Gain insights into UX Design and kick-start a career in this growing field by enrolling in certificate or certification programs. Explore a wide range of courses offered by institutions like Thinkful, NextGen Bootcamp, Noble Desktop, and CareerFoundry.
Key Insights
- UX Design involves creating functional and appealing digital products for consumers, making it a promising field for career growth.
- There are a variety of certificate and certification programs available for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to enhance their skills.
- Thinkful provides a UX/UI Design Bootcamp that covers the fundamentals of UX/UI design and prepares students for a job in the design field.
- NextGen Bootcamp offers a UX & UI Design Summer Program for high school students, introducing them to standard patterns found in app and website interface designs.
- Noble Desktop provides a part-time UX & UI Design Certificate program for beginners, focusing on designing apps, websites, and other products that are user-friendly and visually appealing.
- CareerFoundry's UX Design Program is fully online and asynchronous, with a curriculum focused on industry relevance, from conducting user research to wireframing and presenting work.
- General Assembly's UX Design Immersive prepares students for a career in the design industry through a deep dive into visual and user interface design, among other topics.
UX Designers are responsible for designing a product that represents the brand’s intentions and is visually appealing to customers. UX design is typically associated with digital design for websites and mobile apps.Â
UX Designers are required to produce functional designs for a company that will appeal to the company’s customers. UX Designers will begin the process by first considering users of the brand and what will appeal to them. They follow up with user research to discover the behavior of users and then analyze that research. Once the design phase has begun, the UX Designer puts what they have learned into their work. They may also work with a UI Designer to add visual or interface elements before conducting user testing.Â
Design is a steadily growing field that you can start a career in. UX Designers may be self-employed, and offer their services to clients, or they may work in a company’s design team. You can learn more about UX design by enrolling in a UX design certificate or certification program.Â
Thinkful: UX/UI Design Bootcamp
Key Information: Thinkful’s UX/UI Design Bootcamp can be enrolled in part-time or full-time. The part-time option follows a 6-month schedule while the full-time program follows a 5-month schedule, not including a four-week self-paced prep course. The part-time program is priced at $12,350 and the full-time program is priced at $14,823. Several payment plans are available to enrolled students. Tuition includes a certificate of completion that is awarded after the bootcamp has finished.Â
This bootcamp begins by covering the fundamentals of UX/UI design. After covering these foundations, students will learn the best practices of the design process. These practices will be put to the test as students prepare to design their own products. The goal of this bootcamp is to prepare students for a job in the design field by helping them develop job-ready skills.Â
Students have access to 1-on-1 mentorship. They are enrolled with an industry professional whom they’ll meet with at a live personal consultation. During these sessions, students will receive detailed feedback and career insight. Students also have access to on-demand technical coaching.Â
NextGen Bootcamp: UX & UI Design Summer Program
Key Information: NextGen Bootcamp’s UX & UI Design Summer Program is available to high school students in a live online delivery format or in-person in NYC. The class is 45 hours of hands-on instruction. Early enrollment tuition is $2,495.Â
This summer program offers students an introduction to UI design. They’ll learn about the standard patterns found in app and website interface designs, among other foundational skills. Figma will be used to gain experience in both UI and UX design. Students can expect to learn about design education and careers in the field from their instructor. At the end of the course, they’ll have developed a portfolio of projects that showcase their new skills and knowledge.Â
Students will receive a certificate of completion once the summer program has ended. Small class sizes ensure that students receive in-depth instruction, can ask questions, and receive detailed feedback. Supplemental material will be given to students to assist during and after the program.Â
Noble Desktop: UX & UI Design Certificate
Key Information: Noble Desktop offers a 24-week part-time UX & UI Design Certificate program for beginners. This live online program costs $3,495, which can be paid in full upfront or following one of Noble Desktop’s flexible payment plans. No prior experience with UX or UI design is required to enroll.Â
Students of this program will learn to design apps, websites, and other products that are easy to use and visually appealing. The program aims to help students develop skills that they can use within the design industry as UX or UI designers. Students will begin learning the fundamentals including how to conduct user research and testing and how to build prototypes.Â
Practical experience will be gained by using UX and UI design tools and software. One section of the course will have students learning about Figma, a design tool that can be used to create visual designs and clickable prototypes. Another lesson focuses on case studies and the final few lessons will prepare students to create a portfolio.Â
