Want to level up your UX skills and stand out with a professional qualification? Explore our comparison of the best UX design certifications in 2025.
UX design skills are in high demand, but the job market is competitive. Increasingly, employers look for an official UX qualification to distinguish between self-taught designers and certified candidates.
Whether you’re a UX design beginner or aiming for your next promotion, a UX design certification can help advance your career. Consider a certification if you want to:
- Learn in-demand UX design skills (or formalize your existing knowledge)
- Market yourself as a qualified UX practitioner
- Stand out from candidates who are uncertified
However, it’s important to bear in mind that not all UX certificates offer the same degree of quality, credibility, and industry relevance. To help you navigate the world of UX certifications (and find the best option for you), we’ve put together this guide.
We’ll cover:
- What is a UX design certification, exactly?
- What makes a good UX design certification?
- Are UX certifications worth it?
- Which UX design certificate is best? Top picks for 2025
- CareerFoundry
- Springboard
- Designlab UX Academy
- General Assembly
- Nielsen Norman Group
- Human Factors International
- Flatiron School
- Ironhack
- Bentley University
What is a UX design certification, exactly?
A UX certification is a formal qualification (a certificate) awarded upon completion of professional UX training. It shows employers that you’ve mastered the skills and techniques needed to succeed in the field—and that you’re committed to continuous learning and development.
There are many different ways to get a UX certificate: through online courses, intensive bootcamps, or in-person training programs.
The duration, intensity, and depth will all depend on the provider, and there’s lots of variation in terms of quality within the UX certification market. That’s why it’s so important to do your research and compare different options (which we’ll help you do right here in this guide).
What does a UX certification cover?
A top-quality UX certification should provide thorough training in the UX design process, covering key concepts and techniques such as user research, information architecture, wireframing and prototyping, and usability testing. It should also teach the latest and most widely-used industry tools.
Depending on the provider, some certification programs will also include career services to help you apply for, and land, a UX design role.
What makes a good UX design certification? 5 markers of quality
There’s no universal standard in terms of what makes a UX certification good or bad. It ultimately depends on your goals, how you prefer to learn, and how much time and money you’re willing and able to spend.
That said, there are certain factors that can make a huge difference to your learning. Here are five markers of quality to look out for when comparing UX design certifications:
- Project-based learning: You can’t learn UX design without practical application. The most effective UX certificates employ learning-by-doing through hands-on exercises and projects.
- Mentorship and support: This is where UX design certification programs really stand out from self-study. Look for programs that incorporate some form of one-to-one mentorship or expert guidance from people who have experience in the industry.
- A relevant, up-to-date curriculum: UX courses can quickly become outdated if they’re not reviewed and updated regularly. The most credible programs reflect what’s happening in the industry right now (many programs now include AI in the curriculum, for example).
- Satisfied and successful alumni: If you can find legitimate reviews and testimonials from happy alumni who have successfully landed jobs or advanced their careers, and who can speak to the quality of the program, that’s a great sign.
- Career services (if your goal is to get hired in UX): This can make all the difference if you’re aiming to boost your employability in UX. Look for a career-related component such as career coaching, interview prep, and resume and portfolio reviews.
You’ll find more tips in this guide covering what to look for in a UX design certification.
Are UX certifications worth it?
A UX certification can be a great investment if:
- You’re new to UX design and want a structured, expert-devised learning pathway to follow. With a professional program, you’ll be sure to cover all the essentials in a logical order—and in a way that truly sticks. For many, this is much more effective (and enjoyable) than trying to navigate the (incredibly vast) discipline independently.
- You want to kick-start your UX design portfolio (which you’ll need to apply for jobs). Many newcomers to the field struggle to find practical projects to include in their portfolio. If you choose a UX certification that includes project work, you’ll already have some impressive case studies to add to your portfolio.
- You want to stand out in the job market: A UX certification from a reputable organization will add an extra badge of credibility to your resume and LinkedIn profile, helping you stand out to employers. This is especially useful if you’re applying for roles and companies where formal training is valued.
