The Best Programs For Getting A UX Design Certification
Imagine unlocking a world where every click feels like magic, each swipe brings a smile, and the digital realm becomes more than just screen deep. That’s the craft of UX design, a realm I call home. Dive into the heart of innovation with UX design certifications, the golden key in the fast-expanding universe of user experience.
Here’s the deal: the virtual landscape is a wild maze, and the role of a UX designer? Guide extraordinaire. Design thinking certification, user-centered design accreditation—these aren’t just fancy terms; they’re your arsenal for crafting journeys that resonate. With the right certification, you’ll wield the power of design user interfaces and creating user personas that make tech pulse with purpose.
By the end of this treasure map, you’ll unearth the why, the how, and the where of getting certified. Peek into corners like interaction design qualifications and usability testing certificates to elevate your game. From UX/UI design diplomas to UX strategy and research, we’ve got the full dossier. Buckle up; this is UX design certification decoded.
Where to learn UX design
UX is a very wide field consisting of many different areas. It cannot be easily summed up or categorized.
UX is the common name for those who work with user experience. However, UI or user interface has also been commonly used. Some designers refer to User Design it Human-Centered Computing and Human-Computer Interaction is another common term.
With so many different names, you won’t be surprised to learn that there are also many different ways to learn about User Experience and many UX design schools to attend.
Traditionally, designers would learn by learning from a textbook. However, UI certifications help you to understand UX in a thorough and precise fashion. UX design certification will also give you recognition for your efforts.
As a new UX designer, design certification will represent your knowledge.
You can often take part in a UX program both at a campus as well as online.
Online UX courses are a convenient way of acquiring knowledge as you will be able to study at your own pace. You’ll also feel confident that you have covered all of the most crucial elements of your work before undertaking a UX designer internship.
Some designers complete part-time UX design programs as part of an on-site company training opportunity. Others attend on campus or even at a conference or workshop event.
Lastly, full-time UX design programs offer the opportunity to learn on campus.
Have a look at these UX design certification choices and find the most effective one for you.
Part-time and short course certification programs
Nielson Norman Group
This group remains in the cutting edge of UX design, coming up with top quality designs, excellent research, and outstanding interface designs.
This group consults, researches, and offers training opportunities.
There are two important courses offered by this company in the field of UX design. The UX and UX Master Certification Programs. Both can be taken in person at their conference, Usability Week. However, you can also take part in their onsite corporate training program.
You can take these UX design classes if you are just starting out. They are also a great opportunity for those who already have UX experience.
The UX certification program takes place over 5 days. Prices vary but you can guarantee you will get a great price if you book using the early registration for Usability Week. Prices are currently $3,861.
If you have UX experience and select the master course it will take place over 15 days. You’ll need to book early for the early bird UX conference price of $ 11,583.
Both of these UX design programs are short, making them a great choice for freelancers and professionals who wish to increase their knowledge.
Human Factors International
This company has been leading the UX field for almost three decades. They consult, offer training and tools to those in the field.
You can take part in a UX certification program called Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) which is a very thorough UX course aimed at beginners.
The program is ten days long and is carried out both internationally and in 16 different locations across the USA. Participants sit an exam before they receive their qualification.
You can take the course in separate elements but it is with your while to register for the full course as you will save 20% of your total fee. You’ll pAy $5,860 for the complete course.
San Francisco State University Extension
As people are becoming more and more mobile, they use their mobile phones to search for information far more than their desktops.
The opportunities for a UX position in mobile design have increased phenomenally. As a result, San Francisco State University has introduced a new program called the Mobile UX/UI Design Intensive.
This isn’t a beginner’s course so it helps to have experience in the basics of UX design.
This UI certification course is very practical and as a result, is only available on campus. As it appeals to those working in the industry, it takes place over weekends. You’ll attend for three hours on Friday (from 6 until 9 pm) and all day on Saturday (9 am until 5 pm).
If you live or work in commuting distance to the university, this is a course well worth taking. It takes place on a quarterly basis and costs only $1,500.
Udemy
Udemy has as a reputation as one of the leading tuition provides in the world. Their UI design programs are well structured and very professional. You can also explore each course with its alternatives in order to establish which would best meet your needs.
Their User Experience: The Ultimate Guide to Usability and UX is not their cheapest course but it is very thorough and well with the $150 they charge. Have a lookout for specials as this course has sometimes been discounted up to 75%.
