Focus on Benefits: Why now is the perfect time to get RGD Certified

The RGD Membership has its privileges! As co-chair of the Membership Committee, I want to share some of the amazing resources and benefits that Membership provides and encourage all RGD Members to take advantage of them. If you’re not an RGD Member yet, now’s the time to join! 

If you’re an Affiliate or Associate RGD Member and you’ve been putting off getting your RGD Certification, no need to put it off any longer… You’re a step ahead in so many ways! Not only is the $150 application administration fee waived for you as a Member, your sample test is half price at only $15 versus $30 for Non-Members.

To help you on your way, as an Affiliate or Associate Member, you’re also eligible to participate in the Certification Mentorship program. You’ll be paired with a Certified RGD who will point you toward all the preparation resources available, answer any questions or concerns you have and go over your case studies with you, guiding you through the Certification Process. 

“My certification mentor, Carmelo Galati RGD, really listened and helped me to distill ideas to their essence. He struck an ideal balance between celebrating strengths and identifying areas for improvement, all while offering feedback with kindness. His design and storytelling expertise were key in guiding me through the Certification Process.”

Erica Brisson RGD

Complete your RGD Certification by September 5, to receive free registration to DesignThinkers in Toronto (virtual or in-person).

If that’s not enough to get you excited about getting your certification, the RGD has recently streamlined and customized the Process to get Certified! 

• The application and presentation now require three case studies so you can dedicate more time to presenting each one.
• The open book, multiple-choice online test now consists of two sections (Ethics & Accessibility) for all candidates.
• There are now four distinct, customized certification pathways for Visual Designers, Experience Designers, Design Managers and Design Educators.
• With our new, free, self-directed AccessAbility Course, you can explore a helpful resource to prepare for the Accessibility section of the Certification process—all in just three hours.

“The Certification Mentorship Program was a game-changer. My mentor supported me for over three months, guiding me through the application process, my portfolio presentation and test. Her thoughtful feedback built my confidence and helped me present myself professionally.”

Rayhaneh Haghgoo RGD

And if you’re already Certified, don’t feel left out! If you refer someone and they get their RGD Certification or become Associate RGDs, you receive either 25% off your next year's dues or free registration to a future DesignThinkers! If you’re an Associate RGD, your referral discount is 15% off your dues.

I know from personal experience that it’s hard to take that leap from Affiliate to Certified RGD, but the anxiety of your expectations is far worse than the reality. Creatives notoriously suffer from imposter syndrome and that leads to procrastination. With all these discounts, along with all of the RGD’s preparation resources like sample tests, Certification Mentorship and Freshly Certified case study webinars, you’re well on your way to becoming a Certified RGD. Take the plunge and get Certified!