Professional vs Expert - Premiere Pro Certification

[Mr. Content]

 I have been deep-diving into the Premiere for the last 6 days. I wanted to know what I didn't know. I was looking to get a PrPro Professional Cert, but after going through the study guide, I feel it would be relatively easy to get (expected score 85-95). It's mostly asking if you know where this or that is and how to use X. It also asks some basic cut and effects questions. 

Then I learned that there were 3 levels of certs. So I thought I might try the EXPERT Test, but I could not find a study guide or hint on how to get it on the site. 

For those of you who have one of these cert.

A.   Could you tell me the difference between the 2 certs.?
B.   Is the Pro-Cert. Enough to give assurance to mid to upper-level contract positions, or would the Expert be more of what they were looking for? 

[Ann Bens]

1. both the same: Adobe just changed the name.

2. a cert does not guarantee upper-level contract positions: experience does. (knowing how the program works does not necessary mean you know how to edit, tell a story).

[bob_robertappleton dotcom]

It's the same as "pro" - you have to laugh at how marketers position the difference between something not working (regular) and actually working (pro).   🙂

[R Neil Haugen]

Certification is far more "useful" at getting jobs in education facilities and consulting gigs than actual editing/fx/audio working jobs. There the interest is what you have done in real work ... lately.

[Mr. Content]

Would you say content output, such as social vlogging, is more effective than certification?  
Most of my work is 1-3 month contracts, and the last would not allow exhibition in my portfolio. I am the kind of editor who needs someone else to want/need something to increase my project output. This is why I was looking for purely editing jobs. 
I needed something new on my profile that further bolstered my knowledge of the Adobe Production Suite. 

[R Neil Haugen]

From everything I've seen over many years, and all the people I've hired myself, folks looking for staff first look for those with demonstrated experience in the kind of work they need done.

Next, for work as similar to what they need as possible to extrapolate.

Then for work in an "allied" workflow or field.

For example, someone looking for a "docs" (documentary) assistant editor is looking for very different editing experience than either someone looking for daily posting to a YouTube channel, or someone looking for experience with 30 second b-cast commercial spots.

And yea, it's a right royal pain to get the experience for the jobs you want to start getting.

Finally, people tend to hire more comfortably if they know the person they're hiring. So getting to know those who do the work you wish to become skilled at is a Good Thing. Talk with people in person if possible. Get a chance to watch what they do. Ask questions, don't talk about yourself. You're there to scarf up every bit of knowledge you can get.

[Mr. Content]

The type of editor is my biggest issue.  I can not say that I have a specialized kind of video. My portfolio is mixed. Back in 2005 - 2011, I probably did 250 30s TV commercials. But I do long forms and explainers, and I edit for 2 YT channels now, though one will not be around in September.

I often think that there are examples I need to produce, but that only makes my portfolio more scattered in style or specialty. I am still planning to get the certification this weekend. It's a credential that might help. I want to be in a machine with projects to complete in high volume or at least constant work.

 I used to run a media business, but COVID took that out, and then I started purely editing and doing social cuts. So I am just trying to get in the door. Once I am there, I think I can be impressive in one way or another.  

[R Neil Haugen]

Best wishes! The certification is more helpful for getting jobs teaching than doing, from all accounts. But hey, that's still paid work, right?

And it certainly won't hurt you. It's a tough time. There are many options, but not always useful ones at the moment. A rather fractured employment environment.

[RobShultz · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately Adobe eliminated their Adobe Certified Experts and Instructor Certifications last year. That was an awesome program.

[Ann Bens]

Forgot all about that.