Design your way

Are you looking for a UX design certification? If so, you might not know where to start looking.

Many understand that it is helpful to have a degree or a certificate because of the  better opportunities UX training creates.  However,there is often conflicting information shared about qualifications. Some will tell you that your qualification choice depends on your area of study.

Others share that while a qualification may not make you instantly successful it will help you get started in your chosen career. Some will tell you that while certificates are not as valued as a degree, they are useful if you don’t have the time or money you will need to earn a degree.

Others will tell you that a certificate only matters if your employer will actually appreciate it

Some people may tell you that a degree in UX design training will help you to promote yourself and your skills.

Others will tell you that you will do just is well learning in your own time, exploring books about UX design and attending conferences where you can attend a UX program as well as learn from top people in the field.

After all of this conflicting information, you may wonder which UX programs are the best?

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 text book. 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, research, and offer 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 look out 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 which 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 their 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 which 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 recommend 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 bachelors 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 experience 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 which 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 which 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 masters degree in Human Factors in Information Design.

To do this, you would need to be accepted into the University Graduate School of Business.

Ending thoughts on getting a UX design certification

UX design certification is a complete game changer which allows participants to change the world of computer interface designs. Perhaps it is your dream to take part in an online UX certification program which will help you to create a prestigious portfolio which will represent them for years to come. Perhaps you simply want to change the world of web design, using your passion to develop an innovative product.

Whatever your goal, don’t delay. Choose a UX certification course which will expand your potential and make your UX design goals become a reality.

If you enjoyed reading this article about these UX design certification, you should read these as well:

• What Is UX Design And Why It’s Important
• What You Need To Do To Be A Great UX Designer
• UX Researcher: Job description and how to become one
• UX design internship: Why get one and where to find the best options

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