Certifications and certificates are a great way to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers. They not only teach you about a specific skill but provide you with a professional-level title (in the case of certifications) that will make finding a job much easier. However, there are many certifications and certificate programs available for Adobe, which may leave you with more questions than answers. These can make choosing a program tough.
For example, is it worth getting certified in Adobe? How long will it take and will it be hard? Which certification or certificate will help you land a job? How do you prepare for the exams? What kind of jobs even use Adobe these days? Unfortunately, the sheer diversity of options might cause decision paralysis, a common issue that makes it impossible for you to choose. That’s a real concern if you’re serious about learning Adobe to improve your career.
This article aims to answer these questions so you can confidently choose the right path towards an Adobe certification. We’ll not only examine these questions in detail but provide you with some real information about beneficial Adobe certificate and certification programs. By the end, you should know much more about the options available to you and feel confident knowing exactly which makes the most sense. Keep on reading to get the help that you need.
What is Adobe?
Adobe Creative Cloud is a computer software application that allows users access to all the different Adobe programs. This software provides you with a broad range of creative tools that help you edit photos and videos and much more. Creative design and marketing professionals typically use it to create content for print, video, or online distribution. Over the years, it has become the gold standard for digital creative work and is used in many industries.
For example, you can find professionals in nearly every industry that uses Adobe Creative Cloud, including advertising, website design, and video editing. That said, the sheer number of programs available with Adobe can feel staggering. They’re typically designed for very specific purposes such as layout and page design, animation, or even UI/UX design. As a result, there are many certificates and certifications available to meet your needs here.
Thankfully, Adobe simplifies things by centering their programs on the Adobe Creative Cloud. This service connects creativity with collaboration, as the cloud-based systems allow you to share work with fellow creatives and work from anywhere. Furthermore, Adobe’s spectrum of programs allows you to edit photos, create stunning digital designs, build websites, and edit videos. Adobe Creative Cloud stores all your programs under the same roof, allowing you to switch easily between programs as needed.
Using Creative Cloud can also introduce you to new programs you have not used before to help upgrade your career. If you’re interested in mastering Adobe, you can read more about what Adobe is and why you should learn it. You can also check out the list of programs below to learn more about what Adobe has to offer. This in-depth list of programs should make it easier for you to master these different software options and streamline your experience considerably.
Photoshop
Even if you’ve never used this software before, you’ve probably heard the term “Photoshop.” For example, someone you know might claim that a picture you share online looks “Photoshopped.” The ubiquity of that term indicates the sheer popularity of Photoshop in the digital photo editing world.
Photoshop has been the most popular editing software for many years and is currently used by over 200,000 customers. It has a market share of 36.29%, which makes it Adobe’s leading product. However, it’s far from the only program you’ll learn when getting a certification or certificate.
Illustrator
Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics tool that is regularly used to produce unique graphic design content. For example, you might use it to create logos, branded content, digital icons, website graphics, artwork, and promotional materials. It’s the second-most-used software available from Adobe.
Currently, it is used by around 195,000 users and has a market share of about 34.14%. Ironically, the only close competitor to it is Photoshop, which has nearly 10,000 more users. However, the popularity of this software within its specific niche is unmatched, due to Adobe’s strong software design skills.
Acrobat Pro
Acrobat Pro is a popular PDF creation and editing tool that allows you to create simple, easy-to-download files that you can share across the internet. It streamlines the PDF creation process and allows you to perform tasks like editing text, signing forms, and much more. This diverse range of options makes it an in-demand option for many businesses.
Within its specific market, Acrobat Pro is the most heavily used software with a market share of 47.52%. It has over 11,670 users, which is significant for this industry. Comparable products like FlippingBook have a 35.32% market share with just over 8,600 regular users, which showcases Adobe’s dominance.
InDesign
InDesign is used primarily in the publishing industry, as it helps you lay out and design pages for a variety of common print and digital publications. This software includes myriad powerful features that make this process easier, including design templates and much more. Expect to use this software if you plan on working in book or magazine production.
Currently, InDesign is third in the industry with a market share of 11.28%. Note that its primary competitors are Photoshop and Illustrator with user bases of around 200,000 each. With 64,373 active users, InDesign still has a significant market presence and is a great option for people who work in the publishing industry.
