Become an HFI-Certified Usability Analyst™

HFI-Certified Usability Analysts have a clear understanding of research-based principles of designing interfaces from the perspective of the end user. They perform data gathering, task analysis, and usability testing. They pinpoint the usability problems and offer design solutions. The usability analyst brings the critical success factor to bear throughout the development life cycle. That is, designing for the user.

The advantages of becoming HFI-certified:

• Get certified by the world's leading user-centered design firm.
• Become a recognized usability authority within your company and appear in HFI's official CUA directory
• Help your company increase user satisfaction in products and services
• Achieve growth and progress in your career path
• Join CUA Central – exclusive new online community for Certified Usability Analysts

HFI-Certified Usability Analysts pass an examination demonstrating their mastery of the fundamental principles of user-centered design. The following HFI courses provide a solid foundation in this knowledge. You can take the certification exam without having to take these courses.

Course 1. User-Centered Analysis and Conceptual Design
User-centered analysis is the basis for designing software interfaces that are intuitive and easy to use. In this course, you'll learn the methods of analyzing user requirements.

Course 2. The Science and Art of Effective Web and Application Design
This course draws on the most up-to-date usability research and on the principles of successful visual design. You will learn how to create winning Web sites that balance user performance and visual appeal.

Course 3. Practical Usability Testing
A critical component of creating a user-centered application is progressive testing. This course provides practical techniques to help you move the design into accordance with the user's needs, limitations, mental models and cognitive styles.

Course 4. Putting Research into Practice
This course provides participants a fast-paced review of recent usability research with a distinct "How can I use this?" focus.

HFI's public course schedule

Several times a year, HFI will offer a two and a half hour online exam. In India we offer a proctored exam for those wishing to be certified. For information on locations and dates of examinations in India, please contact Archana Saraf.

Exams in India are proctored - for locations please contact Archana Saraf.

Register for exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, HFI-Certified Usability Analysts receive an authenticated certification diploma. If you do not pass the exam, you can retake it within six months at no cost. For pricing of the courses and the examination, please see below.

Our policy is "Once a CUA, always a CUA." However, HFI-Certified Usability Analysts can stay up-to-date on the latest Web design research by attending the Putting Research into Practice course each year.

Future options may include affiliation of the program with a university so students would receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for taking the four courses.

Courses range from $1,295 to $1,595 each.

There is a $175 fee to take the two and a half hour online examination once all classes are completed. If you wish to take the exam without taking the HFI courses, the fee is $750.