18 Best UX Design Certifications in 2025
As a product manager, you don’t need another certificate for the sake of it—you need one that actually sharpens your UX perspective and helps you build better products. In this guide, you’ll find the top UX design certifications that deliver practical value: real skills, credible credentials, and clarity on which path fits your goals.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your user instincts, bridge design gaps on your team, or step into a more strategic role, the right certification can help move the needle. Let’s break down which one best fits your goals.
Best UX Design Certifications Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best UX design certifications I think are worth looking into:
- AGI: UX Design Certificate - Best for practical UX training without prerequisites
- NN/g: UX Certification - Best for research-based strategies
- Bentley UX Certificate - Best for academic rigor
- Uxcel: UX Designer Certification - Best for interactive learning and skill assessment
- Google UX Design Professional Certificate - Best for beginners in UX
- User Experience Design Cornell Certificate Program - Best for Ivy League insights
- User Experience Certificate Program - Best for flexible learning schedules
- UX Design Bootcamp & Certification - Best for intensive hands-on training
- Post Graduate Program in User Experience Design - Best for remote learners
- Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience - Foundation (CPUX-F) - Best for foundational knowledge
- Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate - Best for career-oriented UX design training
- Certified User Experience Analyst (CXA) - Best for strategic analysis skills
- Certificate in User Experience Design - Best for practical design skills
- Professional Certificate in UI Design - Best for UI specialization
- UX Academy - Best for mentorship-driven learning
- CareerFoundry UX Design Program - Best for career transition support
- Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) - Best for usability expertise
- User Experience (UX) Design - Best for academic and practical balance
Overviews of the Best UX Design Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best UX design certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. AGI: UX Design Certificate - Best for practical UX training without prerequisites
The AGI UX Design Certificate provides a structured learning experience covering essential UX design principles and practices. It includes practical, hands-on training to develop skills required for designing user-friendly interfaces.
Issued by: AGI Training
Focus:
- UX fundamentals
- Usability testing
- Interaction design
- Prototyping
- Information architecture
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, requires completion of all training modules.
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $5,100
Who It’s For: If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in UX design or enhance your existing skills, this certificate helps you gain practical knowledge through structured training and hands-on projects.
2. NN/g: UX Certification - Best for research-based strategies
The NN/g UX Certification program offers a deep dive into user experience principles, focusing on practical skills for effective UX design. It features a customizable curriculum with two levels of certification, allowing you to tailor your learning experience.
Issued by: Nielsen Norman Group
Focus:
- Interaction design
- User research
- UX management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of 5 required courses
- Work Experience: Recommended in UX or related fields
- Exam: Completion of 5 exams
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: Starts at $6,050
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you want to validate your UX skills and showcase your expertise in research-based strategies to employers.
3. Bentley UX Certificate - Best for academic rigor
The Bentley University UX Certificate is tailored for working professionals, focusing on practical applications in UX design. It consists of eight courses, including five core and three electives, and is offered in both in-person and online formats.
Issued by: Bentley University
Focus:
- Experience design
- Human factors
- Usability engineering
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of the required 5 courses
- Work Experience: Not mandatory, but beneficial
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $1,500 per course
Who It’s For: This program is ideal for professionals looking to deepen their UX knowledge with flexible learning options—take one course or all five, online or in-person, at your own pace.
4. Uxcel: UX Designer Certification - Best for interactive learning and skill assessment
The Uxcel UX Designer Certification focuses on assessing practical UX design skills through interactive assessments and exercises. It’s designed to validate your competence in various UX design methodologies and concepts.
Issued by: Uxcel
Focus:
- Visual design fundamentals
- Wireframing and prototyping
- User research
- Information architecture
- Usability principles
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $99 per month (via subscription)
Who It’s For: If you want to validate your UX design skills with a credible assessment, this certification offers a straightforward way to prove your competence to employers or clients.
5. Google UX Design Professional Certificate - Best for beginners in UX
The Google UX Design Professional Certificate is an online program that provides foundational skills in UX design. It includes hands-on projects and a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare you for roles in UX design.