Premiere Pro
Anyone working in the video production industry needs to understand Premiere Pro to improve their work. With a market share of 20.83% and 18,318 active customers, it’s second in this market behind Figma (31,803 users with a 36.17% market share). It’s primarily used to edit videos and upload them online or prepare them for other uses.
For example, you could edit an entire movie on Premiere Pro using its powerful and adaptable editing tools. Furthermore, you could create engaging short films, interesting commercials, and much more using its many apps. Its diversity of use makes it a great option if you already have the Adobe Creative Cloud and want to produce films.
After Effects
Adobe After Effects is a Popular Motion Graphics and Visual Effects Animation Software That Makes It Easier for You to Produce Attractive and Engaging Animated Work. for Instance, You Could Create Simple Animations That Improve Your Websites or Even Create Fully Animated Films Using After Effects.
After Effects is Currently the Most Popular Software in Its Field, with over 10,777 Active Users. at First, That Might Not Seem Like a Lot, but the Market for Animation Software is Smaller. Those 10,000 People Represent Nearly 39% of the Full Field. As a Result, Anyone Interested in Animation Should Seriously Consider Learning After Effects.
What Can You Do with Adobe?
Adobe Creative Cloud is a One-stop Shop for All Creative Projects, with Diverse and Engaging Programs That Can Do Just About Everything. for Example, All the Software Discussed Above is Part of Adobe Creative Cloud. That Said, Adobe Has over 20 Applications Used in Myriad Industries. Each of These Software Options Provides a Unique Service That Makes Them Well Worth Considering. a Better Question Might Be: What Can’t You Do with Adobe?
For Example, Adobe’s Five Most Popular Programs, After Effects, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, Are Either Industry Leaders in Their Field or Close to It. As Described Above, They Provide a Unique Array of Useful Services That Can Help You Produce Fantastic Creative Work and Take Your Career to the Next Level. However, Adobe Creative Cloud Has Much More to Explore, Particularly Within Its Less Popular but Still Useful Software.
Put Simply, the Adobe Creative Cloud Offers Applications to Fit Every Project, from Allowing Users to View and Edit PDF Files to Designing and Publishing Web Pages. You Can Also Edit Photos and Videos, Create Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, and Create Page Layouts, Typography, and Illustrations. a Truly Creative Person Might Use All of These Software Tools to Create Attractive Work and Improve Their Career or Even Push Their Earnings to the Next Level.
Additionally, Less Commonly Used Programs Like Adobe Spark Allow Users to Create Social Media or Web Content Directly from Their Computer or Phone. Dreamweaver Allows Users to Publish Web Pages with a Simplified Code Engine. Adobe Aero Focuses on the World of Augmented Reality. InCopy Provides a Collaborative Word Processor for Copywriters and Editors, While Fresco Lets You Produce Digital Art for IPhone and IPad Products and Share Them Online.
As You Can See, There Are Endless Possibilities for Creating with Adobe Creative Cloud. That Sheer Diversity Can Make Choosing the Right Option Challenging, Especially If You’re Interested in Getting Certifications or Certificates. Before Getting Started on This Learning Path, It’s Important That We Take a Deep Look at What Each Has to Offer. Doing so Can Ensure That You Grasp Their Full Potential and Receive the Support Necessary for Taking Your Career to the Next Level.
Certifications Vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?
While Similar in Name, Certifications and Certificates Differ in How You Earn Them. They Also Differ in the Amount of Experience You Need to Get Them. Certificates Are Typically Suitable for Beginners or People Who Are Just Getting into Adobe. for Example, If You’re Just Out of High School or Considering a Career Transition, a Good Certificate Program Can Help You. by Contrast, Certifications Are Suitable for More Experienced People with a Higher Overall Skill Level.
Let’s Examine Certificates First, Assuming That You Likely Have Little to No Work Experience with Adobe. Simply Put, You Earn a Certificate When Taking Learning Programs That Train You to Understand a Skill Set from Beginner to Advanced Capabilities. Once You Finish a Training Course, You Earn a Certificate That You Can Share on Your Physical and Virtual Resume. We Strongly Suggest Starting with One If You’re New to Adobe and Want to Get a Great Start on Your Career.
