However, not all project designer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a project designer are Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Engineer In Training Certification (EIT), and LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED).
Below is a list of the best project designer certifications. Obtaining an project designer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for project designers
| Rank | Project designer certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | CIDQ |
| 2 | Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) | NCEES |
| 3 | LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED) | GBCI |
| 4 | National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | NCIDQ |
| 5 | Certified Agile Developer (CAD) | GAQM |
| 6 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
| 7 | Certified Urban Designer (CUD) | APA |
| 8 | Certified Professional Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 | Autodesk, Inc... |
| 9 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
9 best project designer 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. Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)
The EIT Certification, which is formally known as the Engineer In Training Certification, is simply a document, a number, granted by the individual’s state engineering board after they pass the Engineer In Training Exam. The Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam) is the first of two exams you will take as you move towards obtaining your Professional Engineering License (PE). This exam, which you may also hear referred to as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE Exam), is developed and administered in all states (and a number of locations outside the US) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The FE Exam is offered to eligible students year-round in four different testing windows.
- 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. 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)
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 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
6. 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)
7. Certified Urban Designer (CUD)
Advanced Specialty Certification in Urban Design recognizes an individual's knowledge, experience, and application of design principles.
- 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)
8. Certified Professional Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals.
- 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?
9. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a project designer?
The best project designer 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 project designer 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 project designers?
The most in-demand project designer certification is Certified Interior Designer based on all active job postings. Having this project designer certification will give you access to more project designer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a project designer career and salary?
The Certified Interior Designer certification will help you to secure a interior designer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A interior designer's average salary is $54,783 whereas project designers make an average salary of $64,943.
The most common combination of project designer certifications include: Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Engineer In Training Certification (EIT), and LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED).
Online courses for project designers to earn certifications
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