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Technology & Design · course plan

⚠ Pending professional review

This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by an industry-certified professional or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.

VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.

Graphic & Digital Media

9 courses · 1,350 clock hours · 9 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.

~~$13,195~~ COMPLIMENTARYprogram tuition

9courses

79lessons

1,350hours

31assessments

Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons79 of 79 lesson pages writtenPractice632 practice questionsResources114 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional

Study now: 79 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).

TEC-DIGI47-01 Universal core

Universal Core: Safety, Communication, Math & Career Foundations for Graphic & Digital Media

148 hr · ~~$1,185~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This course establishes the foundational knowledge every graphic and digital media professional needs before touching client work or industry software: OSHA 10-hour general industry safety awareness, first aid and CPR readiness, trade-specific math and measurement, technical reading and writing, digital workflow tools, and job-readiness skills. Lessons are anchored to real studio, print, and screen-production contexts so every principle connects directly to the work students will do in subsequent courses and on the job. Credential mapping targets the Adobe Certified Professional exam's professional expectations for file management, communication, and production planning.

Outcomes

Complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and demonstrate hazard identification and proper PPE selection for studio, print, and screen-production environments.
Perform trade math calculations—including unit conversion, scale, resolution (PPI/DPI), aspect ratio, color-percentage mixing, and file-size estimation—accurately to within accepted tolerance for print and digital deliverables.
Read and interpret technical briefs, style guides, printer specifications, and Creative Suite release notes to extract actionable production requirements.
Use professional digital productivity tools—cloud file management, task tracking, email, and version-naming conventions—to organize and communicate project assets according to industry standards.
Produce a career portfolio starter package including a résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile tailored to entry-level graphic and digital media positions.
Demonstrate job-site professional behaviors—punctuality, feedback reception, collaborative critique, and ethical use of intellectual property—sufficient for externship placement.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Studio & Industry Safety: OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and First Aid/CPR; Trade Math I: Measurement, Units, and Resolution; Trade Math II: Aspect Ratio, Scale, Color Percentages, and Cost Estimation; Technical Reading: Briefs, Specs, Style Guides, and Intellectual Property; Digital Workflow Tools: File Management, Naming Conventions, and Cloud Collaboration; Professional Communication: Written, Verbal, and Visual Presentation Skills; Career Readiness: Résumé, Portfolio Starter, and Professional Identity.

