Adobe Certifications and Certificates

Certifications and certificates are a great way to validate 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 golden 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 pretty 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 power 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 consumers 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 untouched, due to Adobe’s strong software design skills.

Acrobat Pro

Acrobat Pro is a popular PDF creating and editing tool that lets you create simple and easy-to-download files that you can share across the internet. It streamlines the PDF creation process and lets you do things like edit text, sign 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 layout and design pages for a variety of common print and digital publications. This software includes a myriad of potent apps 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 Suite 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 current customers. At first, that might not seem like a lot, but the market here is much 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 are on the Adobe Creative Cloud. That said, Adobe has over 20 applications used in a myriad of different 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 that can 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. 

That said, with less-used programs like Adobe Spark, users can 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 sheer diversity and provide 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, certificates 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 cert 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. They provide a broad range of benefits that make them 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 cert 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 cover up 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 all three of these credentials, Professional comes right from 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 is also not a cakewalk. A typical certification requires you to answer 13 questions and complete 20 tasks. You get 50 minutes to complete each of these sections to earn your certification. If you pass, you earn a physical and digital certification that you can share with potential employers. These forms 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 that you can just jump into without any training. In fact, you can’t technically even sign on 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 your learning capabilities, as some people might learn in different ways. 

As a result, it’s important to take your time to carefully select which training option makes the most sense for you. Certificate programs focus heavily on teaching you the skills necessary to perform specific job skills and can help you prepare for your certification exam. Even if you’re someone with Adobe experience, it might be worth taking this kind of training program to fine-tune your skills and brush up on anything that you might have forgotten.

Adobe Careers

There are many fascinating markets and careers that you can consider if you’re interested in Adobe certification 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 make good money. 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 suites almost every day, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and other important editing tools and applications.
• Film Editor: In a Film Editor job, you will use multiple Adobe software types to edit engaging films and videos and produce attractive and engaging 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.
• Marketers: Depending on what kind of Marketer job you get, you can make an average of $47,558 or $60,415 as a Digital Marketer. No matter what marketing job type you prefer, you’ll likely use various Adobe software 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 make a median of $45,708 or so, while a Technical Illustrator can make $65,527 a year. Within these fields, you’ll likely use a myriad of Adobe programs to improve 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.

Thankfully, Adobe provides multiple certifications and certificates to improve your job search. However, even firms like LinkedIn can provide unique Adobe training options that can improve your career. For example, Advanced Accessible PDFs can teach you all about creating engaging PDFs using a variety of training tools. However, there are also options like Acrobat DC: Creating Firms can help you create effective and useful forms using Acrobat.

It’s critical for you to do your research before picking a course that suits 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. Just as importantly, you need to pay close attention to the length of each course and the cost to ensure that both suit you. Thankfully, there should be plenty of options available for you that can improve your learning experience.

Should I Get Certified in Adobe?

Let’s be frank: Adobe certification isn’t always necessary 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 may make it worthwhile. 

When potential employers see Adobe Certified Professional on your resume, it demonstrates your high proficiency in Adobe applications, and your resume will often 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 will more likely get pulled and potentially interviewed by an employer.

Furthermore, they will know that your work will be high-quality because you’ve taken the time to get certifications that highlight your abilities. Remember, not just everybody can take a certification exam. If you’ve taken and passed one, you have a deep knowledge of Adobe and its related programs. Employers will feel more comfortable talking with you and assuming that 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 that you have the skills necessary to work at a high level. So even if you have to do a little negotiation on your pay and your benefits, you’re more likely to succeed. Furthermore, Adobe certification also gives you access to exclusive updates on Adobe products, which can also make you a better job 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 improve your overall learning experience and help you redirect your education, if necessary. As a result, understanding the differences between certificates and certifications is critical and can make 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, including all the training necessary to achieve proficiency in the applications. We’ve already discussed a few certification and certificate options here and will talk about a few more in the last section here. We strongly recommend getting a certificate before your certification because it can improve your overall experience earning certification in Adobe.

It’s also a smart idea to practice Adobe professionally in your career or personally, such as using Adobe Photoshop to create interesting and attractive pictures and photos. Getting hands-on experience like this can improve your knowledge and make it simpler to get certification. Furthermore, it can help streamline your learning experience and make it easier for you to master some pretty complex things, such as mixing photos and videos properly.

Once you’ve gotten the necessary experience suggested by the certification (which will be listed in the cert description), you can sign up for the exam. Note that all certification tests will have fees you need to pay, though some employers may cover these expenses if they require you to get certified for your job. If you fail the test, you will need to pay again. As a result, it’s strongly suggested that you take the 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 a certification exam, and once you pass it, you become a certified professional in the Adobe applications for which you tested. Now, you can put your certification on your physical and digital resume and share it with others. That professional-grade qualification should help to make it easier for you to find an amazing job that uses Adobe skills.

