Illustrator Certifications and Certificates

Illustrator is an Adobe graphic design application. If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your skills in Illustrator, you might be overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available. You might also have a lot of questions, such as what is the difference between a certificate and a certification? How long does it take to get certified? How much will being certified improve my career opportunities? This article aims to provide answers to these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path toward an Illustrator certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics design tool used in numerous industries, including graphic design and web design. This program allows users to build graphics and illustrations out of vectors, meaning that the designs are composed of lines, shapes, and points. These illustrations are easily resizable with minimal decay in graphics quality (unlike pixel-based graphics, which do not resize without becoming blurry or blocky). Images designed in Illustrator are perfect for packaging, advertising, or branding endeavors where the same image needs to be placed on different-sized products, such as both a business card and a billboard. According to Adobe, “It’s the industry-standard software application for anyone, anywhere, who wants to work with vector graphics.”

Illustrator is also a key part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, a collection of creative tools that give graphic designers a wide range of options for creating stunning visual imagery. These programs are seamlessly integrated and built to allow optimized crossover. Illustrator is frequently used alongside Adobe Photoshop (a program with a similar but distinct function) and Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, video editing programs that utilize Illustrator to create animated effects.

Read more about what Illustrator is and why you should learn it.

History of Illustrator

Illustrator was first released in 1986, and was made available to the public in 1987. It quickly became an industry standard program. Illustrator was also part of a revolution in the field of graphic design. LinkedIn explains that before computers, Graphic Designers mainly created by hand, using tools like pencils, brushes, glue, and scissors. It says, “Graphic designers had to draw sketches, make mock-ups, and print proofs on paper, film, or metal plates. They also had to work with typographers, printers, and photographers to produce the final product. The process was time-consuming, costly, and limited by the available materials and techniques.” 

That changed with computers and programs like Illustrator that allowed Graphic Designers to create and manipulate images on a screen. Not only did this new technology give designers a wide range of new abilities, but it also made graphic design more affordable and more accessible. The internet also changed graphic design, bringing new formats like apps, websites, and social media. LinkedIn argues that the job of graphic design changed significantly with the digital revolution. It says, “First, it expanded the scope and diversity of graphic design projects.” With Illustrator, Graphic Designers could work on more types of media, like animation and games. Second, explains LinkedIn, with all of the new tools in Illustrator, Graphic Designers could work more quickly and more efficiently. Finally, it says, “[Illustrator] enhanced the creativity and innovation of graphic design work, as graphic designers could experiment with different styles, effects, and combinations, using digital tools and resources.”

Since its release in 1986, Illustrator has continued to evolve. The most recent release of Illustrator is version 28.0. In 2013, Adobe’s Creative Cloud was released, with Illustrator and other Adobe applications moving to an online subscription model. 

What Can You Do with Illustrator?

Illustrator is a vector graphics design tool that lets users create their own illustrations. Using points, lines, shapes, and text, the program lets users build vector graphics illustrations designed to be infinitely scalable, letting users resize them at will. Therefore, Illustrator is ideal for drawing images that will be mass-produced and placed in multiple contexts, such as art prints, company logos, branded merchandise, official letterhead seals, and many other types of designs. Illustrator lets users build an image once and repurpose it on everything from water bottles to billboards.

Using Illustrator, creatives can build recognizable logos and iconography to help define a client’s brand identity. The most common uses of Illustrator are within the graphic design and advertising industries, though other industries, such as the fashion industry, have their uses for Illustrator. In these professional settings, users can construct illustrations that quickly and effectively convey meaning and help consumers recognize the products being sold. Almost all product packaging is made using vector graphics, meaning that almost every company selling a product to consumers will use Illustrator.

