UX & UI Certifications and Certificates

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your skills in UX & UI design, you might be overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available. You might also have a lot of questions, such as will a certificate help you get a job? Is there a difference between a certificate and a certification? How do I prepare for these credentials?This article aims to provide answers to these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path toward a UX & UI design certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is UX & UI Design?

User interface (UI) design involves the development of a digital application’s interface and how it appears to users. Interface designs need to not only look appealing but also effectively communicate information to audiences. UI Designers create graphic assets and use them to build menus and layouts, among other aspects of a user interface. UI design relies heavily on principles of visual and graphic design.

UI design pairs closely with user experience (UX) design. Rather than building the look of a digital application, UX Designers focus on how an application feels to use. A user’s experience should be simple and engaging in ways that allow them to easily navigate the program. UX Designers conduct focused tests and analyze data to understand their audience’s behaviors.

UX & UI Designers work closely together. The fields also overlap so that it’s not uncommon for one designer to fulfill aspects of each role, particularly at small firms. 

Read more about what UX & UI design is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with UX & UI Design?

There are many skills gained through studying UX & UI design. UX & UI designers learn how to identify and solve problems. They form hypotheses, conduct research, engage with customers, analyze data, and build prototypes. They know how to build a long term project plan, follow through, and iterate. Even if not pursuing UX & UI design as a career, the skills gained through studying the field are useful for Department Managers, Project Managers, and entrepreneurs. 

UI design specifically focuses on creating text, images, and graphics and combining them into a digital interface that must be both visually appealing and functional. These skills are essential for marketers and entrepreneurs looking to build websites, social media content, and other digital media.

UX Designers work closely with customers through focus groups, user surveys, and interviews. Many UX Designers spend more time interacting with the public than with their team of designers. Building the skills needed to understand your audience is useful in any field that works closely with people such as hiring, general management, marketing, campaign strategy, and market research, among others.

UX & UI Designers are ultimately responsible for crafting the experiences of the digital products we use in our everyday lives. They work to ensure those experiences are accessible and enjoyable. Choosing to pursue a career in UX & UI Designer can be exciting as these designers play a large role in influencing how the world around us works.

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 them. 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.

Top Certifications & Certificates for UX & UI Design

There are no industry-standardized certifications in UX & UI design. However, there are certificate programs offered by a number of reputed educational institutions. These courses dive in-depth into the topic to allow you to master the subject. They also commonly offer job search assistance.

Noble Desktop offers a certificate program in UX & UI Design. You’ll learn the ins and outs of UX & UI Design concepts as well as common industry tools. You’ll complete hands-on projects designing webpages and applications as well as building prototypes and conducting user research. You’ll build an online portfolio and receive one-on-one job preparation assistance. 

Should I Get Certified in UX & UI Design?

Though there aren’t industry recognized certifications in UX & UI design, completing a certificate program could still prove useful. 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 certificate from a UX & UI design program also stands as 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 UX & UI design to start a new career, they provide several benefits that should be taken into consideration. 

How to Get Certified in UX & UI Design

As mentioned previously, it is not possible to become officially certified in UX & UI design. However, there are certificate programs offered by reputed educational institutions 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. Not every employee will have such opportunities. 

Learn UX & UI Design with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you’re interested in learning UX & UI design, Noble Desktop offers several classes for you to choose from. These classes are available both in-person and live online. Classes are small and are taught by instructors who are experts in their fields. Free retake options are also available. 

In Noble’s UX & UI Design Certificate program, you’ll learn both UX & UI design concepts, build a professional portfolio, and gain one-on-one job preparation assistance. This is the perfect course to jump start a new career. Additionally, you may wish to enroll in the Figma Bootcamp. While Figma is taught in the UX & UI Design Certificate, the bootcamp dives in depth into the program. You’ll thoroughly learn the leading application for interface design from beginner to advanced techniques applicable to both UX & UI design. 

Additional classes can be found through the Visual Design and UX Design categories. The UI Design Certificate teaches graphic and interface design for websites and mobile applications. You’ll also learn essential software used by professionals including Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator. The Digital Design Certificate teaches design techniques for web, print, and mobile. You’ll learn Figma for interface design along with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for designing digital and print materials. The Visual Design Portfolio Bootcamp teaches interface design through hands-on and multi-project courses. You’ll need to feel comfortable using Figma before enrolling in this course. 

Whether you know you want to start a career in UX & UI design or want to explore how UI design principles can be utilized in more graphically inclined careers, Noble Desktop has the classes you are looking for.

Key Insights

• Industry-standardized certification is not available for UX & UI design. 
• Regardless, certification programs are viable options to master UX & UI design and to showcase your skills to potential employers.
• While completing a certification program is not required to start a new career, commonly included portfolio workshops and job search assistance can be very helpful for job seekers.
• You can receive comprehensive UX & UI design training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.