What competent looks like. Complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and demonstrate hazard identification and proper PPE selection for studio, print, and screen-production environments. Perform trade math calculations—including unit conversion, scale, resolution (PPI/DPI), aspect ratio, color-percentage mixing, and file-size estimation—accurately to within accepted tolerance for print and digital deliverables. Read and interpret technical briefs, style guides, printer specifications, and Creative Suite release notes to extract actionable production requirements. Use professional digital productivity tools—cloud file management, task tracking, email, and version-naming conventions—to organize and communicate project assets according to industry standards. Produce a career portfolio starter package including a résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile tailored to entry-level graphic and digital media positions. Demonstrate job-site professional behaviors—punctuality, feedback reception, collaborative critique, and ethical use of intellectual property—sufficient for externship placement.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Studio & Industry Safety: OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and First Aid/CPR	28	theory	Students will identify workplace hazards common to graphic-media studios and print facilities, apply OSHA General Industry standards to those hazards, demonstrate correct PPE selection and donning, apply lockout/tagout procedures for large-format printers and laminating equipment, and perform hands-on first aid and CPR to current American Red Cross or American Heart Association standards.	Complete all ten modules of the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry course (delivered through an OSHA-authorized provider or authorized online platform) and pass the associated module quizzes, earning the OSHA 10-Hour card upon completion. Conduct a structured studio walk-through using an OSHA inspection checklist adapted for a graphic-media lab: identify at least five real or simulated hazards (chemical ink storage, electrical cords, ergonomic workstation setup, large-format printer pinch points, and trip hazards), document findings in a written hazard report, and propose corrective actions. Participate in a hands-on first aid and CPR skills session led by a certified American Red Cross or AHA instructor, practicing adult CPR with AED, wound care, and burn treatment relevant to chemical splashes from solvent-based inks.	OSHA 10-Hour General Industry authorized curriculum; OSHA Publication 3151 (Hazard Communication); studio inspection checklist (instructor-prepared); PPE samples (safety glasses, nitrile gloves, hearing protection); large-format printer for lockout/tagout demo; SDS sheets for studio inks and solvents; American Red Cross or AHA First Aid/CPR kit and mannequins; AED trainer unit.	Students must present their OSHA 10-Hour completion card or official certificate of completion; score ≥ 70% on all OSHA module quizzes (provider graded); submit a hazard report identifying at least five hazards with corrective actions; and pass the CPR/first aid skills check conducted by the certified instructor (pass/fail per ARC or AHA standard). All four items required to pass this lesson.
2	Trade Math I: Measurement, Units, and Resolution	20	theory	Students will convert between standard and metric units of measurement, calculate PPI and DPI requirements for print and screen output, determine scaled dimensions from original artwork, and estimate digital file sizes for common image formats—accurately to within 5% of the correct value.	Complete a guided worksheet set of 30 unit-conversion and resolution problems drawn from real print-shop scenarios (e.g., convert a 11×17-inch bleed document to millimeters; determine the minimum pixel dimensions of a photo to print at 300 DPI at 8×10 inches; calculate the file size of an uncompressed 24-bit RGB TIFF at given pixel dimensions). Use a calculator and Adobe Photoshop (trial or school license) to verify hand calculations by checking Image > Image Size data against computed values, then record discrepancies and explain any rounding differences in a short written reflection. Play a small-group 'Resolution Relay' competitive quiz in which teams race to correctly calculate output specifications for five fictional client briefs (billboard, business card, website banner, Instagram post, magazine spread), presenting answers on mini whiteboards for immediate instructor feedback.	Instructor-prepared measurement and resolution worksheet packet; scientific calculators; rulers (inch and metric); Adobe Photoshop (school license); printed reference chart: standard PPI/DPI minimums by output type; mini whiteboards and markers.	Score ≥ 80% on the Resolution & Measurement Quiz (25 problems graded by the instructor answer key); all answers must show work; any score below 80% requires a one-on-one retake session before the student advances to Trade Math II.
3	Trade Math II: Aspect Ratio, Scale, Color Percentages, and Cost Estimation	18	practice	Students will calculate aspect ratios for resizing artwork without distortion, apply percentage-based color-build values (CMYK) to achieve a target swatch, and construct a basic job-cost estimate covering materials, time, and markup for a small print project.	Given a set of six original image dimensions and six target dimensions, calculate whether a resize maintains the original aspect ratio and, where it does not, determine the corrected dimension; check answers by physically resizing images in Adobe Photoshop and comparing the result to the mathematical prediction. Use a printed CMYK color-reference exercise to mix four target colors by specifying the correct percentage values of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black; enter values into Adobe Illustrator's color panel and compare on-screen swatches to instructor-provided printed Pantone-to-CMYK reference cards, discussing why on-screen and printed results can differ. Working from a fictional client scenario (500 postcards, two-sided, full color), build a job-cost estimate spreadsheet in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel that accounts for design hours at a given rate, print vendor cost per unit, materials, and a standard markup percentage; present the estimate to the class and defend the math.	Instructor-prepared aspect-ratio worksheet; Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (school licenses); printed CMYK reference swatch exercise; Pantone-to-CMYK reference cards (instructor-sourced from publicly available Pantone documentation or equivalent); Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel; fictional client brief (instructor-prepared).	Score ≥ 80% on the combined Trade Math II worksheet (aspect ratio and color-percentage section, 20 questions); cost-estimate spreadsheet must be arithmetically correct (instructor checks all formulas) and include all required line items; errors in formulas require correction before a passing mark is awarded.
4	Technical Reading: Briefs, Specs, Style Guides, and Intellectual Property	22	theory	Students will extract production-critical information from client creative briefs, printer technical specification sheets, and brand style guides, and correctly classify creative assets as public domain, licensed stock, or copyright-protected to avoid intellectual property violations.	Annotate three realistic documents—a client creative brief, a large-format printer spec sheet, and a two-page brand style guide—using a structured annotation protocol: highlight deadlines, file format requirements, color modes, bleed/margin specs, and font restrictions, then compile findings into a one-page Production Requirements Summary. Analyze four image-use scenarios (found image from a Google search, Creative Commons licensed photo, purchased stock photo with a standard license, and original client-supplied artwork) using the U.S. Copyright Office's publicly available summary of copyright basics and a provided decision-tree handout; classify each scenario and state what action the designer must take before using the asset. In small groups, simulate receiving a new client brief for a hypothetical campaign, identify three ambiguous or missing specifications, draft a professional clarification email to the client requesting the missing information, and peer-review each other's emails for tone, completeness, and clarity.	Instructor-prepared creative brief, spec sheet, and style guide documents; annotation protocol handout; U.S. Copyright Office publication 'Copyright Basics' (Circular 1, publicly available); IP decision-tree handout (instructor-prepared); sample Creative Commons license examples from creativecommons.org.	Production Requirements Summary must correctly identify all mandatory specifications from all three documents (graded against an answer key; ≥ 80% accuracy required); IP classification exercise scored ≥ 75% correct; clarification email assessed against a rubric (professional tone, correct specifications requested, no grammar errors) with a minimum score of 15/20 points.