By Contrast, Certifications Require You to Pass an Exam Proctored by a Third Party to Demonstrate Subject Mastery. Typically, You Can’t Even Apply for Certifications Until You’ve Earned a Specific Number of Work Hours with a Product Such As 200 Hours with Adobe. Note That Prerequisite Time May Include Specialized Training in a Certificate Program. You Get No Extra Training with a Certification: You Simply Take a Test and Get the Certification If You Pass It.
Which of These is Better for Your Career? It’s Not Really a Question of “better” or “worse” When Choosing a Certificate or a Certification. Both Provide Many Benefits That Make Them Worth Pursuing. Choosing Between Them is More a Matter of Picking an Option That Suits Your Career. for Example, Certificates Work Best If You Have No Real Adobe Knowledge and Want to Get into This Field. Certifications Are Appropriate If You Already Know Adobe but Want to Stand Out.
Is It Worth It to Become Adobe Certified?
Adobe Certification is Usually a Great Idea If You’re Trying to Make a Strong Impression on Potential Employers. It Provides a Broad Range of Benefits That Make It Worth Considering, Especially If You’re Just Getting Started in Your Field. Here Are a Few Advantages of Adobe Certification to Consider If You’re Interested in This Career but Uncertain About Taking a Test:
- Helps You Stand Out: If you’re new to using Adobe and have never had a career in this field, certification can show employers you take your career very seriously. It will make it easier for you to stand out and ensure that you have a great presence in the job market.
- Provides More Experience: Here’s the thing about failing a certification test: it’s not a big deal. Yes, you’ll need to pay to take it again, which is unfortunate. But you can use your results to gauge your strengths and weaknesses and refocus your studies for the next exam.
- Boosts Your Salary: If you’re interested in making more money, a high-quality certification may help. Put simply, an employer may be willing to pay you more money if you have a certification than if you don’t. That’s a huge benefit that should help you have a better and more stable life.
- Covers Up a Lack of Degree: If you don’t have a college degree that covers Adobe skills, a certification can help compensate for it. By that, we mean an employer may use your certification as proof of your abilities and ignore the fact that you don’t have an official degree.
How Long Will It Take to Become Adobe Certified?
Adobe certification time can vary based on a few factors. According to Adobe’s Solution Partner Program, there are three certification levels: Professional, Expert, and Master. Each of these certifications requires a specific test, which you can take after completing varying levels of experience. Let’s look at each of these tests below to gauge which is right for you:
- Professional: Requires 0-12 months of experience and costs $125 without discount vouchers or $83 with them. Like the other two credentials, Professional certification is awarded directly by Adobe.
- Expert: Requires 1-3 years of experience and costs $225 without vouchers and $150 with them. This higher-grade credential can help you stand out more effectively in the job market.
- Master: Costing the same as the Expert credential, you’ll need at least 3-5 years of experience before getting this credential. This step puts you on the top tier of Adobe experts.
While extra training isn’t strictly necessary to earn a certification, Adobe does provide extra educational support to make this process easier. These include things like Solution Partner training with self-paced modules, quizzes, exams, study guides, hands-on challenges, and sandboxes that make this process easier. There are also other learning opportunities available from other providers that can make this process easier for you to master.
How Hard is It to Get an Adobe Certificate?
Earning an Adobe Certification Isn’t Necessarily Challenging, but It's Also Not a Cakewalk. a Typical Certification Requires You to Answer a Series of Questions and Tasks (specific Numbers May Vary). You Are Given a Set Amount of Time (varies by Certification) to Complete Each Section and Earn Your Certification. If You Pass, You Receive a Physical and Digital Certification That You Can Share with Potential Employers. These Credentials Can Help You Stand Out in Your Field and Make It Easier for You to Find a Better Job in Diverse Markets.
That Said, This Exam Isn’t Something You Can Just Jump into Without Any Training. in Fact, You Can’t Technically Even Register for a Certification Exam Without Experience. Furthermore, Even People with Some Experience in Adobe Might Struggle with This Test. If You Fail the Exam, You Can Retake It Until You Pass and Earn Your Certification. the Challenge Will Vary Depending on Your Experience and Learning Capabilities, As People Learn in Different Ways.
As a Result, It’s Important to Carefully Select the Training Option That Makes the Most Sense for You. Certificate Programs Focus Heavily on Teaching You the Skills Necessary for Specific Jobs and Can Help You Prepare for Your Certification Exam. Even If You Have Adobe Experience, It Might Be Worth Taking This Kind of Training Program to Fine-tune Your Skills and Brush up on Anything You Might Have Forgotten.
