AIGA Design Leader Certification

AIGA Design Leader Certification (AIGA DL)

The AIGA Professional Design Certification program represents a commitment to the design profession and to lifelong learning. This certification is geared towards professionals with at least seven years of professional design experience, who are currently in—or aspire to enter—management or leadership positions.

AIGA progressional development professional certification DL

About the AIGA Design Leader Certificate

The AIGA-DL Certification pathway is recommended if you:
  • Have 7+ years of design experience

  • Currently occupy or aspire to enter a management or leadership position

  • Seek to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace

  • Wish to create accountability and professional standards for design

  • Are committed to your craft and professional practice

  • Desire the distinction of AIGA-DL to elevate your value with peers and clients

When clicking “Apply Now” you will be directed to the conference registration login page. The certification is a related item you must select before you check out if you wish to pursue the AIGA DL.

Next Portfolio Assessment

Spring Assessment: June 3-13, 2024

This certification allows me to showcase my skills while inspiring those behind me to lead with creativity."

Gus Salazar

Director of Graphics and Marketing for Associated Students at California State University, Los Angeles

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Price

AIGA Professional Foundations Certificate + AIGA Leading Innovation Certificate + Portfolio Assessment 
AIGA member: $1389
Non member: $1859

 

AIGA Professional Foundations Certificate (step 1 only)
AIGA member: $579
Non member: $799 

 

AIGA Leading Innovation Certificate (step 2 only)
AIGA member: $259
Non member: $359 

Apply

Explore the AIGA-DL Certification

    Eligibility Criteria:

    At least seven years of professional experience in design

    Application Deadlines

    AIGA Design Leader (AIGA-DL) Professional Portfolio Assessments happen virtually throughout the year. There are two more opportunities for portfolio assessment in 2024 (June and November).

    June Portfolio Assessment: Virtual

    May 20, 2024: Payment Due
    May 27, 2024: Review Slot Registration Deadline

    November Portfolio Assessment: Virtual

    October 21, 2024: Payment Due
    October 28, 2024: Review Slot Registration Deadline

    When committing to the AIGA-DL Certification, you are committing to a virtual portfolio assessment. You may select which dates are better suited to your schedule at the time of enrollment. The online learning and portfolio review can now be completed in any order, so you can book a portfolio review before or after you have completed the online learning modules (AIGA Professional Foundations + AIGA Leading Innovation).

      To earn the AIGA Professional Design Certification, there are four steps which can be completed in any order:

      Step 1
      Completion of the AIGA Professional Design Foundations Certificate. This includes both a learning and assessment component.

      Step 2
      Completion of the AIGA Leading Innovation Certificate. This includes both a learning and assessment component.

      Step 3
      Professional practice assessment via AIGA Professional Portfolio Assessment, which is conducted virtually throughout the year.

       Step 4
      An ongoing commitment to learning and to AIGA standards of professional practice and code of conduct demonstrated through continuing professional development.

        AIGA's Professional Foundations is a required component of becoming and AIGA-PD certified designer. It is made up of four components: 

        • AIGA Business Fundamentals for Designers (11 Hours)

        • AIGA Design Foundations (12 Hours)

        • AIGA Law for Designers (3 Hours)

        • AIGA Standards of Professional Practice (4 Hours)

        For more information, please see the detailed descriptions

          AIGA's Leading Innovation Certificate is a required component of becoming and AIGA-PD certified designer. It is made up of four components: 

          • AIGA Introduction to Critical Thinking

          • AIGA Managing in a Modern Organization

          • AIGA Creativity in Teams and Organizations

          • AIGA Innovation in Teams and Organizations

          For more information, please see the the Leading Innovation Certificate page

            For the portfolio assessment, you will be required to submit your best work from three (3) professional projects. 

            You will be asked to supply the following project information: 

            Project Title
            Project Highlight
            Project team
            Role in the project
            The project budget
            Duration of the project
            Project brief
            Project impact statement
            Challenges encountered in project with solutions provided
            Approach when working with creative team
            Explanation of research, design process, creative choices, and strategy

            Our assessors review candidate work according to the competencies outlined within our rubric. A successful application requires 70% or higher marks.

              • AIGA Professional Design Foundations Certificate
              • AIGA Leading Innovation Certificate
              • Portfolio Assessment
              • AIGA Certified Design Leader distinction and badge upon passing the AIGA Professional Portfolio Assessment

              Apply Now (Requires AIGA Account Login)

               

              When clicking “Apply Now” you will be directed to the conference registration login page. The certification is a related item you must select before you check out if you wish to pursue the AIGA DL.

              Commit to your practice

              Apply for the AIGA Design Leader Certification today!