5	Digital Workflow Tools: File Management, Naming Conventions, and Cloud Collaboration	22	lab	Students will apply industry-standard file-naming conventions, build and maintain a logical folder hierarchy for a multi-asset design project, use cloud storage and task-management tools to share and version files, and demonstrate the use of version-history features to recover a prior asset state.	Receive a deliberately disorganized folder of 40 mixed-format files (PSD, AI, PDF, JPEG, MP4, DOCX) representing a fictional client project and reorganize them into a documented folder structure following the instructor-provided naming-convention guide (date_projectcode_assettype_version format); produce a written folder-map document explaining the logic of every folder level. Set up a shared Google Drive or OneDrive project folder with at least two classmates, upload the reorganized files, apply sharing permissions appropriate to each collaborator role (viewer, commenter, editor), create a task list in Trello or Asana mapping to the fictional project timeline, and assign tasks with due dates. Intentionally overwrite one shared file with incorrect content, then use the cloud platform's version-history feature to identify, preview, and restore the correct prior version; write a one-paragraph incident report describing what happened, how it was resolved, and what file-management practice would prevent recurrence.	Instructor-prepared disorganized file set (digital download); naming-convention guide (instructor-prepared, based on common agency standards); Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive (free or school account); Trello or Asana (free tier); classroom computers with internet access.	Folder structure graded against rubric: correct naming on ≥ 90% of files, logical hierarchy with at least three levels, complete folder-map document (pass = all three criteria met); cloud-sharing setup verified live by instructor (correct permissions applied); version-history incident report must accurately describe steps taken (pass/fail, no errors in the recovery description accepted).
6	Professional Communication: Written, Verbal, and Visual Presentation Skills	20	demo	Students will compose professional emails and status-update messages appropriate for client and team communication, present design concepts using clear verbal rationale, and give and receive structured critique feedback using industry-standard language.	Draft three workplace communication samples—a project kickoff email to a client, a status-update Slack or Teams message to a supervisor, and a polite deadline-extension request—then peer-edit each other's drafts using a checklist covering subject line clarity, professional salutation, specific detail, action items, and correct grammar. Watch a five-minute video of a designer presenting a logo concept to a client (instructor-sourced from publicly available design-industry content), then individually evaluate the presenter's verbal rationale using a provided rubric assessing clarity of design-decision explanation, use of design vocabulary, and response to client questions; compare evaluations in a class discussion. Practice a structured 'critique round': each student pins one piece of personal artwork (any medium) on the wall and receives two minutes of feedback from two peers using the 'I notice / I wonder / what if' critique framework; then the presenting student verbally responds to one piece of feedback, explaining whether and how they would incorporate it.	Peer-edit checklist (instructor-prepared); critique framework reference card ('I notice / I wonder / what if'); instructor-selected design presentation video (publicly available source); printed rubric for verbal evaluation; personal artwork brought by students.	All three written communication samples must score ≥ 16/20 on the peer-edit checklist (instructor moderates and overrides peer score if needed); verbal critique evaluation shows accurate application of rubric criteria in class discussion (instructor observation, pass/fail); participation in critique round is mandatory—absences require a makeup verbal critique with the instructor.
7	Career Readiness: Résumé, Portfolio Starter, and Professional Identity	18	field	Students will produce a complete entry-level career package—a tailored résumé, a cover letter for a real posted job, a LinkedIn profile, and a two-piece digital portfolio starter—that meets current hiring standards for the graphic and digital media field.	Research two real, currently posted entry-level graphic design or digital media job listings (from Indeed, LinkedIn, or a similar public job board), identify the skills and tools listed in each posting, and build a résumé using a clean, print-ready template that highlights relevant coursework, software skills, and any prior experience; receive instructor written feedback and submit a revised final version. Write a cover letter targeted to one of the two job listings, incorporating specific language from the posting and referencing two concrete examples of relevant skills or projects; submit the cover letter alongside the résumé for a combined review. Create or update a LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot (taken during class with a provided neutral backdrop and smartphone), a headline matching their target role, an About section of at least three sentences, and at least two skills endorsed by a classmate; upload two pieces of completed coursework (from this or any prior course) to a Behance portfolio or equivalent free platform and link it from the LinkedIn profile.	Résumé template options (instructor-curated, royalty-free); cover letter guide handout; access to Indeed and LinkedIn (internet-connected computers); smartphone and neutral-color fabric backdrop for headshots; Behance or Adobe Portfolio (free account); instructor feedback rubric for résumé and cover letter.	Résumé scored ≥ 18/25 on rubric (criteria: accurate contact info, relevant skills listed, no spelling or grammar errors, clean layout, tailored to posting); cover letter scored ≥ 14/20 (criteria: opening hook, two specific skill examples, professional close, tailored language from posting); LinkedIn profile verified live by instructor (all required sections complete); Behance portfolio must contain two uploaded work samples with project descriptions; all components required for a passing lesson grade.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Safety & Regulatory Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	Score of ≥ 70% on all OSHA 10-Hour module quizzes (provider graded) plus ≥ 75% on the instructor-administered 40-question safety written exam; OSHA 10-Hour completion card must be on file.	A 40-question written exam (multiple choice and short answer) covering OSHA General Industry hazard recognition, PPE selection, lockout/tagout, SDS interpretation, ergonomics in studio environments, and basic first-aid response scenarios specific to print and digital media workplaces. Students must also have their OSHA 10-Hour completion card or certificate on file before this assessment is scored as passing. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Trade Math & Technical Reading Exam	Written exam	25%	Score of ≥ 80%; all calculation problems must show work; partial credit is not awarded on problems where work is not shown.	A 50-question closed-note exam (calculator permitted) combining 30 trade-math problems—covering PPI/DPI, unit conversion, aspect ratio, CMYK percentages, scale, file-size estimation, and cost calculation—with 20 technical reading questions requiring students to extract and apply information from a provided creative brief, spec sheet, and style guide excerpt. Scores below 80% require a one-on-one remediation session and a single retake opportunity. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Digital Workflow & Career Package Project	Project	25%	All six components must individually meet or exceed the rubric minimum described below; any component below the minimum requires revision and resubmission within five school days.	Students submit a complete package containing: (1) a correctly organized and named project folder structure for a fictional 15-asset client project, verified against the naming-convention guide (≥ 90% compliance); (2) a shared cloud-folder setup with correct permissions (instructor verified); (3) a professional résumé (≥ 18/25 rubric); (4) a cover letter targeted to a real job posting (≥ 14/20 rubric); (5) a live LinkedIn profile with all required sections complete; and (6) a Behance or equivalent portfolio with two uploaded work samples. The package is graded holistically as a single project submission. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Career Readiness Oral Defense	Oral / panel	25%	Score of ≥ 15/20 on the defense rubric; students who score below 15/20 must complete a second defense within five school days addressing the deficient criteria.	In a 10-minute one-on-one session with the instructor, the student presents their career package (résumé, cover letter, portfolio), verbally explains two design decisions visible in their portfolio work using correct trade vocabulary, responds to two instructor-posed scenario questions (e.g., 'A client asks you to use a copyrighted image you found online—how do you respond?' or 'Your print file was built at 72 DPI—what do you do before sending it to the printer?'), and reflects on one area of professional growth identified during the course. The rubric assesses clarity of explanation, accuracy of technical knowledge, professional vocabulary, and composure. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism

