Top Graphic Design Certificates & Certifications in Los Angeles

Graphic Designers create visual concepts and communications using computer software or by hand.

Graphic design projects are typically intended to communicate ideas to others such as consumers. Graphic Designers make work freelance or be hired onto a company’s design team. They work to create visual media that will draw attention and effectively communicate a brand’s intentions. Promotional material is often created by Graphic Designers to advertise to targeted audiences.

Graphic design is an in-demand career and graphic design skills are in-demand across industries. Graphic Designers are expected to understand design concepts and theories and be able to use industry-standard software and tools. You can learn graphic design skills by enrolling in a certificate or certification program available to you in the LA area that will prepare you for a career in the field. 

Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: Enroll in Noble Desktop’s live online Graphic Design Certificate program. You can partake in the program live online or in-person at Noble Desktop’s NYC location. The program is offered full-time and part-time. The full-time option can be completed in one month and the part-time option can be finished in three months. The program costs $2,995. You can pay tuition in full, in installments, or following a 12-month 0% financing plan. 

This program will help prepare you for a career in the design field. You’ll work with Adobe CC apps that are used within the industry, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. With Photoshop you’ll learn to edit and retouch photos. Illustrator will be used to learn about vector graphics and InDesign will be used to design page layouts. Students will finish the program with a graphic design portfolio that can be used to showcase their new skills to clients and employers. 

Four courses make up this program. The first three courses focus on graphic design software and the final course is centered around portfolio creation. With these courses, students will strengthen their knowledge and skills. Graphic design concepts will be taught as well as graphic design processes. Students will also gain insight into how to speak about their work during the portfolio section of the class and will receive critiques which they’ll learn to work into their projects.

Classes are small in size, which provides ample opportunity to ask questions and receive detailed feedback from instructors. The program includes six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. These sessions can be used to ask questions about confusing concepts or to receive professional advice and tips. Included in the price of the program is up to one year of free retakes and a certificate of completion. 

Shillington School: Graphic Design Course

Key Information: The Shillington School’s Graphic Design Course is a beginner-level bootcamp. It can be taken live online or at their NYC location. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. The full-time schedule runs five days a week for three months and the part-time schedule runs three days a week for nine months. You can reach out to the school to find out about the cost of the course, which will depend on the program type you choose. 

This course will prepare students for a successful career in graphic design as it focuses on building industry-relevant skills. Students will learn practical and technical skills in design theory, design principles, design thinking, design fundamentals, and design programs. Remote work is common in the field, so students will also learn how to work on design projects remotely to prepare them for potential remote-based projects in the future. 

In this course, you’ll work on more than 25 briefs that will help you engage and practice new skills. Classes will follow a studio setup so that students can get used to a studio environment. This means that briefs will be worked on in real time to meet a set deadline and you’ll receive feedback from your peers. Online classes have a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio and on-campus classes have a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. 

HeadTrix Training: Print Design Certificate

Key Information: headTrix Training’s Print Design Certificate is a six-course program that will prepare you to design print materials. The program is priced at $3,500. Students who have already taken one or more courses in the certificate program may pay a reduced price. 

This 72-hour program will prepare you to design and create magazines, brochures, pamphlets, billboards, and other promotional material. To complete this program, you will be required to take several courses in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. After completing those core courses, you’ll have the option to choose between taking another InDesign course or another Illustrator course. You’ll walk away from this certificate program understanding Print Design, including having a comprehensive understanding of how to begin and finish a print project. 

headTrix Training also offers group training, on-site training, and 1-on-1 training. Students with equivalent training in any of the courses that make up the program will be offered a standard discount. 

Digital Workshop Center: Advanced Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: Digital Workshop Center’s (DWC) Advanced Graphic Design Certificate program is taught live online. The 95-hour class consists of an average of two sessions per week, making the total length of the program approximately six months. Additional hours will be assigned outside of the classroom. The price of the program is $5,137 or $4,937 when paid upfront. DWC offers flexible payment plans and scholarships, which are detailed on the program’s webpage.

