Table of Contents
What is a UX Design Certification?
Best UX Design Certificates Based On Level of Support
3. Springboard’s UX Design Bootcamp
4. General Assembly UX Design Bootcamp
5. Google’s UX Design Professional Certificate
6. Flatiron
7. Ironhack
8. Nielsen Norman Group’s UX Certificate
9. The School of UX
10. Interaction Design Foundation
What is a UX Design Certification?
A UX design certification is a valuable qualification available to anyone seeking employment as a user experience designer or aiming to upgrade their skills. This certification equips individuals with practical skills necessary for entry-level UX designer roles, enabling them to address real-world challenges in digital design. A UX design certification is often part of a structured certificate program designed to provide essential knowledge and skills in UX design.
A reputable UX course should give you a complete understanding of user research, design principles, prototyping, usability testing, visual design, accessibility, collaboration, tools/software, portfolio development, industry trends and community connections. Many UX design certification programs allow learners to complete the courses at their own pace, providing flexibility and support.
Key Takeaways
Various organizations provide UX certification courses, each offering differing levels of support to their students. Thorough research is crucial to identify the right UX certificate for you.
Best UX Design Certificates Based On Level of Support
1. Designlab’s UX Academy
Duration: 30 weeks (20 hrs/week part time) or 15 weeks (40 hrs/week full time)
Cost: $7,749 (payment plan options and long-term financing are available)
Designlab is an online educational institution that offers multiple industry-leading programs in User Experience Design. Designlabs’s UX Academy is a comprehensive, fully online bootcamp suitable for learners who are complete begins, as well as those with existing design experience. Students who are to design begin with UX Academy Foundations, a flexible beginner-friendly program meant to introduce students to both foundational design concepts and Designlab’s form of teaching. With UX Academy, students have the option to study full-time for 15 weeks, part-time for 30 weeks, or through a self-paced option over 18 months.
The curriculum is holistic, covering the entire UX/UI Design process through hands-on project work and guided, 1:1 mentor support. Graduates complete four portfolio projects, two of which are end-to-end, which are then assembled into a polished portfolio that demonstrates both skills and experience. User-centered design is a core principle emphasized throughout the curriculum, ensuring students create rich interactive experiences and usability studies.
Expert, 1:1 Mentorship is a major aspect that sets UX Academy apart from other design certificates. Mentorship is the key to personalized learning and professional growth, and Designlab goes the extra mile by ensuring students are paired with a mentor suitable for their learning style and needs.
All graduates of Designlab’s UX Academy will receive six months of support through 1:1 career coaching and a career-focused curriculum. Additionally, eligible students are backed by Designlab’s Tuition Reimbursement Policy, which provides a tuition refund if a graduate is unable to find a job within six months. This commitment underscores Designlab’s confidence in their program and their dedication to student success. Find out more about how Design Lab can help you begin your UX career here.
2. CareerFoundry
Duration: 6-10 months
Cost: $7,505
CareerFoundry is an online platform that provides a comprehensive UX certification, designed by industry experts, which can be completed in 6-10 months. The curriculum covers a broad range of UX design topics, including project-based learning for real-world skills.
Students are paired with mentors who provide personalized feedback and guidance throughout the course, and also have access to a tutor. Upon graduation CareerFoundry offers career services, including job search assistance and weekly sessions with a dedicated career coach. The bootcamp also assists students in building a professional portfolio through hands-on projects,and graduates will have 3 projects to showcase up graduation
If an eligible student can’t secure a job within six months of graduation, they can request a tuition refund. This makes the Career Foundry’s UX bootcamp a worthwhile investment for aspiring UX professionals.
3. Springboard’s UX Design Bootcamp
Cost: $11,900 USD
Duration: 6-9 months
Springboard is an online learning platform that offers a comprehensive UX bootcamp. This course, typically completed within a 6-10 month timeframe, provides an immersive, project-based learning experience. Students receive one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals, gaining insights and personalized feedback into their work.
Throughout the course, students build a robust portfolio that showcases their skills. UX research plays a crucial role in planning and conducting usability studies, synthesizing research results, and modifying designs based on research insights.
After becoming UX certified, Springboard continues to support students in their career journey, offering up to six months of dedicated career services. One of the standout features of Springboard is their job guarantee. If a student meets all the job search requirements but is unable to secure employment, Springboard offers a refund of the tuition, demonstrating their commitment to student success and their confidence in the effectiveness of their curriculum and career services.
4. General Assembly UX Design Bootcamp
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: $16,450
General Assembly’s UX certification is a comprehensive 12-week program that offers a robust learning experience in User Experience Design. It provides mentorship from industry experts, post-graduation employment support, and the opportunity to build a professional portfolio. They offer an Income Share Agreement, ensuring students only pay tuition once they secure a job earning at least $40,000/year.
The bootcamp is available both online and in-person; however, all of their courses are live, which may limit flexibility for some learners. General Assembly offers both part-time and full-time options for learning, and students will graduate with a portfolio upon completion, with two end-to-end projects and several smaller examples of work.
General Assembly is a good option for students who may thrive best in a live learning format. However, they are one of the pricier programs on the market, coming in at double the cost of some bootcamps that offer similar curricula and outcomes.
5. Google’s UX Design Professional Certificate
Duration: 6 months
Cost: $39 per month with a Coursera subscription
Google’s UX Design Professional Certification is a budget-friendly and flexible program. The total cost being can be under $200 if you stay on track, and students can progress through the course at a pace that suits them.