TEC-DIGI47-02 Trade course

Adobe Creative Suite for Graphic & Digital Media

146 hr · ~~$1,750~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students develop production-level fluency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as the core tools of the graphic and digital media trade, building from interface fundamentals through file preparation and output workflows. Lessons integrate industry-standard practices for color management, typography, image editing, and vector illustration that map directly to Adobe Certified Professional exam domains. By course end, students produce a portfolio of original assets demonstrating readiness for professional client work and certification testing.

Outcomes

Navigate and customize the Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign workspaces, applying non-destructive editing techniques to produce print-ready and screen-ready files.
Create, edit, and manage vector artwork in Illustrator using the Pen tool, shape-building tools, and the Pathfinder panel to meet client specifications.
Retouch, composite, and color-correct raster images in Photoshop using layers, masks, and adjustment layers while preserving original data.
Apply typographic hierarchy and master page structures in InDesign to produce multi-page documents conforming to industry layout standards.
Configure document color modes, resolution, bleed, slug, and export settings appropriate for both print and digital distribution.
Organize, package, and preflight project files using Adobe's built-in tools to ensure complete, error-free handoff to output or a client.

Course text

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Adobe Ecosystem and Workspace Orientation; Digital Color Theory and Color Management; Photoshop Fundamentals: Layers, Selections, and Masking; Photoshop Retouching and Adjustment Layers; Illustrator Fundamentals: Shapes, Paths, and the Pen Tool; Illustrator: Color, Typography, and Object Styling; InDesign Fundamentals: Document Setup and Master Pages; InDesign Typography and Styles; Image Resolution, File Formats, and Asset Linking; Preflighting, Packaging, and Print-Ready PDF Export; Cross-Application Workflow: Integrating Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign; Portfolio Build, Certification Mapping, and Course Review.

What competent looks like. Navigate and customize the Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign workspaces, applying non-destructive editing techniques to produce print-ready and screen-ready files. Create, edit, and manage vector artwork in Illustrator using the Pen tool, shape-building tools, and the Pathfinder panel to meet client specifications. Retouch, composite, and color-correct raster images in Photoshop using layers, masks, and adjustment layers while preserving original data. Apply typographic hierarchy and master page structures in InDesign to produce multi-page documents conforming to industry layout standards. Configure document color modes, resolution, bleed, slug, and export settings appropriate for both print and digital distribution. Organize, package, and preflight project files using Adobe's built-in tools to ensure complete, error-free handoff to output or a client.

