Top Web Design Certificates & Certifications in Chicago

Web design is the process of producing and maintaining a website. Areas of web design include web graphic design, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, authoring, and search engine optimization (SEO).

The design aspect of web design refers to the design process relating to the front-end (client-side) of a website. Web Designers are responsible for developing the vision of a website and ensuring that it looks and feels as it should for clients. 

There are a few reasons to learn web design. There is a high demand for Web Designers who is only predicted to continue to grow. Learning web design can help you start a new and lucrative career path. The skills of a Web Designer are also transferable to other related careers. Web design is also useful for small business owners who are looking to design their websites. 

Noble Desktop: Web Design Certificate

Key Information: Noble Desktop’s Web Design Certificate can be completed in six weeks full-time (weekdays) or five months part-time (evenings). This live online program costs $4,995, which can be paid in full, in installments, or over 12 months with 0% financing. Tuition includes supplemental material, a one-year free retake opportunity, and a certificate of completion. 

With this certificate program, you’ll receive 162 hours of hands-on learning. The program teaches students essentials for web design: web coding with HTML to markup content, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity; building websites with WordPress; and designing webpage layouts in Figma. By the end of the program, students will have created design work that can be included in their portfolio as well as designed and coded a portfolio website to show their skills to prospective clients and employers. 

Nine units make up this program. Students will begin with the Figma Bootcamp and end the certificate program with an 18-hour WordPress Bootcamp. Instructors will ensure that students have a grasp of a range of web design skills such as HTML, CSS, vs. Code, and web design principles. 

Classes are held over Zoom and created to provide students with an interactive, hands-on learning environment. Remote setup assistance is provided, and no extra fees are associated with Noble Desktop’s remote learning options. In addition to hands-on training, students will receive access to eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where they can review their portfolio with an expert, brush up on challenging concepts, and polish their resume and LinkedIn profile.

Digital Workshop Center: Web Design Certificate—Fundamental

Key Information: Digital Workshop Center (DWC) offers a certificate in the fundamentals of web design. The 90-hour program costs $4,751 which may be paid using a custom payment plan. Before enrolling, students should have taken their Introduction to Computer class, or have equivalent knowledge. It’s also highly recommended that students purchase and install Adobe Creative Cloud before the first class. 

This program is designed for those looking to upskill at their current position or looking to manage a new website. Expert instructors provide hands-on lessons in HTML and CSS, Photoshop, WordPress, Google Analytics, SEO, and other web design fundamentals. 

Students have one year to complete the program but may finish more quickly depending on their pace of learning and skill level. DWC uses a rolling enrollment system and provides flexible scheduling options. As part of the certificate program, students will receive professional textbooks and reference packets, downloadable material with practice examples, one month of technical support, one year for a free retake, and a certificate of completion. 

Digital Workshop Center: Advanced Web Design Certificate

Key Information: Digital Workshop Center also offers an Advanced Web Design Certificate. This 61-hour program costs $6,178 and requires students to have taken DWC’s Web Design with HTML5 and CSS3 class or have the equivalent knowledge before enrolling. 

In this advanced program, experienced students will dive deeper into coding languages commonly used for front-end web development. The goal of this program is to prepare students to write advanced code and develop web applications, making it a great program for Web Designers with an interest in web development. Students will gain more experience with JavaScript and WordPress as well as an introduction to PHP. 

Like their other certificate programs, the Advanced Web Design Certificate can be completed within one year. The certificate consists of stand-alone classes. Once they have been completed, you’ll earn your certificate. If you have questions about the program, you can contact DWC and schedule a training plan meeting with one of their Training Managers. 

University of Central Florida: UX/UI Bootcamp

Key Information: University of Central Florida’s (UCF) 24-week-long UX/UI Bootcamp is a live online program that will teach you the hard and soft skills you’ll need to succeed in web design. Live classes are held nine hours a week, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm EST. You can expect to spend an additional 20+ hours on homework and projects. The boot camp costs $11,745, with a $500 discount offered to anyone who enrolls by the early registration deadline and pays in full. Scholarships and funding are available as well. 

This boot camp consists of five modules, the final of which is a final project. One-third of the curriculum is dedicated to front-end web development. By the end of the 24 weeks, students should have a thorough understanding of both user experience design and user interface. If your goal is to become an end-to-end UX/UI professional, this boot camp may be right for you. 

Participants have access to an exclusive network of 250+ employers looking to hire as well as access to academic and career support. An Admissions Advisor will help you prepare for the boot camp ahead of time. 1-on-1 tutoring is also available if you get stuck on a concept or project. After mastering the skills taught in this boot camp, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from the UCF Division of Continuing Education. 

