Would you pass a graphic design certification test?
Certification is currently a topic of debate among graphic designers in the United States and has been for over a decade. Proponents feel it will create value for graphic designers and a minimum standard of professionalism. Their hope is that it will prevent graphic design from becoming a commodity. Opponents feel it’s a waste of time and a form of elitism that could create unnecessary boundaries for talented designers.
Let’s suppose for a moment that proponents of graphic design certification win their argument and the U.S. follows in the footsteps of other countries like Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Denmark. Although design certification models differ between these countries, most require graduation from either a two-year or four-year school and most require a minimum level of experience working in the industry. Some require an exam.
The examination board for R.G.D. (Registered Graphic Designers) gives graphic designers in Ontario a written test consisting of approximately 180 multiple choice questions. The test takes approximately 3.5 hours. Following are some sample questions. How well do you think you would do?
1) Dimensional software creates objects that are:
a. in raster format
b. in RAW format
c. in vector format
d. in CMYK format
2) This form of research is built around numbers, logic and objective data:
a. formative research
b. exploratory research
c. quantitative research
d. qualitative research
3) Which magazine designer was responsible for the influential look of Harper’s Bazaar from 1934-1958?
a. Lester Beall
b. Alexy Brodovitch
c. J. Müller-Brockmann
d. Herbert Matter
4) Stochastic printing consists of:
a. a random pattern of dots varied by frequency
b. a regular pattern of dots varied by frequency
c. a random pattern of dots varied by amplitude
d. a regular pattern of dots varied by amplitude
Sources:
http://designcertification.org/
http://rgdexamboard.com/the-test/
Answers: 1.c, 2.c, 3. b, 4. a
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Certification, a requirement in NYS to become an educator requires the same type of assessment- long tests both multiple choice as well as a written essay. What is the point? The only one I can think of is it offers revenue for the state coffers. It does not guarantee that those who pass the test are more equipped to teach in a classroom.
As for graphic designers I feel that mandating certification is not necessary. Trained, educated graphic designers will be found in the marketplace and rewarded for their skills and talent. Government involvement will be a mistake.
Licensing is a pretty big racket for the government, and who is to say that the evolving skills required of design practice would be accurately captured in a certification exam?
However, I did score 4 out of 4 on the test and would now like an “Ethics in Graphic Design” award certificate that I can both display in my office and list on my CV.
The discussion about certification goes back to well before Ontario’s RGD exam. A couple of worthwhile places to start for some background are Ellen Shapiro’s articles in AIGA Journal of Graphic Design volume 10 #1, 1992 and in Communication Arts–“Certification for Graphic Designers? A Hypothetical Proposal” July 1993. I think the latter was reprinted in Looking Closer 2: Critical Writings on Graphic Design, ed.: Bierut, Drenttel, Heller, Holland but I don’t have a copy handy right now.
My next reading suggestion would be my “Certification for Graphic Designers? Another Look” first published in Print magazine’s “A Cold Eye,” January/February 1995, reprinted in Looking Closer 2: Critical Writings on Graphic Design, ed.: Bierut, Drenttel, Heller, Holland, and available at http://www.gunnarswanson.com/writing/Certification.pdf.
There is also a 2005 discussion at http://www.underconsideration.com/speakup/archives/002340.html that didn’t go far but has a few nuggets.
While it doesn’t speak specifically to a graphic design test, here’s a link to an excellent essay written about the pros and cons of certification written by Gunnar Swanson. Well worth the read:
http://www.gunnarswanson.com/writing/Certification.pdf
None of these questions have anything to do with talent. Most of the truly academic oriented designers that i have hired over the years, prove to be weak creatively.
@David. I think generalizations get dangerous. After reading all the feedback on the post as well as links provided I’m leaning toward the side that is not in favor of certification. The main reason though is because I think it will become a money making operation for the certification organization, will drain the pockets of graphic designers, and with the rapid changes in technology within our industry, I think it would be difficult to keep the questions relevant and current.