Graphic Design Software Skills Test Students wishing to enroll in Level-1 Graphic Design Studios must pass a proficiency test or have taken CCA’s Graphic Design Tools class (GRAPH-108) and passed with a grade of C or better. Students who possess strong knowledge of Adobe software can request an assessment of their software skills by showing a portfolio of previous work. Students should keep in mind while a well-designed project is important; the skills test is conducted to examine existing software knowledge and application, so please select appropriate work that demonstrates a breadth of skills. For more information about having an assessment, please contact Program Manager, Kerry Gould, at [email protected]. DESIGN TOOLS SKILLS TEST The Design Tools Skills test is an extensive skills test that recreates real world projects in order to assess a student’s facility with three of the major programs required in the Graphic Design industry: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Indesign. In this test, students are expected to complete all of the projects successfully in order to be exempted from taking the Design Tools course. The test will be given in a CCA computer lab on the San Francisco campus; a member of the Graphic Design Faculty will proctor the test. Students will be evaluated on the program they have least knowledge of/experience in. Students should be prepared to spend 4.5 – 6 hours completing the test. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE TEST: •

Students who have working experience with all 3 programs and no/few files to show.

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Students who have studied all three programs in depth and practiced working with them. Base your practice on the projects given in the Design Tools course (request syllabus).

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Students who have only worked with 2 of the 3 programs are not eligible to take the test.

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If a student has only limited experience with any of the programs, it is strongly recommended that they take the Design Tools course. Limited experience means that they have only used the programs to do basic things.

WHEN THE TEST IS GIVEN: The Graphic Design department gives the test several times during the school year, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. • • •

During Orientation week in the fall Before Priority Registration in the fall Before Priority Registration in the spring

For more information about the test, please contact Program Manager, Kerry Gould, at [email protected].