This process is used with video information in various mediums such as TV shows, movies, video essays, and advertisements. Video Editors work with various software and tools when structuring and presenting video content such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightworks, Final Cut Pro, and CapCut. Those who edit video content work with a range of editing techniques to create videos such as linear and nonlinear editing, online and offline editing, vision-mixing, and cloud-based editing. Learning to edit videos can lead to exciting professional opportunities in production, film, and television. It also provides a creative outlet that enables Video Editors to share their vision with the world. A great way for those in Boston to get started in this in-demand field is to sign up for a certificate program.
Noble Desktop: Motion Graphics Certificate
Key Information: Those seeking live online certificate training in motion graphics can enroll in Noble Desktop’sMotion Graphics Certificate. This class is designed for aspiring Motion Graphics Designers. Certificate study is available for $3,495. Financing plans are available. In addition to 102 hours of hands-on coursework, participants also are given five one-on-one mentoring sessions as part of tuition. These sessions can be used to help with professional portfolio development, revisit complicated course material, work on a LinkedIn profile or resume, or attain job application advice. It takes participants two months to complete this certificate on a full-time basis or four months to do so if studying part-time. As a prerequisite, students should come into this class familiar with how to use Adobe Illustrator and/or Photoshop. Additionally, video timeline editing skills and a background in basic design concepts are helpful, though not required.
Motion Graphics Certificate is an intensive program aimed at teaching students the motion graphics skills they need to create successful motion design projects. The program commences with fundamental motion design concepts such as working with balance, rhythm, timing, point, and line. Instruction is provided on how Adobe Premiere Pro can be used to order clips, import video content, remove extraneous parts, incorporate sounds and music into videos, and overlay graphics. During the animation portion of this class, participants explore how to connect with audience members by creating videos that include text, photos, and graphics. Insights into the post-production process will also be covered in this certificate during the Adobe After Effects component of the class. Learners also work with Cinema 4D Lite to add 3D graphics to their motion design projects.
At the end of this class, students combine the short clips they’ve completed during the program and create a demo reel that can be shared with potential employers as well as clients. Additionally, students will learn how to export their final video for TV, social media, web, or movies.
NYC Career Centers: Motion Graphics Certificate
Key Information: A great way to learn about video editing, special effects, and motion graphics is to enroll in the Motion Graphics Certificate. This course spans 102 hours. Participants can choose whether to complete it on a full-time basis, which requires two months of weekday sessions, or as part-time learners, during four months of evening sessions. Before enrolling in this certificate program, students should be familiar with Photoshop and/or Illustrator. Additionally, basic design and video timeline editing skills are useful, though not required. Tuition for this intensive certificate program is $3,495. Financing options are available.
Motion Graphics Certificate is available for those interested in working with Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. In the video editing portion of this class, participants learn how to edit voiceover, dialogue, and music. They also study how to adjust the placement, color, and speed of video clips, as well as how to time them out. The motion graphics course component prepares students to incorporate animations into layered Illustrator or Photoshop files, videos, or photographs. Instruction is also provided on visual effects such as background replacement, cell phone screen replacement, greenscreen removal, and rotoscoping.Â
By the conclusion of this certificate, students will have created a motion graphics demo reel that showcases the skills they’ve learned during their studies. Tuition for this certificate includes more than an interactive virtual live learning experience. Students also have the opportunity to complete exercises and projects created to help them understand, retain, and engage with the material. All participants have access to supplemental materials both during and after the course. Those enrolled can retake some or all of this course for free for up to a year. A certificate of completion is provided to all graduates of this program.
Lumenbrite: Premiere Pro Training: Bootcamp
Key Information: Premiere Pro Training: Bootcamp offers live online training for those interested in studying one of the most popular tools for video editing. Tuition is $1,995. It takes participants five full days of coursework to complete this bootcamp. This course begins with beginner-level Premiere Pro instruction; no prerequisites are required to enroll except for basic computer proficiency.
