Adobe Certification (ACE) Questions

Aren't these certification programs for design software more of a gimmick? I don't see much use in them unless maybe you are trying to teach at a school or something. I do know that they will not make much difference on your resume if that's your intention. When it comes to the creative field, it's all about your work and experience, not what certificates you have.

Any extra qualifications on your CV can only be good

FJ

radiantm3 said:

Aren't these certification programs for design software more of a gimmick? I don't see much use in them unless maybe you are trying to teach at a school or something. I do know that they will not make much difference on your resume if that's your intention. When it comes to the creative field, it's all about your work and experience, not what certificates you have.

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Agreed. I've been using Adobe products for about 20 years and I have yet to see a single resume with ACE on it. If you are going into the creative end of design, all of the focus should be on the portfolio and your work experience. It can't hurt but I don't think it's going to help much either.

If we saw someone with Adobe Certification on their resume where i work (creative design studio), we most likely wouldn't hire them.

I am a ACE in both Adobe InDesign and InCopy CS2.

The reason that I am certified in both is because I am an instructor in these programs. The test is quite hard since you have to answer very technical questions without the software in front of you. In regards as to wanting to wait to take the test when the upgrade comes out, I would advise against that. The reason for this is because the upgrade tests are not that hard. If you take the CS2 test and pass you are allowed to take the upgrade test online from home at your leasure. The upgrade test will then only focus on the new features. If you wait to take just the CS3 test, you will have to know much more information and it will be much harder since the softare will be new to you. If you really want to save yourself $50, wait. But I think it is worth it to pay the extra cash and take an easier test now.

As for studying tips, read the help file system. That will be your best bet. You could also read the Adobe ClassRoom in a book books. A few of the questions on the test seem to come right from that book.

Now, as to the comment that someone would not hire someone just because they have the certs, I think that is just outrageous.

Yes, just because someone has the certs does not mean that they are a good designer, but it does mean that they took the time money and energy to study the program. I would never hold it against someone who passed these tests. I would also never hold it against someone that did not.

I believe that most of the people that take these tests either do it because they are teaching the program, freelancers wanting to show their credentials to nondesigners, or designers who are really really into the program that just want to prove to themselves that they know it inside and out.

I do think that the most important thing is still your portfolio, but there is nothing wrong with having certs. Just don't let it lead you to thinking it will make up for a weak portfolio.

I hope that helps!

these certifications are completely irrelevant.

do not waste your time.

Other alternatives... certification programs that offer design, web etc... or take a continuing edu class at a university or college. I have even seen a few schools that are offering online design related topics (check to make sure that the school is certified). Or internships.

Although I know some fields benefit from certs (IT jobs DEFINITELY do), I can't see these being worth the cost...

I agree, if your intent is to design, it won't help out much, the portfolio, Resume, & Cover Letter, & Interviewing skills, are all you should concentrate on.

If I were a hiring manager for a designer position, I wouldn't pay any attention or mind to certifications. It's the quality of your work that I want to see.

So, more or less what's already been said here. The tests aren't worthless per se, but having a strong portfolio certainly trumps them by a longshot.

If you're just planning to be a designer or do other similar work, certification won't mean much in most cases. But...if you plan to market yourself as any kind of expert or consultant, especially for "teaching" Photoshop (or whatever Adobe application) to other people, ACE certification will definitely give you more credibility. Having the ACE is way out ahead of saying, "I got my Photoshop training at ABC Community College."

I'm usually not a believer certification, but in the case of ACE, it's a rough test, and the certification actually means something.



*SpyMaster*