NYC Career Center: UX & UI Design Certificate 

Key Information: NYC Career Centers UX and UI Design Certificate is a six-month-long live online program that takes on weeknights. Full tuition is $3,495, which can be paid in installments or over 12 months with 0% financing. Companies that would like to enroll their employees in the certificate program can also opt into corporate invoicing.

Learn UX and UI design concepts in this hands-on project-based certificate program. Students will learn how industry professionals create websites, apps, and other programs that are both easy to use and visually effective. Expert instructors will teach students the best practices for user-centered UX design and visual design as well as how to conduct user research and testing. There will also be a focus on portfolio creation, as students are encouraged to use their best work to create an online portfolio of designs to show potential employers. 

Students will receive four 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where they can ask questions about difficult concepts, receive feedback on their resumes, and review their portfolio work. The program culminates in a certificate of completion, which can be shared online and posted to LinkedIn. All students who complete the program will be able to retake it for free for up to one year.

NextGen Bootcamp: UX & UI Design Summer Program

Key Information: High school students with an interest in web design are welcome to enroll in NextGen Bootcamp’s UX & UI Design Summer Program. This 45-hour live online program introduces high school students to UX and UI design concepts. Tuition is $1,999 if enrolling early. Tuition includes supplemental material that can assist during and after the program and a certificate of completion. 

This program covers UI fundamentals, Figma, UX design concepts, UI design concepts, and wireframing for UI Designers. Students will also review case studies and learn about creative briefs. At the end of the program, students will have created a portfolio website and received 1-on-1 feedback on their resumes.

No prior experience is required to enroll in this program, but students should be comfortable using a computer. Students will learn in small groups and receive instruction over Zoom. If a student misses a session, they’re able to watch a recording of the season within one business day of the session’s end for up to one month. 

Certstaffix Training: Adobe Dreamweaver CC (2022) Course

Key Information: Certstaffix Training offers a certificate course in Adobe Dreamweaver. This live online course is three days long and costs $1,330. Group prices may be requested from Certstaffix Training. Tuition includes six months of a free retake and all the software and materials you’ll need to attend class. This course is also available for on-site training. 

This is a beginner-friendly course that will provide students with a comprehensive overview of Dreamweaver and its key features. Learn key techniques for working in Dreamweaver while editing and creating HTML and CSS. Students will gain experience creating web pages, using and customizing popular web frameworks to build web pages, incorporating graphics and text, adding interactivity, and other web design and development fundamentals. 

This course prepares students for the ACP: Adobe Dreamweaver Certification exam, which may be taken with a third-party testing company. The course is taught with CC version 2022 (Microsoft Windows PC) software. If you have Adobe CC 2022,2021,2020,2019, or 2018 (Windows or Mac) you may attend this class. 

Certstaffix Training: Adobe Photoshop CC (2025) Course

Key Information: Certstaffix Training also offers an Adobe Photoshop course for beginners. The course lasts three days and costs $1,330. Students can take the course live online or receive private group training. At the end of the course, students may opt to sign up for the ACP: Adobe Photoshop Certification exam with a third-party testing company. 

Students will begin learning the work area in Photoshop, including the tools and their properties and undoing actions. The course will progress through the following topics: basic photo corrections, working with selections, layer basics, quick fixes, masks and channels, typographic design, vector drawing techniques, advanced compositing, painting with the mixer brush, editing video, working with camera raw, preparing files for the web, producing and printing consistent color, and exploring neutral filters. The goal of this program is to set students up with the basics of Photoshop that can be transferred to web design, graphic design, and other fields. 

This course includes a free retake online within six months, a certificate of completion, a digital badge, and access to all necessary software and materials. Tuition is priced per person, but group rates may be requested from Certstaffix. Private group training is available on-site and online.

General Assembly: UX Design Course

Key Information: General Assembly’s UX Design Course is a hands-on live online course that will help students build the confidence and credibility needed to tackle design problems in their professional life. The total cost of the course is $4,500, with flexible financing options available. Tuition includes 40 hours of expert instruction; exclusive access to alumni discounts, networking events, and career workshops; and connections with a professional network of instructors and peers. 

Throughout the course, students will focus on real-world applications. They’ll gain fluency with core UX techniques, explore the art and science behind human-computer interaction, and get hands-on experience with industry-leading platforms like Sketch and InVision. At the end of the course, students will walk away with a completed capstone project that testifies to their ability to execute the UX design process from start to finish.

With the course comes access to General Assembly’s extensive alumni community. Students will also have access to individualized instructor support. Instructors are available to provide feedback in class and during office hours. Upon passing the course, students will receive a signed certificate of completion. 

Figma Training: Figma Training Course & Certificate 2025

Key Information: Figma Training’s certificate program is a comprehensive on-demand learning experience. The course is $97, and employers may opt to purchase the course for their employees at a discount. The on-demand nature of the course allows for flexible learning, letting students fit lessons into their schedules. No prior experience with Figma is necessary to sign up. 

