Certification for designers: what do you think?

2nd November, 2011 by Frank Stillitano

I would like to ignite (or reignite) a debate on graphic design certification.

At the moment I believe our profession needs to be regulated by a similar process that prevents people claiming to be accountants, lawyers, doctors, dentists and architects without the right certification. Otherwise I think it's possible our practice will never be treated as a 'real profession'.

Do you think certification could objectively distinguish between experienced/educated designers and those who have just bought a copy of Photoshop?

Or do you have evidence that it won't work?

Does the graphic design profession as a whole have a responsibility to guarantee clients and the general public we have minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or experience?

Without certification do we risk '$99 logos' (and other questionable design practices) slowly undermining the public perception of our profession and simultaneously decimating our common income stream?

I'd love to hear opinions from both sides of the argument, and particularly from experienced and senior members of the industry.

View comments

That a question that goes against every career, business and etc. The idea of not have thing to back you up is slim. Businesses will be asking for you education details and proof on whether you received a certificate or diploma.
As to the question about ‘Do you think certification could objectively distinguish between experienced/educated designers and those who have just bought a copy of Photoshop?’
Well two years ago before I started studying for graphic design, my Photoshop skills weren’t as sharp as they are now. No one would hire me without skills and I wouldn’t have had them to hire me without experience and education.
As to experience, that something all together different. With a relative of mine she didn’t receive a diploma and it made it difficult for her to get a job.
And so you see with or without a certificate or diploma it makes things a whole lot difficult.

Posted by Sarah Stephenson on 7th November 2011

I think certification would be very beneficial to raise the professionalism and crediibility of our industry. Those designers who are passionate about what they do and who strongly oppose crowdsourcing need a way to show clients their dedication and commitment to their profession. It's time the 'real' designers amongst us were taken seriously! This crowdsourcing biz has really undervalued what we do. So over it!
Posted by Kirsty Curnow on 9th November 2011

I think even with certifications you'll always find potential clients who will turn around and buy from 99designs etc. They just don't care about certifications, degrees.
Those are not the clients who know about the values of a proper education and who are willing to pay for experience.

In my opinion designers who want to stand out can't just rely on producing greatlooking results (this really can be done by anyone with a creative hand and the right software).
We have to make sure that we are also capable of professional and strategic client and project management in the long run, because that's what clients who are willing to pay more for professional work, are looking for.
Posted by Astrid Wehling on 17th November 2011

This is such a timely and meaty topic in my opinion - particularly these past few years with the proliferation of stock/graphic/logo/layout websites.

A previous employer of mine has been in the industry since the 60's and would regularly remind me that nobody has ever asked for his credentials.

I think that to remain competitive designers really need to add value to output for their clients, whether this comes in the form of basic customer service or whether its detailed rationales, storyboarding etc. In the current climate I think its more about demonstrating you ability to think than your ability to produce.

Cheers!
Posted by Ryan Clayton on 19th December 2011