#Japan #Tokyo #UX Design #UX Certification #UX Intelligence

Introduction of the Practical UX Certification

The UX Intelligence Association (UXIA), located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is excited to announce the launch of the "Practical UX Certification". This certification is specifically designed for leaders and candidates who lead user experience (UX) improvement projects. As an advanced qualification to the foundational UX Certification, which started in 2022, this program is managed by UXIA and conducted through certified training providers along with an online examination.

Background of Practical UX Certification

In recent years, many companies have adopted digital transformation (DX) as a critical aspect of their business strategies. However, several organizations fail to fully leverage advancements like big data and AI, often resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes. To address this gap, today's UX designers are increasingly required to create substantial business results. The Practical UX Certification was developed under the concept of equipping professionals with the ability to connect UX with business outcomes. The aim is to support generalists who challenge new domains and leaders driving projects by applying design approaches to business.

UXIA positions this certification as a gateway to integrate design processes into business. It focuses on nurturing "digital talent" at the intersection of business, design, and technology.

Differences Between Foundational and Practical UX Certification

The foundational UX Certification is tailored for all business professionals, providing an introduction to fundamental UX design concepts and human-centered design processes. Its goal is to help candidates acquire basic knowledge and instill a UX mindset, ultimately enhancing the organization's overall UX literacy.

Conversely, the Practical UX Certification is targeted at individuals aiming to understand the user-driven process of business creation and improvement. It prepares candidates to develop skills for driving projects and businesses, focusing on product development, service design, and hands-on leadership. With foundational UX knowledge as a prerequisite, candidates will learn practical skills for leading UX projects from discovery to solution development, team building, and stakeholder agreement—ensuring the success of their projects.

Exam Process

1. Express Interest: When applying for the certified training, candidates should indicate their intention to take the Practical UX Certification to the training provider.
2. Complete Training: After completing the training, candidates wishing to take the exam will receive guidance on the online testing system.
3. Take the Exam: Following the provided instructions to log into the exam system, candidates can schedule their exams at their convenience, applicable within 90 days after completing the necessary training.
4. Exam Attempts: Candidates may take the exam up to twice with one application.

Certified Training Providers

UXIA recognizes various training organizations and programs in alignment with the Practical UX Certification syllabus. As of July 2025, certified providers include:

• - Designship: "Designship Do Service Design Course"
• - Dentsu Digital: "Practical UX Certification Preparation Course"
• - Fujitsu Learning Media: "Practicing UX Intelligence for Business Use"
• - U'eyes Design: "Understanding Human-Centered Design Processes and Developing Practical Design Thinking Skills" & "Designated Course for UX Intelligence Association Practical UX Certification"

The above listings are subject to change, and details regarding application types (individual/corporate), costs, and schedules vary by provider. Please refer to their respective sites for more information.

To certified training organizations interested in program recognition, UXIA welcomes inquiries.

Practical UX Certification Details

• - Name: Practical UX Certification
• - Eligibility: Completion of a UXIA recognized training program is required. Previous completion of the Foundational UX Certification is not mandatory.
• - Exam Availability: Candidates can take the exam within 90 days after completing the training.
• - Application Process: Following training, candidates will apply as per the provider's guidance.
• - Payment Options: Candidates may opt to pay either together for both training and certification, or separately.
• - Exam Fee: 29,000 JPY excluding tax (31,900 JPY including tax).
• - Exam Format: Limited to 90 minutes, 60 questions consisting of single and multiple choice.
• - Implementation: Conducted via online testing; candidates can retake the exam twice under a single application.
• - Content Coverage: Based on syllabus (refer to official website).
• - Validity: Certification lasts for three years from the acquisition date.
• - Renewal: Candidates may extend their certification by passing a retake exam before expiration.
• - Host Organization: UX Intelligence Association
• - Official Website: UXIA Certification

Overview of UXIA

Established in May 2021, UXIA aims to foster the foundational ability known as "UX Intelligence" that is required for DX professionals of the new era. The association is committed to creating a society enriched with excellent UX, allowing users the freedom to choose. Members mainly comprise companies promoting DX within Japan, with a total membership of 48 organizations as of July 2025. UXIA supports active initiatives through four committees that focus on specific research areas, namely the "UX Organizational Development Committee," "Advanced Case Study Committee," "Certification Training Improvement Committee," and "Generative AI and UX Practical Research Committee."