UI Designer Certifications

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your UI design skills, you might want to become certified in UI design. Unfortunately, there are no industry-standardized certifications in UI design. However, you can find certificate exams offered through third parties such as CIW. Various reputed educational institutions also offer certificate programs. These programs dive in-depth into the topic to help you to master the subject.

What is a UI Designer?

A UI Designer designs user interfaces, usually for digital applications such as the web, mobile, or video games. They build visual and interactive elements such as buttons, menus, and widgets. They also develop prototypes and refine their designs based on information gained from user research. Primary job duties of UI Designers include:

• Developing and enforcing a style guide that establishes a consistent visual “look” across the application.
• Designing each screen and individual elements within that the user can interact with.
• Making decisions about layout and visual elements that drive an intuitive user experience.
• Creating animations.
• Building wireframes and prototypes.
• Ensuring layout responsiveness across various screen sizes.

UI Designers craft designs for various industries, such as financial and banking, healthcare apps, retail apps, education, automotive, and gaming. A UI Designer’s primary goal is to design applications so that users intuitively understand how to use them and perform the actions or find the information they need without learning how to use the application first. UI Designers play a significant role in influencing how we use digital technology in our daily lives. 

Read more about what a UI Designer does. 

Do I Need a Degree to Become a UI Designer?

Around 71% of UI Designers hold bachelor’s degrees in either graphic design or computer science. However, obtaining a degree to become a UI Designer is not required. Since UI design is an interdisciplinary field, no single degree will cover everything a UI Designer needs to know. Graphic design won’t teach technical skills, and computer science won’t teach design. Because of this, work experience is valued more in the field than in formal education.

Even if you choose to pursue a degree, you’ll likely still have skill gaps to fill. The best way to fast-track a career in UI design is to attend a UI design course that comprehensively covers all the skills you need to learn. In addition to graphic design and computer science principles, you’ll also learn to use the most popular industry tools. 

Should you choose not to pursue a degree or a formal UI design training course, you can locate free resources to learn UI design independently. You’ll need to develop personal projects and build a portfolio of your work. Then you can seek an entry-level or a related job position to get your foot in the door. Deciding to train on your own will be a more difficult path than choosing either form of education.

Read more about if you need a degree to become a UI Designer. 

Do Certifications Matter for UI Designers?

It’s rare for a position in UI design to require certification. Those who do are usually in senior positions and desire certification in project management systems such as Agile or Scrum. However, gaining a certificate in UI design or completing a certificate program could still prove helpful. The comprehensive guidance offered through certificate programs is beneficial for new learners seeking to master the subject. The portfolio workshops and job search assistance commonly offered are also helpful for job seekers. 

A certification in UI design or completing a UI design program is a testament to your education and skills. It proves to potential employers that you possess the skills you are claiming. It also shows your willingness and drive to expand your skill set. While you may not need a certificate in UI design to start a new career, they provide several benefits you should consider.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

“Certificate” and “certification” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different things, and there are different processes to attain each. To gain certification, you usually have to sit for an exam administered by a third party to demonstrate your mastery of a subject; certificates are generally completion-based programs. Certification is often standardized and issued by national organizations. Thus, they are more likely to be professionally recognized by a potential employer. However, attending a certificate program can still showcase your willingness to improve your skills and advance your career.

How to Get Certified as a UI Designer

Some certification exams can be found through third-party institutions. Various certificate programs are also offered by reputed educational institutions and tech vendors for job seekers wishing to learn comprehensive UX & UI design skills.

For some professionals, their employer will be open to paying for training in UX & UI design. This relies heavily on individual businesses and organizations, however. Only some employees will have such opportunities. Most certificate programs offer finance options or payment plans.

Top Certifications & Certificates for UI Designers

There aren't certifications specifically in UI design that stand out. The most popular UX & UI design certifications come from the prestigious tech giants; Apple, Google, and Microsoft. However, these programs focus more on the UX side of design and aren’t ideal for learning UI design.

Noble Desktop offers a certificate program in UI design where you’ll learn essential industry concepts in visual and interaction design. You’ll design and build interfaces for websites and mobile applications using industry tools such as Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. By the end of the course, you’ll have a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills to employers.

Key Takeaways

• There are no industry-standardized UI design certificates. However, there are many reputable certificate programs available.
• Certification in UI design is optional to gain a UI design position.
• However, gaining certification in UI design can still be valuable as it is a testament to your skills.
• Attending a certificate program can help you learn or build UI design skills.
• You can receive comprehensive training to become a UI Designer through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.