The course is ideal for Digital Designers, digital experience professionals, and Product Managers with little to no experience using Figma. Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of the web application before transitioning into other key aspects like creating a prototype, using plug-ins, and collaborating in Figma. The goal of this course is to take students step-by-step through how to use Figma in real-world design scenarios that you might face on the job. This class can be followed up or bundled with their advanced course. 

Upon completion, students will receive a certificate of completion that can be posted to LinkedIn. All videos incorporated into the course have subtitles available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. The course includes a 30-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. 

FAQ for Web Design Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

Certificate courses and certification courses are different. A certificate course awards a certificate of completion to students who have completed the course. The certificate may be physical or digital and may come with a digital badge. This certificate signifies that a student has been trained in the skill or software. 

Certifications are given to students who pass exams. Web design certification programs will walk students through the principles of web design as well as commonly used software and tools. After learning all necessary concepts, students will take a certification exam that is offered by the training school or through a third-party testing company. Web Designers may choose to become certified in Google Analytics, Adobe Photoshop, and other design-related software and tools. 

The key difference between a certificate and a certification is that certificates are offered by training schools and certifications are given after passing an exam given by a testing company. Certificates show employers that you have developed certain skills after receiving training. Certifications show employers that your skill level meets certain industry standards. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

When deciding between pursuing a certificate or a certification, you should consider your professional goals. Mid-career professionals can benefit from certificate programs. These programs can help them upskill and show employers that they can keep up with the evolving industry they’re in. Mid-career professionals can also use certificate programs to develop new skills and change their career paths. 

Certifications indicate to employers that you’ve acquired a certain level of training in a skill or software. Jobseekers acquire certifications to show prospective employers that they have the necessary skills and training needed for an open position, regardless of past job experience. 

When deciding between a certificate program and a certification program, you should consider your current skill level and how much you would like to improve. Certification programs tend to be more intensive than certificate programs and you will likely have to pay for your testing fees. If you fail a certification exam, you’ll need to be prepared to pay to retake it and you might even need to wait a minimum amount of time between takes. If you are confident in your current skill level but would like to brush up on some concepts, it’s recommended that you enroll in a certificate program. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

You may need to be certified to qualify for some positions in the field of web design. Certification can prove to potential employers that you are thoroughly trained and can adequately fulfill the responsibilities of the position you’re applying for. Because certification exams require examinees to pass with a certain score, having a certification shows others that you meet the industry-standard expectations. 

Some companies may not require you to be certified upon hiring you, but they may ask that you get certified at a later date. These companies may provide you with funding to enroll in a program or may cover your exam fees, although this is not always the case. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

There are several delivery methods for certificate programs: in-person, online, and on-demand. When deciding which program type is best for you, you should consider your learning needs and your schedule. Consider how you prefer to learn, how much time you can dedicate to learning, and the location of the program and its proximity to you. 

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

In-person training provides students with a traditional classroom experience. In-person classes are taught in the classroom and require students to commute. Classes may be taught during the day or in the evenings, requiring students to fit the class into their schedule. In-person classes also require students to commute to the location of the class. 

Online classes are a bit more flexible than in-person classes. Both types of courses are taught by instructors, but online classes can be taken from just about any interruption-free environment where you have access to a stable internet connection. Online classes are scheduled, like in-person classes, so you’ll have to consider how an online class fits into your schedule. However, online classes don’t require you to commute, which can save you some time. 

If you prefer learning face-to-face and would like to meet others in your community with an interest in web design, in-person classes may be right for you. If you would rather learn over the computer in the comfort of your home or office, consider checking out an online web design certificate program. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

You also have the option of enrolling in an asynchronous web design class. Although these classes take place online, there are distinct differences between live online and asynchronous course delivery. Live classes are closest to traditional in-person classes. They are scheduled and led by an expert instructor who can provide you with demonstrations and feedback in real-time. Students need to be available at the time of the class and may be required to do work outside of class as well. 

Asynchronous classes are ideal for those with busy schedules who cannot attend an in-person or live online class. These classes are on-demand, so students can access the material whenever it is convenient for them. Some classes may limit the number of weeks or months you have access to material, while others provide unlimited access upon enrollment. These classes are unlikely to provide students with access to an instructor who can answer questions and provide feedback. 

When choosing between a live online and asynchronous course, you should think about your schedule and how each course type would fit into it. If you have an irregular, busy schedule, you may want to sign up for an asynchronous class that you can work through at your desired pace. However, if you know that you rely on face-to-face instruction to understand concepts and would like to have access to an instructor, it’s recommended that you enroll in a live online course.