The course is available online and will give you up to 12 hours of tutorials, 12 supplementary resources, and seven articles. You’ll be able to use your mobile phone, tablet or even your TV to access the course. You will also be able to keep the material, giving you the chance to access the material whenever you need it.
The course can be completed in 2 or 3 weeks and is well worth it if you are looking for UX/UI certification.
DesignLab
DesignLab is a great online platform that focuses entirely on UX and UI. You’ll have the chance to work with excellent mentors who have experience with high profile projects such as Nike, Basecamp, and Dropbox. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your processes through Skype.
Prior knowledge is. It a requirement but the course is challenging nevertheless.
The UX Research and Strategy is considered to be the best place to start. These courses are in very high demand and run every four weeks, back to back.
The course costs $399 or $499 depending on whether you get the opportunity to make the most of their discount offer.
Make the most of this opportunity for great UX training.
Coursera
Coursera works with universities around the globe to give you great online courses completely free!
All you have to do is sign up onsite and complete a questionnaire. This questionnaire will help to pinpoint the perfect course for you. Once you find the right course you can enroll in the best UX training program for you.
You can take out a membership if you would like extra benefits, but there is no pressure.
Some courses come in two different options. The Introduction to User Experience Design can be completed free of charge. Alternatively, if you pay $49 you will get a certificate to state that you have completed the course. By spending 2 hours a week for five weeks, you will soon have the UX design certification you need.
GeneralAssemb.ly
General Assembly is a great way to achieve a UX design internship!
This User Experience Design Immersive course is available all over the world, including 11 different areas if the USA. As it only takes place at certain times of the year, you will need to look out for a time when it will appear in a city near you. This UX certification course is 10 weeks long and one of the more expensive in this section. Depending on the area it will cost between $13,950 and $14,950.
SMU
If you want to undertake UX designer certification training, this course from SMU will be of great assistance. SMU has a reliable reputation in the education field and has grown in strength since its beginnings during the 1950s.
The SMU course in UX design will take you a minimum of 4 months and a maximum of 18 months to complete.
Classes for the User Experience Design Certificate Program take place in the evening. This makes it a great opportunity for people who have full times jobs and who want to increase their knowledge in the field of UX design. There is an additional full-day training session that takes place on a Friday.
If you opt for the priority rate, which is available until just two weeks before the course begins, you will pay $2,895 plus $50 for registration. After this, the fee increases to $3,145 (plus registration).
SMU recommends a textbook written by Brian K Sullivan to their students. The Design Studio Method: Creative Problem Solving with UX Sketching is available from Amazon in both Kindle and hardcover, but is a recommended book and not prescribed.
Students can also add an additional elective workshop into their coursework. This will cost an additional $295.
Full-time certification programs
University of Washington
If you have elected to go for a graduate program rather than a UX certificate course when deciding how to get started in UX design, the University of Washington could not be more highly recommended.
In order to attend the User-Centered Design Certificate. you will need to have an accredited bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience. This course is, therefore, a great choice for people who have been working in the computer industry and are looking to enhance their skills through a UX design internship.
You can put through an application for $50 and pay a registration fee of $45. Full tuition. Oats $10,049 and further costs for study materials or textbooks may be required.
This is a full time one year course which takes place at the university.
California State University Fullerton
If you want to increase your knowledge and achieve UX certification but don’t have the qualifications or experience needed for Washington University, CSU makes a great choice.
This university still offers a one year course in User Experience and Customer-Centered Design which is divided up into six different modules. Each module has an individual pricing structure depending on the course duration. Shorter courses, such as User-Centered Design for Web and Mobile Interfaces takes place over a month and costs $650. Prototyping User-Centered Design Solutions lasts for longer. This month and a half course costs $780.
Speak to the university directly to find out how much each course costs as well as the duration.
Human Factors International
Human Factors offer two UX design certification courses depending on the number of experienced applicants have. Beginners will benefit from the Certified Usability Analyst course.
More experienced analysts will find the Certified User Experience Analyst course very helpful. This course provides advanced skills that will enhance professional knowledge.
Unlike at a university, this course can be completed in a range of different locations both within the US and internationally. You will have to attend this course in person. Each track has four different modules that are taught over a ten-day period. Each track costs $6,000 and attendees will benefit from a specialist UX consulting firm.
