Web Design Certifications

Below are the most respected training and certification programs for current and aspiring web designers and creators of related content.

HTML& CSS Website Coding

The W3Schools HTML Certification is perhaps the best means to validate and market one’s proficiency in HTML, CSS, and XHMTL website design techniques. HTML is used to format text, create hyperlinks, tables, lists, forms, display images and more. XHTML is the next generation of HTML. CSS is used to control the layout of web pages. This certification communicates a mastery of the best practices for coding and design. The tutorials and practices quizzes are free and the certification exam is under $100. For more information, visit the W3Schools.com information on their HTML Certification program.

Website Design & Development

Adobe Dreamweaver is the dominant photo editing tool for both graphical and website designers, so becoming certified in PhotoShop is recommended. Use Adobe Certification as a way for getting a raise, finding a job, or promoting your vast expertise. The best way to demonstrate Adobe product expertise is by becoming an Adobe Certified Expert. Therefore, the recommended certification is the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): PhotoShop certification. The ACE: PhotoShop certification includes both the training and examination.

Photo Editing

Animated Video & Graphical Design

Adobe Flash (formerly Macromedia Flash) is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to Web pages. Flash is frequently used for advertisements, games and is a tool for “Rich Internet Applications” (“RIAs”). Flash manipulates vector and raster graphics to provide animation of text, drawings, and still images. It supports bidirectional streaming of audio and video, and it can capture user input via mouse, keyboard, microphone, and camera. Flash contains an Object-oriented language called ActionScript. Flash content may be displayed on various computer systems and devices, using Adobe Flash Player, which is available free for common Web browsers, some mobile phones and a few other electronic devices (using Flash Lite). Becoming certified in Flash is the most valuable and marketable way to communicate your expertise in in animated video & graphical design. Therefore, the recommended certification is the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Flash certification. The ACE: Flash certification includes both the training and examination.

WordPress Website Content Management System

WordPress is one of the most mature and popular website publishing, content management, and blogging platforms suitable for businesses of all sizes. It is a widely supported open source platform optimized for search engine optimization and social media marketing with integrated blogging. Originally started as a blogging platform in 2003, it is now used to manage more than 200 million websites. Resources to consider include the Expert Rating WordPress Certification, the CodePoet.com directory of recommended WordPress designers maintained by WordPress creator Automattic, and the WedDesign.com WordPress Developer Certification.

HubSpot Content Management System

Currently, the most comprehensive social media marketing tool and content management system is HubSpot, which includes both built in blogging and analytical features. Unfortunately, their excellent training is bundled with their high end blogging, landing page, and social media marketing platform. Stay tuned as we attempt to convince HubSpot to make their HubSpot + SMM training available to the public! Until then, see the helpful information provided for free by Hubspot and their partners at Inbound Marketing University.

For More Information

The Houston Internet Marketing Forum (HIMF) is a service of Forward Marketing (FM). FM is a full service marketing firm specializing in Internet marketing. We managed the Houston Internet Marketing Seminars as well as the Houston Website Designer Seminars in partnership with the Art Institute of Houston. For more information, you can Follow Us via social media or use our Contact Us page.