User Experience Designer Certifications

Certifications are a useful way to provide proof of your mastery of a specific subject or tool by completing and passing a certification program and exam. UX design is no different as there are many certifications to choose from. Certifications are necessary for certain jobs because they provide a standard from which to measure proficiency; however, they are not always required depending on the job role. If you choose to forfeit taking a certification exam, you can always take a certificate-granting course instead. However, there’s a significant difference between the two that you will want to understand before you choose which path you’d like to take. Regardless, earning a certification or a certificate can greatly improve your chances of finding a meaningful and fulfilling career.

What is a UX Designer?

A User Experience (UX) Designer is a professional focused on enhancing the user experience when interacting with a product or service. Through conducting research, testing prototypes, and designing different interfaces, a UX Designer can ensure a satisfying experience for the user. UX Designers work to make products functional and optimal as much as enjoyable and accessible, which means they create designs that meet both user expectations and the company’s goals.

UX Designers have a wide range of purposes across different industries, such as technology, finance, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The primary goal is to improve the user’s interaction with any digital product, which means they will usually work on anything from websites and mobile applications to software and games. By enhancing the usability and user experience, UX Designers contribute to the success of products and services in a wide range of sectors. In essence, when businesses achieve their objectives by delivering an acceptable user experience, everyone benefits.

In addition, UX Designers can choose to focus on various specializations, such as UX research. A UX research specialist focuses on collecting and analyzing user data to make more informed design choices. UX research involves using different techniques such as interviews, surveys, and other forms of testing to gain insights into what the user would prefer when interacting with the product. The findings from research help guide the user through different processes and ensure that the final product aligns with the business goals as much as the user’s needs.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a UX Designer?

If you are interested in becoming a UX Designer, you have several routes that you can take. One option is to pursue a traditional university degree in a field such as graphic design, computer science, visual design, and even psychology. While a degree can provide an in-depth and varied understanding of UX design, it is also incredibly expensive and time-consuming. For some, the commitment is not worthwhile or even feasible. As such, they may seek out other options to become a UX design professional.

Luckily, a degree isn’t an absolute necessity to become a UX Designer, even though it can be worthwhile. UX design as a field encompasses a wide range of job positions and entry points, so many designers come from different academic backgrounds. Some may pursue a traditional university degree whereas others gain certifications and certificates. Many successful UX Designers have landed their position by enrolling in and completing bootcamps, certificate classes, and certification exams. The critical requirement for UX Designers is practical experience, continued exposure to the material, and a strong portfolio that demonstrates your skills.

Do Certifications Matter for UX Designers?

Certifications can be beneficial for most career paths, but they are not always required. For example, educators, medical professionals, and cybersecurity experts are required to obtain and maintain certifications. The requirements will vary for each, but it is necessary before applying for the job. Although useful, earning a certification is not required to become a UX Designer. Certifications can be a significant asset that provides a solid educational foundation and helps you develop your portfolio. Additionally, a certification can serve as a way to prove your skills during the application process, but most employers value practical experience in the UX design field as opposed to certification. There is also an option to become certified in certain aspects of UX design, such as Figma. Still, there are very few instances where this will be required and is instead simply an option.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

While both a certificate and a certification significantly improve your job prospects, they have distinct processes and purposes. Choosing between the two may depend on your career goals as well as the requirements for your intended field. 

Certifications

In general, obtaining a certification typically requires sitting for an exam administered by a third party to demonstrate your mastery of a subject. These exams are crafted to test your skills and your ability to apply them effectively in the real world. Certifications are often aligned with industry standards, and by passing the exam, you are ensuring potential employers that you are equipped to handle the specific job function and responsibilities. Additionally, certifications generally expire after a certain time, so you will have to renew them periodically. The frequency of re-certification will vary based on the subject and organization, but regardless, this is relatively standard.

Certificates

On the other hand, certificates are generally completion-based programs. They are awarded once the student has successfully completed the training program with adequate attendance and grades. This involves engaging in class discussions, activities, coursework, and projects that demonstrate your abilities. After finishing the program, you will earn a certificate that confirms your understanding of the subject. Unlike certifications, certificates do not require a formal exam but still signify that you’ve received proper training in this area of study.

How to Get Certified as a UX Designer

To start your journey towards becoming certified as a UX design professional, you will have to choose a program that suits your needs. First, you’ll want to consider whether you want a certification or a certificate. Then, you’ll want to figure out if you want to specialize in a particular subset of UX design or simply learn as much as possible. You might consider enrolling in a preparatory course as well since these can often help you build a solid base that can be developed over time. In a preparatory course, you’ll complete assignments and projects that will help you prepare for even more hands-on, realistic projects completed in a certificate course. Once you complete a bootcamp or certificate-granting program, you’ll earn a verified certificate that can serve you well in the job search or future educational endeavors.

After you’ve gained some practical experience through your coursework, you will be ready to go beyond the basics and learn more or even take a certification exam. This is not always required from every employer or job position, but it is useful in the job search. The format and cost of each class and exam can vary as well, with some requiring an initial fee, material costs, tuition, and an exam fee. Once you pass the exam, you will need to stay up to date on the latest UX design information so you can maintain your certification.

Top Certifications & Certificates for UX Designer

If you are interested in learning everything there is to know about UX and UI design, you will want to explore a certificate program that goes in-depth, provides hands-on exposure to the material, and offers additional resources and benefits. Noble Desktop offers such a program, aptly titled the UX and UI Design Certificate. This certificate-granting program will provide you with all the skills to become a UX/UI Designer and use programs like Figma. Specifically, you’ll learn how to create working prototypes of websites and applications with clickable features and proper UX and UI design concepts. Certain design principles such as harmony, balance, proximity, contrast, and continuity will be discussed at length. Additionally, you’ll also learn to conduct user research, work as a team, and present any of your recent findings. After the 132 hours of instruction, students will earn their certificate, develop a professional portfolio, and feel supported enough to start their careers as UX/UI Designers.

If you want to work as a UX/UI Designer but focus mainly on UI design, you can enroll in the UI Design Certificate at Noble Desktop. This 120-hour certificate course will teach essential tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as Figma. Moreover, you’ll broaden your horizons by building a strong graphic design portfolio. The instructor will cover the best practices for designing websites and applications as well as making them visually appealing through photo enhancement and various tools that help you create graphics, icons, logos, and banners. You’ll practice making working prototypes that will wow clients and design social media content that sends a message about the brand to consumers. You’ll study essential design principles and complete projects rooted in a realistic workplace situation. Once you complete the course, you will earn your certificate and have a better understanding of the essential practices in UI design.

The Graphic Design Certificate can prepare you for a UX design career as well. This 84-hour certificate course covers the most essential applications used by graphic design professionals, including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The instructor will teach students how to retouch photos, make graphics, design page layouts, and create vector graphics. You’ll practice applying the design principles to different types of projects, such as album and book covers, subway posters, and other designs that make it easy to identify a brand. This includes practicing color theory, typography, and other important practices that make a project visually appealing. Plus, students will use Adobe Portfolio as an easy way to create and maintain a professional portfolio. Once you earn your certificate, you can pursue a graphic design career or expand your knowledge further by studying UX and UI design.

Lastly, the Nielsen Norman Group offers UX Certification or UX Master Certification, both of which require passing multiple courses and exams. Specifically, the UX Certification involves passing five courses and exams whereas the UX Master Certification requires passing 15 courses and exams. The difference in investment is substantial between the two as well, since the former is a 30-hour program and the Master Certification requires you to commit over 100 hours of training. However, in either option, you will build a solid foundation in UX design and can choose between three specializations, including interaction design, research, and management.