Lessons · 12 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Adobe Ecosystem and Workspace Orientation	10.5	demo	Students will identify the purpose of each major Creative Cloud application, configure personal workspaces, and locate panels, tools, and preferences in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.	Instructor-led tour of Creative Cloud Desktop, showing how apps update and sync; students install and launch all three applications and note version numbers in a lab journal. Guided workspace customization exercise: students save a named workspace in each application, repositioning at least five panels to match a provided reference screenshot. Scavenger hunt worksheet requiring students to locate twenty specific menu commands, keyboard shortcuts, and preference settings across all three applications within a timed session.	Student workstations with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign current versions), instructor demo monitor/projector, Adobe Help documentation online, lab journal (physical or digital notebook)	Students submit a screenshot of each saved workspace and a completed scavenger hunt worksheet; all twenty items must be correctly identified for a passing score of 80%.
2	Digital Color Theory and Color Management	10.5	theory	Students will distinguish between RGB, CMYK, and spot color modes, explain why color mode selection affects output quality, and set correct color settings in each Adobe application.	Lecture and slide presentation covering additive vs. subtractive color, color gamut limitations, and the role of ICC profiles; students take Cornell-style notes and define fifteen vocabulary terms. Hands-on comparison: students open the same photograph in Photoshop, convert it from RGB to CMYK, and document visible gamut shift in their lab journal with before/after screenshots. Color settings configuration drill: students apply the 'North America Prepress 2' color settings in Photoshop and Illustrator and confirm InDesign synchronization via Adobe Bridge, recording each step.	Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Bridge, provided sample photograph files, color vocabulary handout, lab journals	Short written quiz of 20 multiple-choice questions covering color modes, profiles, and gamut; passing score 80% (16/20 correct).
3	Photoshop Fundamentals: Layers, Selections, and Masking	15	lab	Students will build a multi-layer composite image using selection tools, layer masks, and blending modes to isolate subjects and combine imagery non-destructively.	Step-by-step guided project: students open three provided stock photos and use Quick Selection, Refine Edge, and the Pen tool to make accurate selections, then place each element on its own layer in a composite document. Masking exercise: students replace the sky in a landscape photograph using a luminosity selection and a pixel mask, ensuring smooth edge transitions rated against an instructor rubric. Independent practice: students create a themed poster mock-up (topic of their choice) using at least six layers, two masks, and one blending mode, then label every layer descriptively and save as a .PSD.	Adobe Photoshop, provided stock photography library (licensed for classroom use), layer naming conventions handout, instructor rubric, lab journals	Instructor reviews the .PSD file for correct layer structure, masking quality, and non-destructive workflow; composite must score 80% or higher on the provided rubric covering selection accuracy, mask edges, and layer organization.
4	Photoshop Retouching and Adjustment Layers	13	lab	Students will correct exposure, color balance, and skin tone defects in portrait and product photographs using adjustment layers, Camera Raw, and healing tools while leaving the original pixel data intact.	Camera Raw workflow demo and repeat: instructor edits a raw portrait image live; students then open the same file and perform exposure, white balance, and clarity adjustments, comparing results side by side. Adjustment layer sequence practice: students apply Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation, and Selective Color adjustment layers to a product photo and use clipping masks to restrict each adjustment to the target layer. Healing tools drill: students remove blemishes, sensor dust spots, and distracting background objects from three provided photographs using Spot Healing, Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, and Content-Aware Fill, then document tool choice rationale in their lab journal.	Adobe Photoshop with Camera Raw, provided RAW and JPEG sample files, lab journals, healing tools reference card	Students submit the layered .PSD for the product photo retouching task; passing requires all adjustment layers present with clipping masks applied and original pixel layer unaltered, scored 80% on the retouching rubric.
5	Illustrator Fundamentals: Shapes, Paths, and the Pen Tool	15	lab	Students will construct precise vector paths and compound shapes using the Pen tool, shape tools, and Pathfinder operations to create scalable artwork free of raster artifacts.	Pen tool precision warm-up: students complete the 'Bezier Game' exercise (or instructor-provided equivalent worksheet with printed path tracings) until they can draw smooth curves and corner points accurately. Logo trace exercise: students place a low-resolution raster logo provided by the instructor and manually re-draw it as a clean vector in Illustrator, using only the Pen tool, Ellipse tool, and Rectangle tool. Pathfinder operations lab: students receive a worksheet of ten compound shape challenges (e.g., create a crescent from two circles, a donut from nested rectangles) and build each shape using Unite, Minus Front, Intersect, and Exclude operations, then label each result.	Adobe Illustrator, printed Pen tool tracing worksheets, provided raster logo files for tracing, Pathfinder operations reference handout, lab journals	Students submit the vectorized logo; instructor assesses path smoothness, anchor point economy (no unnecessary points), and correct use of Pathfinder; 80% score required on the vector quality rubric.
6	Illustrator: Color, Typography, and Object Styling	13	practice	Students will apply global swatches, gradients, and character and paragraph styles to vector artwork, ensuring color consistency and typographic control across a multi-element composition.	Global swatch drill: students open a provided multi-object illustration and convert all fills to global swatches, then demonstrate that changing one swatch updates all linked objects simultaneously. Gradient mesh and gradient tool exercise: students apply a three-stop linear gradient to a background shape and a radial gradient to a product icon, then adjust gradient angle and stop positions to match a provided reference image. Type styling project: students set a provided block of copy in Illustrator using character styles for headlines, subheads, and body text, and paragraph styles controlling leading, tracking, and alignment; output must match the provided typographic spec sheet within acceptable tolerance.	Adobe Illustrator, provided multi-object illustration file, typographic spec sheet handout, gradient reference image, lab journals	Instructor opens the submitted .AI file and modifies one global swatch; all linked objects must update. Type styles must match the spec sheet. Combined rubric score of 80% required to pass.
7	InDesign Fundamentals: Document Setup and Master Pages	13	demo	Students will create a new InDesign document with correct bleed, slug, and margin settings, and build master pages containing repeating elements such as headers, footers, and page numbers.	Instructor demonstrates creating a new 8-page document (US Letter, 0.125-inch bleed, 0.5-inch margins) while students replicate the steps in real time, setting up facing pages and a slug area. Master page build: students create an A-Master with a header bar, a text frame for a running chapter title (linked to a variable), and an auto page number character; they then apply A-Master to all pages and verify automatic numbering. Overrides and exceptions exercise: students override a single master page element on page 3 to create a custom chapter opener spread, documenting the difference between master-applied and locally overridden items in their lab journal.	Adobe InDesign, InDesign New Document settings reference card, lab journals, instructor demo monitor/projector	Students submit the .INDD file; inspector verifies bleed and margin settings, functional auto page numbering on all pages, and correct master page application; 80% on the setup checklist rubric required.