During this comprehensive program, students progress from Premiere Pro novices to intermediate-level mastery. Instruction is provided on topics like importing and exporting video, using three-point editing, incorporating video and audio effects, and adding transitions. Those enrolled also become familiar with how to create animations, titles, and credits, as well as how to process various image formats, like Photoshop and Illustrator files, into video. Learners also study the process of editing audio tracks and importing background music.
Over the course of five days, those enrolled in this bootcamp explore time-saving tools and workflows such as Audition, Media Encoder, and Dynamic Link with After Effects. Course content includes leveraging advanced editing tools like slip and slide edits, performing audio correction, and sweetening. Additionally, students learn the best practices and common pitfalls of video editing, producing, and exporting so that video content can be exported properly on the first attempt. Along with hands-on training in the live, interactive virtual environment, participants will also receive an Adobe Nationally Recognized Course Certificate for completing the program. They also have access to VIP Lumenbrite events and seminars and qualify for Adobe MAX exclusive events and discounts.
FAQ for Video Editing Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
There are two great ways to acquire video editing skills while simultaneously earning a designation that can make you a more competitive job candidate: certificates and certifications. Before deciding whether to pursue one of these options, knowing the difference is essential. Earning a video editing certificate requires completing a training course. Some courses focus on a specific video editing tool or application such as Adobe After Effects, whereas other programs provide learners with a more robust overview of the field of video editing, as well as several popular programs for editing video content. Many top educators around the country offer certificates that range in length from several weeks to several months. During the program, learners progress from basic to advanced video editing concepts, complete hands-on projects, and prepare to use their skills in a professional setting. Some certificate programs also provide professional development, like LinkedIn profile support, job interview prep, or portfolio review. Graduates of these programs earn a verified certificate.
Video editing certifications differ from certificates because they don’t require students to complete a class. Instead, they require sitting for an exam that’s proctored by a thor party. If you’re interested in exploring video editing certification, two popular options are the Adobe After Effects Certification and the Adobe Premiere Pro Certification. Both take 50 minutes to complete and integrate with the corresponding apps. These exams are designed to ensure that those sitting are evaluated on the skills needed to pursue a career in video editing. Whereas certificate programs require attending in-person or online classes that meet for weeks or months and investing thousands of dollars into study, there are no formal coursework requirements to pursue Adobe certification. It is recommended that those who sign up for these tests have 150 hours of prior classroom or professional experience working with these tools, though this is not required to take the test. If you feel confident in your video editing skills and have fewer experience hours, you can still sign up by paying the test-taking fee. If you pass the exam in the designated application, you receive certification that lets employers know you’ve reached a verifiable level of mastery using After Effects or Premiere Pro. Certification can lead to a wider range of job opportunities, as well as those with higher salaries.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Choosing whether to earn a video editing certification or certificate will depend on several key factors. One is whether the designation will have professional benefits. Since not all employers require employees to have video editing certification or have completed a certificate program, those interested in exploring these options should also consider the skill set they will acquire by studying or training. The hours spent studying for video editing certification are devoted to learning core Adobe skills that will likely help you be a more efficient and effective employee in your current job. They are also transferable skills that you can take with you to future job settings or careers. Those who already have this skill set can opt to take the exam without having to spend additional money on training. Passing the test is a great way to show that you’ve attained mastery of a specific video editing application and also to distinguish yourself from other job applicants who may have similar qualifications but lack such designation. Since the certification is offered by a third party, it’s a universally recognized achievement.