- You want to deepen your expertise, build your confidence, and formalize your knowledge: Perhaps you’re already familiar with UX design but want to make sure your knowledge and skills are up-to-date. A UX certification can quickly get you up to speed—and give you a recent qualification to show for it.
To get the most out of a UX certification, it’s essential that you choose a high quality program; one that aligns with your goals and sets you up for success. On that note, let’s compare some of the best options on the market right now.
Which UX design certificate is best? Top picks for 2025
1. CareerFoundry UX Design Program
The CareerFoundry UX Design Program at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online, with the support of a personal tutor and one-to-one mentor
- Ideal for: Beginners who want to make a career change
- Duration: Between 5 and 10 months, flexibly paced
- Price: $7,505-$7,900 USD
For an independent review of the CareerFoundry UX Design Program, check out this video where current student Cynthia talks about her experience with the course so far:
Who is it for?
The CareerFoundry UX Design Program is ideal for anyone who wants to become a fully-fledged, job-ready UX designer. The curriculum has been built for beginners, so you don’t need any prior knowledge or experience in the field.
What’s more, the course is flexibly paced and taught entirely online, making it a feasible option if you need to fit your studies around other commitments. If you’re not sure whether UX design is the field for you, this free introductory short course will help you make up your mind—highly recommended for anyone in the decision-making process!
How does it work?
Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll be given access to the online learning platform and assigned both a personal tutor and a one-to-one mentor. You’ll access all the course content via the online platform, reading through the material and then completing practical exercises. These are submitted to, and marked by, your tutor.
You’ll also work on larger projects which go into your UX portfolio. Throughout the course, you’ll have regular video calls with your mentor. There’s no final exam or assessment, but you do need to have each exercise approved in order to progress to the next chapter.
You can learn more about how the course works on our dedicated page.
How long does it take to complete?
The program is flexibly paced within an overall 10-month duration. If you dedicate around 15 hours per week, you can expect to finish the program within 10 months. You can also work extra hours each week in order to complete it sooner.
How much does it cost?
The complete CareerFoundry UX Design Program starts from $7,900, but the cost of the tuition is dependent on your location and is competitively priced. A range of flexible payment options include paying upfront, or getting a small course discount. Contact CareerFoundry to find out your local pricing and if there are any partial scholarships available.
Bear in mind that the course is also covered by a job guarantee—if you don’t get a job within six months of completing the course, you could be eligible for a full refund, provided you meet the clearly stated criteria.
Useful links
- CareerFoundry graduate outcomes
- 6 simple, free UX design tutorials for beginners
- Get to grips with the basics of UX research with these free tutorials
- How the job guarantee works
2. Google UX Design Certificate
The Google UX Design Certificate at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online
- Ideal for: Beginners with no experience
- Duration: 6 months (10 hours per week)
- Price: $39 per month (via a Coursera subscription)
Who is it for?
The Google UX Design Certificate is geared towards complete beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of user experience (UX) design. You don’t need any specific qualifications or prior experience to take the course, but you should be ready to learn remotely and independently.
The Google certificate doesn’t come with any one-to-one mentorship or personal guidance, but there is the opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer feedback and discussion forums. This is a flexible, affordable option for newcomers to the field.
How does it work?
The course takes place entirely online via Coursera. You’ll move through the fundamentals of UX design, from ideation and wireframing to user research and high-fidelity prototypes, completing hands-on projects and quizzes as you go.
You’ll add to your UX portfolio and, once you finish the course, you’ll get access to career resources. You can learn more about what’s covered in the Google UX Design Certificate on their website.
As many looking to get into the field find themselves comparing between this course and CareerFoundry’s program, we’ve created a full guide comparing the Google Certificate and CareerFoundry UX Design Program.
How long does it take to complete?
The estimated course duration is around six months, at a pace of 10 hours per week.
How much does it cost?
The Google UX Design Certificate costs as much as a Coursera subscription: $39 per month.
Useful links
3. Springboard UX Design Bootcamp
The Springboard UX Design Bootcamp at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online, with the support of a one-to-one mentor
- Ideal for: Aspiring designers with some relevant experience
- Duration: 6 months (15-20 hours per week)
- Price: From $7,900 (with deferred tuition available)
Who is it for?