Tuition includes 132 hours of hands-on training in a small group. Students will also have access to six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with an industry expert. These sessions can be used to get feedback on portfolios and resumes, discuss difficult concepts, and receive professional advice. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion.Â
CareerFoundry: UX Design Program
Key Information: Career Foundry’s UX Design Program is a 100% asynchronous online program that can be completed full or part-time. No prior experience or background in tech is necessary, but students should have an interest in UX design. Tuition is $7,505 when paid upfront. Flexible payment options are available and detailed on the program’s webpage.Â
CareerFoundry’s curriculum is industry-relevant. Students will receive a thorough introduction to UX design, from conducting user research to wireframing to presenting their work. Next, students will enter the UX Immersion phase of the program. This is where they’ll take a deeper dive into the UX design process, working toward the creation of a final product. Finally, students will choose one of three specialization courses.Â
Students will receive free access to the Figma Professional Plan and a free one-year subscription to Sketch. Other programs and tools may be downloaded using a free trial, but students will be expected to cover their costs once the free trials have ended. Students will be able to meet with mentors and receive career services while enrolled. After the program has ended, students will be awarded a signed CareerFoundry certificate.Â
General Assembly: UX Design Immersive
Key Information: General Assembly’s online UX Design Immersive costs $16,450 when paid upfront in full. The school offers a variety of payment plans which can be learned about on the program’s webpage. This is a beginner-friendly program that includes online, self-paced preparatory lessons to prepare you.Â
General Assembly aims to prepare students for a career in the design industry. A well-rounded curriculum provides students with a deep dive into visual and user interface design while touching on hot topics in the industry such as service design and design leadership. Six units make up this immersive, the last of which focuses on career planning.Â
Tuition covers instruction from industry professionals; career services including interview prep, resume review, and mock interviews; and exclusive access to alumni discounts. Students will work on a capstone project to demonstrate their newfound design skills and add to the portfolio of solo and group projects that they worked on following each unity. After the program, students will be awarded a signed certificate of completion.Â
Certstaffix Training: Adobe Illustrator CC (2025) Course
Key Information: Certstaffix Training offers live online training in Adobe Illustrator. This three-day course costs $1,330 per person. Reach out to Certstaffix to find out about group rates. No prerequisites are required to enroll, and all software and files needed to attend class are included in the price of tuition.Â
This class teaches students step-by-step techniques for working in Adobe Illustrator CC. This is a project-based class, so students can expect to receive hands-on training. The curriculum ensures that students learn the foundations that can help them develop into highly-skilled designers. The instructor will provide students with tips and techniques for using the program.
Upon completing the program, students will receive a digital badge and a certificate of completion. Included with tuition is the ability to retake the class for free within six months. Reach out to Certstaffix Training to find out about onsite training for teams.
Figma Training: Figma Training Course & Certificate
Key Information: Figma’s Training Course will prepare you to use the design tool when creating a product. The certificate course is $97 per person. Teams may enroll in the course and receive a 15% discount. This is a self-paced class that is open to beginners.Â
The course introduces Figma before diving into its tools and features. Students will learn the fundamentals before moving on to creating prototypes, using plug-ins, and collaborating. Hands-on exercises are included within the course to offer students the chance to practice developing real-world design solutions.
This is an on-demand class, so students may work through the course at their desired pace. Project and exercise files are downloadable, making them easy to access. Enrolled students will have access to special discounts and bonus credits on the latest UI design tools and software. A certificate of completion is awarded to students who finish the course.
BrainStation: UX Design Course
Key Information: BrainStation offers a live online UX Design Course. Courses are offered at a variety of times, allowing students to work the course into their schedule. You can reach out to BrainStation to learn about tuition prices and financing options available to you.Â
Students will learn the fundamentals of UX design needed to establish a career in the industry. The course will teach the techniques and tools UX Designers use to help shape the user experience. An expert instructor will guide students through best management practices, user research principles, and user-centered design principles. Four units make up the course. The topics covered across units will provide students with hands-on learning using design tools and software.
