attn: Graphic Designers
I was wondering if anyone here was an Adobe Certified Associate or Adobe Certified Expert (Visual) - and would be willing to answer some questions.
I've been thinking about trying to get certified this summer and finding good information on the internet seems to be impossible. Unfortunately, the only place I know to turn for info is a company that sells Adobe training - so I'm a little afraid that I'll be unduly encouraged.
How are the ACE/ACA tests structured?
Is there a practical knowledge demonstration?
Is there a written portion of the test?
How are you evaluated?
How is the test weighed regarding your technical knowledge vs artistic skills (or roughly, which percentage of each)?
Will you be using Photoshop while there's an observer watching, or is only the final result evaluated?
Can I just be administered the test (it seems like there's a course structure built around the test)?
My skill level - I've been working with Photoshop casually for a couple of years now. I've taken the Enhancing Digital Photography with Photoshop CS2 course from Lynda.com (as well as about 6 others relating to Photoshop, but that was the best. I'm a photographer, and a graphic design student - I've used Photoshop at an advanced level on a daily basis for the last 9 months.
Is this test something that I will find easy, at/slightly above my skill level, or inscrutably hard?
(I know it's a difficult question to answer, as telling you what my experience doesn't convey what I know.)
Does it actually mean anything?
Have you found that saying you're an ACE/ACA has opened doors - or is it just a 'hmm... interesting' from potential employers?
If you're in a position to employ others, would it influence your hiring decision? Conversely - would you avoid hiring someone with either of the certifications?
Is it like A+ certification - only used as a benchmark for a base level of skills (sorry, I hope that doesn't offend anyone)?
How much does it cost? Do (that you know of) testing sites vary in their pricing?
How long is the test? Is it a multi-day affair, or is it something that can be completed in a day?
Ultimately, is it worth it?
I've been thinking about trying to get certified this summer and finding good information on the internet seems to be impossible. Unfortunately, the only place I know to turn for info is a company that sells Adobe training - so I'm a little afraid that I'll be unduly encouraged.
How are the ACE/ACA tests structured?
Is there a practical knowledge demonstration?
Is there a written portion of the test?
How are you evaluated?
How is the test weighed regarding your technical knowledge vs artistic skills (or roughly, which percentage of each)?
Will you be using Photoshop while there's an observer watching, or is only the final result evaluated?
Can I just be administered the test (it seems like there's a course structure built around the test)?
My skill level - I've been working with Photoshop casually for a couple of years now. I've taken the Enhancing Digital Photography with Photoshop CS2 course from Lynda.com (as well as about 6 others relating to Photoshop, but that was the best. I'm a photographer, and a graphic design student - I've used Photoshop at an advanced level on a daily basis for the last 9 months.
Is this test something that I will find easy, at/slightly above my skill level, or inscrutably hard?
(I know it's a difficult question to answer, as telling you what my experience doesn't convey what I know.)
Does it actually mean anything?
Have you found that saying you're an ACE/ACA has opened doors - or is it just a 'hmm... interesting' from potential employers?
If you're in a position to employ others, would it influence your hiring decision? Conversely - would you avoid hiring someone with either of the certifications?
Is it like A+ certification - only used as a benchmark for a base level of skills (sorry, I hope that doesn't offend anyone)?
How much does it cost? Do (that you know of) testing sites vary in their pricing?
How long is the test? Is it a multi-day affair, or is it something that can be completed in a day?
Ultimately, is it worth it?