For non-professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs, learning InDesign can help users build their online identities. Small business owners, crafters looking to break into Etsy, local musicians looking to sell decals, or even activists wanting to build memorable logos and signage for their organization all benefit from learning Illustrator. Adobe Product Manager Anubhav Rohatgi explains that one thing that he loves about Illustrator is that it allows both experienced Graphic Designers and people with a lot less experience to create professional-looking graphics. He says, “Illustrator makes it possible for me to realize my vision. Even though I may not have the most dexterity when it comes to creating art or design, it’s Illustrator that makes it possible for a less dexterous person, as well as really talented one, to both realize their potential with digital tools.”

What’s the Difference Between Illustrator and Photoshop?

Photoshop is another Adobe application that is commonly used in graphic design, and because it has a number of similarities with Illustrator, some people get confused about the differences between the two. Photoshop and Illustrator are both used for creating and editing images, however, they have different types of uses. Adobe explains, “Both products let you create beautiful, precise designs and graphics. The difference lies in how they’re created. Illustrator is best for creating graphics that can be infinitely scaled up or down without blurring or losing sharpness, since they’re made of points, lines, and curves — not pixels. Use these vector graphics in any format you like — small or extra-large, digital or print. Photoshop, on the other hand, is ideal for working with photos and creating or editing pixel-based, or raster, graphics.” In some cases, you might end up working with both programs. For instance, you might create a background image with Photoshop, and then import it into Illustrator to add graphics or text.

Illustrator Careers

Illustrator is used to create a variety of different scalable designs such as logos, product packaging, and branded merchandise, and is utilized in many different industries, including graphic design, digital design, fashion design, and UI/UX design. This user-friendly program is also popular among non-professionals looking to create brand identities.

Graphic Designer: Graphic Designers create visuals that express ideas. They use Illustrator for a wide range of different types of projects for both print and digital media, such as logos, infographics, and marketing materials.

Digital Designer: Digital Designers use Illustrator to create digital visuals like animations and graphics for digital media such as mobile applications and websites. Some Digital Designers specialize in specific types of media, such as video or websites.

Fashion Designer: Part of the fashion design process is drawing prototypes and mockups of clothing design. By using Illustrator, designers can do so more quickly and easily, and also have more freedom to manipulate their designs.

UI/UX Designer: The role of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Designers is to improve the appearance and functionality of a variety of different digital interfaces. These types of designers use Illustrator for prototyping and design.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a federal agency that gathers information about the U.S. labor market, predicts that graphic design jobs will increase by about 3 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is about as fast as average. It finds that there is likely to be a decrease in print media, which will limit employment growth. However, on the other hand, it says, “As companies continue to increase their digital presence, graphic designers may be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and social media sites.” BLS finds that California has the highest employment level for graphic designers, with an estimated 32,000 people working in this field. It is followed by New York, employing about 18,000 people, and Texas, and Florida, which employ about 13,000 each. The District of Columbia, New York, and California are the highest-paying states. The annual mean way for a Graphic Designer in the District of Columbia is almost $88,000. In New York and California, it is just over $80,000.

For Web Developers and Digital Designers, BLS predicts a much higher job growth rate than for Graphic Designers; 16 percent over the next ten years. The agency explains that this growth is a result of the continually increasing use of digital technology like e-commerce and mobile devices. It says, “Employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow as e-commerce continues to expand. As retail firms keep increasing their online offerings, demand for these workers is expected to grow. In addition, the continued use of mobile devices to search the web is expected to generate demand for web developers and digital designers to create websites and interfaces that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes.” BLS finds that California, New York, Washington, and Texas have the highest employment levels for Web and Digital Interface Designers, and also for Web Developers. For Web and Digital Interface Designers, the top-paying states are California, which pays about $145,000, New York, which pays about $117,000, and Washington, at about $115,000. For Web Developers, Washington, Delaware, and the District of Columbia pay the most; $135,000 for Washington, and $109,000 for Delaware and the District of Columbia. For the country as a whole, the median pay for Web Designers and Digital Developers is $80,000 per year. This is almost double the median annual wage for all workers in the United States, which is $46,000.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Since they sound similar, new and aspiring professional designers might assume that certifications and certificates are the same things. However, there are a few important distinctions between the two, and aspiring professionals may need to understand the difference.