The Springboard UX Design Bootcamp is built for career changers seeking a direct route into the field and for those who can demonstrate some relevant knowledge or experience.
Prerequisites for the course include an aptitude for problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, together with at least one year of documented professional experience (or a degree) in a related field—such as graphic or visual design, psychology, research, marketing, or web development.
How does it work?
The course takes place entirely online, at your own pace, with the support of a personal mentor who you can connect with via weekly calls.
The curriculum is split into twenty-five units, starting with an introduction to Design Thinking and finishing with special topics such as psychology, strategy, and service design. The theoretical material is reinforced with mini-projects throughout, and you’ll also work on three portfolio projects. You can learn more about how the course works on the Springboard website.
How long does it take to complete?
The course takes six months to complete, with most students devoting 15-20 hours per week.
How much does it cost?
The Springboard UX Career Track costs from $7,900–14,500 USD, depending on your payment plan. If you pay upfront, you’ll get a 20% discount.
Springboard also offers a job guarantee, so you may be eligible for a full refund if you don’t find a job within six months of graduating.
Useful links
4. Designlab UX Academy
The Designlab UX Academy at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online
- Ideal for: Beginners and experienced designers who want to get certified
- Duration: 4-12 months
- Price: $7,249–9,677 USD
Who is it for?
Designlab’s UX Academy is geared towards both experienced and novice designers who want to forge a career in UX.
Similar to the programs offered by CareerFoundry and Springboard, the Designlab course focuses on getting you job-ready, so it’s one of the better options for those looking to make a complete career change.
How does it work?
The UX Academy Journey is divided into three stages. The first step, Design 101, takes 4 weeks to complete (at a pace of 10-15 hours per week) and serves as a foundation course to prepare you for the main curriculum. At this stage, students are paired with an expert mentor.
If the work you complete as part of Design 101 meets the admissions requirements, you’ll proceed to the main UX Academy. Together with your mentor, you’ll work on a range of projects and exercises over the course of 15 weeks full-time or 28 weeks part-time. The final step focuses on polishing up your portfolio and searching for a job.
How long does it take to complete?
The course takes between 4 and 12 months to complete, depending on whether you opt for full-time or part-time study.
How much does it cost?
The total cost for the UX Academy is from $7,249–9,677, depending on your payment plan. Designlab also offers a six-month job guarantee, so you may qualify for a full refund if you don’t find a job after the course.
Useful links
5. General Assembly UX Design Bootcamp
The General Assembly online UX bootcamp at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online
- Ideal for: Career-changers looking for an intensive course
- Duration: 12 weeks full-time
- Price: $15,950 USD
Who is it for?
This is a beginner-friendly program with no prerequisites, ideal for both newcomers to the field and those who already have some experience and want to formalize their practice. While this is an online course, it does require full-time attendance, Monday to Friday, with classes being taught at specific times.
This is a great option for those who are comfortable with the higher price point and want the classroom experience without the commute.
How does it work?
This immersive course does exactly as the name suggests, providing an intensive learning experience much like you’d get in a classroom. Lessons take place in an interactive online classroom, where you’ll virtually connect with expert instructors and fellow classmates.
Beyond classroom hours, you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with instructors via one-to-one check-ins. The course will take you through key UX techniques such as wireframing, prototyping, and user research, and will also touch on hot topics such as service design and design leadership. You’ll also work with a career coach in final preparation for the job market.
How long does it take to complete?
The course runs for 12 weeks on a full-time basis, with start dates roughly every six weeks.
How much does it cost?
The course costs $15,950 USD, making it one of the more expensive options on this list. You can save $450 by paying upfront, or spread the payment out over three installments.
Useful links
6. Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification
The Nielsen Norman Group UX certification at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online
- Ideal for: Professionals who want to gain certification
- Duration: 30 hours of training (self-paced)
- Price: From $6,000
Who is it for?
