We have launched a new initiative to help freelancers showcase their expertise by earning an Upwork Skill Certification. These skill certifications highlight talent that has demonstrated competency in their field by passing a rigorous skill assessment or sample work review, evaluated by domain experts in their field.
Currently, Upwork Skill Certifications are available for certain skills in the Web & Mobile Software Development (WMSD) and Design & Creative fields. For WMSD, certification is a two-step process that takes 2 to 3 hours. Participants must achieve a passing score on two timed and proctored coding tests. Design & Creative talent must achieve a passing score on their Upwork portfolio, which is evaluated by a panel of third-party domain experts. You can learn more about Upwork Skill Certifications here. Given the intricacy of having skills assessed, these certifications are exclusively invite-only at this time.
Upwork Skill Certifications will display on your Upwork profile in the certifications area.
Here is an example of a Microsoft certification on a profile. Upwork Skills Certifications will appear in a similar format but with an Upwork badge for the specialized certification.
Sample existing certification
Sample Upwork Skills Certification Badge
Upwork Skill Certifications are currently available in 10 software development languages and 16 design and creative skills.
Upwork Skill Certifications in Web & Mobile Software Development test for individual proficiency in a particular language or technology. Assessment methodology varies by skill, using a combination of timed, proctored tests and in some cases, technical interviews.
- Android, Java
- Android, Kotlin
- iOS, Objective-C
- iOS, Swift
- C#, Desktop Software Development
- C++, Desktop Software Development
- Java Back-end Development
- JavaScript Back-end Development
- JavaScript Front-end Development
- PHP Back-end Development
- Python Back-end Development
- Ruby on Rails Back-end Development
Upwork Skill Certifications in Design & Creative test for an individual’s or agency’s demonstrated competency in current design best practices. A panel of 2 or more domain experts evaluates a freelancer or agency Upwork portfolio based upon several dimensions depending upon the skill.
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- 3D Modeling *NEW*
- Art Direction
- Brand Identity
- Cartooning
- Creative Direction
- Editorial Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Image Editing
- Motion Graphics
- Presentation Design
- User Experience Design
- User Interface Design
- Video Editing
- Videography
We plan to grow the program and offer the skill assessments to more talent and in additional skill areas. You do not need to have earned a talent tier such as Top Rated or Expert-Vetted to receive an invitation. These are signals of having expertise in your field and do increase your chances of being invited, though. For the best chance of being invited, achieve and maintain a solid reputation, complete identity verification, maintain a complete and up-to-date profile that is not set to private, and have an active Upwork account in good standing.