Top Video Editing Certificates & Certifications in Los Angeles

Video editing is the technical art of cutting together and altering video clips to create a finished video project.

It’s used to structure and present all video information, including films, television shows, video advertisements, and video essays. Video Editors cut together clips, add, remove, and mix sound, digitally alter and remove elements of film, and add special effects in post-production. 

Los Angeles is always in need of great video editors. Can you say Hollywood? Filmmakers, Directors, Producers, and basically anyone trying to turn a profit in this entertainment industry driven city needs a talented video editor on their side. The glitz and glam that comes with a hit movie or the credible acclaim that highlights an indie film would be nonexistent without video editing. Video editors turn footage into fantasy and create what is so lovingly known as movie magic.

Training Connection: Premiere Pro Bootcamp

Key Information: Premiere Pro Bootcamp is a comprehensive, in-person course in Los Angeles that takes you from beginner to master in just five days. The tuition price of Premiere Pro Bootcamp is $1,845 and includes the Adobe Premiere Pro training manual, an Adobe Certificate of Course Completion, and a 6-month free repeat policy that allows you to retake the course for free in that time period. This bootcamp is offered at all levels and does not require any previous Premiere Pro experience. The class size is kept small to ensure optimal time with your instructor. You must be 14 years or older to enroll. 

Premiere Pro Bootcamp includes 20 hands-on units that cover everything from an introduction to Premiere Pro to advanced feature use and final portfolio work. In this course you’ll also learn to use Encore, Speedgrade, and Prelude alongside Premiere Pro, giving you a better understanding of the Adobe Creative Cloud and how to use it to its full potential. 

This course covers a wide variety of topics. To start, you’ll learn what media types can be rendered or exported, what kind of media can be ingested or captured, what kind of media can be imported, how to set up a digital video work environment, Premiere Pro technical specifications, and the terminology and best practices for the Premiere Pro workflow. During the first half of the hands-on units, you’ll learn how to customize your projects, preferences, and settings, how to import, cut, and add transitions and video effects to videos, and how to render and export your content. The second half of the units introduce you to more advanced techniques including titling, compositing techniques, and working with the audio mixer to name a few.

Noble Desktop: Video Editing Certificate

Key Information: Noble Desktop’s Video Editing Certificate course offers you the opportunity to learn and master video editing through expert instruction and hands-on projects. This course is a live online course that includes 1-on-1 mentoring, 78 hours of instruction, proprietary workbooks, and a verified digital certificate of completion. The tuition price for this course is $2,995, which can be paid in full or through one of Noble Content’s flexible payment plans. You can choose a full-time, 2-month schedule in which classes are held on weekdays, or a part-time 4-month schedule in which classes are held in the evenings. This course is offered at all levels, has an average class size of 15, and has an age requirement of 18 years or older. Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class. 

In this class you’ll learn how to edit video and audio, how to get started with motion design, and how to build your video editing demo reel. You’ll complete hands-on projects as you move through the workflow required to go from a concept to a fully edited video. You’ll also cover a wide variety of creative techniques for video editing and learn how to use the Adobe Creative Cloud to your full advantage.

First the course covers how to use Premiere Pro to edit video, ad music and voiceover, timeout video clips, and adjust placement, speed, and color. In this portion of the class you’ll also learn how to remove background noise, clean up audio, mix audio, and add sound effects with Adobe Audition. Next, you’ll learn how to create motion graphics with After Effects, add animation to Photoshop or Illustrator files, learn greenscreen removal, and discover a world of visual effects. Finally, you’ll create a demo reel of video editing projects that showcases your new skills for prospective clients or employers.

Noble Desktop: Premiere Pro Bootcamp

Key Information: Noble Desktop offers one of the best and most comprehensive live online Premiere Pro bootcamps. You’ll learn how to create a project from start to finish with a custom-crafted curriculum and hands-on learning. Tuition for this course comes in at $975 and includes 18 hours of hands-on instruction, project-based training from experts, course workbook, and a verified digital certificate of completion. Noble Desktop also offers a free retake option should you need to or want to repeat the course within one year. 

This bootcamp will show you why Premiere Pro is one of the industry standard apps used by professional video editors. You’ll start a project from the beginning, including learning the terminology and basics of video editing. In the first part of this bootcamp, you’ll learn how to organize footage, put footage into a sequence, clean up audio, color correct video, and add titles. Once you’ve mastered basic and intermediate skills, you’ll move on to more advanced features including multi-cam editing, color correction, speeding up and slowing down footage, and green screen removal, to name a few. By the end of this course, you’ll possess the skills to create compelling video content using Adobe Premiere.

