This post-production process entails adding or removing audio and video components, making color corrections, incorporating transitions, and working with filters and enhancements. Video content is becoming increasingly popular in a range of outlets such as on social media and YouTube. Those who know how to edit video content have the power to forge a strong bond with their audience through the video they create. The videos they create can be accessed and consumed anywhere, which provides viewers with information or entertainment. Additionally, a background in video editing can lead to a range of exciting careers beyond those in TV or film production such as in fields like marketing or in positions where presentations or training are required.
Noble Desktop: Video Editing Certificate
Key Information: Video Editing Certificate is a 78-hour program in which students acquire hands-on training in editing video content. Those enrolled learn how to use a range of essential Adobe editing tools, like After Effects, Audition, and Premiere Pro. Participants can opt to take this certificate on a full-time basis for 14 days or complete coursework part-time over 28 sessions. The cost of study is $2,995. Payment plans and financing are available. All learners get to keep their proprietary notebook from class and have the option of retaking this class for free for up to a year. There are no prerequisites.
Video Editing Certificate is available in-person in New York City as well as in the live online learning environment. Those enrolled explore how to edit video content using Premiere Pro, how to use Audition to edit audio, and how to work with motion graphics and animation using After Effects. Learners study these apps independently and are taught how to use them in concert to create professional-grade video content.
This immersive certificate program provides participants with the opportunity to complete projects that are designed to help them master Premiere Pro, Audition, and After Effects. The video and audio techniques taught in this certificate aren’t only useful for class projects; they can also be applied to video work students complete outside of the classroom setting.
By course completion, participants will leave this certificate with a final demo reel showcasing their newly acquired skill set. The independent projects highlight various video editing skills that are in-demand by employers such as adding music, voiceover, and dialogue, as well as manipulating the color, speed, and placement of video clips. The demo reel also highlights students’ audio editing skills, like mixing audio and eliminating background noise. This final portfolio also presents an opportunity for students to begin animating motion graphics. Students incorporate animations into layered Photoshop and Illustrator files and remove greenscreen. This demo reel can be shared with potential employers or clients.
HeadTrix: Adobe After Effects Bootcamp
Key Information: Adobe After Effects Bootcamp is available for those interested in learning more about motion graphics and the post-production process in video. This program takes four days to complete and costs $1,295. This class is open to beginners and requires only basic computer skills and file management knowledge as a prerequisite.Â
Adobe After Effects Bootcamp takes learners from beginner up to intermediate-level training with Adobe After Effects. This class combines two separate courses into one comprehensive program: Adobe After Effects Level 1 and Level 2. Those enrolled receive instruction on how to use this popular app to create motion graphics and professional-grade style effects. The skills learned in this program have applications for cinema, web formats, and broadcast TV. Instruction is provided in using After Effects for Project Management, as well as importing and manipulating graphics, sound, and video clips. Students also work with transitions, color correction, and keying.Â
During this intensive program, students explore how to create their own video compositions, as well as Illustrator and Photoshop files. Participants also receive instruction on masking, motion graphics, motion tracking, and advanced 3D design. The target audience for this program is those who want to begin working immediately with After Effects, composting, and motion graphics. This interactive, online class is available from headTrix, a consulting and computer training company.Â
NYC Career Centers: Motion Graphics Certificate
Key Information: Those in the New York City area interested in learning about video editing and motion graphics can do so in the Motion Graphics Certificate program, which is available from NY Career Centers. This 102-hour program can be completed full-time during two months of weekday meetings or on a part-time basis of four months of night sessions. As a prerequisite to study, participants should have basic Adobe Illustrator and/or Photoshop skills. A background in video timeline editing and basic design is also helpful. This program costs $3,495. This fee can be paid upfront or through financing options. This course is also available live online.Â
In the Motion Graphics Certificate, students work with Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. Video editing skills like editing voiceover, adding music, and incorporating dialogue are taught in this program. Students also learn how to adjust the speed, placement, and color of video clips. Instruction is provided on motion graphics concepts as well, like adding animations to layered Photoshop and Illustrator files, as well as photos and videos. Learners also work with visual effects such as cell phone screen replacement, rotoscoping, background replacement, and greenscreen removal.
Over the course of this intensive certificate, students will create a motion graphics demo reel to highlight their newly acquired video editing skills. Tuition for this program includes access to supplementary learning materials during and after the certificate program. All learners can retake this class for free for up to one full year to revisit course material. Graduates of this program earn a verified certificate of completion.
FAQ for Video Editing Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
If you’re interested in learning video editing, you may be exploring various training options such as certificate programs and certifications. Even though these two options sound similar, they differ in some important ways. Before you decide which one is best for you, it’s essential to know the difference.
Certificate programs are training courses that involve students studying video editing in an in-person or live online environment. Some certificates cover one video editing tool or skill such as Adobe Premiere Pro, whereas others provide a broader approach and cover a range of video editing tools, applications, and skills. These programs vary in length from several weeks to several months. They also have different price points that can range from several thousand dollars to more than $15,000. A variety of reputable educators around the US offer certificates for those who are new to video editing, as well as for professionals interested in taking their skills to the next level. Certificates generally include hands-on instruction, real-world video editing projects, and other perks like professional development. Some certificates provide students with access to career counselors or other perks like job search support, portfolio and resume reviews, or interview prep. Those who graduate earn a verified certificate of completion, which can be included in resumes or cover letters.
