Top Video Editing Certificates & Certifications in Atlanta

An important part of the post-production process, video editing consists of rearranging and manipulating video clips to create a project for a targeted audience.

Video editors use software like Adobe Pro Premiere, After Effects, and Audition, to remove unwanted footage, combine clips, create motion graphics, and add sound effects. Video editing is a creative art form that can turn basic footage into a persuasive and entertaining film, TV show, YouTube video, etc. Video editors often work in a production studio, collaborating with producers and directors, or as a freelancer in their own offices. According to national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, film, and video editors have a projected growth rate of 12% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Film editors in the Atlanta area earn an average of $52,000 per year. 

Atlanta has a diverse and dynamic media arts scene. The city is home to several large studios and production companies, including Tyler Perry Studios and Trilith Studios (known for filming a number of Marvel movies). According to a report by the Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State University, Georgia has become a global leader in entertainment, joining California and New York as central hubs for film production. The report also reveals that out of all U.S. states, Georgia's creative sector has had the largest economic expansion from 2009 to 2019. 

With an abundance of job opportunities, Atlanta is a great place to begin your career as a video editor. While many video editors have college degrees, it is not necessary for finding work in video editing. Earning a certificate or certification in film editing will give you the skills you need to become a film editor, stay up-to-date on current technologies, and advance in your career. 

Noble Desktop: Video Editing Certificate

Key Information:$2,995, remote learning, 14 sessions full-time or 28 sessions part-time evenings, free retake option, 1-on-1 mentoring included, no prerequisites required. 

Learn how to edit videos and audio, as well as the basics of motion graphics and animation with Noble Desktop's Video Editing Certificate program. In this online class, you'll receive hands-on instruction in video editing techniques such as adding music and voiceover, adjusting placement, speed and color, removing background noise, and adding sound effects. Using top video and sound editing software Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition, and After Effects, you'll create a video demo reel to showcase to prospective clients and employers. 

Noble Desktop, a premier design and coding school with classes in NYC and online, offers small class sizes to ensure students receive individual attention. If you need a refresher or missed a class, they offer a free retake option that allows you to retake a module or entire program for free for up to one year after program completion. You can also access class recordings that are available online within one day of the session's end. 

In addition to regular instruction, you'll receive five 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with an expert who will help you polish your resume, review your portfolio, review challenging concepts, provide professional job advice, and ensure you're on track with your learning objectives. Upon completion of the class, you'll receive a NY state-licensed certificate validating your mastery of the subject. 

Noble Desktop: Motion Graphics Certificate

Key Information:$3,495, remote learning, 17 sessions full-time (2 months) or 34 sessions part-time evenings (4 months), 1-on-1 mentoring included, free retake option, prerequisites required. 

If you'd like to focus your learning on motion graphics and animation, consider Noble Desktop's Motion Graphics Certificate program. In this live online program, you'll learn how to use professional software Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite to create motion graphics and visual effects, edit videos, and render 3D animations. You'll also learn visual effects techniques such as greenscreen removal, background replacement, rotoscoping, and cell phone screen placement. Work completed in this program includes a video demo reel of motion graphics projects to showcase to prospective employers and clients. 

Included in your tuition are five 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where an expert will provide you with professional job advice, help you polish your resume, review your portfolio, and review challenging concepts. Don't fret if you miss a class or need a refresher – Noble Desktop offers a free retake of a module or entire program for up to one year. There are also recordings of sessions posted online for students to review. 

You'll receive individual attention and hands-on instruction in Noble Desktop's small classes that typically range from 8 to 12 students. Upon completion of the program, you'll earn a NY state-licensed certification, demonstrating your mastery of the subject. Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator is required for this certificate program. 

Noble Desktop: Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate

Key Information:$4,995, remote learning, 20 sessions full-time (2 months) or 40 sessions part-time evenings (4 months), 1-on-1 mentoring included, free retake option, no prerequisites required. 

To expand your knowledge of both video editing and motion graphics, consider taking Noble Desktop's Video Editing and Motion Graphics certificate program. In this program conducted live online, you'll gain a deep understanding of both subjects, learning how to edit videos and sound with Adobe Premiere Pro and Audition, as well as motion graphics and visual effects with Adobe After Effects. You'll master editing techniques such as adjusting video clip placement, speed, and color, how to remove background noise, add animation, remove greenscreen, and more. By the end of the program, you'll have a completed demo reel that showcases your video editing and motion graphics skills to prospective employers and clients. 