8	InDesign Typography and Styles	13	lab	Students will set body copy, headlines, and captions in InDesign using paragraph and character styles, applying optical margin alignment and OpenType features to achieve professional typographic results.	Styles-from-scratch exercise: students receive a plain-text article and a typographic spec sheet, then build all required paragraph styles (body, headline, subhead, pull quote, caption) from scratch and apply them consistently throughout the document. OpenType feature exploration: students enable and compare Ligatures, Oldstyle Figures, and Fractions in a provided sample text frame, screenshot the differences, and annotate their lab journal with when each feature is appropriate. Optical margin alignment and H&J tuning: students place the same article twice, once with default settings and once with Story Editor optical margin alignment and custom hyphenation/justification values, then write a one-paragraph comparison of readability.	Adobe InDesign, provided plain-text article files, typographic spec sheet, OpenType feature reference handout, lab journals	Instructor reviews submitted .INDD file against the spec sheet; all styles must be defined (not locally formatted), and the article must flow without overset text; 80% on the typography rubric required.
9	Image Resolution, File Formats, and Asset Linking	10.5	theory	Students will select appropriate file formats and resolution settings for print and screen workflows and correctly place, update, and relink assets in an InDesign document using the Links panel.	Resolution and format comparison lecture and worksheet: students calculate effective PPI for a series of images at different print sizes, then identify the correct format (PSD, TIFF, EPS, PDF, PNG, JPEG) for ten described scenarios. Links panel management lab: students open a provided InDesign package where three images are intentionally missing or modified; they use the Links panel to relink missing files, update modified files, and interpret the warning icons. File format export comparison: students export the same one-page InDesign document as a print-ready PDF/X-1a, a screen-optimized interactive PDF, and a JPEG at 96 PPI, then compare file sizes and visual quality in a written lab journal entry.	Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, provided intentionally broken InDesign package, export settings reference card, lab journals, calculator	Resolution calculation worksheet must be 80% correct; Links panel exercise must have all three broken links resolved correctly as confirmed by instructor inspection of the submitted .INDD.
10	Preflighting, Packaging, and Print-Ready PDF Export	10.5	practice	Students will use InDesign's preflight panel to identify and correct document errors, then package a complete job folder and export a PDF/X-1a file meeting standard commercial printing specifications.	Custom preflight profile creation: students build an InDesign preflight profile requiring minimum image resolution of 300 PPI, CMYK color only, no missing fonts, and bleed of at least 0.125 inches, then run it against a provided error-laden document and log each error. Error correction sprint: working from the preflight error list, students correct all flagged issues in the provided document within a 30-minute session, re-running the profile until zero errors remain. Package and export exercise: students package the corrected document (including fonts and linked images), then export a PDF/X-1a with correct bleed marks, registration marks, and color bars; instructor inspects the output PDF in Adobe Acrobat.	Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, provided error-laden .INDD document, commercial printer spec sheet, preflight profile reference handout, lab journals	Packaged job folder must contain all fonts and links; exported PDF/X-1a must pass instructor inspection against the commercial printer spec sheet with zero critical errors; 80% on the output checklist required.
11	Cross-Application Workflow: Integrating Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign	13	lab	Students will execute a complete production workflow moving assets between all three Adobe applications — editing in Photoshop, illustrating in Illustrator, and laying out in InDesign — with proper file links and non-destructive round-trip editing.	Round-trip editing demonstration and practice: students place a Photoshop .PSD into InDesign, double-click to edit in Photoshop, make a visible change, save, and observe the automatic update in InDesign; repeat with an Illustrator .AI file. Integrated one-page advertisement project: students produce a full-page ad using a retouched Photoshop background, a vector logo from Illustrator, and headline and body type set in InDesign, linking (not embedding) all assets. Version control exercise: students save named snapshots in Photoshop (History panel) and versioned copies of the Illustrator logo, practicing the file management habits expected in a professional studio environment and documenting the naming convention in their lab journal.	Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, provided partial project assets, file naming convention handout, lab journals	Instructor opens the InDesign file and verifies all assets are linked (not embedded), round-trip editing works for both PSD and AI files, and the final ad meets the provided creative brief; 80% on the integration rubric required.
12	Portfolio Build, Certification Mapping, and Course Review	9	practice	Students will organize and present a curated digital portfolio of course projects, map each project to Adobe Certified Professional exam objective areas, and identify personal skill gaps requiring further study.	Portfolio curation session: students select their best work from Lessons 3–11, export presentation-quality versions of each piece, and arrange them in a clearly named folder structure following a provided naming and organization standard. Exam domain mapping activity: using the official Adobe Certified Professional exam objectives for Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign (as distributed by Certiport), students annotate each portfolio piece with the specific exam objectives it demonstrates. Self-assessment and gap analysis: students complete a skills checklist aligned to Adobe Certified Professional exam domains, rate their own confidence on each objective, and write a one-page action plan listing three objectives to strengthen before the certification exam in Course 9.	Adobe Creative Cloud applications, official Adobe Certified Professional exam objective lists (from Certiport), portfolio naming convention handout, skills checklist handout, lab journals	Portfolio folder submitted with all required projects exported at correct resolution and named per convention; exam domain map must reference specific objective numbers for each project; action plan must name three specific domains; instructor confirms completeness at 80% threshold.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Adobe Suite Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	80% (40/50 questions correct)	A 50-question multiple-choice and matching exam covering color theory, file formats, resolution, layer-based workflows, vector path concepts, document setup terminology, and preflight principles across all three Adobe applications. Questions are written to mirror the style and cognitive level of Adobe Certified Professional exam items so students gain early familiarity with that assessment format. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Integrated Production Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	Score of 80% or higher on a four-category rubric (technical accuracy, workflow efficiency, file organization, output quality)	Students receive a client brief cold and have three hours to produce a print-ready one-page flyer: they must retouch a provided photograph in Photoshop, create a vector icon in Illustrator, and assemble and export a PDF/X-1a from InDesign with all assets correctly linked and the document passing a custom preflight profile with zero critical errors. The rubric evaluates non-destructive technique, proper color mode, correct bleed and margins, and clean file handoff package. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Journal and Process Log	Log	15%	80% of entries complete and meeting the criteria described in each lesson's check_for section	Students maintain a running lab journal — physical or digital — throughout all twelve lessons, recording step-by-step processes, tool rationale, before/after screenshots, vocabulary definitions, and reflection notes as specified in each lesson. The complete journal is submitted at course end; the instructor evaluates completeness, accuracy of documentation, and depth of reflection against a per-lesson checklist. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Workstation and File Safety Check	Safety audit	15%	100% compliance on all critical items; any critical failure requires immediate remediation and re-check before the student may continue production work	A structured checklist inspection conducted mid-course and again at course end, covering safe workstation ergonomics (monitor height, wrist position, lighting), correct application of copyright and licensing rules for all assets used, disciplined use of non-destructive editing (no permanently altered originals), proper file backup to a secondary location, and adherence to the file naming and version control convention taught in Lesson 11. This assessment reflects the professional and legal standards students will face on the job and in the certification exam. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DIGI47-03 Trade course