Certificates are provided by third parties and reflect the completion of an industry-recognized training program. Some of these certificates are also recognized by first-party organizations, in this case, Adobe, or by state governing or licensing boards. Certificates often do not expire. Every school offers its own unique certificate programs. Some programs include the fees for taking a certification exam in their cost, which is an element to consider when choosing a certificate program. In contrast, certifications are earned after a user passes a proctored exam demonstrating proficiency in the program, and those certifications tend only to last a limited amount of time. For Illustrator certification, users must pass a 50-minute exam proctored by Adobe. Their certification lasts for three years, at which point a user will need to take an updated version of the exam. Certifications are the same no matter where you get them, because they are industry-standard qualifications.

Training certificates offer students hands-on experience working with Adobe Illustrator and demonstrate to employers that those employees have received instruction in the functions of a given program. These certificates are an ideal way to receive training because employers accept them as a mark of one’s skills. Most certificate programs are appropriate for beginners, and are designed to get students ready for an entry-level job in their chosen field. Certification exams expect that test-takers are already proficient in the program in which they are being certified and are ideally suited for users who have already received training or have hands-on job experience that replicates the skills one would be expected to receive in a hands-on training course.

Both certificates and certifications have become increasingly popular in recent years among job seekers who want to learn the skills they need for careers like graphic design and digital design, but don’t have the time or money it takes to complete a traditional four-year college degree. According to the Education Data Initiative, in the United States, college costs an average of $36,436 per student per year. That can be prohibitive for many people. A lot of students are discovering that they can learn the skills they need in a certificate or certification program instead. 

There is also evidence that an increasing number of employers are focusing more on job skills than degrees too. In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the author explains, “Companies like Apple, Tesla, IBM, Delta Airlines, and Hilton . . . no longer require a college degree for an interview. They realize that the mindsets, abilities, and skills gained from life experience can be as valuable as university diplomas in today’s fast-changing world.” According to the 2022 Graduate Employability Report by the Cengage Group, a significant number of college graduates actually regret their decision to attend college because of the debt they are saddled with afterward. A Cengage press release states, “With the average [college] graduate taking on $37,000 in debt, many are experiencing ‘buyer’s remorse’ and just 25 percent say they would follow the same education path.” The study’s researchers found that if they could make the decision over again, many people would pursue a credential in an in-demand field instead.

Will I Need to Be Certified in Illustrator to Get a Job?

Unlike some professional careers, very few Illustrator careers require certification in the program. However, both employers and designers say that being certified can definitely help you get a job because it is a good way to prove your job skills, and it can distinguish you from other candidates. Certification provider Certiport explains that Adobe certification courses are specifically designed to cover the skills needed in the professional world. This is part of what makes them attractive to employers. Certiport says, “Adobe’s associate-level certifications are based on research about digital communications skills required by industry, government, and education. The objectives reflect the foundation skills needed to be successful communicators in today’s digital world.” In addition to certificates or certifications, employment in jobs that include Illustrator are often heavily influenced by a prospective designer’s ability to demonstrate proficiency in graphic design with a professional sample portfolio. However, in a competitive environment, Illustrator certification can help set applicants apart from one another and give certified designers a leg-up. Certification won’t be a replacement for an impressive sample portfolio, but it is a solid complement to other job materials.

How Will Being Certified in Illustrator Help Me Get a Job?

Being certified in Illustrator can help you get a job because it proves to employers that you have mastered this program. A recent LinkedIn post explains, “Similar to how a college degree proves that you’ve passed all the required courses in your field of study, your Adobe certification demonstrates your skills with Adobe. Prospective employers no longer need to take you at your word that you are competent.” Many employers say that they are more likely to consider job candidates who are certified than those who are not.