Those who may not have a formal educational background in video editing or who may have studied an unrelated topic in college can benefit from enrolling in a certificate program. These programs provide participants with hands-on training and the skills needed to edit video content for different outlets such as film or television. They allow participants to network with other learners and connect with an expert instructor in real-time. Many certificates also include professional development, which is a valuable resource for those interested in applying for a video editing job. Even if an employer doesn’t require that you have a video editing certificate, it’s a great learning option, in particular, if you didn’t attend college or opted for a major in a different field. Certificates are relatively short in length, cost much less than four-year study, and provide training with in-demand video editing software and tools.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Before deciding whether video editing certification is right for you, it’s important to do some research into what employers are looking for in candidates. If you are applying to only one position that doesn’t require certification, then there are other ways to demonstrate your skills in this field without passing an exam. Prior work experience editing video content, as well as an educational background working with industry-standard video editing tools, may suffice. However, if you intend to apply for a range of video editing jobs, it’s possible several employers will seek candidates who have attained certification in Adobe applications like After Effects or Premiere Pro. In this case, these qualifications become essential to pursue this career path.
Whether or not certification is required for a job, the process of earning it is inherently valuable. It takes most learners a significant amount of time and effort to prepare for the exam. This time is an investment in acquiring skills that will be useful in a professional setting. Employers will likely notice this effort, even if it’s not a requirement of the job application process. Some job posts may specify that they are only interested in candidates who have passed the Adobe After Effects exam, for example, whereas others may allow candidates to showcase their video editing skills in other ways such as through a professional portfolio containing video clips, in a cover letter, and on a resume. This is why it’s important to review the job requirements to determine what is needed to apply for a video editing position and whether certification will be required.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
It’s not always easy to choose which video editing certificate program is right for you. To make this decision, you’ll likely have to consider several factors, like what skills you’re looking to acquire, what kind of a learner you are, what goals you have for your studies, and what you want to do with the training you receive.
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
Video editing certificates are available online as well as in-person. To decide which one is best for you, it’s important to look at the benefits and drawbacks of each training format.
Live online certificates are taught in real-time using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom or Teams. Students complete all coursework remotely, from the comfort of their home or office space, or anywhere with a strong internet connection. Not only do participants have access to an expert instructor with real-world video editing training, but they can ask questions as they arise or even opt to share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for additional feedback. No commute is required for live online certificate study. This means that no money is wasted on parking or gas, and learners don’t need to set aside additional time to drive to a training facility several times a week. Live online coursework does require that learners are able to attend regularly scheduled meetings. This may mean those who sign up for a certificate program have to rearrange their work schedule or take time off to make it to class.
In-person video editing coursework is the most interactive and engaging way to acquire this skill set. Coursework takes place in a designated training facility, which is usually located in a major city. The classroom is equipped with the most current video editing software and tools. Students can ask any questions they have as they learn, and the instructor is ready to offer assistance and clarification. Additionally, those enrolled have the support of a cohort of learners who are embarking on a similar educational journey, which can provide another level of support. If you’re leaning toward in-person video editing certificate study, it’s important to remember that you will have to attend regular class meetings. This can be a prohibitive factor for those who lack reliable transportation or live far from a major city where classes take place.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
If you have decided that you want to pursue video editing training through online coursework, you may be wondering whether it’s more effective to enroll in a live or asynchronous class. Live online training is an engaging way to study video editing. It provides you with access to an instructor who’s available, as needed, to provide individualized support and clarification. Participants also study alongside a cohort of peers, which can help study feel more interactive. While live online coursework typically costs more than asynchronous video editing content, the additional cost is worth it for most learners because it provides the skills and training needed to work in a professional video editing capacity.Â
Asynchronous training material is the most flexible method for acquiring video editing skills. Whereas live online classwork requires attending regularly scheduled meetings, self-paced study is pre-recorded and available online. Students can study from any location via the internet, any day or time. An additional perk of this training format is that students can dictate their learning pace. Unlike live training, where the instructor determines the speed lessons will be covered, asynchronous video editing coursework can be paused, rewound, or watched again as often as necessary for retention. It’s important to remember that no instructor is available in asynchronous coursework. This can make it difficult for some learners to acquire advanced-level video editing skills since they will need to seek answers on their own. Self-paced content can be a good starting point for video editing basics. However, for those seeking training to help with their current job or to apply for a new career, live coursework may ultimately be a more effective way down the line to achieve mastery of the video editing process.