UX Certifications and Bootcamps: Are They Worth It?

There is no industry-standard, universally accepted UX design certification. That means the value of any given program depends almost entirely on your goals, your experience level, and which program you choose. The good news: there are some solid options across certifications, bootcamps, and training programs. The tricky part is knowing which one is right for you.

Here is a quick guide to help you sort it out.

What Is the Difference Between UX Certifications, Bootcamps, and Training Programs?

These three formats are often lumped together, but they work quite differently.

• UX certifications are structured courses, offered in-person or online, that typically end with an exam. Pass it, earn the credential.
• UX bootcamps are intensive, hands-on programs ranging from a few days to several months, focused on practical skills and portfolio-building.
• UX training programs are usually custom-designed for companies and teams, delivered on-site over a concentrated period.

Each format serves a different purpose and a different audience. Let's break them down.

UX Certifications

How Do UX Certifications Work?

Traditionally offered in-person, certifications are increasingly available as online courses through private companies or academic institutions. They usually end with an exam that tests your knowledge of specific UX topics, and passing it earns you the credential.

Who Are UX Certifications Good For?

New UX designers or career changers looking to break into the field, as well as experienced UX designers who want to distinguish themselves with an advanced-level credential.

What Are the Advantages of UX Certifications?

Certifications can establish credibility and open doors for job opportunities, especially for those who don't already have a foothold in the field. Some UX design leaders have increasingly called for the establishment of a standard UX certification program to create consistency, and some believe government regulation will eventually require it, similar to other professions like attorneys, accountants, and realtors.

What Are the Disadvantages of UX Certifications?

Without a clear industry standard, it is difficult to decide which certification to invest in, and they can get expensive. Many focus on only one aspect of UX, which means you may need multiple certifications to round out your knowledge. Research compiled from a Measuring U survey suggested that as of 2017, there was no real salary increase for UX designers with certifications. That could change, but it is still a bit of the wild west out there.

Which UX Certification Programs Are Worth Considering?

A formal UX certification is not currently necessary to get into the field. There are plenty of great self-taught UX designers, researchers, and product strategists getting jobs every day. It may be worth waiting until the industry settles on a standard before investing in a particular program.

That said, there are some industry-leading safe bets that are not going anywhere soon:

• Nielsen Norman Group runs probably the best-known certification program in the industry, claiming to have certified more than 10,000 professionals from more than 500 organizations across six continents. These programs are traditionally tied to their in-person conferences, which have been held virtually since the pandemic.
• Human Factors International offers two tracks: one for beginners and one for experienced professionals. They claim more than 8,000 Certified Usability Analysts (their beginner certification) around the world. You can earn the credential simply by passing their CUA exam without any prep, though they offer four courses to help you get there.
• Universities offer the most expensive route through UX-focused degrees, available at increasingly more schools. Great for new UX professionals, but less practical for those already working in the field.

UX Bootcamps

How Do UX Bootcamps Work?

Bootcamps come in such a wide variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and formats that it is hard to lump them in with the best-known certification programs. They can be in-person or online, last a few days, weeks, or even months, be self-paced or classroom-style, and cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $10,000 or more.

Who Are UX Bootcamps Good For?

Depending on the focus, bootcamps can work for both new UX designers and experienced professionals who want an intensive, hands-on experience that will quickly give them projects to add to their portfolio. Some offer career counseling and job placement services as a sweetener, though the quality of those likely varies a lot. They are probably best if you already have some UX design experience or an academic degree or certification, but want to dive deeper into a specific skill set.

What Are the Advantages of UX Bootcamps?

Bootcamps are popular because they are relatively quick and focus on practical skills that give you a real taste of what it is like to work on a UX-focused project from beginning to end. Many offer "certifications" that can look good on a resume, though as discussed above, these are not likely to be universally recognized unless they are well-known in the industry. Some universities offer bootcamps as a quicker, less expensive way to get the prestige of a university name without the time and cost of a full degree.