This certificate program focuses on graphic design skills that are in high demand. Real-world skills are the focus of the lessons. Expert instructors will guide students in design fundamentals, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. Students will work on a capstone project under mentored instruction. This project will have students working on a real-world design problem from start to finish. 

This course is offered in an accelerated online format. Class sizes are small, which allows students to receive direct feedback and support. After finishing the program, students will have access to one month of support. DWC also offers a free retake of classes for up to one year. 

UCLA Extension: Design Communication Arts Certificate

Key Information: UCLA Extension offers a Design Communication Arts Certificate online and in-person. The full-time program option will take one year to complete and the part-time program option will take two years to complete. The program costs an estimated $10,250 although the final costs will vary depending on the program fees you’re subject to based on residency. 

In this program, you’ll learn how to think like a Designer. The program is aimed at preparing students for a career in graphic design by developing an understanding of fundamental design principles and industry-standard software. The program consists of 11 required courses and 2 elective courses. Students will walk away from the program feeling confident in their creative and practical skills. 

Two classes in the program focus on internship and mentorship opportunities. In the elective internship course, students will begin putting their knowledge and skills out into the real-world. The elective mentorship class will require students to work 1-on-1 with an instructor who will help them develop a meaningful project that can serve as a portfolio piece, be submitted to a design competition, or serve as a freelance assignment. 

Los Angeles Valley College: Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: Los Angeles Valley College’s Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement is a 29-credit program. It takes students roughly five terms to complete the program. Make an appointment with the school to create a customized learning plan and learn about the cost of the program. 

This certificate program will prepare you for a career in graphic design. Courses are specially structured to help you develop skills in and practical experience with applied design. You’ll spend a good deal of the program problem-solving and learning how to design and execute graphic solutions. Contemporary trends will be learned and utilized within projects and a staged client approval process will be worked through to learn about how to meet client expectations. 

As part of this program, you’ll take classes not only centered around design concepts and software but also in drawing. During the first term, students will take a drawing class alongside a class in typography and a class in 2D design. The foundational courses will prepare you for more advanced courses that will help you further develop your design skills. 

NextGen Bootcamp: Graphic Design Summer Program

Key Information: NextGen Bootcamp offers a Graphic Design Summer Program to high school and college students. The program is live online and consists of 60 hours of hands-on training. The cost of the program is $1,299 when enrolling early. The total cost is due before the class begins. 

This class will teach students how to use popular graphic design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. An expert instructor will guide them by using these programs. Students will also learn foundational graphic design concepts. At the end of the program, students will walk away confident in their ability to use these tools and prepared to continue their journey learning graphic design.

Students will create a graphic design portfolio in this program. They will also earn a certificate of completion at the end. No prior experience with graphic design is necessary, but students should be comfortable using a computer. Classes are typically between 8 and 15 people, which lets students ask plenty of questions and receive direct feedback from instructors.

NYC Career Centers: InDesign in a Day

Key Information: Spend a day (6 hours) mastering the basics of Adobe InDesign in NYC Career Centers’ InDesign in a Day course. This course can be taken live online or at their NYC location. The course costs $395, which is due before class. 

This course is intended to teach students the fundamentals of InDesign. You’ll learn how to create text, pictures, and pages in this beginner-level class. Graphic Designers may use InDesign to create letters, magazines, brochures, and other promotional material. These materials need to be eye-catching and well-planned. This class will help students gain the necessary tools to elevate their work using InDesign. 

This is a project-based course, so students can expect hands-on learning. Tuition includes a proprietary workbook and a certificate of completion. Students must have basic computer skills, but no prior experience with InDesign is necessary. NYC Career Centers also offers a free retake of the class within one year.

Certstaffix Training: Adobe InDesign CC (2025) Course

Key Information: Certstaffix Training offers an Adobe InDesign course for beginners. This three-day live online course is $1,330 per person. Certstaffix also offers on-site team training in select locations. Group rates are requestable on the course’s webpage. 

This is an instructor-led course that intends to teach students how to use InDesign using step-by-step techniques. Students will practice by working on real-world projects that will help them master the basics of the software. Instructors offer tips and tricks for InDesign so that students can become more productive in their design process. Students will finish the three-day course knowing how to create strong and appealing promotional material. 