Before you sign up for any certification exam, it’s essential that you take your training very seriously. We’ve continually emphasized the importance of getting certificates first and then transitioning to your cert test because it can improve your chances of passing your certification and give you the necessary experience to sign up. Below, we’re going to examine a few classes available at Noble Desktop. This team provides multiple 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 even include one-on-one tutoring opportunities that may improve your overall learning experience. 

Even better, Noble also provides a free retake option within one year, allowing students additional time and opportunity to hone their skills without paying for another course. It can also help you set up your learning environment to ensure that you take classes properly and without serious complications. These benefits make Noble Desktop a popular learning option for many people and a great place to clean up your skills and master Adobe programs.

Intro to Adobe CC Bootcamp

Intro to Adobe CC Bootcamp is available for students who want to learn only a few applications quickly. 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. This extra work should help you prepare for each of these programs and make it easier for you to utilize them in your day-to-day work as an Adobe specialist. 

Each course comes with many hours of hands-on instruction and a verified digital certificate of completion that you can share online to improve your overall learning experience. Furthermore, you’ll learn in real-time, meaning that you’ll interact with your professor and your fellow students as if you were in a physical classroom. That setup provides the support that many people need to learn and makes each of Noble Desktop’s classes unique and highly personal in approach. 

Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp

For those with a little more time on their hands who want in-depth training on more programs, the longer Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp devotes extended time to work with each application. This bootcamp includes hands-on support from skilled professors and teaches you software like InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, Figma, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop. You’ll learn how to handle things like motion graphics, web design, print concepts, and much more. 

Designed with small classes in mind, you can take this course in real time to learn important Adobe skills and become a more skilled user. Just as importantly, you can learn how to handle things like user interface and user experience designs, build prototypes, craft unique projects, and much more. When you’re done with this learning program, you should feel comfortable with the vast range of unique software and app options available on this creative cloud. 

Graphic Design Certificate

Graphic Design Certificate dives into Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, while covering concepts surrounding the graphic design career. It includes hands-on experience in programs like InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to produce a beautiful and engaging portfolio to showcase your talent. This certificate includes one-on-one mentoring and a free course retake that will help make this process easier and ensure that you get the support that you need.

For example, you’ll learn how to edit and touch up pictures in Photoshop, create gorgeous vector graphics in Illustrator, set up page layouts in InDesign, handle typography, color, composition, and design theory, and end with a great portfolio that shows off your skills. By the end of this course, you should feel comfortable handling a pretty broad range of different skills and handle the unique demands of graphic design for your fascinating career.

UI Design Certificate

UI Design Certificate is a great Noble Desktop program that will immerse you in user-interface design. When you finish, you’ll get a NY State-approved certificate that you can use to prove your abilities in user-interface design. As part of this course, you will work closely with Photoshop and Illustrator. In addition to learning the programs for your field of interest, you will develop a portfolio to send to potential employers filled with great and professional work. 

Other subjects you’ll cover include making responsive web pages and apps using not only the Adobe programs listed here but Figma, which helps you make products that look great on every computer and application. Furthermore, you’ll learn about proper design concepts and concepts that make this learning experience simpler and more efficient. When you’re done, you should feel comfortable using multiple Adobe programs to create intricate and detailed designs.

Photoshop Bootcamp

If you’re mostly interested in mastering Photoshop for your new career, try this course. You’ll learn how to retouch and edit photos and images and even produce attractive graphics. Then, you’ll study how to adjust things like color and contrast, as well as photo retouching, layers, masks, filters, and saving, opening, and importing files. This course is part of the Graphic Design Certificate and Digital Design Certificate programs, making it far easier to master. 

Like all courses provided by Noble Desktop, there are multiple amenities that make them worth taking. For example, you work in a small class online with a skilled professor who can adjust your work in real time. Even better, you get a one-on-one bonus training option that helps you master more complex and difficult tasks. It’s a great class to try if you’re interested in becoming a photographer, illustrator, or digital designer in any field.

Other Courses to Consider

Beyond the classes listed above, you can also take options like Illustrator Bootcamp and InDesign Bootcamp to help prepare you for your Adobe certification exam. These classes give you an immersive experience, expose you to a broad range of different and unique courses, and make your learning more effective. While becoming Adobe certified isn’t necessary for all creative careers, earning a certificate in one or more Adobe programs is wise. 

As we’ve mentioned previously several times, it could be the deciding factor for a company to choose you over another applicant. Thankfully, you can choose among several career-oriented certificates with Noble Desktop that cover Adobe applications. For example, you can take Motion Graphics Certificate, UI Design Certificate, and Video Editing Certificate classes. These certificate courses prove your skills as you seek a position in the respective fields.

So please make sure that you click on the links spread throughout this article and find a course that makes sense for your needs. Pay attention to the program format, what kind of subjects are covered, how much it costs, and what other benefits it might provide you. Sign up for one or more options if you’re interested in mastering Adobe skills and follow the lessons included to ensure that you get the best possible results and to minimize any potential confusion.