What Are the Disadvantages of UX Bootcamps?

With so many options out there, it can be difficult to choose the right one or to be confident it will actually meet your needs. While they are great for getting a quick overview of topics and some hands-on experience, they are designed to last only a limited amount of time and often do not offer the level of in-depth mentorship or training that helps reinforce concepts and make sure they stick. There is genuine doubt in the industry about how effectively a bootcamp can take someone from novice to job-ready UX professional.

Which UX Bootcamp Should You Choose?

The most important thing is being clear about your goals. Do you want to learn specific skills, tools, or concepts? Do you need a general overview of the UX design thinking process?

Your best bets are established organizations like General Assembly, Designlab, Springboard, or Interaction Design Foundation that have a long track record of offering high-quality programs. There are plenty of other options for those on a budget, but you will want to do your research to make sure they are worth the time and effort based on your goals.

UX Training Programs

How Do UX Training Programs Work?

Formal UX training often comes in the form of custom-designed programs targeted to companies and teams who want to cover specific UX topics with a large group. They are usually offered on-site at your company, with several trainers who have designed a 2-3 day workshop or course based on the priorities of the company or team.

Who Are UX Training Programs Good For?

These are usually best for teams and organizations that are ready to make an investment in building UX practices and a design thinking mindset across the company. It is rare to find custom UX training programs designed for individual UX professionals. Those tend to fall more into the certification and bootcamp categories above.

What Are the Advantages of UX Training Programs?

For organizations with the resources and time, UX training programs can efficiently bring a large number of people up to speed on basic UX concepts, or go a bit deeper on specific techniques and tools. The custom focus usually allows leaders to fine-tune the training and exercises to what matters most for their teams. They can also be scheduled and planned around the needs of the business.

What Are the Disadvantages of UX Training Programs?

Like bootcamps, most UX training programs are designed to provide a quick overview in a short amount of time. Mentorship is sometimes included, but it is often limited in scope and does not last much beyond the initial training. They can also be prohibitively expensive for smaller organizations or individuals, and may not be cost-effective for teams that do not already have a clear sense of the specific areas they need to develop.

How Do You Choose a UX Training Program?

Because of the customization and cost, a clear understanding of your goals is even more important here. That means knowing where you and your team members stand today, having a prioritized list of topics or skills you want to focus on, and having the time and resources to set aside for the training.

Established organizations like Nielsen Norman Group offer on-site customized workshops. Some other organizations that offer individual online training give discounts for groups of three or more, which can be a good option for resource-limited organizations.

Looking for a Well-Rounded UX Training Program?

Our approach to UX training takes a little of all these elements and puts them together into a customized approach designed for your specific needs.

Need a quick workshop or bootcamp to get your team (or yourself) up to speed on a specific tool or concept? Want a more robust, thought-out training program that adjusts to your evolving skills, abilities, and priorities over time? We can help.

Take a look at our approach to UX training and mentorship, and then let's talk about the type of training program that will help you get to the next level.

FAQ

Is a UX certification required to get a UX job? No. A formal UX certification is not currently required to work in the field. Many successful UX designers, researchers, and product strategists are self-taught.

Which UX certification is the most recognized in the industry? Nielsen Norman Group's certification program is probably the best-known in the industry. Human Factors International is also well-regarded, particularly their Certified Usability Analyst credential.

How much do UX bootcamps cost? UX bootcamp costs vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to $10,000 or more, depending on the format, length, and provider.

Will a UX certification increase my salary? As of 2017, research compiled from a Measuring U survey found no real salary increase for UX designers with certifications. That could change as the industry matures, but it is not a reliable outcome right now.

What is the best type of UX training for a team or organization? Custom UX training programs are generally the best fit for teams, since they can be tailored to your specific goals, skills gaps, and schedule. They are most effective when the organization already has a clear sense of what it needs to develop.