Bryan University Logo

UX/UI Design Certifications: Adobe XD, Figma, and More

UX/UI design is an ever-popular and growing career path. While you can learn UX/UI design basics on your own, you will want to go the extra mile to be an appealing candidate to hiring managers. You’re interested in becoming certified in Adobe XD and learning Figma. How do you do it?

In today’s guide, we’ll explain how to obtain the right skills and credentials so you can take your career aspirations to the next level. 

UX/UI Undergraduate Certificate vs Certification

Understanding the differences between a UX/UI certificate versus a certification will influence the next steps you take in your college career. Without further ado then, let’s dive right in.

What Is a UX/UI Undergraduate Certificate?

A UX/UI accredited undergraduate certificate is similar to an accredited UX/UI degree but generally shorter in length. Undergraduate certificates are typically a couple of semesters in length, whereas a degree such as an associate degree is six or more semesters. You’d enroll at a university on an undergraduate level and obtain an accredited credential such as a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.

It usually takes between two and five years to obtain an undergraduate bachelor’s degree and up to two additional years for a graduate degree such as a master’s degree, but that depends on which college you enroll in.

Online colleges such as Bryan University can fast-track your college education so you can enter the working world faster.

Bryan U’s UX/UI Design Undergraduate Certificate is ideal for those who want to become self-employed freelancers, UX designers, UI Designers, Analysts, and more.

You’ll learn design technologies, principles, and color theory ultimately creating a professional design portfolio aligned with all the most current and relevant skills. This program also prepares you for the Adobe XD certification. Your first attempt is even included in tuition!

What Is a UX/UI Certification?

Next, let’s examine what a UX/UI certification is.

A certification is offered as an asynchronous course by a third party. Upon earning your certification–usually by passing an exam–you can add it to your resume, as having a cert proves that you’re an expert in that area, such as Adobe XD.

Certifications are non-accredited, and they are not degrees. That said, you can usually obtain third-party certification when enrolled in a UX/UI program, earning your undergraduate or graduate degree since employers value certifications.

Certifications typically don’t last forever, with the average lifespan being two years. From there, you can always decide to recertify to keep your certification(s) current. 

How Do I Get Adobe XD Certified?

Adobe XD is one of the premier tools for UX/UI designers. You’ll utilize these software programs daily in your role as a UX/UI designer, providing the best user experience designs for your clients.

As a student in Bryan University’s UX/UI Design Undergraduate Certificate program, you’ll have access to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, included in your tuition!

To stand out from the pack, some aspiring UX/UI designers opt to obtain an Adobe XD certification as a stamp of credibility.

To do that, you’ll have to pass the Adobe XD Credential exam. This digital badge proves that you’re an expert in Adobe XD design. As Adobe says on its website, this could lead to opportunities in career development and a potential raise if you have an existing UX/UI design job.

During the Adobe XD certification exam, you will be quizzed on topics such as basic and intermediate prototyping, basic keyboard shortcuts, design workflow rules and best practices, XD affordances, and XD software terminology. A total of 48 questions are asked in a multiple-choice format. This online-based test takes roughly 90 minutes to complete.

Should you answer 35 out of 50 questions correctly, or score 71 percent, then you’ll have officially passed the Adobe XD Credential exam. The exam cost is $95 for each attempt. As mentioned above, at Bryan University, the first attempt is included in your tuition!

How Can I Learn About Figma?

Another software that you might be interested in mastering before starting your UX/UI design career is Figma. Similar to Adobe XD, Figma is also an industry-leading design software for UX/UI professionals.

Figma uses a collaborative interface with online and offline features. It’s another valuable tool to have as a UX/UI designer, and one that will undoubtedly come in handy in your day-to-day tasks. As a BU student, you’ll have access to a free version of Figma that will allow you to learn the ins and outs of the software.

Figma does not have an official certification, but you can enroll in third-party classes or masterclasses to learn the ins and outs of Figma, becoming professionally ready to use the software.

Is a UX/UI Design Undergraduate Certificate Worth It?

Is it worthwhile to take the time, effort, and expense to earn a UX/UI accredited undergraduate certificate? We believe it’s ultimately worthwhile to pursue a UX/UI design certificate degree, and here’s why!

Proves Your Dedication to Your Future Career

According to job resource Zippia, as of 2022, there are more than 10,178 UX/UI designers in the United States alone. The field is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. This means the competition is only going to get steeper.

How dedicated are you to this chosen career path? Having a certification or a few under your belt proves your dedication, especially if you also have a certificate from an accredited post-secondary institution. It shows that you took the additional time and expense when you didn’t have to and pursued your passions fully. Hiring managers will notice, as it proves that you’re willing to work extra hard at something and achieve your goals.

Showcases Your Mastery

The hard thing about getting started in any career is proving that you know your stuff. You may have a degree, but if you don’t have the experience, not a lot of employers are willing to give you a chance.

Those that do hire you might limit your job role right out of the gate because of the perceived lack of experience. Having a certification in software such as Adobe XD in addition to an accredited credential is undeniable evidence that you understand the software and have the skills to perform in your role effectively.

You also may find yourself being offered additional opportunities on the job because of your certification(s).

Adds Relevant Experience to Your Resume

Upon graduation, you’ll be able to add these credentials to your resume and set yourself apart to future employers. 

Makes You a Distinct Job Candidate

All these points, when added together, make you one memorable job candidate for an entry-level UX/UI job. Hiring managers will be impressed with your credentials and could bring you in for a second interview. You could even be offered a job sooner!

Ready to Achieve Your Career Goals and Earn Your UX/UI Certificate?

If you’re looking for an online college with a stellar UX/UI design program, choose Bryan University.

Our UX/UI Design Undergraduate Certificate program is just what you need at this blossoming stage of your career.

Not only will the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite be included in your tuition, you’ll also take courses such as Design Principles & Color Theory, Typography & Hierarchy, UX Process & Theories, and UI Development. You could begin working for business consulting groups, entertainment and media organizations, marketing and advertising companies, technology companies, and government agencies.

Future job titles could include UX analyst, UX/UI developer, website designer, UI designer, and UX designer.

Why stop there?

Bryan University students can concurrently work toward their Associate Degree in Graphic Design while in the undergraduate program. This will open additional doors for you as you learn advanced design concepts such as image manipulation, page composition and layout, and soft skills such as writing and interpersonal relations.

You’ll get to use all the programs and software that UX/UI designers do, including Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe InDesign, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

Learn more about Bryan University’s UX/UI Design Undergraduate Certificate program today!

Request information

And Get a FREE Career Brochure
Return to Bryan Newsroom
crossmenu