This class consists of 15 chapters of material that focus on the essentials within InDesign. Included in the cost of the program are all software and materials needed to complete the course. After the course has ended, you will receive a digital badge and a certificate of completion. Certstaffix Training allows free retakes for up to six months.

Certstaffix Training: Adobe Photoshop CC (2025) Course

Key Information: Certstaffix Training’s Adobe Photoshop CC course is a three-day course in the basics of Adobe Photoshop. The course costs $1,330. Certstaffix also offers on-site group training. If this interests you, you can request a group quote. 

This live online course provides training in Photoshop using real-world, project-based learning. Students will learn the basics as well as some advanced-level skills. The goal of this course is to not only teach students how to use Photoshop but also how to be productive users of the software. Over the three days, you’ll work through 15 chapters and an introductory lesson.

Certstaffix Training provides students with all software and files necessary to complete the course. After the course has ended, students will receive a digital badge and certificate of completion. Free retakes are offered for up to six months after the course has ended. 

FAQ for Graphic Design Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

There are graphic design certificate programs and graphic design certification programs available to you in LA and online. A certificate and certification are different. You should consider which one would benefit you most before enrolling in a program. 

Certificate programs award you with a physical or digital certificate after the class has ended. A certificate shows employers that you have trained in an area under expert instruction. Certifications are earned by passing an exam. Certification programs will prepare you to take an exam by training you in the subject or using specific software. Graphic design certifications may be earned in industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

When deciding to pursue a certificate or a certification, you should consider your learning needs and goals. The program you decide on will depend on where you’re at in your career, what you’re expected to know to fill a role, and your budget. 

Certificate programs are ideal for mid-career professionals who need to improve their current skill set. Certificates will train them so that they’re up-to-date on industry practices. Professionals who would like to make a career change are also encouraged to pursue a certificate. Certificate programs can train these professionals in an area to prepare them to enter a new field. 

Certifications are ideal for job seekers. Certification in an area shows employers that the job seeker has a skill set that meets industry standards. Certification exams are standardized, so passing one shows employers that a candidate is trained in concepts and tools that are essential for a position. Certification programs can be used to train in an area before signing up for a certification exam. These programs may include the price of the exam, but oftentimes a third-party testing company must be paid to sign up. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

Most graphic design roles do not require you to be certified. However, a certification can help you in several ways. Certifications prove to employers that you have been trained and tested in an area relevant to the job. A career professional can benefit from certification as well. Certifications show that career professionals are skilled in an area and may help them secure a higher-level, higher-paying role. 

Employers may also decide to enroll employees in a certification program. Several schools in the LA area and online accept employer sponsorship and/or offer corporate invoicing. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Certificate programs are offered in-person, live online, and asynchronously. Before choosing a course delivery, you should consider your learning style, your schedule, and how much instructional support you require. Keep reading to find out about the different types of certificate programs. 

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

In-person classes follow a traditional learning style. These classes are taught at a physical location and are scheduled. They allow for hands-on learning as well as socialization with your peers and instructor. In-person classes require you to commute, so you’ll need to factor commute time into your schedule if you enroll in an in-person class. 

Online classes can be taken live online or asynchronously. This is a remote learning method, meaning you can learn without needing to commute. You should be comfortable working remotely from a computer if you’re planning to enroll in an online class. There are key differences between live online and asynchronous classes that you should consider before deciding which route to take. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

Live online classes are led by expert instructors over a video conferencing platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. These classes are similar to in-person classes, but they take place remotely, eliminating the need to commute. You can take a live online class from the comfort of your home or office so long as you have a stable internet connection and an interruption-free environment. Live online classes are scheduled, like in-person classes, meaning you’ll need to consider your schedule before enrolling. 

Asynchronous classes are also referred to as on-demand classes. These classes allow you to access and work on course content at your preferred pace. Content will be uploaded online for you to follow through at any point during the day or night. Some programs allow students lifetime access to material while others set the time to a few months or a year. Asynchronous classes are not taught by an instructor, requiring you to be a motivated self-learner, but there may be mentors available for you to contact with questions.