Branding: Identity Design and Brand Systems

146 hr · ~~$1,750~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students develop professional brand identities from discovery through final system delivery, applying Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create logos, color palettes, typography hierarchies, and multi-touchpoint brand standards. The course follows industry practice: client brief, competitive audit, concept development, refinement, and packaged deliverables documented in a brand guidelines document. Lessons map to Adobe Certified Professional exam objectives in visual design principles, document setup, and production-ready file preparation.

Outcomes

Conduct a brand discovery process and translate client goals into a written creative brief that guides all design decisions
Design a primary logo mark and full logo system (horizontal, stacked, icon, reversed) using vector tools in Adobe Illustrator to professional production standards
Build a complete brand color palette with accurate Pantone, CMYK, RGB, and HEX values and apply WCAG AA contrast standards to color pairings
Select and pair typefaces, define a typographic hierarchy, and specify type usage rules in a brand guidelines document
Apply the brand system consistently across at least four touchpoints (business card, letterhead, social avatar, branded apparel mockup) and present packaged, press-ready files
Evaluate a brand system against established visual design principles and articulate revision decisions in a professional verbal and written critique

Course text

How the course runs. 12 blocks: What Is a Brand? Strategy, Audience, and the Designer's Role; Visual Design Principles Applied to Brand Identity; Color Theory for Brand Systems: Palettes, Values, and Accessibility; Typography for Brand Identity: Selection, Pairing, and Hierarchy; Logo Design Process: Research, Thumbnails, and Concept Development; Vector Logo Construction in Adobe Illustrator; Building a Complete Logo System: Variations and Clear Space Rules; Brand Color and Type in Production: Swatches, Styles, and File Setup; Brand Applications: Business Card, Letterhead, and Stationery Suite; Digital Brand Touchpoints: Social Avatar, Email Header, and Branded Mockups; Brand Guidelines Document: Assembling and Writing the Brand Standards; Brand Presentation, Critique, and Packaging Final Deliverables.