In addition to your regular instruction, this program includes eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where an expert will help you with your resume, provide professional advice for finding a job, review your portfolio, and assist with challenging concepts. Noble Desktop's small class sizes ensure that students receive individual attention and immediate feedback in their live online classes. Miss a class or need a refresher on the material? Noble Desktop allows you to retake a module or the entire program for up to one year. You'll also find recordings of class sessions posted online within a day after class.

This program is ideal for individuals looking to start a career as a video editor and/or animator, as well as designers or marketing professionals who want to grow their knowledge of video editing and motion graphics for their careers. Upon completion of the program, you'll receive a NY state-licensed certificate validating your mastery of the subject. 

Georgia Film Academy: Film & Television Post-Production Certification

Key Information:42 credits (seven classes), apprenticeships available, certification exam.

Georgia Film Academy offers a certification program in film and television post-production that provides hands-on training for undergraduate students, high school students, and professionals in the field at their state-of-the-art post-production facility at Trilith Studios. The curriculum consists of 42 credits (about seven classes) with classes such as Introduction to Film and Television Post-Production where students will learn how to operate various professional non-linear (NLE) editing software, Fundamentals of Editing with Avid Media Composer 100, and Fundamentals of Sound Design with Avid Pro Tools 100. 

You'll also have the chance to participate in an apprenticeship that provides experiential learning under the mentorship of industry experts. Upon completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to take two certification exams to earn the credential of Avid Pro Tools Certified User, an industry standard for sound editors in film and TV. 

Atlanta Technical College: Video and Film Editor Certificate

Key Information:$3,026, two semesters, 19 credit hours, no prerequisites required.

Atlanta Technical College's Video and Film Editor Certificate program teaches students the creative and technical aspects of video editing through classroom instruction and hands-on projects. Upon completion, you'll be able to edit videos using professional software and collaborate with a director to complete an editing project involving audio, visual effects, and music. 

Courses included in the program are Introduction to Media Technology, Introduction to Video Production, Basic Video Editing, Intermediate Video Editing, and Post-Production Audio. Atlanta Technical College's Career Services Center provides assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search. 

HeadTrix, Inc.: Video Editing and Effects Certificate

Key Information:$3,995, remote learning, 6 classes (78 hours), no prerequisites required.

headTrix Training Inc. Offers a certificate in video editing and visual effects for students to attend live online. In this program, students will learn how to composite and edit videos using Adobe Premiere Pro as well as create motion graphics with After Effects. You'll also learn the basics of Photoshop for creating and editing static images, how to import and export video, and how to add titles and transitions. 

Students will walk away with the knowledge to create their own professional videos and movies. Individuals who have previously taken one or more courses in the program will be offered a discount and not have to pay full tuition. 

Digital Workshop Center: Video Design Certificate

Key Information:$5,995, remote learning, 137 hours, approximately 6 months, free retake option, career coaching, mentored instruction.

Digital Workshop Center's Video Design Certificate teaches students about best practices for video production, design principles, industry terminology, marketing concepts, and storytelling, as well as creating videos on social platforms like YouTube. Students will gain understanding and hands-on experience with editing software such as Photoshop to edit still images, Premiere Pro to create dynamic videos, and After Effects to add animation. Projects completed in the class include creating a real-world video project with one-on-one help from a mentor. 

In addition to your online classroom training, upon graduation, you'll receive counseling from expert career coaches to help guide you in your job search. Career services include resume assistance, mock interview workshops, and access to micro-internships that provide real-world experience.

FAQ for Video Editing Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

Generally, the difference is that a certificate is awarded to students who complete a training course while a certification is given to students who pass an exam. While industry experience is typically required to earn a certification, students with no prior knowledge and who are transitioning careers can often earn a certificate. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

If you are interested in switching careers to become a video editor or would like to stay up-to-date on current technology, earning a certificate is your best option. If you are already working as a video editor and want to boost your resume or advance in your career, earning a certification may be the better choice. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

You do not need to be certified to find a job as a video editor. Additionally, while many video editors have college degrees, you can be a video editor without one. A certificate program will give you the skills you need to work as a video editor. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

Choosing between an in-person or online class is largely based on personal preference. If you enjoy getting to know and working alongside other students, taking an in-person class may better suit you. Moreover, if you need access to a computer and/or software, in-person classes often provide these for you. However, if you enjoy working from the comfort of your own home, online classes allow you to save yourself some time by skipping the commute. Online classes are also becoming increasingly popular, especially in the field of video editing, therefore you'll likely find more options for online certificate programs than in-person classes. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

Some students enjoy asynchronous classes where they can work at their own pace by reading materials and watching pre-recorded lessons that can be paused and rewound. But if you would like to receive immediate feedback and more hands-on training, a live online class will allow you to receive assistance in real-time. This can be particularly helpful when learning technical skills such as video editing.