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.
About the AIGA Design Leader Certificate
The AIGA-DL Certification pathway is recommended if you:
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Have 7+ years of design experience
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Currently occupy or aspire to enter a management or leadership position
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Seek to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace
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Wish to create accountability and professional standards for design
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Are committed to your craft and professional practice
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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
![[field.undefined]](jpg/gus-salazar-square7878.jpg "Gus Salazar Headshot")
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
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:
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AIGA Business Fundamentals for Designers (11 Hours)
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AIGA Design Foundations (12 Hours)
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AIGA Law for Designers (3 Hours)
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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:
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AIGA Introduction to Critical Thinking
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AIGA Managing in a Modern Organization
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AIGA Creativity in Teams and Organizations
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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!