Issued by: Google
Focus:
- User-centered design
- Prototyping and wireframing
- UX research fundamentals
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: Approximately $39 per month on Coursera
Who It’s For: This certification is perfect if you're new to UX design, want to gain essential skills, and build a solid portfolio to jumpstart your career.
6. User Experience Design Cornell Certificate Program - Best for Ivy League insights
The User Experience Design Cornell Certificate Program offers an extensive curriculum that covers key UX design principles. It provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application through real-world projects.
Issued by: Cornell University
Focus:
- User research techniques
- Interaction design
- Usability testing
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of required courses
- Work Experience: Helpful but not mandatory
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $2,650
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're aiming to gain a deep understanding of UX design, backed by an Ivy League education, to enhance your professional credibility.
7. User Experience Certificate Program - Best for flexible learning schedules
The User Experience Certificate Program at UCLA Extension offers a tailored approach to learning UX design. It combines foundational principles with practical projects to provide a deeper understanding of the UX process.
Issued by: UCLA Extension
Focus:
- User-centered design
- Information architecture
- Interaction design
- AI tools
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of required courses
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $4,974
Who It’s For: This program is a great option if you have no previous experience and are looking to gain hands-on experience with a flexible learning environment.
8. UX Design Bootcamp & Certification - Best for intensive hands-on training
The UX Design Bootcamp & Certification by General Assembly is an immersive program that equips you with practical UX skills through real-world projects. It includes both full-time and part-time options to accommodate different schedules.
Issued by: General Assembly
Focus:
- User research methods
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Usability testing
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: Approximately $16,450
Who It’s For: This bootcamp is ideal if you're looking to quickly gain practical UX skills, network with new connections, and gain valuable career training while transitioning into a UX design role or enhancing your current skill set.
9. Post Graduate Program in User Experience Design - Best for remote learners
The Post Graduate Program in User Experience Design is a six-month program by the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. It focuses on developing key skills in user experience design through hands-on projects and mentorship from industry experts.
Issued by: McCombs School of Business
Focus:
- UI design
- Design testing
- Digital product management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $4,500
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're looking to gain UX design skills with the flexibility of online learning, preparing you for a career transition or enhancement in UI/UX design.
10. Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience - Foundation (CPUX-F) - Best for foundational knowledge
The CPUX-F certification provides a solid grounding in usability and user experience principles. It covers essential concepts and methods, preparing you to effectively apply UX practices in various projects.
Issued by: International Software Quality Institute (iSQI)
Focus:
- Usability principles
- User experience methods
- User testing techniques
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam is required.
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $182.51
Who It’s For: This certification is perfect for those looking to establish a strong foundation in usability and UX, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to UX projects.
11. Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate - Best for career-oriented UX design training
The Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate offers a series of courses designed to build expertise in UX design, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques. The program includes real-world projects to help you develop practical, job-ready skills.
Issued by: Microsoft
Focus:
- UX research techniques
- Prototyping and wireframing
- Accessibility design
- User testing
- Design systems
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: Nne
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: Approximately $39 per month via Coursera subscription
Who It’s For: If you’re looking to build a career in UX design, this certification provides a structured path to develop practical skills through hands-on projects and guided learning.
12. Certified User Experience Analyst (CXA) - Best for strategic analysis skills
The Certified User Experience Analyst (CXA) program focuses on equipping you with advanced skills in UX analysis. It covers strategic aspects of user experience, helping you apply these insights to improve product design and user interactions.
Issued by: Human Factors International (HFI)
Focus:
- Strategic UX analysis
- User-centered design
- Advanced research techniques
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam is required.
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: ₹ 150,000
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're looking to enhance your strategic UX skills, making you a valuable asset in designing user-focused products and solutions.
13. Certificate in User Experience Design - Best for practical design skills
The Certificate in User Experience Design from Eastern Washington University provides you with hands-on experience in UX design. It includes a series of courses that focus on practical applications of design principles, preparing you to tackle real-world UX challenges.