Illustrator is also an in-demand skill in many industries. Adobe maintains that visual communication skills in general are highly sought-after in the current job market. It says, “The modern digital landscape is fast-paced. Ads on social media platforms, mobile apps, and websites are all clamouring for the user’s attention. Bold, eye-catching visual communication that can quickly convey important information is necessary in every industry.” Illustrator is one popular way to create eye-catching visual communication. 

Is It Worth It to Become Illustrator Certified?

There are a number of potential benefits to being Illustrator certified. One significant benefit is that you may receive a higher salary. Certiport reports that IT professionals who have certifications earn an average of 7 percent more than non-certified professionals. In addition, it says, those IT professionals who say they gained new skills and/or certifications within the past year, report an average raise of $12,000 to $13,000.

Another benefit is that when you get certified, you increase your knowledge and skills, which allows you to work more effectively. Adobe argues that getting certified is worth it, not just because it raises your earning power and helps you stand out from your competitors, but also because it can help you unleash your creativity. It says, “Once you understand how to use Adobe software, you harness the power to create incredible things. Reaching the level of mastery required for certification allows you to bring your ideas to life with greater ease. With a firm grasp of an app’s full set of features and capabilities, you can focus less on figuring out the tools and more on executing your creative vision.”

How Long Will It Take to Become Illustrator Certified?

The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the course you pick. Most certificate courses cover a wide range of skills and take weeks or months to complete. Even after receiving your certificate, you will probably have to spend additional time practicing with Illustrator in order to really master this program. Certification classes are generally shorter than certificate programs, however, they usually require that you already have a certain amount of expertise in the subject matter. Some people enroll in a comprehensive certificate program as a way to prepare for a certification.

How Hard Is It to Become Illustrator Certified?

The degree of difficulty involved in getting certified varies from person to person and is affected by many different factors including how much you already know about design, what type of class you take, and how much time you spend practicing your skills. Most people say that it is relatively easy to learn the basics of Illustrator, but that mastering it can be more difficult, and take a lot of practice. Overall though, becoming Illustrator certified is something that can be achieved by almost anyone.

Some people choose to become certified in Illustrator only, while others choose a program where they can be certified in a broader subject like graphic design. The decision about what to focus on depends on your career goals. If you already work in a field like graphic design or digital design, then Illustrator may be all you need, and might be a great option for getting ahead in your career. On the other hand, if you want to learn a broad range of skills that will prepare you to work in one of these fields, then you may want to choose a more comprehensive program like a graphic design certificate. 

Where Can I Get Certified in Illustrator?

Noble Desktop provides multiple paths to receive certificates of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator. Upon completion of Noble’s intensive Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, students will receive a certificate of completion demonstrating to potential employers that they have received reputable, industry-recognized training in Adobe Illustrator. In this training program, students will learn to create different types of graphics, such as logos and packaging. They will also learn to use the Pen tool, and will learn about shapes, brushes, and paint tools. In addition, they will learn to create vector graphics with gradients and blends, patterns to use in graphics and fashion design, and graphics for packaging. This class, like all Noble offerings, comes with the option of a free retake within one year, which can be a valuable opportunity to refresh your skills.

Noble also offers a path for receiving industry-recognized certificates through its Graphic Design Certificate program, its Digital Design Certificate program, and its UI Design Certificate program. Rather than focusing on a single skill, like the Illustrator Bootcamp, these longer and more in-depth career-focused programs provide students with training in several tools to assist them in specific career paths. In addition, students work on projects that they can include in a portfolio. Each course also includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, where students can get extra practice on challenging concepts, or receive career support. These programs are approved by the New York State Department of Education.

The Graphic Design Certificate covers essential graphic design skills. Students learn a variety of design concepts, such as color, design theory, composition, and typography. They also learn to use Photoshop to edit photos, InDesign for designing page layouts, and Illustrator for creating vector graphics. Students also learn to speak about their work and to evaluate and incorporate critiques.

In the Digital Design Certificate, students also learn to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They also learn to use Figma for UI design. In addition, instructors cover key design concepts and theories, such as the elements of design, and help students gain a strong understanding of processes and workflows.

