It’s been a while since my last post, and that’s do to good reason. Many of us have been, at one point or another, faced with the hard decision of should you get certified. The answer to that question is “YES!” But which is the right certification for you. Thats a hard question that I can not answer for you. Lets take a look at what you should consider if you are looking to take your career to the next level.
What certifications can I get?
There are many certifications for you to explore. The main certifications are the Adobe certifications. For students just learning how to be a designer and working with the software a great start is the Adobe ACA Certification that shows basic knowledge in a particular software program. For more advanced users the Adobe ACE (Adobe Certified expert) certification is a higher level certification designed to test your proficiency in a particular software program, such as Illustrator. The list goes on and on so at the end of the article I will list all the types of certifications that are out there that are of importance.
What should be my first step?
This is the easiest step out of all of them. This is where you have to do a little soul searching and figure out what are you more proficient in. It usually begins with what is demand. For example, you are very proficient in Photoshop, so you should get the certification for Photoshop. After you pass your exam you will become an ACE in Photoshop CS4.
Is there a limit to how many certifications I can get?
No. It all depends on how much you are willing to invest into your certifications. The more the better but remember Adobe is on a 18 month update cycle. That means you have 90 days to get your recertification after they release an updated version of the software you tested in.
Will it help me if I get certified?
Yes! Most employers look at hundreds of resumes. Anyone can put they are an expert at Photoshop, but how many have a seal of approval from Adobe that they are truly a certified expert. Employers will favor someone with an ACE verses someone without.
What is an Adobe ACI Certification?
The ACI certification is the highest level certification you can get. The ACI Certification is for professionals that have a teaching background and want to become a Adobe Certified Instructor. To become an ACI is not easy but the perks are worth it. Usually, an ACI can command $400 for each class day that is taught so if you have your week booked solid you can easily bring in $2000 a week. Most ACI’s are booked solid.
How do I become and ACI?
The ACI Certifications consist of multiple certifications combined to make one, the holy grail, the ACI. First you need to take and pass an ACE exam. After you pass that you are required to take the CompTIA CTT+ Certification which is in two parts. The first part is a standard exam of 95 questions that you must complete in 90 minutes. The second part is a 17 to 20 minute video of you teaching in a classroom environment. You must pass BOTH in order to recieve the CTT+. Once you jump through those hoops you must fill out an application to Adobe for consideration to convert your ACE to an ACI for that particular software. Beware, you are ONLY an ACI for that software but if you have multiple ACE certs then you can convert each one of those to ACI. Then you sit back and pat yourself on the back because you just climb mount everest.
Erica
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