Issued by: Eastern Washington University
Focus:
- Design principles
- User research
- Interface prototyping
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of required courses with a GPA of ≥2.5
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: Pricing upon request.
Who It’s For: This certification is perfect for you if you're looking to gain practical UX design skills to enhance your ability to create effective user interfaces and improve user experiences.
14. Professional Certificate in UI Design - Best for UI specialization
The Professional Certificate in UI Design provides in-depth instruction on user interface design principles. This course emphasizes hands-on learning through practical projects to ensure you can apply UI concepts effectively.
Issued by: UX Design Institute
Focus:
- Visual design principles
- User interface design
- Interaction and prototyping
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: €2,100
Who It’s For: This certification is perfect for you if you're looking to specialize in UI design, enhancing your ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
15. UX Academy - Best for mentorship-driven learning
UX Academy offers a comprehensive program designed to transition you into a career in UX design. It combines project-based coursework with personalized mentorship, ensuring you gain practical skills and industry insights.
Issued by: Designlab
Focus:
- UX fundamentals
- Design thinking
- User research
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: No exams required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: Starts at $7,999
Who It’s For: This program is perfect for you if you're looking to make a career change into UX design with the support of experienced mentors to guide your learning journey.
16. CareerFoundry UX Design Program - Best for career transition support
The CareerFoundry UX Design Program is a flexible online course designed to help you transition into a UX design career. It offers personalized mentorship and real-world projects to build your skills and portfolio.
Issued by: CareerFoundry
Focus:
- UX design fundamentals
- User research techniques
- Prototyping and testing
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $7,505
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you're looking to switch careers into UX design with comprehensive support and guidance to ensure your success in the field.
17. Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) - Best for usability expertise
The Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) program by Human Factors International offers a deep dive into usability principles and practices. It provides you with the skills needed to analyze and improve the user experience in various products and interfaces.
Issued by: Human Factors International
Focus:
- Usability testing
- User-centered design
- Interface evaluation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of required courses
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $5,860
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're aiming to enhance your expertise in usability, allowing you to effectively evaluate and improve user interfaces in your projects.
18. User Experience (UX) Design - Best for academic and practical balance
The UX Design Certificate from UC San Diego Extension offers a blend of academic theory and practical application in UX design. It provides a structured curriculum to help you develop comprehensive skills needed for the UX field.
Issued by: University of California, San Diego Extension
Focus:
- User research techniques
- Interaction design
- Usability testing
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: No exams required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $595-$795 per course
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're seeking a balanced approach to learning UX design, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for your career advancement.
FAQs About UX Design Certifications
What are the benefits of obtaining a UX design certification?
Getting a UX design certification can boost your credibility and show potential employers you have the skills they need. It often provides structured learning, covering essential UX principles. Certifications can also help you fill gaps in your knowledge and keep you updated on industry trends.
Moreover, they can open doors to new career opportunities. Networking with peers and instructors during the course can also be a significant advantage. Consider how a certification aligns with your career goals before committing.
How do I choose the right UX design certification?
Start by identifying your career goals and the skills you want to develop. Research different programs to see which ones focus on those areas. Look for certifications that offer hands-on projects and mentorship.
Consider the program's duration, cost, and learning format (online or in-person). Check reviews and testimonials from past students to gauge the program's effectiveness. Ultimately, choose a certification that fits your schedule and budget.
How long does it typically take to complete a UX design certification?
The duration of UX design certifications varies widely. Some bootcamps can be completed in a few weeks, while more comprehensive programs may take several months.
Most programs are flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Part-time options might suit you if you're working full-time. Always check the course details to understand the time commitment required before enrolling.
Are UX design certifications necessary for a career in UX?
While not mandatory, certifications can be beneficial. They provide structured learning and can validate your skills to employers. However, practical experience and a strong portfolio often matter more.
If you're new to UX, a certification can give you a solid foundation. For seasoned professionals, it can help you stay current with industry trends. Ultimately, balance certifications with real-world experience for the best results.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
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