On the other hand, video editing certification involves students sitting for an exam proctored by a third party. Two popular types of video editing certification are the Adobe After Effects Certification and the Adobe Premiere Pro Certification. To be certified in either of these apps, you must pass a 50-minute exam. No formal coursework is required, which means it’s at your discretion how you wish to prepare. In order to pass the exam, it’s recommended that students have 150 hours of training working with the app. Some students opt to enroll in a formal class to acquire the necessary Adobe training, whereas others may have already gained this experience by working with the app in a professional setting. Those who successfully pass the test earn a certificate that can be shown to employers to indicate they’ve achieved a verifiable level of training using this tool. Video editing certification can lead to more job opportunities, as well as pursue professions with higher salaries.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
If you’re committed to studying video editing, you may not be sure what the best learning path forward is. Two ways to gain video editing expertise are through enrolling in a certificate program or pursuing certification in an Adobe application used by video editing professionals such as After Effects. Both of these paths have professional benefits and applications.
To decide whether a certificate or certification in video editing is best for you, it’s essential to consider your professional goals, as well as the skills you hope to acquire through study. Not all video editing jobs require applicants to have a certificate or certification; some employers may value the skills acquired more than how they were learned. The hours you devote to preparing for video editing certification are ultimately in service of acquiring training that can help you perform better at your current job. Additionally, Adobe training is transferable and will likely be an asset when applying to future roles. Passing the exam will demonstrate that you’ve achieved a level of video editing mastery that may set you apart from other equally qualified candidates. Since the test is given by a third party, it’s a universal measure of skill acquisition.Â
Certificate programs are especially useful if you didn’t attend college or if you majored in a field unrelated to video editing. Certificates not only provide hands-on training in various video editing tools and skills but also offer students a chance to connect with other learners. They are also relatively short in length when compared to four-year college programs. Cost-wise, certificates are a much more affordable option since they are shorter in duration and usually cost less than one year of university study.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
One of the most important questions to ask before pursuing video editing certification is whether it will help you find a job. It’s essential to research the employers you will be applying to so you can learn what they expect from candidates. Since so many video editing jobs are available, employers’ requirements may vary depending on the job and position. If the employer doesn’t ask for certification, you can demonstrate your video editing skills in other ways such as through a strong demo reel or a well-written cover letter and resume. Your experience can also be discussed at the job interview. However, if the jobs you’re interested in applying for ask specifically for candidates who are certified in Premiere Pro or another Adobe app, passing the exam is essential to apply for that job.
Regardless of whether the employer asks for certification, the process of studying for the exam has inherent value. This time is invested in learning the skills you’ll need professionally. Employers are likely to notice the effort that went into studying video editing to prepare for the exam.Â
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Once you’ve decided to embark on a video editing certificate, the next important decision is selecting the best program for you. But you may be uncertain how to determine this. In order to make an informed decision, it’s important to weigh several factors such as what type of learner you are, which skills you want to master, what your reasons are for studying video editing, and what you ultimately hope to do with your training.Â
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
Choosing whether to pursue certificate study in the in-person or live online environment is another important decision you will need to make. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks.
In-person video editing certificates are an excellent option for extroverted learners. This engaging format takes place in a training facility, which is usually located in or near a big city. Computers are provided with the most up-to-date applications, tools, and software for video editing. Students have access to a live instructor who’s leading the discussion, fielding questions, and providing immediate support and guidance. In addition to support from the instructor, participants also have the benefit of learning alongside others in their cohort, which can provide a supportive learning environment. One important consideration for in-person video editing certificates is that they require attending regularly scheduled classes. This may not be possible if you don’t live near a training facility or if you lack reliable transportation.
If you still want to learn in the live environment but can’t attend in-person training, live online video editing certificates are also available. Coursework is taught in real-time using a live teleconferencing platform like Teams or Zoom. You can complete your studies remotely from any location with a strong internet connection. Since you have access to an instructor in real time, you can ask questions or even share your screen (with permission) for additional help. Since no commute is required, you don’t have to waste money on parking or gas or spend time driving to and from class for each meeting. Similar to in-person study, live online video editing training does require that you are available to attend class sessions. This may require making work schedule adjustments or taking time off to complete your studies.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Within the online learning environment, two modes of video editing training are available: live coursework and asynchronous content. Deciding which is best for you is another important choice. Live video editing classes are the most interactive way to learn this skill set. You not only benefit from the wisdom of an expert instructor with industry experience editing video content but also have the support of a cohort of students who are learning alongside you. While live online training is typically a much more expensive learning option than asynchronous material, along with this cost comes individualized support, guidance with complicated video editing concepts, and even additional benefits like job support or professional training.
Asynchronous video editing classes are the most flexible way to study. They not only allow participants to choose when and where to complete coursework, but they also offer the benefit of deciding how long to devote to studies. You may opt to spend an entire weekend learning Premiere Pro or spend fifteen minutes twice a week after work exploring how to add transitions between video scenes. Because asynchronous material is pre-recorded, it’s a self-paced form of study. This means you can watch a video as often as necessary to fully grasp its content or pause and rewind when taking notes. This flexibility isn’t possible in live online coursework since the instructor determines the lecture pace. Asynchronous material doesn’t provide learners with access to a live instructor, which is an important consideration. This may make it hard for you to find answers to questions when learning in this format. This is why learners sometimes begin their video editing training with on-demand content, then progress into more structured live training to fully master advanced video editing skills. Additionally, since so much asynchronous video editing material is available, some may be outdated. This is why you should make sure the content you select is up-to-date and reflects the current best practices in this field before enrolling in a self-paced class.