Students will work on a real-world UX design portfolio as a final project. This will be worked on throughout the course until they have created a functioning and highly usable design solution. Students who complete the course receive an industry-recognized certificate of completion which can be shared on LinkedIn.Â
Certstaffix Training: Adobe Photoshop CC (2025) Course
Key Information: Certstaffix Training’s Adobe Photoshop Course is a three-day course covering the foundations of Adobe Photoshop. The live online course costs $1,330 per person, with special rates offered to groups. Included with tuition is all the necessary software and materials for engaging with the class.Â
This hands-on course uses real-world project-based training in Photoshop. Students will learn tips and techniques to become productive users of the program. The course curriculum is designed so that students gain experience slowly working with the program. They’ll first practice basic photo corrections before moving toward more advanced techniques and even editing videos.Â
Certstaffix Training offers onsite training to groups at your organization's location. You can contact Certstaffix to learn more about group training and prices. After completing the course, you’ll be awarded a digital badge and a certificate of completion.Â
Practical Programming: Front-end Development Certificate
Key Information: Practical Programming’s Front-end Web Development Certificate program is a live online program offered in partnership with Noble Desktop. Enrolled students receive 108 hours of hands-on training in the fundamentals of front-end web development. The cost of the bootcamp is $3,495. Tuition may be paid upfront or following one of Practical Programming’s flexible payment options.Â
Learn how to build the front-end of websites and mobile applications. Learn coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design an aesthetically pleasing and interactive front-end. Modules will focus on the essentials of front-end design and development as well as on WordPress, Git, and other web development tools.Â
Students will learn remotely in small groups. The small class size allows students to interact with their instructors and with each other. They can openly ask questions and receive feedback on their work. This bootcamp includes four 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. In these sessions, students will have the chance to review their portfolio and resume, ask questions about course content, and receive professional advice from an industry expert.Â
FAQ for UX Design Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Before enrolling in a certificate or certification program, you should consider the differences between the two.Â
Certificates are achieved after completing a training program. These programs award students with digital or physical certificates of completion that attest to their training. Employers can see that their employees with certificates have received training in an area that may be relevant to their job. Certification is achieved after passing a certification exam. Certifications show employers that an employee is trained and tested in an area or using specific software and tools.Â
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
If you’re interested in further professional training, consider how a certificate or certification would improve your skill set and impact your career goals.Â
Certificates are often pursued by mid-career professionals. They are completed to improve your current skill set and show employers that you have taken the initiative to improve. This can help mid-career professionals achieve a promotion or pay raise. Certificates are also pursued by professionals looking to make a career change. Those with no prior work experience in a field can pursue a certificate to attest to their training in the field.Â
Certifications are often pursued by job seekers. To receive certification in an area, you must pass a certification exam. Most individuals enroll in a certification program that will prepare them for the exam. Certifications show employers that you understand concepts that are essential to your field and may also prove that you understand how to use industry-relevant software and tools. A fee must be paid to either a certification training school or a third-party testing company to sign up for a certification exam.Â
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Many UX design jobs do not require you to be certified. However, pursuing certification shows employers that you are motivated and up to specific industry standards. Certification exams are standardized, so if you are certified your employer will know that you have working knowledge in your field.Â
Career professionals may decide to pursue a certification to try to advance within their field. A certification shows their employer that they are actively learning and improving their skill set.Â
Some employers may also request that employees become certified. In these cases, there are training schools that will accept employee sponsorship or enroll you in a corporate invoicing payment plan.Â
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Certificate programs are offered in-person, live online, and asynchronously. The right program for you depends on your learning style and schedule. Keep reading to determine if you should enroll in an in-person, live online, or asynchronous UX design certificate program.Â
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
In-person classes are taught face-to-face in a physical classroom. These scheduled classes require students to commute up to several times a week or on weekends. This course delivery method is ideal for those who like face-to-face learning and are interested in interacting with their peers.Â
Online classes may be provided live or on demand. These are best for individuals who are comfortable using a computer. This delivery method is more flexible than in-person classes because they eliminate the need to commute to the classroom. Instead, they can be taken from the comfort of your home or office. It’s important if you’re enrolling in an online class that you have access to a stable internet connection.Â
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
If you’re interested in enrolling in an online class, you’ll need to decide if you want to enroll in a live online or asynchronous class.Â
Live online classes are taught by expert instructors using a video conferencing platform like Zoom, Google Meets, or Microsoft Teams. These classes are more flexible than in-person classes because you don’t need to commute to receive hands-on, in-depth instructions or peer interaction. However, these classes are still scheduled like in-person classes. When you find a live online class that you’re interested in, you’ll have to see if it fits your schedule.Â
Asynchronous classes are the most flexible learning option. They are on-demand, meaning you can access course content whenever you’d like. No instructor is guiding the class, so you’ll need to be a motivated learner to get through the material by yourself. With an asynchronous class, you may have access to course content for a lifetime or a specified period.