Adobe Creative Cloud's applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator are industry standards used by diverse creative professionals. Opportunities abound in Phoenix, a top-performing city in the US, for Adobe experts in fields like web development, digital design, and graphic design which are predicted to grow faster than average over the next decade.
Key Insights
- Adobe's Creative Cloud applications are essential tools for a wide range of creative professionals including graphic designers, web developers, and digital designers.
- Phoenix is considered a top-performing city in the US, offering abundant opportunities for professionals skilled in Adobe applications.
- The job market for web development and digital design roles, which often require Adobe expertise, is projected to grow 23% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average growth rate.
- Various educational institutions, including Maricopa Community Colleges and Noble Desktop, offer certificate programs focused on Adobe applications and skills.
- Some certificate programs, such as those offered by Certstaffix Training and Mesa Community College, prepare students for Adobe certification exams, enhancing their professional credibility.
- The Adobe Certificate of Completion offered by Mesa Community College covers three key Adobe applications: Animate, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
There are a wide variety of opportunities in the Phoenix area for Adobe experts. The Milken Institute compiles a list of best-performing cities in the United States, considering factors such as job creation and wages, and recently ranked Phoenix as one of the top best-performing large cities in the country.
Graphic designers, in addition to web developers and digital designers, often use Adobe applications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), which collects and analyzes information about the U.S. labor market, between 2021 and 2031, web development and digital design jobs will increase by 23 percent, which is much faster than the average rate of 5 percent. The agency explains that this is a result of continued growth in ecommerce. In addition, it says, “The continued use of mobile devices to search the web is expected to generate demand for web developers and digital designers to create websites and interfaces that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes.” For graphic design, there is also expected to be job growth, but the rate of increase is predicted to be lower than average.
Maricopa Community Colleges: Adobe Foundations: Audio and Video Production
Key Information: Maricopa Community Colleges offers a Certificate of Completion in Adobe Foundations: Audio and Video Production. Students need to earn nine credits for this certificate, and must maintain a grade of C or better in their classes. Courses are $145.50 per credit hour for Maricopa County residents. Out-of-state students pay $420.50 per credit hour.
This course prepares students to edit and enhance audio and video content. They also learn to create and edit special effects. In addition, the course covers legal and ethical standards, and responsibilities, communication, and workflow. In addition, students learn how to address audience needs.
There are three classes in this certificate program. Students take Introduction to Adobe Premiere, where they learn foundational video editing skills, including preproduction and production. Alternatively, they can choose to take Introduction to Digital Video Editing, which covers a range of skills related to importing, exporting, and editing. After that, they take Introduction to Adobe After Effects, where they learn about visual effects for video. The final course is Introduction to Adobe Audition, which is focused on audio editing, importing, and exporting.
Noble Desktop: Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp
Key Information: The Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp offered by Noble Desktop includes 102 hours of instruction. Tuition is $4,195. Noble also offers the option to pay in 4 installments, with no interest or fees. After finishing the course, students receive a certificate of completion. There are no prerequisites, however, students should be comfortable using a computer. All Noble classes include the option of a free retake within a year.
In this program, students learn the most popular applications of Adobe’s Creative Cloud. Training is project-based. There are six different courses: Adobe InDesign Bootcamp, Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp, Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, Premiere Pro Bootcamp, After Effects Bootcamp, and Figma Bootcamp.
The InDesign class is focused on creating page layouts with InDesign. In the Photoshop class, students learn how to create graphics, improve images, and prepare images for use on the web. The Illustrator class covers how to create different types of graphics with this program, including using the pen tool. The Premiere Pro class is focused on editing video footage and creating videos. After Effects is about creating animated photos, text, and graphics. Finally, students take a Figma class, where they learn about how to create UI and UX designs.
Noble Desktop also offers a number of other certificate programs that cover a variety of different Adobe applications. For example, students who take the Digital Design Certificate learn Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Another popular option is the Graphic Design Certificate, which covers InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Certstaffix Training: Adobe Illustrator CC (2025) Course
Key Information: The Adobe Illustrator CC (2025) Course offered by Certstaffix Training prepares students for the exam they need to take to earn Adobe Illustrator Certification. The course takes place over 3 days, and costs $1,330. It is in a live online format. Students earn a digital badge upon completion, and also have the option of a free retake within 6 months.
This class follows a real-world, project-based style of education, where students engage in hands-on learning. They work with Illustrator to create logos, posters, illustrations, and other projects. Instructors also cover tips and techniques to increase productivity with this application.
Some of the specific skills students learn in this class are: creating artwork, making logos and illustrations, exploring shapes and colors, and using freeform gradients and layers. Students also learn to work with dynamic symbols, and to use the Shaper tool and Live Shapes. In addition, they learn how to export assets in multiple formats.
