What certificates and certifications are you required to have before getting a job as a UX/UI Designer? Theoretically, you can teach yourself UX/UI design and get a job as a designer, but it is much easier and quicker to take classes and earn a certificate. While there is no legal requirement for certification, earning a certificate shows prospective employers that you have the ability and dedication to do the job. After you have worked as a designer for a while, you can take some extra courses and earn a UX Master Certification if you wish.

Certificate Programs 

In a UX/UI design certificate program, you will learn all of the skills you need to find a job in the user-centered design field. You will learn how to conduct user research, create scenarios and personas, and build journey maps. You’ll learn to create prototypes using digital design tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma. You’ll conduct usability testing, then present your findings to the class. You will create a case study documenting your process, and this will go into your portfolio to help you get your first design job. This course will teach you the basic foundations and practices in user experience design.

The assignments in certificate programs are designed to create a portfolio that you can show to prospective employers and clients. You will also get a mentor, an experienced UX/UI Designer, whom you can talk to for career advice and help with your job search as part of the certificate course. This includes a critique and help with putting together your portfolio. Another advantage of taking a UX/UI design certificate course is that the instructors are professionals employed in the design industry. They are working with the latest technology and know about current trends. 

Training Schools Offering Certificate Courses

There are many schools offering design certificates. Some things to consider when choosing a school is its reputation in the design industry. What kind of reviews do they have? Is the certificate they issue recognized as having value by other designers? Is the certificate registered with the state department of education? Do their fees fit your budget? Does the school offer financial aid to students? There are many levels to choose from, and schools usually let you choose to attend part-time or full-time. Does the format fit your learning style? Do you prefer to attend class in person or online? Do you prefer a real-time or self-paced class?

Here is a list of some well-known training programs in UX/UI design:

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Certificate Course?

It takes between 3 and 6 months to complete most certificate courses. Noble Desktop requires 78 hours of instruction to complete a UX/UI design certificate. You can choose between full or part-time classes and whether you want classes that meet during the day, evening, or on weekends, so you can work around your current job schedule. When you complete a certificate course, you will receive a digital certificate that you can post on LinkedIn or your website. Noble Desktop issues a verified digital certificate of completion recognized by the New York State Department of Education. This type of certificate, along with a high-quality portfolio of work, can help you get a job as a UX/UI Designer.

How Much Does a Certificate Course Cost?

The cost for courses varies widely. It can cost as much as $15,000 - $16,000 or as little as $39 per month. Noble Desktop’s UX/UI design certificate course costs around $3,000 for the two-four month program. Financing is available through an installment program or student loans. Some employers also reimburse for tuition. Another advantage to the Noble Desktop program is the ability to repeat a class for free during the subsequent year.

UX Master Certification

Nielsen Norman Group (NNg) offers a certification available to experienced designers. The UX Master Certification indicates excellence in design and is open to UX Designers who have become experts in their field. To be eligible for the Master Certification, designers must complete 15 training courses through NNg. The 15 courses can include the 5 courses necessary for the UX Design Certificate, plus 10 more. The classes can be completed in person at a conference or online, and the participant must score at least 80% on the completion exams at the end of each class. The Master Certification takes two or more years to complete and never expires. 

What if There Aren’t Any Certificate Courses Near Me?

If you would like to learn more about UX/UI design and possibly switch to a new career, one of the best ways is to sign up for classes. Some people prefer to attend brick-and-mortar sessions when learning new information, but that isn’t always available. Live online classes have a similar set-up with a real-time, remote instructor who can answer questions and take control of your monitor—with permission—to show you how to do things. Training is part or full-time and available weekdays, weeknights, or weekends to fit your schedule. You can choose classes that meet in-person or online to learn design software and other applications.

Conclusion

It’s easy to learn UX design and start a new career with a certificate course through Noble Desktop. Check out the UX design classes or visual design classes offered. Choose between in-person sessions in NYC at Noble’s location or sign up for live online UX/UI design courses and attend from anywhere. Use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me to find other UX/UI design bootcamps in your area.