The increased adoption of immersive technologies in various sectors is spurring growth in the extended reality market. In fact, industry reports project a CAGR of 57.91% for the XR market from 2020 to 2027. Aside from gaming and entertainment, almost all industries are now leveraging augmented and virtual reality technologies to meet the demands of digital natives for better user experiences across channels and devices. With this accelerated market growth comes higher demand for experts in the field.
If you’re looking to improve your career prospects in the Metaverse and the XR industry, getting an AR/VR certification is important. Here, we go through where and why you should get an AR/VR certification.
Where to Get Certifications
In today’s digital age, there are plenty of ways to get certifications for specialized skills. For AR and VR, here are some of the best places to get them.
Tech Companies
Some tech companies have their own learning programs. They offer training and certifications for the products, services, and technologies they offer. Unity, one of the most popular engines for creating VR apps, offers Unity Certifications for various skill levels. Their entry-level Unity VR Developer Certification shows mastery of foundational skills in creating real-time 3D interactive experiences in Unity.
Microsoft has a course on Introduction to Mixed Reality that could help you build a strong foundation on the core concepts of mixed reality development. Unreal Engine also has micro-credentialing programs that can enhance your skillset. Their instructor-led training helps you boost your knowledge and hone your skills in the field of immersive technologies.
Online Schools and Learning Platforms
There are dozens of online learning platforms where you can get AR/VR certification. A simple search on the web will give you a long list of options. However, make sure the platform you choose is recognized by the industry. One industry-recognized credential is Circuit Stream, which offers core certifications with Open Badge standards. Some of their offerings are Certified XR Developer with Unity, Certified XR Designer, and Certified XR Practitioner.
Universities and Other Educational Institutions
Many educational institutions now offer both online and in-person classes for AR/VR certifications. Some of the best ones to get your certifications from are NYC, USC, UCLA, and the University of British Columbia. UBC has partnered with Circuit Stream to provide digital courses in XR design and development as part of their extended learning program. There are no prerequisites for these courses, so beginners and non-UBC students are more than welcome to register.
Pros of Obtaining Certifications in AR/VR
Grasp Deeper Understanding of Concepts
Immersive technologies are still in their infancy. There are constant changes and developments that can quickly make previous knowledge outdated. Getting certifications helps you grasp a deeper understanding of concepts and stay up to date with the latest in the industry.
Get Verifiable Skills
AR/VR certifications from recognized institutions can be verified. For instance, all course takers of the XR programs from UBC Extended Learning get both Circuit Stream Credly badge certifications and University of British Columbia certifications. These serve as portable credentials that employers can easily verify.
Validate Expertise in the Field of AR/VR
To earn a certification, you need to take a certification exam crafted by industry experts. The assessments cover basic concepts to advanced skills and show your mastery in that specific program. So, an AR/VR certification validates your expertise in that particular skill.
Gain Competitive Advantage
As the XR market grows, the tech talent market also becomes more competitive. An AR/VR certification gives you an edge and helps you stand out from the crowd. Employers are more likely to choose those who have tangible proof that demonstrates their capabilities. Every AR/VR certification you earn from a reputable institution puts you one step ahead of the game.
Equip Yourself for a Fulfilling Career in the XR Industry
AR/VR courses from the University of British Columbia come with industry-recognized certifications. If you complete the Unity Developer Bootcamp, you will be more than ready to take and obtain a Unity Associate Certification as well. Learn more about the UBC Extended Learning XR programs at https://circuitstream.extendedlearning.ubc.ca/.