The course offers a curriculum spanning from fundamental to more advanced design concepts and practices that individuals will need for a UX role. It’s tailored to assist both novice and intermediate UX design professionals in gaining a comprehensive understanding of UX design. The Google UX Design Certificate has no prerequisites, and provides a flexible learning format with various resources upon completion.
The program does guide students in building a portfolio, which is a crucial asset in the UX design field. This allows students to showcase their skills and projects to potential employers.
However, it’s important to note that the program does not offer mentorship, post-graduation employment support, or any kind of a tuition reimbursement policy. When compared to other programs, the Google UX Design Certificate is more affordable but lacks some of the support services offered by competitors, meaning it may be best for individuals who are incredibly self-motivated or already have some existing design experience
6. Flatiron
Duration: 15 weeks
Cost: $16,900
Flatiron UX Design Bootcamp is a comprehensive program that offers training in UX/UI design. It provides mentorship and post-graduation employment support, helping students transition into the industry. Students build a portfolio of projects, showcasing their skills to potential employers.
The certification offers both online and in-person learning options, with full-time and part-time courses. The duration varies, with the full-time course lasting around 15 weeks and the part-time course taking up to 40 weeks. It’s a solid choice for those looking to gain practical skills in UX/UI design.
7. Ironhack
Duration: 9 weeks (full time) or 24 weeks (part time)
Cost: $12,500
Ironhack’s UX certification is aimed at training aspiring UX/UI designers. The course can be completed in 9 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time. It offers mentorship, post-graduation employment support, and helps students build a portfolio.
While they don’t have a tuition reimbursement policy, they do reportedly have an income share agreement program. This UX/UI certification is available both online and in-person in various cities worldwide and may be a great option for aspiring UX designers who prefer to learn in -person.
8. Nielsen Norman Group’s UX Certificate
Duration: 100+ hours
Cost: $17,300
The Nielsen Norman Group, also known as NN/g, is a renowned consulting firm based in the United States that focuses on user UI/UX certification. The company was established in 1998 and since has made significant contributions to the user experience design industry, including coining the term “user experience”.
This certification requires participants to complete a total of 5 full-day training courses offered by the Nielsen Norman Group. Each course must be followed by passing an exam to earn a course certificate. All 5 course certificates must be earned within a 3-year period to achieve the UX Certification.
While highly respected for its comprehensive curriculum and industry recognition, The Nielsen Norman Group’s certificate lacks mentorship, post-graduation support, tuition reimbursement, and portfolio building opportunities. These gaps could impact students’ career progression.
9. The School of UX
Duration: 7 Weeks
Cost: $99 a day
The School of UX, a recognized institution located in London, provides practical courses and seminars in User Experience and User Interface design.
The School of UX offers a hands-on bootcamp, covering the entire product design process. Students benefit from one-on-one mentoring and work on practical exercises to build their portfolio. The course duration varies, with options for 7-week or 4-week programs. A certificate in user experience design, recognized by The CPD Certification Service, is provided upon completion.
The boot camp includes career advice and interview preparation to help graduates find roles within the field of UX design.
10. Interaction Design Foundation
Duration: 12 weeks/course
Cost: $16/month membership (paid annually)
The Interaction Design Foundation is a leading online design school offering a comprehensive certificate in user experience ux design. This 12-week program provides mentorship from industry experts, helps students build a strong portfolio, and offers post-graduation access to courses for continued learning.
The Interactive Design Foundation offers courses online and in-person. While they do not offer a tuition reimbursement policy, the bootcamp is a valuable resource for those transitioning into a UX career. The flexible curriculum, employment support, and opportunity to join a network of UX professionals make it a worthwhile investment for aspiring UX designers.
11. Bentley University's UX Bootcamp
Duration: 1 week
Cost: $6,200
Bentley University's certificate in user experience design is a week-long program that offers a blend of presentations and workshops led by industry leaders that offers a certificate in UX design. It’s designed for a diverse range of participants, including designers, UX researchers, and business analysts.
The bootcamp emphasizes the strategic importance of user experience, which can enhance employability in the field. Participants leave with a toolkit of best practices, aiding in portfolio building. The program is available both online and in-person. Unfortunately the Bentley UX design certificate does not offer a tuition reimbursement policy.
FAQ’s
Can I get a UX job with just a certificate?
Yes, it’s possible to land a job with just a UX design certificate but it often depends on various factors. This certificate equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills required in the field. However, it’s important to note that a strong portfolio and practical experience are also vital. While a certificate can open doors, your success in securing a job will largely depend on your grasp of UX principles, your ability to showcase this through your portfolio, and your performance in interviews. Discover 10 industries currently hiring UX designers.
Can I learn UI/UX in a month?
Learning the basics of UI/UX design in a month is possible, but mastering the field typically takes longer. It requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. Understanding user behavior, design principles, and how people interact with digital products is crucial. While you can start learning the fundamentals and even some practical skills in a month, becoming proficient usually involves ongoing study, resources and real-world experience.
Are UX courses worth it?
Absolutely, UX courses, such as those offered by Designlab, can be a valuable investment. Designlab offers online design bootcamps that teach UX/UI design skills through part-time, engaging courses. These courses are project-based and include 1-on-1 mentorship from expert designers, which can help you master the techniques needed to design stunning web and mobile products.
Is it hard to get UX Jobs?
Landing a UX design job can be challenging due to competition, the need for experience, and the requirement of a strong portfolio—but it's important to keep in mind that competitive aspects of landing a role will be true in ever field. Also, with the rising demand for UX designers, proper training, a well-curated portfolio, and effective networking, it’s entirely possible to secure a position in this field. Persistence is key in any job search. Good luck!
Resources:
The 14 Best UX Design Courses for 2024 (For Beginner & Experienced Designers)
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