Noble Desktop offers Premiere Pro Bootcamp in a variety of schedule options including daytime and evening hours. For live online training, you’ll need your own computer, but Noble Desktop will assist you with any setup prior to the class. No prior knowledge other than being comfortable using a computer is required. 

Noble Desktop: Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate

Key Information: This in-depth video editing and motion graphics course is for those seeking to learn industry-standard tools and editing skills for creating professional-grade videos and motion graphics. The certificate program includes 7 units which are taught through a series of courses and bootcamps. Tuition for this course is $4,995, which you can pay in full before class starts or take advantage of Noble Desktop’s installment or 12-month financing options. Included with your tuition is 126 hours of hands-on instruction, project-based training from industry experts, additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class, course workbooks, and a verified digital certificate of completion. This course is offered on a full-time weekday basis or a part-time evening basis, depending on what schedule works best for you. 

The seven units in this certificate program cover a few Adobe Creative Cloud products including Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition, and Adobe After Effects. You’ll use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit video, add music, voiceover, and dialogue, time out video clips and adjust their placement, speed, and color. Next, you’ll use Adobe Audition to remove background noise, cleanup audio, mix audio, and add sound effects. Finally, you’ll use After Effects to create animations, add animation for layered Photoshop or Illustrator files, master greenscreen removal, and make 3D models in Cinema 4D Lite. 

Courses and bootcamps included in this program are Premiere Pro Bootcamp, Premiere Pro Advanced, After Effects Bootcamp, Cinema 4D in After Effects Bootcamp, After Effects Advanced, Adobe Audition, and Motion Graphics & Video Editing Portfolio Development. As a bonus you can also take Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp. 

During this program you’ll learn how to edit video and audio, how to get started with motion graphics and visual effects, and how to build your video editing demo reel. You’ll complete hands-on projects as you move through the workflow required to go from a concept to a fully edited video.

Lumenbrite Training: Premiere Pro Training: Bootcamp

Key Information: Premiere Pro Training: Bootcamp is a great option to learn video editing in an online classroom format. It’s offered at a beginner level, which means you won’t need any prior experience to enroll. However, if you have some previous experience, you’ll get a refresher of the basics before moving onto more advanced techniques. This bootcamp is an age 18 and up course that has an average class size of eight. The tuition is $1,995 and includes Adobe authorized training, student courseware and class projects, an Adobe Course Certificate, and any help you might need with setup for remote learning. 

Currently this course is offered in a 5-day daytime hours format, but you can choose between the 11am to 6pm or 9am to 4pm options. You will need a reliable internet connection as well as a computer or device with which you can access your virtual class via Zoom. You will have a live instructor as opposed to self-guided learning materials, so it is important you are on time and present for every class. 

You’ll start by getting used to Premiere Pro’s interface and workspaces, learning about basic video production and editing terminology, creating a project, and importing footage. From there you’ll learn to edit your first rough cuts with the three point editing workflow and add utility effects to correct image composition. You’ll also cover how to polish your edits with the Ripple and Rolling Edit tool, learn basic time changes using the Time/Duration and Rate Stretch tool, and create titles using the Title Tool. As you progress through the bootcamp you’ll learn to manipulate audio, learn animation techniques, correct color, render, add and manipulate time, correct shaky footage, and everything else you’ll need to create a demo film reel with finished, rendered files. 

NextGen Bootcamp: Video Editing & Animation Certificate

Key Information: This NextGen Bootcamp video editing course will have you editing like a pro in no time. The certificate program includes two units that cover both video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro and animation with Adobe After Effects. Tuition for the program is $2,495, due before the start of class. Included with your tuition is 42 hours of hands-on instruction, industry professional instructors who are driven to help you succeed, a comprehensive, tested curriculum that ensures an optimal learning experience, supplemental materials, and a verified digital certificate of completion. 

There are no prerequisites required for this certificate program, but you will need to be comfortable using a computer. It’s also important to note that this course will not work with a chromebook. Students must have a PC or Mac with Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects installed. 

You can expect to learn how to edit video with different tools and techniques, correct color and remove green screens, add transitions, adjust audio volume and quality, adjust timing of your footage, resize videos for social media, and export your videos. Other topics include how to create animated graphics and text, how to incorporate audio and video footage, and how to export your animations for social media and sharing with others, to name a few. By the end of this course you can expect to have learned all the skills needed to create polished video projects.

