Randy Ferguson is now an Adobe Certified Associate in Photoshop CS6

Randy Ferguson, the instructor of PHCC’s Media Design and Production courses and PHCC’s current Media Director, has recently become an Adobe Certified Associate in Photoshop CS6. In order to receive this designation, Ferguson had to pass a rigorous 50 minute test that assesses both performance-based and profession-based competency. 

Receiving this certification is part of Ferguson’s preparation for the Media Design and Production courses that will be offered this coming Spring.  The program is designed to teach students the basics in video and television production. Not only are Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects integral parts of the curriculum, but students will have the opportunity to take the same Adobe certification test at the end of the course.

“I’ve taken the test and passed,” explained Ferguson. “Now I know what sort of questions are on it and we better prepare our students.” 

Having the ACA designation could help students as they seek employment in the field of media design and production.  After successfully completing the test, students will receive ACA emblems which can be affixed to their resumes.

“Having those emblems on their resumes could really help them,” Ferguson stated. “The ACA designation shows employers that the student is able to work in Photoshop at a certain level.”

Ferguson has been using Photoshop since the mid-90’s, but as more and more resources have become available for designers with-in the last few years, he has had the chance to become more proficient.

“I have attended some Photoshop seminars, the Internet has become full of information, and I came in contact with more and more colleagues who were very good with it,” Ferguson recalled. The Media Design and Production program will provide students with many of these resources and networking opportunities.

“Through a lot of trial and error, internet searches, and looking over peoples’ shoulders, I became proficient,” said Ferguson, “For students taking PHCC’s Media Design and Production courses this learning process should become a lot more streamlined.”

Now that Ferguson has received his ACA in Photoshop CS6 he plans to work toward the ACA in Adobe’s Premiere Pro next and eventually hopes to take the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop test.  Each certification that he receives will enable to better prepare his future students to receive their certifications.