Learn everything you need to know about getting an Upwork Skills Certification as an independent professional in the Design & Creative skill category on Upwork.
Note: Currently, Upwork Skill Certifications are offered by invitation only.
We know that being certified in certain skills can help you attract and build trust with prospective clients. That’s why we developed skills certifications.
Upwork Skill Certifications in Design & Creative test for an individual’s competency in current design best practices. A panel of two or more domain experts evaluates a freelancer's Upwork portfolio based on several dimensions depending upon the skill.
To become skill-certified in Design and Creative, you first need to be invited. Next, you'll need to submit work for review.
Skills assessment available:
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- 3D Modeling
- Art Direction
- Brand Identity
- Cartoon Art
- Creative Direction
- Editorial Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Image Editing
- Motion Graphics
- Presentation Design
- User Experience Design
- User Interface Design
- Video Editing
- Videography
After receiving an invite, your Upwork account should:
Get Prepared
Portfolio Evaluation
A panel of domain experts with expertise in your field reviews your portfolio for demonstrated current best design practices. We will evaluate your work based on these areas (as applicable to the skill being evaluated):
- Creativity
- Demonstrated technical tool aptitude
- Overall portfolio curation
- Recent and complex project work
- Layout and information hierarchy
Motion graphics and animation
- Demo reel
- Use of audio
- Animation
- Pace
- Meaningful motion
Videography
- Strong camera skills and shot composition
- Video editing and post-production skills
Important Guidelines
When you decide to go through the certification process, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to follow these guidelines:
- Individual freelancers must showcase original content in their portfolios.
- If some portfolio pieces were created as part of a team or agency, provide information about your role prominently within the description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't pass the assessment?
If you don’t pass, don't worry! Nothing will display on your Upwork profile. You may request to be reassessed in six months. Send an email to assessments@upwork.com.