The UI Design Certificate is intended for students interested in UI design for websites and mobile apps. Students learn UI design essentials, such as color, typography, composition, user interface elements, and interactivity. They also learn to use Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator for website and app design.

Many other schools also provide Illustrator training. Ledet Training is an Adobe Authorized Training Provider that offers both in-person and live online classes in a variety of Adobe applications. Illustrator Bootcamp Training Course is designed for beginners, and takes students up to an intermediate level of mastery. It covers creating mocks and dashboards for prototyping, creating logos, color, and typography. In addition, students learn color control and complex airbrush effects. Ledet recommends this course for students who want to become an Adobe Certified Expert.

Training Connection also offers an Illustrator Bootcamp, designed to give aspiring Graphic Designers a comprehensive understanding of this program. This course is a combination of Training Connection’s fundamental and advanced courses. It covers drawing basics and advanced techniques, creating infographics, advanced text and typography, image tracing, painting, prototyping, and blending. Students also work on a variety of projects including developing a corporate identity, and creating a cereal box. Training Connection is based in downtown Los Angeles, but also offers online classes.

If you’re interested in graphic design, ONLC Training Centers offers Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp. This course introduces students to Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Students also learn the basics of graphic design. In addition, they learn about organizing projects and workflow in Adobe Bridge. ONLC Training Centers was founded in 1983 and offers hands-on training in numerous locations across the United States.

New York City-based NYC Career Centers also offers a course in graphic design that includes instruction in Illustrator. Its Graphic Design Certificate is licensed by the New York State Department of Education, and covers the basics of graphic design. Students also learn to use Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, which are often used within the field of graphic design. In addition to working on real-world projects that they can use for their portfolios, students also receive one-on-one mentoring sessions.

If you’re looking for more Illustrator class options, one good way to compare your choices is to use the Classes Near Me tool, which was created by Noble Desktop to help students search and compare Illustrator classes both in their area and live online. 

Certification in Illustrator

Official, first-party certification in Adobe Illustrator is granted upon passing a 90-minute skills exam proctored by Certiport. Adobe recommends that test-takers have approximately 150 hours of instruction and hands-on experience prior to sitting for an exam. 

To help students prepare, Noble offers an Illustrator Certification Program. This course is designed to help students pass the Adobe Certified Professional exam for Illustrator. It includes 18 hours of comprehensive Illustrator training. There are also three two-hour private tutoring sessions. In addition, students receive proprietary workbooks and have access to additional videos that can help prepare them for the exam. The cost of this course also covers proctoring service for the exam, the exam fee, and a free retake, if necessary. Students who don’t want to take the exam can receive an extra hour of private tutoring instead.

Technology training and certification provider ThinkB!G.LearnSmart offers a certification course called Adobe Illustrator BootCamp / ACP Live Hands-On Instructor-Led Training Class & Certification Pack for Adobe Certified Professional. In this class, students get four days of instruction in Illustrator. They also have access to an online test prep tool, which simulates the actual test. Finally, the course includes an exam voucher and one free retake. If students take the test at the school’s Columbia, MD, location, then the testing proctor fee is included too.

Can I Learn Illustrator Online for Free?

The Internet contains a wealth of free Illustrator resources. For instance, you’ll see hundreds of tutorials on YouTube. The Adobe website also has many free tutorials, such as how to create a web icon in Illustrator, and how to bend and twist artwork. After seeing some of these resources, you may be wondering whether you can learn this application online for free. Unfortunately, most of the free Illustrator resources that you’ll find online don’t provide a comprehensive Illustrator education. Instead, they generally teach you one or two new skills, provide tips and tricks, or share solutions to common problems. If you’re serious about learning Illustrator, you’ll probably need to invest in a paid class where you have access to an expert instructor. With a paid class, you’ll get guidance and feedback, access to a comprehensive course, and in many cases, a certificate or certification to show your achievement.