Adobe Careers
There Are Many Fascinating Markets and Careers That You Can Consider If You’re Interested in Adobe Certifications or Certificates. These Typically Include a Broad Range of Creative Jobs That Will Challenge You and Make Your Career More Engaging and Exciting. the Following Jobs All Utilize Adobe in Various Ways and Can Help You Earn a Good Income. Here Are a Few Potential Adobe-related Jobs to Consider If You’re Interested in Learning This Creative Suite:
- Graphic Designers: As a Graphic Designer, You Can Make an Average of $53,586 Every Year or up to $56,958. You’ll Likely Use Various Adobe Creative Cloud Applications Almost Every Day, Including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Other Important Editing Tools and Applications.
- Film Editor: in a Film Editor Role, You Will Use Multiple Adobe Applications to Edit Engaging Films and Videos and Produce Attractive Work. You’ll Make an Average of $61,000 or up to $75,328 in This Field but Can Make More If You Start a Business for Yourself.
- Marketing Professionals: Depending on What Kind of Marketing Job You Get, You Can Make an Average of $47,558 or up to $60,415 As a Digital Marketer. No Matter What Marketing Job Type You Prefer, You’ll Likely Use Various Adobe Applications to Produce Engaging Copy and Advertisements.
- Photographers: As a Photographer, You’ll Likely Make a Median of $46,552 Every Year, Though This Value May Be Much Higher Depending on Your Area. Photographers Use Adobe Tools Like Photoshop to Touch up Their Pictures and Make Them More Attractive and Engaging.
- Illustrators: A Painter or Illustrator may earn a median salary of approximately $45,708, while a Technical Illustrator can make $65,527 a year. Within these fields, you’ll likely use a myriad of Adobe programs to enhance your digital art and make it more appealing.
Top Certifications & Certificates for Adobe
The industry or career you are working toward will determine whether you need Adobe certification or an Adobe certificate. The industry-recognized Adobe Certified Professional certification demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud software and is recommended for any career in digital media. It’s offered for various Adobe applications, including After Effects, Animate, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.
Adobe provides multiple certifications and certificates that can enhance your job search. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn offer unique Adobe training options that can enhance your career. For example, Advanced Accessible PDFs can teach you how to create engaging PDFs using a variety of training tools. There are also options like Acrobat DC: Creating Forms that help you create effective and useful forms using Acrobat.
It's crucial to research thoroughly before selecting a course that meets your specific needs. For example, you might not have a dedicated training location in your city, which limits you if you prefer in-person education. It's equally important to pay close attention to each course’s duration and cost to ensure both fit your requirements. Thankfully, there should be plenty of options available to improve your learning experience.
Should I Get Certified in Adobe?
Let’s be frank: Adobe certification isn't always required for creative careers. Many people will have an excellent creative portfolio of Adobe work that they can use to highlight their abilities and find a job in this field. Furthermore, some employers may require specific types of certifications or certificates. That said, a vast majority of careers don't require it. So, is it still worth it? Absolutely, as becoming certified does have benefits that make it worthwhile.
When potential employers see Adobe Certified Professional on your resume, it demonstrates your high proficiency in Adobe applications, and your resume is more likely to be fast-tracked. Just think of it from their perspective. When they have hundreds of resumes to look through, they’re going to look for things that stand out. If you have multiple Adobe certifications on your resume, you are more likely to be noticed and potentially interviewed by an employer.
Furthermore, they will know that your work will be high-quality because you’ve taken the time to obtain certifications that highlight your abilities. Remember, not everyone can easily pass a certification exam. If you’ve taken and passed one, you have deep knowledge of Adobe and its related programs. Employers will feel more comfortable talking with you, assuming you have the intensive training needed to improve your Adobe skills.
Even better, they may offer a higher starting salary than if you were not certified. Again, that’s because they know you have the skills necessary to work at a high level. So even if you need to negotiate your pay and benefits, you’re more likely to succeed. Adobe certification also provides access to exclusive updates on Adobe products, making you an even stronger candidate for many employers.
