The Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), certification is an industry-recognized credential that effectively validates one’s expertise in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Those who possess the ACA certification can confidently prove that they have the skills and knowledge to meet the demands of today's design industry.
Whether you are an educator helping digital-media students prepare for college or career, or a student looking for a competitive advantage, or perhaps a company looking for qualified creators, Adobe Certified Associate can make a difference.
Learn more about the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) Certification
Exams & Objectives
Adobe has worked with industry experts, educators, and test-design specialists to define proficiency in Creative Cloud applications and identify the foundational knowledge needed for careers in digital media.
50-minute performance-based exams reflect extensive research on how professionals utilize Adobe software and approach creative projects. Through in-app tasks, realistic scenarios, and interactive questions, candidates demonstrate their familiarity with core product features and capabilities, as well as basic project management and design principles.
Exams are rigorously reviewed for integrity and administered in Certiport Authorized Testing Centers. Successful candidates typically have 150 hours of instruction and hands-on experience
Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
The world’s best imaging and graphic design software is at the core of just about every creative project, from photo editing and compositing to digital painting, animation, and graphic design. Creators across industries rely on Adobe Photoshop to go far beyond what is captured by a camera.
Adobe Certified Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and foundational digital design skills.
Exam Objectives
Working in the Design Industry
Project Setup and Interface
Organizing Documents
Creating and Modifying Visual Elements
Publishing Digital Media
Click here for study guides and other information about this certification
Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard vector graphics software used by millions to create logos, illustrations, packaging, and more.
Adobe Certified Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and foundational digital design skills.
Exam Objectives
Working in the Design Industry
Project Setup and Interface
Organizing Documents
Creating and Modifying Visual Elements
Click here for study guides and other information about this certification
Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign is the industry-leading layout and page design software for print and digital media. Millions of artists, designers, and businesses use InDesign to create beautiful posters, PDFs, magazines, and more.
Adobe Certified Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe InDesign and foundational digital design skills.
Exam Objectives
Working in the Design Industry
Project Setup and Interface
Organizing Documents
Creating and Modifying Visual Elements
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Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-leading video editing software for film, TV, and the web. Powerful tools allow you to edit footage to perfection and share stories with the world.
Adobe Certified Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and foundational video editing skills.
Exam Objectives
Working in the Video Industry
Project Setup and Interface
Organizing Video Projects
Creating and Modifying Visual Elements
Publishing Digital Media
Click here for study guides and other information about this certification
Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is the industry-standard software for motion graphics and visual effects. Artists and editors around the world use After Effects to animate text, create dazzling effects, make objects disappear, and more.
Adobe Certified Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in After Effects and knowledge of foundational concepts in visual effects and motion graphics.
Exam Objectives
Working in the Visual Effects and Motion Graphics Industry
Project Setup and Interface
Organizing Video Projects
Creating and Modifying Visual Elements
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Multi-platform Animation Using Adobe Animate
The industry’s leading animation toolset lets you create apps, ads, and interactive multimedia content that moves across any screen.
Adobe Certified Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Animate and foundational animation skills.
Exam Objectives
Working in the Animation Industry
Project Setup and Interface
Organizing Video Projects
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Web Authoring Using Adobe Dreamweaver
Adobe Dreamweaver lets you build beautiful and dynamic websites with a smart, simplified coding engine. Designers and developers use Dreamweaver to create responsive web pages, e-commerce sites, portfolios, and more.
Adobe Certified Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Dreamweaver and foundational web design skills.
Exam Objectives
Working in the Web Industry
Project Setup and Interface
Organizing Content on a Page
Working with Code to Create and Modify Content
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Retake policies
If a candidate fails their first attempt at an ACA exam, there is a one-day (24 hour) waiting period for retaking the failed exam. If a candidate does not pass the second time, they must wait for a period of five calendar days before taking the failed exam a third time or any subsequent time.
Resources
Study Guides and other valuable resources can be found on the Adobe Education Exchange website (Link)