Mesa Community College: Adobe Certificate OfCompletion
Key Information: The Adobe Certificate of Completion, offered by Mesa Community College, takes three semesters to complete, with students taking four classes per semester. Mesa Community College charges $97 per credit hour for residents, and $372 for non-residents, for lower division classes. Upper-division classes are $145.50 per credit hour for residents, or $402.50 for non-residents. In addition, students need to pay a $15 registration fee. Tuition is due upon enrollment. The school also provides a number of different opportunities for financial aid. In addition, there are free tutoring services for students. Mesa Community College has multiple campus locations throughout Mesa, which is a city in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
This course is designed to give students the foundational skills that they need to work with digital and vector imaging and digital animation. It is made up of three courses, each of which is focused on a different Adobe application. Students learn Animate, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Adobe Animate: Digital Animation is designed to give students entry-level skills in this application. It covers techniques for the creation and editing of animated graphics, and also prepares students for Adobe Animate certifications. Adobe Photoshop: Digital Imaging is focused on the Photoshop application, and it prepares students for certifications. Finally, in Adobe Illustrator: Vector Imaging, students learn to create and manipulate a variety of types of vector images including text, abstract art, and graphics. They also learn appropriate file formats.
ONLC Training Centers: Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp
Key Information: Students can earn a certificate by taking the Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp offered by ONLC Training Centers. ONLC classes take place live online, but students also have access to a computer lab in Phoenix. This bootcamp takes five days of full-time study to complete, and costs $1,995. Students should have basic computer and file management skills.
This course introduces students to Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. It also prepares them for more advanced courses and certification in these applications. The class starts by covering the basics of graphic design and Creative Cloud, including how to use Adobe Creative Cloud libraries.
In the Illustrator portion of the class, the instructor focuses on creating and editing vector graphics and illustrations. After that, students learn about InDesign, including when to use it, and the core skills required for page design and layout. Students also learn Photoshop skills, including image editing and compositing, and how to use Lightroom. Finally, the instructor covers Adobe Bridge for organizing projects and workflow.
FAQ for Adobe Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
A certificate and a certification, while they sound similar, are two distinct things. A certificate is something you get after finishing a particular course of study. Tech schools, online schools, colleges, and universities all typically offer certificate programs, and each institution has its own unique programs. Certificates usually take weeks or months to complete, and give students a comprehensive education on whatever subject they are studying. In most cases, they are less expensive than a degree.
In contrast, a certification is something you get to prove that you have mastered a specific skill. A certification is a standardized qualification that is the same no matter where you get it. In order to earn a certification, you usually need to pass an exam administered by a third-party testing provider. In some cases, you also need to complete a certain number of hours of study.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
People pursue certificates and certifications for different reasons. A certificate program can give you a comprehensive education in your desired field, preparing you for an entry-level job, or giving you the additional knowledge that you need to advance within your field. On the other hand, if you want to prove that you’re an expert in a specific area, then a certification might be a better fit. Since a certification is standardized, when you add one to your resume, everyone who sees it knows exactly what it means.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
In some cases, an employer might require a particular certification, however, in most cases, you don’t need to become certified to find a job. That doesn’t mean it won’t help though. Certification can help show that you’re serious about your job, and it can help you stand out from other job applicants. According to Certiport, a certification exam provider, 91 percent of hiring managers say that certification is an important consideration in the hiring process. The organization explains, “Certification makes job candidates stand out in a crowded job market.”
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
Certificate programs come in a number of different formats. In many cases, you’ll be able to choose between learning in-person, or taking an online class. There are advantages and disadvantages to each format. In-person learning is the traditional way to learn a new subject, and many people still prefer it because it can be very engaging and interactive. It can also be easier to focus with in-person classes, since they take place in a space that is dedicated to learning. However, getting to an in-person class is not always easy or convenient, and for this reason, some people prefer online learning. When you take an online class, you can attend from anywhere you want; you just have to log in on your computer. Because you don’t need to travel to the class location, you’ll also have more class options to choose from. For instance, you can choose to enroll in an online class that takes place on the other side of the country.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Online classes also come in more than one format. Many schools offer live online courses, which are very similar to in-person classes, but rather than attending in-person, students log on via their computers. With a live online class, you still get live instruction and real-time interaction with both instructors and fellow students. However, when you take a live online class, you need to attend at a specific time, which can be challenging if you have a busy schedule. With an asynchronous class, you don’t get live instruction, but you get a lot more flexibility. Asynchronous classes are pre recorded, and you are able to work through the material at your own pace. You can stop and start whenever you need to, and can even rewind or fast-forward sections of the class. In addition, asynchronous classes are often less expensive than live online ones.