UCLA Extension: Film Editing

Key Information: UCLA Extension offers a film editing specialization that allows you to learn the art of editing, editing theory, and how to apply editing skills to various projects including film, television, documentaries, and web. The estimated tuition for this specialization is $2235, plus an estimated $550 for your textbook and any other required materials. There’s also a $50 application and candidacy fee that establishes your candidacy in the program. 

Video editing is one of the most important roles in filmmaking, making this program perfect for Directors and filmmakers who want to learn about the editing process. It’s also an incredibly beneficial program for anyone interested in the entertainment industry, pursuing a career in editing, or anyone currently involved with the entertainment industry who’d like to understand the editing process. 

For this specialization you’ll take two required courses. The first is The Art and Craft of Film Editing. By examining different editing styles, this course covers the elements of storytelling, performance, pace, emotion, action, continuity, and time manipulation. Instruction includes lectures, discussion, and viewing exercises. You’ll also learn to select the most appropriate editing systems and technology by evaluating the limitations of budgets and time. The second course is Adobe After Effects for Filmmakers: An Introductory Workshop. Using Adobe After Effects, you’ll learn to produce projects similar to those found in the real entertainment world of digital effects and animation. For your editing software course you can choose between Introduction to Adobe Premiere, Editing with Final Cut Pro X: A Comprehensive Workshop, or Introduction to Avid Media Composer. Feel free to reach out to UCLA Extension for more information or if you have any questions. 

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.

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

What are your goals? What time constraints exist in your life? Whether you pursue a certificate or certification is going to depend on a lot of factors. Certificate programs are great for those who want to learn a new skill or prepare for a career shift while balancing a busy schedule. Certificate programs are designed to be quick and comprehensive, with many taking the form of bootcamps or combined unit learning, so if you can keep up with the focus demands, they are a great way to learn any given subject. Certificate programs also usually have a set curriculum with courses all offered with the same learning institution, so you won’t have to hunt for classes you think might teach the skills you’re after. 

If you can’t make a set class schedule work, a certification might be better for you. You’ll need to figure out what courses you need to take and what information you’ll need to learn before you take a certification exam, but it gives you a little more wiggle room with your time. You might have previous experience and want to take advanced courses instead of starting with the basics in a beginner-level bootcamp. You also might just need a class or two to refresh your memory. If you feel you can pass a proctored skills exam demonstrating your proficiency without enrolling in a certificate program, a certification path will be your best bet. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

No! As with any profession, you can get your foot in the door if you find yourself at the right place or the right time, or if you know someone that can grant you access. However, a much safer bet is to be as competitive as possible when situating yourself as a candidate. Holding a certificate or certification for the job you want is going to make you stand out from other applicants and also give you the confidence you’ll need in an interview. It shows employers you know what you’re talking about and are qualified to do the job. To get the best jobs you need to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk so to speak. Being a certified applicant will accomplish that. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

When it comes to in-person or online classes, one option isn’t necessarily better than the other. It just depends on your personal needs and preferences. 

In-person classes offer hands-on guidance as well as the ability to physically interact with group members and instructors. If you’re someone who needs or wants to get out of the house when learning something new, in-person classes offer that traditional avenue you’re looking for.

If you can’t make in-person classes work, or you simply prefer learning from the comfort of your own home or office, online classes are a great option. Online classes offer some of the same benefits of in-person classes including live instruction and real time exercises and discussions. Instructors are available to answer questions and will guide you through the courses as if you’re sitting in a classroom.

Online classes are a great option for those with busy lifestyles such as caretakers, or those with unconventional work schedules such as delivery or Uber drivers. Online classes are also more accessible, taking any commute time or extra stress out of the equation. Instead, online learners can log on at home without any extra prep and be ready for class.

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

This is also going to come down to personal preference, but there are some key differences you should be aware of. Live online classes are your best bet to stay focused and on target. They are set up in a way that makes it very difficult for you to miss something or skip over anything. However, you do have to follow a curriculum if you want to get the most bang for your buck. On the other hand, asynchronous classes require you to have a greater level of self discipline. You’ll need to make sure you don’t fall behind or prioritize other things above your courses. You will have more control over when you learn what with the format, though, which can be very appealing to those who have trouble keeping with a routine.