The UX certification offered by the Nielsen Norman Group is geared towards those who want to add UX design to their existing skill set in order to gain credibility and stand out as a certified expert in the field. It is also ideal for companies who want to instil a user-first approach throughout the business by getting their employees UX certified.
How does it work?
The Nielsen Norman Group holds various online courses and training events covering a wide range of UX topics. To get your UX design certification, you’ll need to attend five of these courses and pass the online exam for each course.
How long does it take to complete?
To obtain the Nielsen Norman Group UX design certification, you are required to complete around 30 hours of training (by attending courses) and take an exam for each course, with each exam lasting one hour. You will have access to the exams for up to 35 days after each course, so the program can be completed at a relatively flexible pace.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a NNG UX certification starts at around $6,000.
Useful links
7. Human Factors International Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) and Certified User Experience Analyst (CXA)
The HFI certifications at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online
- Ideal for: Beginners and experienced professionals
- Duration: 10 days in total (per certification)
- Price: About $6,000 USD
Who is it for?
The Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) certification is ideal if you’re new to the field, either just starting out in your career or planning to eventually switch to a career in UX. The Certified User Experience Analyst (CXA) certification is for those who already have a solid foundation in UX design (and who have already passed the CUA course).
How does it work?
The Certified Usability Analyst track consists of four courses followed by an exam. The courses cover UX foundations (2 days), user-centered analysis and conceptual design (3 days), the science and art of effective web and app design (3 days), and practical usability testing (2 days). The courses are held online on specific dates. Once you’ve attended all the preparatory courses, you’re ready to sit the online exam. The Certified User Experience Analyst (CXA) track follows a similar format.
How long does it take to complete?
Each of the individual courses that make up the certification take two or three days, and the final exam takes 2 and a half hours. You can choose which courses you attend and when, so there is no specific deadline. However, the exam is only available on certain dates throughout the year.
How much does it cost?
The Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) certification costs $1,599.
Useful links
- About the Certified Usability Analyst exam
- The Certified Usability Analyst course breakdown
- The Certified User Experience Analyst course breakdown
8. Flatiron School UX/UI Design Course
The Flatiron School bootcamp at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online
- Ideal for: Beginners looking to make a career-change
- Duration: 40 weeks part-time
- Price: $16,900 USD
Who is it for?
The Flatiron School bootcamp is for anyone who wants to launch a career as a designer, regardless of previous experience or professional background.
As one of the most expensive programs on this list, this is a feasible option for those who are willing and able to make a substantial investment in their career change.
How does it work?
The program runs online over the course of 40 weeks. You’ll learn flexibly at your own pace, with optional study groups and office hours.
The course is divided into five phases, with phases one and two dedicated to the UX and UI processes, respectively. Phases three and four explore how to leverage generative AI in the design process. The course culminates with a portfolio-based module where you’ll build and launch your portfolio website.
How long does it take to complete?
The entire Flatiron School bootcamp takes 40 weeks to complete on a part-time basis.
How much does it cost?
The full bootcamp costs $16,900 USD. It is also possible to finance the course with a loan, or to defer your tuition until you are employed and earning above a certain threshold.
Useful links
9. Ironhack UX/UI Design Bootcamp
The Ironhack bootcamp at a glance:
- Mode of study: Online
- Ideal for: Career changers, career boosters, and entrepreneurs
- Duration: 9 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time
- Price: €8,000 (around $8,400 USD)
Who is it for?
The Ironhack bootcamp is essentially for anyone who wants to get to grips with the art of UX design.
There are no entry requirements or previous experience necessary, and the course is built to equip career changers, career boosters, entrepreneurs, and developers alike with hands-on UX design skills in a short space of time.
How does it work?
The course requires online attendance on either a part-time or full-time basis, with lessons and workshops taking place at set times. In addition to attending live sessions, you’ll also have dedicated time blocks carved out for project work.
How long does it take to complete?
The full-time Ironhack UX/UI program takes 9 weeks to complete at a pace of 40 hours per week, with classes typically running Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm. The part-time program takes 24 weeks to complete at a pace of 10 hours per week.
How much does it cost?
The course costs €8,000 (around $8,400 USD), with various scholarships and discounts available.
