Web Designer Certifications

A question asked by many aspiring Web Designers concerns whether or not they will need to become certified in elements of the web design process. This can be a difficult question to answer because it varies greatly depending on the kind of work a designer wants to pursue, and it depends on the kind of training a designer needs to complement their existing skills.

It is also potentially challenging because there are multiple ways to become certified, and it is possible to become a certified professional in a design tool as opposed to becoming a certified designer. Read on to learn more about the different types of certifications available and the advantages of being certified as a Web Designer.

What is a Web Designer?

Web Designers are creative professionals who are tasked with designing the layout and assets for webpages and mobile applications. They are creative professionals who are responsible for designing evocative and visually appealing web designs for their clients, and they will work on a diverse range of different projects. They tend to be well-rounded creatives who use both creative software applications and programming knowledge to design and build web applications. Using software applications such as Figma or Adobe XD, web designers will construct the appearance and feel of both the visual and functional elements of a webpage before handing that design off to web developers who will make the design a reality. At smaller firms, a Web Designer may also be expected to work on the programming side of a web design project, so most Web Designers learn the basics of HTML/CSS and JavaScript.

Web designers are most commonly employed by design firms that contract their service to clients, though many work as self-employed freelancers or work in-house for large businesses that are regularly building or updating web applications. They will most frequently work as part of large teams of designers and developers when working on large projects, but they may also find themselves working on individual smaller assignments, particularly if they are working as freelancers. Web Designers may specialize in working on specific elements or aspects of webpages or digital applications, such as building user interfaces or working on the tactile elements of a webpage to build a positive user experience.

Do Certifications Matter for Web Designers?

While it will vary between job openings, being certified in any given tool or skill is rarely required of Web Designers. Far more important than any professional credentials is a candidate’s ability to demonstrate their proficiency with an impressive design portfolio. However, being able to demonstrate that you have professional skills training and that you were able to become certified can help set you apart from other competitive candidates. This means that becoming certified is a very good idea, but it is unlikely to be the most important or first step that you take in your pursuit of a web design career.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Designers unfamiliar with the professional terminology may not know that there are actually two ways to become certified in web design skills. Certificates and Certifications are not the same thing, and they mark proficiency in different ways. 

Certifications are awarded to students who pass proficiency exams demonstrating their skills in a given program or field. They are usually administered by a third party and have an associated fee. These tests rarely come with associated skills training, though some may offer study materials (sometimes for an additional fee). These certifications also tend to expire over time, so certified professionals may need to take the exams regularly in order to keep their certifications up to date.

Certificates are more akin to diplomas, and they are awarded to students who complete industry-recognized skills training programs. These programs are designed for students with minimal prior experience in tools like Photoshop or Figma, and they are often taken by students who don’t have a college degree. These classes are perfect for students who need additional skills training since that is the primary benefit of the course. These certificates tend not to expire, so once you have completed a training program, you will always be able to list it among your professional accreditation certificates.

How to Get Certified as a Web Designer

For the most part, the best way to become certified as a Web Designer will depend on your specific goals and how much prior training you have in web design skills. Students who have significant on-the-job experience or who have a formal degree in web design skills will find it easier to pass a certification exam since they won’t need the extra training provided by a certificate-granting program.

Students without college degrees or on-the-job experience, or those who are new to the field of web design entirely, will want to enroll in a certificate-granting program. These courses will give them the hands-on experience that they need to master web design tools and techniques and as an added bonus, they will receive a certificate demonstrating that they have formal professional training when they enter the job market.

Enrolling in a shorter certificate-granting course is also an ideal way to brush up on your skills for when you intend to sit down for a certification exam. While many certification-granting exam services offer course review material, it is much easier to ensure that you are reviewing properly with the assistance of a professional, live instructor who can guide you through the training process.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Web Designers

Students looking for a comprehensive skills training course that will also demonstrate that they have become certified as a trained Web Designer should consider enrolling in Noble Desktop’s Web Design Certificate program. In this class, students will receive guided instruction from experienced professionals in all aspects of professional web design. They will learn how to use tools like Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator, and they will receive training in important principles of web design, including some basic UX design training. This course provides students with one-on-one career mentorship and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn web design skills in preparation for the job market.

Students who already have significant experience with web design tools may want to pursue other means of becoming certified in tools like Photoshop and Figma. Adobe provides users with the opportunity to become Adobe Certified Professionals, and Figma offers a wide range of certification exams. Students looking for a broader certification exam can explore the International Webmaster Association’s certification options.

Students looking for more targeted skills training, either to receive a certificate or to prepare for a certification exam, may wish to consider enrolling in a skills bootcamp, such as Noble’s Figma Bootcamp or their Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp. These skills-focused classes are shorter than career-certificate programs and aren’t enough to fully prepare students for a new career, but they are ideal ways to both become certified and to prepare for a certification exam.

Key Takeaways

• Aspiring Web Designers may want to consider becoming certified in either web design or specific web design tools. While this will rarely be a job requirement, it is a good way to strengthen your application.
• There are two ways to become certified. Students can either pass a certification exam or complete a certificate-granting training program.
• Certification exams are the ideal route for students with significant on-the-job experience or who have a degree in web design.
• Certificate-granting programs are best suited for students who need significant hands-on training to prepare for a career in web design.
• Students looking to enroll in a certificate-granting program or just to prepare for passing a certification exam should consider the comprehensive training options available through Noble Desktop. These courses cover all aspects of web design and are taught by experienced instructors either in person or in live online training classrooms.