Expert: LizaL - 11/13/2004

Question
Hello!
I am interested in taking the ACE exam. I want to be very well informed before taking it. I know there are multiple-choice questions, but I want to know if you are told how many correct answers a question has. For example, if a question has 2 correct answers, do you see somewhere on the screen (during the exam) a message that says: "this question has 2 correct answers"? I also want to know if I can get a graphic job in US or Canada if I am certified as an photoshop expert and have a very nice portofolio and 2-3 years of experience.

Answer
Hi Bilan,

To be perfectly honest with you, I have no idea! I never took this test. I taught myself Photoshop back in the early 1990s, when it was in version 2, and have been using it and teaching it ever since. I also taught Photoshop at a college for 8 years, but I never took the ACE exam.

The portfolio is a must, and the experience is, too. Really, it depends on how far you want to take your career, as to how long you need to train for it. But for an entry-level graphic design job, certainly 2-3 years of experience and a good portfolio will get you that.

Many community colleges have 1-year diploma (or certificate) programs in graphic design, as well as a 2-year degree in design. You might want to check out the community colleges and/or technical schools in your area and see if you'd be interested in something like this.

Good luck to you!

Lisa