Useful links
10. Bentley University The UX Certificate
Bentley University’s UX Certificate program at a glance:
- Mode of study: In-person or online in real-time
- Ideal for: Working professionals who want to build a solid foundation in UX design
- Duration: 5 required courses and 3 electives
- Price: $13,500 ($1,200 per course)
Who is it for?
Bentley’s UX program is designed for the working professional, offering maximum flexibility to fit working schedules. It aims to help students build a solid foundation in user experience design, improve the performance of their product designs, and enhance their competitive positioning. Each class contributes to one or more pieces in their UX portfolio.
How does it work?
The program consists of five mandatory courses and three elective courses that students can select based on their individual interests.
The five mandatory courses are: Experience Design Career Visioning & Strategy; Human Factors and Experience Design; The Business of Experience Design; The Experience Design Process; and Inclusive, Ethical, and World-Ready Experiences. These are designed to equip students with a strong foundation in UX design principles, methods, and techniques.
The three elective courses enable students to delve into specific areas of UX design in greater depth. Topics include mobile design, accessibility, information architecture, and content strategy.
How long does it take to complete?
Each course in the program is a two-day intensive that takes place on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The courses can be attended either in person or online in a synchronized format. At the end of each course, students receive an individual portfolio assignment, which they have approximately two weeks to complete.
Useful links:
How to choose the best UX certification program for you
Here are some practical steps to help narrow down your options and find the best UX certification program for you:
1. Set your budget
First and foremost, consider how much you want to invest in a UX certificate. This will likely be the most significant factor in choosing a certification program.
2. Define your goals
What’s your main objective? What do you hope a UX certification will help you achieve? If your goal is to ultimately get hired in UX, you’ll want to focus on programs that emphasize practical learning and offer career support. But, if you want to learn UX to help with your current role, the career aspect will not be such a priority.
3. Consider your schedule and availability
Think realistically about how much time you can dedicate to your certification program, as well as how and when you’re able to study. If you’re working full-time, you’ll need a part-time course that offers flexibility. If you’re available full-time, however, you can go for a more intensive schedule.
4. Identify 3 must-have criteria
Define what’s most important to you; in other words, what factors you’ll prioritize when choosing a course. This should align with your end goal(s). You might decide that portfolio projects, flexibility, and a strong community are your top three factors—or you might prioritize courses that cover more niche topics, such as strategy or service design.
5. Create a shortlist and conduct further research
With the previous four points in mind, go through our round-up of the best UX certificate programs and create a shortlist. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a handful of options, conduct further research: check alumni reviews, ratings, and outcomes, and speak to an advisor for more information.
Wrap-up
In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the best programs offering a UX design certification. If you’ve narrowed it down to a few possible options, it’s a good idea to conduct some more in-depth research before making a final decision.
Want to dive right in and see if UX design is right for you? Try the free UX design short course or speak directly with a UX program advisor.
Still not sure if UX is the right career path for you? The following resources will help you decide:
- Which tech career path is right for me? A guide to four of the most rewarding jobs in tech
- 5 Things we wish we’d known before starting our careers as designers
- UX vs. CX: What’s the difference?
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about UX certification programs
Is a UX design certificate worth it?
A UX design certification is worth it depending on your goals. A reputable UX design certification program will teach you all the skills and techniques you’ll need to succeed in the field.
And if you’re a self-taught designer, a UX design certification will formalize your existing knowledge and enable you to market yourself as a qualified UX practitioner. Additionally, a UX design certification is a definite plus in the eyes of potential employers.
What certification should I get for UX design?
There are a variety of UX design certification courses available, and which one you choose should be based on your own needs and goals. Providers like CareerFoundry offer free short courses so that you can determine whether the program is right for you.
Can I get a UX job with just a certificate?
An on-paper qualification is not enough to get a job in UX. You’ll also need to demonstrate evidence of practical skills and application through a professional UX portfolio. This is a personal website that contains UX case studies you’ve worked on. If you choose a UX certification program that includes project work and portfolio-building, this will help you apply for jobs and get hired.