Anyone can claim to be an expert in Photoshop or Illustrator but they will always struggle when it comes to backing those claims in a resume.

Adobe Certification is a program designed as a solution to that dilemma. It’s a meticulously designed exam created by Adobe to test and validate your Adobe software skills.

With the Adobe Certification, you won’t have to say more to prove how skilled you are at Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Landing that dream job will be a walk in the park.

If you’re wondering what this Adobe Certification really is about or what kind of skills you need to take the exam, you’re at the right place.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Adobe Certification program from basics to even the questions you’ll be getting in the exam.

Let’s get started.

What is Adobe Certification?

Adobe Certification, officially known as Adobe Certified Professional (previously Adobe Certified Associate), is a certification program that allows you to get validation for your skills in using Adobe Creative Cloud software.

Simply put it’s an exam that tests your knowledge of some of the most popular Adobe software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Animate, and Dreamweaver. And you can specialize in each of these software individually.

About the Exam

You can take the exam, which lasts 50 minutes, online or in person. The exam involves showing off your skills in specific Adobe software as well. If you’re taking the exam online, you can easily schedule an exam through Certiport. Or you can find a local certified partner to take the exam in person.

You can also take multiple certifications for different software and earn an additional credential. For example, if you earn certificates for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, you will be qualified for a “Specialty Credential”, which earns you the title of Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design.

Benefits of Becoming an Adobe Certified Professional

There are many benefits to getting Adobe Certification. The most important one of them all is having solid proof of your skills.

Validate Your Talent: With the Adobe Certification, you can validate your skills and prove to anyone how skilled you are at Adobe software

Recognition: Earning this globally recognized certificate will allow you to showcase it on your resume to land interviews and your dream job

Prove Your Skills: If you’re a freelancer, the Adobe Certification will be a nice addition to your portfolio, as proof of your skills to potential clients

Get A Promotion: If you’re considering a promotion, the Adobe Certification is a qualification that will greatly boost your chances of success

More Career Options: It will also broaden your career potential and help land jobs in different sectors of your industry

Expand Your Knowledge: Taking the Adobe Certification is a great way to solidify your knowledge of Adobe software, especially for teachers and professionals

How to Get Adobe Certification

The Adobe Certification entails a rigorous exam that will test your knowledge and skills in many different ways. Before even thinking about taking the exam, you need to fully prepare for it.

Step 1: Learn

The official Adobe Certified Professional website recommends that you have at least 150 hours of experience using Adobe software. This means you need to know all the ins and outs of the software you want to specialize in.

First, decide which certification you want to take. As we mentioned before, there are multiple certifications for different Adobe software. Once you decide which software you want to be certified in, learn everything you can about it.

Step 2: Practice

Practicing your skills is crucial to passing the Adobe Certification exam. And that’s not just about editing photos or designing logos. You need to practice doing very specific and advanced tasks in the software.

Example Question: In Adobe Illustrator, create a new color swatch group with a monochromatic harmony rule using a blue color.

This was one of the questions the YouTuber James Barnard had to answer during his Adobe Illustrator certification exam.

As you can imagine, the questions in the exam can get very specific and you need to be prepared for anything.

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam

The exams for Adobe Certification will include different types of questions divided into categories. For example, the Adobe Photoshop certification exam includes questions related to things like typography, image licenses, color, and more.

You will have to answer questions like defining typography terms like kerning or leading. Or questions related to copyright.

You will also have to do a practical test, which involves doing a task using the software in real time.

Adobe has lots of resources you can explore to learn more about the exam, including Adobe Certification practice tests, exam guides, tutorials, and much more.

Additionally, you can take Adobe Certification classes to better prepare for the exam. Consume them all as much as you can.

Step 4: Schedule an Exam

Once you’re ready, you can schedule an exam. Here are the pricing for each level of the certification:

• Adobe Certified Professional: $125
• Adobe Certified Expert: $225
• Adobe Certified Master: $225

The certification level will depend on the type of job/role you’re after. You can learn more about the process here.

Things to Consider

Before getting into the whole process of getting an Adobe Certification, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Costs: In addition to the exam cost, you will have to invest in classes, practice tests, and courses to learn more about the software and the exams
• Time Investment: If you’re new to Adobe software, you will need at least 150 hours of experience with each software you’re aiming to get certified in. And that’s a rough estimate
• Certificate Expiration: Adobe Certification is only valid for 3 years. After that, you will have to renew the certification by retaking the exam

Should You Get Adobe Certified?

If you’re looking to increase your chances of landing your dream job, seeking to get ahead of your career or land bigger clients as a freelancer, Adobe Certification will go a long way to elevate your skills and authority.

You may be a Photoshop expert who has mastered photo editing or a skilled artist who excels in using Illustrator, but with Adobe Certification you can have official confirmation to prove your claims once and for all. So, yes! It’s a worthy investment you can make to advance your career.

6 FAQs About Adobe Certification

Learn more about the Adobe Certifications with these frequently asked questions.

1. Are Adobe certifications worth it?

Absolutely! Adobe certifications are a valuable asset, especially for professionals in creative fields. They validate your skills, enhance your resume, and can make you more competitive in the job market. Plus, they demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and mastery of Adobe tools.

2. How long do Adobe certifications take?

The time to obtain an Adobe certification varies. It depends on your existing skill level and how much time you dedicate to preparation. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months of study and practice to be ready for the certification exam.

3. Are Adobe certifications free?

No, Adobe certifications are not free. There is a fee for taking the certification exams. However, considering the professional credibility they offer, many find the investment worthwhile. Always check the latest fees on Adobe’s official website or through authorized training centers.

4. Are Adobe skills in demand?

Yes, Adobe skills are highly in demand. Proficiency in Adobe software is crucial in many industries, including graphic design, marketing, web design, and photography. As digital media continues to grow, these skills are increasingly sought after by employers.

5. Is the Adobe certification test hard?

The difficulty of an Adobe certification test can vary based on your familiarity and expertise with the software. It’s designed to assess your practical skills and knowledge, so thorough preparation is key. With adequate study and hands-on practice, you can successfully pass the exam.

6. Is there a Photoshop certification?

Yes, there is a Photoshop certification. Adobe offers the Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop. This certification is ideal for those looking to prove their expertise in Photoshop, a standard tool in digital imaging.