Image by Amélie Mourichon

UX certification is one of the most controversial topics in the UX design world. A lot of discussions happen about whether UX practitioners should or shouldn’t get certified. This article will try to bust five popular myths the design community has about certification.

Myth 1: UX designers don’t need certification

In 2023, most organizations that hire designers don’t consider UX certification a mandatory requirement for job applicants. As a result, UX candidates don’t see any practical value in getting a certificate because they don’t see how it can help them get a job.

But because organizations don’t list certifications in job requirements, it does not automatically mean that UX certification is a waste of time. In reality, hiring managers will likely consider certification as one of a candidate’s strengths. Certification is especially valuable for people who recently moved to the field of UX design because it can help them convince hiring managers that they have the required skills.

Myth 2: UX certification evaluates only theoretical knowledge

UX design is a very broad discipline that requires UX practitioners to be familiar with many areas of design — usability, accessibility, pleasurability, etc. Not only should UX practitioners have relevant theoretical knowledge in listed areas, but they should also be able to apply it in practice. Unfortunately, many certification programs are too focussed on evaluating theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills. That’s why when choosing a certification program, try to apply to one focussing on assessing practical skills because those skills will allow creating well-designed products.

Myth 3: UX certification is only for beginners

First-year UX designers will indeed benefit the most from UX certification because it will help them structure their knowledge and fill the gaps in their knowledge. But UX certification can also be helpful for seasoned designers. It can help them not only to get formal recognition of their skills but also to continue professional development.

Certification can set a professional apart from others in a competitive job market and give them an advantage in job interviews and salary negotiations. It’s much easier to negotiate higher pay when you can support your claim with an excellent portfolio of projects and formal certification.

Myth 4: UX certification is expensive

The cost of UX certification can vary depending on the program and the institution offering it. While some certifications can be quite expensive, others are more affordable. For example, NNGroup offers an excellent certification program for UX practitioners. Still, the NNGroup’s course fee for the virtual format alone is more than $3k, and participants are expected to pay the $400 exam fee.

Myth 5: If you gain UX certification once, you don’t need to do it again

UX is constantly evolving, and new trends and design tools emerge regularly. To succeed in this field, you need to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques, tools, and approaches. But it can be hard to do that when you work day by day on routine design operations, such as introducing granular changes to an existing design system that was in place for a few years. UX certification can help UX practitioners broaden their professional horizons and stay current with industry trends and best practices.

In conclusion

The design field matures and becomes more and more sophisticated. And the role of certification gradually starts to increase. Many organizations prefer to hire certified specialists because it increases their chances of having people capable of creating well-designed products. What it means for UX practitioners is that obtaining a certification can open up new job opportunities and lead to higher earning potential.

If you’re looking for an excellent certification, consider Uxcel. It offers globally recognized UX Design certifications for the most popular designer roles, and with an exam cost of $150 per attempt, it’s one of the most affordable certifications in the industry.