So, while an Adobe certification may not be necessary to get the position you want, it may result in a higher salary and a better chance of success in this field. Just as importantly, it can enhance your overall learning experience and help you redirect your education, if necessary. Understanding the differences between certificates and certifications is critical and can mean the difference between finding a high-quality job and struggling to get hired.
How to Get Certified in Adobe
To Become Certified in Adobe, You Will Want to Take Courses That Prepare You for the Certification Exam, Which Includes All the Necessary Training to Achieve Proficiency in the Applications. We've Already Discussed Several Certification and Certificate Options and Will Cover a Few More in the Next Section. We Strongly Recommend Obtaining a Certificate Before Your Certification, As It Can Improve Your Overall Experience When Earning Your Adobe Certification.
It’s Also a Smart Idea to Practice Using Adobe Professionally or Personally Such As Creating Attractive Images and Graphics in Photoshop. Gaining Hands-on Experience Can Enhance Your Understanding and Make It Easier to Achieve Certification. Furthermore, It Can Help Streamline Your Learning Experience and Simplify Mastering Complex Tasks Such As Mixing Photos and Videos Effectively.
Once You’ve Gained the Experience Required by the Certification (which Will Be Listed in the Certification Description), You Can Sign up for the Exam. Note That All Certification Tests Require Fees, Although Some Employers May Cover These Expenses If Certification is Required for Your Job. If You Fail the Test, You Will Need to Pay Again. As a Result, It’s Strongly Suggested That You Take Sufficient Time to Study and Prepare to Avoid This Issue.
Next, You Must Take the Adobe Certified Professional Exam Through a Third Party. Each Adobe Application Has Its Certification Exam, and Once You Pass It, You Become a Certified Professional in the Adobe Applications for Which You Tested. Now, You Can Include Your Certification on Your Physical and Digital Resumes and Share It with Others. This Professional-grade Qualification Should Help You Secure an Excellent Job Utilizing Adobe Skills.
Before You Sign up for Any Certification Exam, It’s Essential That You Take Your Training Seriously. We’ve Continually Emphasized the Importance of Obtaining Certificates First and Then Transitioning to Your Certification Test, As It Can Improve Your Chances of Passing and Provide the Necessary Experience. Below, We’ll Examine a Few Classes Available Through Noble Desktop. They Offer Various Learning Options for Adobe.
Learn Adobe with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop Provides Several Adobe Creative Cloud Classes That Meet Any Schedule or Learning Style. Participants Have the Option to Attend In-person Courses at Noble's Campus in Manhattan, or They Can Opt to Take Courses Virtually from Anywhere in the World. Each Option Lets Students Work Closely with Expert Instructors in Small Groups. Some Courses Even Include One-on-one Tutoring Opportunities That May Enhance Your Overall Learning Experience.
Even Better, Noble Also Provides a Free Retake Option Within One Year, Allowing Students Additional Time and Opportunities to Hone Their Skills Without Paying for Another Course. It Can Also Help You Set up Your Learning Environment to Ensure You Take Classes Effectively and Without Significant Complications. These Benefits Make Noble Desktop a Popular Learning Option for Many People and a Great Place to Refine Your Skills and Master Adobe Programs.
Intro to Adobe CC Bootcamp
The Intro to Adobe CC Bootcamp is Designed for Students Who Want to Quickly Learn a Select Few Applications. This Course Covers Several Adobe Programs, Introducing You to Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. You’ll Use Each Application to Work Through Real-world Exercises and Projects. These Exercises Will Prepare You for Practical Use of Each Application in Your Daily Tasks As an Adobe Specialist.
The Course Includes Extensive Hands-on Instruction and Provides a Verified Digital Certificate of Completion, Which You Can Share Online to Showcase Your New Skills. Additionally, You’ll Learn in Real-time, Interacting Directly with Your Instructor and Fellow Students As If You Were in a Physical Classroom. That Setup Provides the Support Many People Need to Learn, Making Each of Noble Desktop’s Classes Unique and Highly Personalized in Approach.
Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp
For Students Who Have More Time and Desire Comprehensive Training Across Multiple Programs, the Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp Offers Extended Practice with Each Application. This Bootcamp Includes Hands-on Support from Skilled Instructors and Teaches You Software Such As InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, Figma, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop. You’ll Learn How to Handle Tasks Such As Motion Graphics, Web Design, Print Concepts, and Much More.