UC San Diego Extension
If you have basic UX skills and would like great UX certification, this course will help you to build your knowledge in order to expand your portfolio. All of the courses are available online but you can also choose to attend certain modules at the university each quarter.
This program consists of five prescribed modules as well as two different electives. The course can be completed in 5 to 8 quarters depending on modules taken at any one time. Students are able to access online course material according to their own timetables which makes this a great option for those who want to gain experience in the UX field.
Courses cost between $595 and $795 each and students pay $95 once accepted into the course.
Bentley University’s User Experience Center
Bentley has a great campus in Massachusetts where you can take part in UX design training. Bentley has onsite classes for clients who work in a corporate environment. Participants take 3 set courses and then choose 6 electives. Each course takes place over 2 days. Online UX certification courses are presented on a Thursday and Friday.
Most students complete this course over a one year period although they do have the option to take the courses back to back. Each course costs $1,400. Students passionate about IX design can transfer credits and use them towards a master’s degree in Human Factors in Information Design.
To do this, you would need to be accepted into the University Graduate School of Business.
FAQ on UX design certifications
Do UX design certifications really make a difference?
Absolutely. A UX design certification can be a game-changer. It’s a signal that you’ve got the skills—a badge of honor if you will. It tells employers you’ve mastered design thinking certification basics, user-centered design accreditation, and beyond. Plus, it’s a boost for your confidence and resume.
How long does it take to get certified in UX design?
Varies by program, but you’re looking at a few weeks to a few months. Think UX bootcamps that are intense and quick, versus online UX courses that let you juggle life and learning. Might be more for in-depth ones like a HCI degree.
What are the best UX design certifications out there?
Talk about a loaded question! But alright, heavy-hitters include the Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification, Google UX Design Professional Certificate, and General Assembly UX Design Immersive. They’re minted with industry cred.
Can a beginner pursue a UX design certification?
You bet. Many programs cater to rookies. They start with the ABCs—the UX design principles—before diving into the deep end. Places like Coursera or UX Design Institute lay a solid foundation even if you’re just dipping your toes in.
Is an online UX design certification as valid as an in-person one?
In today’s digital-first world, absolutely. Online certifications from InVision Design Certification to Interaction Design Foundation Courses pack the same punch. As long as the institution has clout, you’re golden.
What’s the cost of a UX design certification?
So, the spectrum’s wide. Free courses exist, but the meatier ones, say from Adobe XD Certification caliber, could ask for a few grand. You’re investing in top-tier UX designer skills and tools, after all.
Can I get a UX certification while working full-time?
For sure—flexibility’s the name of the game. Many programs are designed for the grind. Evening classes, weekend workshops, online UX courses—you’ve got options that respect the 9-to-5.
Do employers value UX design certifications?
They do. A sleek UX certification is more than just a pat on the back. It shows you mean business, you’ve got the UI/UX industry standards under your belt. Serious bonus points during hiring season.
What kind of projects will I work on during a UX certification?
Gear up for real-world action. You’ll get your hands dirty with prototyping, user journey mapping, maybe even crank out a UX project portfolio. This isn’t just theory; it’s practical, it’s gritty, it’s hands-on.
How do UX certifications help in career advancement?
They’re rocket fuel. These certs arm you with the latest know-how in user experience training and UX strategy to maneuver the career ladder like a boss—think promotions, new job offers, and respect in the user experience battlefield.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the final frame. UX design certifications, they’re more than just a golden ticket; they’re like your personal backstage pass to the big league shows of pixel perfection.
- It’s all about leveling up, isn’t it?
- You’re hungry for growth; these certifications are your feast.
- From user journey maps that tell a story to interfaces that practically sing under your fingertips—that’s the power of knowledge and skill combined.
The journey doesn’t stop here. Nope, it’s just getting started.
Certifications? Check. Next up: putting those shiny new tools to work. Crafting personas, fine-tuning wireframes, delivering experiences that, well, really hit the mark—that’s your new normal.
So, take a breath. Take a bow. With those smarts and that piece of paper that shouts “UX certified” to the world, you’re ready.
Time to design the future. And yeah, it’s looking pretty bright from here.
If you enjoyed reading this article about these UX design certifications, you should read these as well:
- What Is UX Design And Why It’s Important
- UX design internship: Why get one and where to find the best options
Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.
Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.
His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.
Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.
His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.
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