What Should I Consider Learning in Addition to Illustrator?

Design

No matter how you’re using Illustrator, you’re likely to benefit from some knowledge of the principles of design. All of the elements in a design work to influence viewers in a specific way, and by learning about how these elements work, you can create designs that do what you want them to. Understanding design will greatly increase your power as a designer.

Photoshop

Photoshop is another Adobe application that is commonly used in design. While Illustrator is used for designing and editing vector graphics, Photoshop is used to edit raster images, which are made of pixels. It is one of the most popular photo and image editing programs. Since both Photoshop and Illustrator are Adobe products, they integrate easily with one another, and many designers use them in combination.

Video Editing

The majority of digital content now includes video, so video editing skills can be beneficial in any kind of digital design job. Designers have discovered that video is a great way to grab the attention of viewers, and can increase viewership significantly. According to a recent Forbes article, adding video to a website can increase the time viewers spend there by 88 percent. As a result of statistics like this, it is becoming less and less common to find a website that does not have video content.

Soft Skills

Soft skills can help you be more successful in any type of job. They include things like communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Even if you spend the majority of your day working on your computer, you will probably need to interact with employers and fellow employees at some point. Strong soft skills can help these interactions go more smoothly, and make you more productive.

How Can I Choose an Illustrator Class?

There are dozens of different Illustrator class options, and it can be overwhelming to narrow down your options. One way to do so is to think about what type of format you want. Fifty years ago, if you wanted to take a class to learn a new skill, you did so in person. With digital technology, that has changed. Students now have the option of learning online. In-person classes remain popular, however, live online and on-demand classes are two other common learning formats. In order to choose the format that works best for you, you need to consider how much time you have available for learning, how much you can spend on a class, and how much instructor support you need. You should also think about whether or not you are good at working independently.

In-Person Illustrator Classes

Despite the growing popularity of online classes, many people still prefer in-person training when they want to learn a new skill. In-person training gives you face-to-face interaction with your instructor and classmates. You can ask questions, get immediate feedback, and network. In addition, it can be easier to focus since you are in an environment that has minimal distractions and is dedicated to learning. The biggest drawback to in-person learning is that you need to commute to class. That can be both expensive and inconvenient, depending on where you live. When you learn in person, you are also limited in your class options, since you need to physically get to the class location. If you don’t live in a major city, this can be a more significant problem.

Live Online (Virtual) Illustrator Classes

With live online classes, you don’t need to commute, and thus have access to a much wider range of classes. You can attend a class in another city or state if you want to. To attend live online, students simply log in with their computers. This format is still live and in real-time, just like an in-person class. Instructors can answer questions and provide immediate feedback. In some cases, they can even see and control student screens if they are given permission. Students can also interact with classmates in a live online classroom. The biggest potential problems with this format are related to technology; you’ll need to provide your own equipment, and depending on your level of expertise, you may experience technical difficulties, such as software or internet connection problems.

On-Demand Illustrator Classes

Like live online classes, on-demand classes are attended via computer. However, unlike the live online format, on-demand classes are asynchronous. That means they are not live. Instead, you work through the course material at your own pace. This format has the most flexibility, and is popular among students who have busy schedules. One thing many students like about the on-demand format is that they can personalize their learning by pausing, fast-forwarding, or rewinding the class whenever they need to. A downside is that learning on-demand tends to require more focus and motivation than the other class formats, since students have such a high level of flexibility.

Corporate & Onsite Illustrator Training

Many businesses find that it can be beneficial to have employees who are fluent in Illustrator. Noble Desktop offers onsite and virtual graphic design classes, including courses focused on Illustrator. These take place either onsite, or live via Zoom. Expert instructors can customize the course content to suit company needs. Course participants also receive comprehensive support materials like access to premium training videos, to utilize after the class is over. Another popular corporate training option is to purchase discounted group vouchers so that employees can enroll in Noble Illustrator group classes individually. For information about corporate Illustrator training, contact Noble Desktop.