Top Video Editing Certificates & Certifications in Philadelphia

Video editing is the process of rearranging and manipulating video clips to create a project.

Using software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, video editors can create a story by applying techniques such as removing and combining video footage, as well as adding special effects and motion graphics. An important part of the post-production process, video editing can turn plain footage into something entertaining or persuasive for an audience. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% growth for film and video editors from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the national average growth rate for all occupations. The nationwide average pay is $60,000, while those in the Philadelphia area earn an average of $64,000 per year. Philadelphia has a vibrant media arts scene, including multiple annual film festivals, a large independent filmmaking community, and a vigorous film commission society that attracts numerous production companies to Philadelphia as a premier filming location. 

While many video editors have bachelor's degrees in film editing, it is possible to build a career without a college degree. Earning a certificate or certification in video editing will give you the skills you need to become a film editor or advance in your career. In these programs, you'll learn how to use various video editing and motion graphics software as well as create portfolios that showcase your work to prospective clients and employers. 

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. 

Noble Desktop, a premier design and coding school with classes in NYC and online, offers a video editing certificate program that teaches students how to edit video and audio as well as the basics of creating motion graphics and animation. 

Using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition, and After Effects, you'll learn how to manipulate video, add music and voiceover, adjust placement and speed, as well as remove greenscreen and add visual effects. Projects completed in this course include creating a video demo reel that showcases your new skills. In addition to regular instruction, students receive five 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where they can review their resume and portfolio with an expert, work on challenging concepts, and receive professional job advice.

If you need a refresher or missed a class, Noble Desktop offers a free retake option, allowing 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. Noble Desktop's small class sizes and online sessions conducted in real-time provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience. Upon program completion, you'll earn an official NY state-licensed certificate that validates your mastery of the subject. 

Noble Desktop: Video Editing & 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. 

Noble Desktop offers a certificate in video editing and motion graphics for individuals who want to gain skills in both areas. In this online program, you'll learn how to edit videos with Adobe Premiere Pro, how to edit sound with Adobe Audition, and how to add motion graphics and animation with After Effects and Cinema 4D Lite. Projects completed in class include creating a demo reel of your video editing and motion graphics work to showcase to prospective clients or employers. 

Class sizes in this program are small to ensure individualized attention in each session. In addition to receiving 126 hours of hands-on instruction, you'll receive eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with an expert who will review your portfolio, help you polish your resume, and provide professional career advice. 

If you need a refresher or missed a class, you are able to retake a module or the entire program for free for up to one year. There are also class recordings available one day after a session ends for students to review. Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is helpful, but not required for this program. Upon completion, students receive a NY state-licensed certificate. 

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. 

Grow your skills in motion graphics and learn the basics of video editing with Noble Desktop's Motion Graphics Certificate. In this online program, you'll learn how to create motion graphics and visual effects with Adobe After Effects, 3D animation using Cinema 4D Lite, and video editing basics with Adobe Premiere Pro. Work completed in the class includes creating a demo reel of motion graphics projects that showcase your skills to prospective clients and employers. 

Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator is required for this course. Also, basic knowledge of video timeline editing is helpful but not required. In addition to the hands-on instruction you will receive during sessions, you'll receive five 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where an expert will review your portfolio, help you polish your resume, and provide professional career advice. Upon completion of the program, students receive a NY state-licensed certificate demonstrating their mastery of the subject.

Missed a class or need a refresher on the material? Noble Desktop offers a free retake option, allowing students to retake a module or entire program within one year of the course. You can also access class recordings that are posted within one day after a session. 

HeadTrix, Inc.: Video Editing and Effects Certificate

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

headTrix, Inc. offers a certificate program for students to learn how to edit videos and add special effects. In 78 hours of intensive instruction, you'll learn how to create and edit images with Photoshop, import and export video, edit and combine video clips in Adobe Premiere, add titles and transitions, and use After Effects to add special effects and animation. 

Students will walk away with the knowledge to create their own professional videos and movies. If you have taken one or more classes in the program, headTrix will provide a discount. Classes can be attended live online. 

Digital Workshop Center: Video Design Certificate

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

The certificate program offered by the Digital Workshop Center teaches students about design principles, terminology, best practices for video production, video marketing concepts, and storytelling, as well as best practices for video on social platforms such as YouTube. You'll also learn how to use professional video 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 mentored instruction throughout your classroom training, upon graduation, you'll receive counseling from expert career coaches to help guide you in your job search. Career services provide 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. Certificate programs can often be attended by newcomers to the field while receiving a certification requires job experience, as well as a certain number of educational credits/hours completed.

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

If you are changing careers or want to grow your skills and stay up-to-date on the current video editing software, pursuing a certificate program is your best option. Individuals with video editing experience who want to validate their skills and advance their career can pursue a certification in video editing such as an Adobe Premiere Pro Certification. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

Video editors do not have to be certified to find a job. Also, while many video editors have college degrees, it is not always necessary to have a formal degree to find work. Certificate programs can provide you with the skills you need to pursue a job in video editing. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

Whether you take classes in-person or online is largely based on your personal preferences. Some students prefer to be in-person to get to know the other students better, have access to a computer/software and receive hands-on instruction. Others, however, would rather skip the commute and work from the comfort of their own home. Classes conducted live online can also provide the immediate feedback one would receive in-person. Online classes are becoming increasingly popular for the convenience and flexibility they offer, therefore it may be difficult to find an in-person video editing class in your city. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

Asynchronous classes that involve reading material and/or listening to pre-recorded lectures may be preferable for individuals who enjoy self-paced learning on their own time. However, these classes do not provide the immediate feedback one would receive in live online classes. Classes conducted live online mean you can ask questions in real time which is particularly useful when learning technical skills like how to use video editing software.