What competent looks like. Conduct a brand discovery process and translate client goals into a written creative brief that guides all design decisions. Design a primary logo mark and full logo system (horizontal, stacked, icon, reversed) using vector tools in Adobe Illustrator to professional production standards. Build a complete brand color palette with accurate Pantone, CMYK, RGB, and HEX values and apply WCAG AA contrast standards to color pairings. Select and pair typefaces, define a typographic hierarchy, and specify type usage rules in a brand guidelines document. Apply the brand system consistently across at least four touchpoints (business card, letterhead, social avatar, branded apparel mockup) and present packaged, press-ready files. Evaluate a brand system against established visual design principles and articulate revision decisions in a professional verbal and written critique.

Lessons · 12 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	What Is a Brand? Strategy, Audience, and the Designer's Role	9.5	theory	Students define brand strategy terms—positioning, voice, personality, audience persona—and map them to design decisions in three real-world case studies	Annotated brand audit: students collect packaging, signage, and digital screenshots for one well-known brand and one local small business, then label each element (logo, color, type, tone) and write one sentence explaining the strategic purpose of each Persona-building exercise: given a fictional client brief, pairs draft a one-page audience persona including demographics, values, and touchpoint preferences, then share findings in a structured class discussion Brief-writing workshop: instructor models a completed creative brief using a supplied scenario; students draft their own brief for the same scenario and peer-review using a provided rubric covering audience, tone, deliverables, and constraints	Printed and digital brand case studies (select from publicly available brand guidelines such as NASA Graphics Standards Manual reprint and Mailchimp Brand Guide); Creative brief template (instructor-created); whiteboard for class mapping	Student-written creative brief scored with rubric; must earn 75% or higher, correctly identifying audience, positioning, tone, and at least four required deliverables
2	Visual Design Principles Applied to Brand Identity	9.5	theory	Students apply the principles of unity, contrast, balance, hierarchy, and repetition by analyzing logo systems and predicting how violations of each principle weaken brand recognition	Principle mapping: students receive printed sheets of twelve logos and use colored markers to annotate where each of the five principles appears or is violated, then document findings in a one-page written analysis Redesign critique: instructor displays three deliberately weakened logo versions alongside originals; students identify which principle is broken in each and propose one specific correction, recorded in class notes Gestalt sketching exercise: students hand-sketch five thumbnail marks that each intentionally use one Gestalt principle (figure-ground, similarity, closure, proximity, continuation) and label each with the principle and intended reading	Printed logo analysis sheets; colored markers; instructor-prepared slide deck on design principles; Ellen Lupton 'Thinking with Type' (select chapters, library copy or PDF excerpt); sketchbooks	Written principle-mapping analysis graded with rubric; must correctly identify and name the relevant principle for at least 10 of 12 logos (83%) with a one-sentence justification for each
3	Color Theory for Brand Systems: Palettes, Values, and Accessibility	11.5	demo	Students construct a primary and secondary brand color palette in Adobe Illustrator, record accurate Pantone, CMYK, RGB, and HEX values, and verify all foreground/background pairings meet WCAG AA contrast ratio (4.5:1 for normal text)	Instructor live demo: build a six-color palette swatch document in Illustrator, entering global swatches with all four color-mode values; students replicate step-by-step on their own machines Accessibility check lab: students use the WebAIM Contrast Checker (webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker) to test every foreground/background combination in their palette, record pass/fail results in a provided table, and adjust any failing pairs until all achieve WCAG AA Color psychology brief: students choose a fictitious brand category (healthcare, food truck, fintech, outdoor recreation), research color psychology associations, select a palette strategy (analogous, complementary, triadic, or split-complementary), and write a half-page rationale connecting color choices to brand strategy	Adobe Illustrator (current version, school license); Pantone color bridge guide (classroom copy or digital reference); WebAIM Contrast Checker (free, browser-based); WCAG 2.1 summary sheet (instructor-provided); Illustrator swatch template file	Submitted Illustrator swatch file with all four color-mode values entered correctly for each swatch; all tested pairings documented as WCAG AA pass; written rationale must connect palette choice to at least two strategy points from the brief — graded pass/fail with all three components required to pass
4	Typography for Brand Identity: Selection, Pairing, and Hierarchy	11.5	demo	Students select and pair a primary display typeface and a secondary body typeface for a brand, define a four-level typographic hierarchy, and specify all type rules (size, weight, leading, tracking) in a type specimen sheet built in Illustrator	Type pairing workshop: instructor demonstrates contrast-based pairing (serif/sans-serif, geometric/humanist) using Adobe Fonts; students sample five candidate pairings for their assigned fictional brand and annotate each with one sentence explaining how the pairing supports brand personality Hierarchy construction exercise: using the chosen pair, students build a type specimen sheet with headline, subhead, body, and caption styles, setting size, weight, leading, and tracking values; instructor circulates and checks optical alignment and readability at actual print and screen sizes Type rules documentation: students complete a provided type specification table with all four hierarchy levels fully specified; they then write one paragraph explaining why each style serves its function in brand communication	Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Fonts (included with Creative Cloud subscription); type specimen sheet template (instructor-created AI file); Ellen Lupton 'Thinking with Type' relevant chapters; printed type samples at various sizes for visual reference	Type specimen sheet and specification table submitted; graded with rubric requiring correct values for all four hierarchy levels, legible rendering at target sizes, and a written rationale scoring at least 75% on a 4-point scale per criterion
5	Logo Design Process: Research, Thumbnails, and Concept Development	13.5	practice	Students generate a minimum of 30 distinct logo thumbnail concepts by hand using a structured ideation process tied to a supplied creative brief, then select and justify three directions for digital development	Competitive landscape map: students research five direct and two indirect competitors of the supplied fictional brand, collect their logos, and plot them on a 2×2 matrix (e.g., traditional vs. modern, playful vs. serious) to identify white space for differentiation Rapid thumbnail session: two structured 25-minute timed rounds of hand sketching with no digital tools; students must produce at least 15 thumbnails per round exploring wordmarks, lettermarks, pictorial marks, and abstract marks; instructor calls time and conducts a gallery walk Concept selection and rationale: students choose three strongest thumbnails, photograph them clearly, mount them in a one-page PDF, and write three sentences per concept explaining the strategic connection to the brief, the visual approach, and why it is differentiated from competitors	Sketchbooks; black fine-tip markers and pencils; printed creative brief; printed competitive matrix template; smartphone or scanner for thumbnail photography; Adobe Acrobat or Illustrator to assemble PDF	Physical sketchbook inspected for minimum 30 legible thumbnails across all four mark types; submitted PDF with three concepts and written rationale scored on rubric — must earn 75% overall, with all three mark types represented and each rationale addressing strategy, visual approach, and differentiation
6	Vector Logo Construction in Adobe Illustrator	15.5	lab	Students construct a primary logo mark in Adobe Illustrator using the Pen tool, shape-builder, pathfinder operations, and anchor-point editing to produce a geometrically accurate, fully scalable vector file with no raster elements	Pen tool precision drill: instructor-provided tracing exercise with five increasingly complex paths (straight, curved, compound); students must match reference paths within visible tolerance; exercise repeated until student achieves smooth anchor placement without extra points Logo build lab: students digitize their chosen concept from Lesson 5 thumbnails, constructing the primary logo mark over a 90-minute supervised work session; instructor conducts mid-session check verifying the file has no embedded rasters, all strokes are expanded, and colors are set as global swatches Scalability stress test: students place the logo at business-card size (1 inch) and billboard size (24 inches wide) in separate Illustrator artboards and screen-capture both at 100% zoom; they document any quality issues and resolve them before submission	Adobe Illustrator; instructor pen-tool drill AI file; student sketchbook thumbnails from Lesson 5; Illustrator keyboard shortcut reference sheet; external mouse (recommended); school workstations with calibrated monitors	Submitted AI file inspected using instructor checklist: no raster elements, all strokes expanded, colors as global swatches, artboard sized to artwork, and logo renders cleanly at both 1-inch and 24-inch widths — all six checklist items must pass; any failed item requires correction before grade is recorded
7	Building a Complete Logo System: Variations and Clear Space Rules	11.5	lab	Students extend the primary logo into a full logo system—horizontal lockup, stacked lockup, icon-only mark, and reversed version—and define clear-space and minimum-size rules, all on a single organized multi-artboard Illustrator document	Logo variation construction: students build each of the four required lockups on separate artboards, adjusting spatial relationships and weight optically rather than mechanically, and instructor reviews each variation for visual balance before students proceed Clear-space rule definition: students use the cap-height of the logotype or a defined unit of the icon as the clear-space module, draw non-printing guides demonstrating the rule on each artboard, and export an annotated PNG for each variation showing the clear-space zone Minimum size testing: students print each variation at the defined minimum size (typically 0.75 inch for print, 32 px for screen), review legibility at arm's length, and document the approved minimums in a specification table	Adobe Illustrator; student primary logo AI file from Lesson 6; printer access for minimum-size print test; ruler; specification table template (instructor-provided)	Multi-artboard AI file submitted with all four variations, non-printing clear-space guides present on each artboard, and completed specification table — graded pass/fail; all four variations and both specification items (clear space and minimum size) must be present and visually consistent to pass
8	Brand Color and Type in Production: Swatches, Styles, and File Setup	9.5	lab	Students integrate the finalized color palette and typographic hierarchy from earlier lessons into a production-ready Illustrator master library file using global swatches, character styles, and paragraph styles so that brand assets can be updated globally	Master library build: students open a blank Illustrator document set to a standard document profile, import their approved global swatches, and create character styles and paragraph styles for all four hierarchy levels, verifying that changing the master swatch updates all styled objects Consistency stress test: instructor provides a pre-built single-page brand document containing deliberate inconsistencies (wrong hex value, non-global swatch, unstyle body text); students audit the file, identify all errors, and correct them using find/replace and style application Shared library export: students package their master library as an Illustrator template (.ait) file and write a one-paragraph read-me explaining how a colleague should use the global swatches and styles to maintain brand consistency	Adobe Illustrator; student approved swatches and type spec from Lessons 3 and 4; instructor-prepared inconsistency-audit AI file; Illustrator template save instructions (instructor sheet)	Submitted .ait template file tested by instructor: changing one global swatch must update all instances; all four paragraph and character styles must be present and match the approved spec — pass requires both functional swatch update and all styles present and correct
9	Brand Applications: Business Card, Letterhead, and Stationery Suite	13.5	lab	Students design and produce print-ready business card and letterhead files that apply the brand system correctly, set up with proper bleed, margin, slug, and CMYK color mode for commercial print production	Print document setup demo and replication: instructor demonstrates creating a business card document (standard US 3.5 × 2 in) with 0.125-in bleed and 0.125-in safe-zone margins in Illustrator; students replicate, then do the same for a US Letter letterhead document Brand application design session: students populate both templates with logo, color, type, and contact information following their established brand system; instructor circulates checking that no live text or logo elements fall inside the bleed but outside the safe zone Preflight and PDF export: students run Illustrator's Document Setup and a manual preflight checklist (resolution, color mode, fonts outlined or embedded, bleed present) and export press-ready PDFs with crop marks and bleed; instructor reviews exported PDFs for print readiness	Adobe Illustrator; student brand master library from Lesson 8; print preflight checklist (instructor-provided); Adobe Acrobat for PDF review; printer for proof print (optional)	Submitted press-ready PDFs for both business card and letterhead; instructor evaluates using print preflight checklist — all items (correct document size, 0.125-in bleed, CMYK color mode, fonts resolved, no elements in bleed zone) must pass; brand system application (logo, color, type) must visually match approved spec to pass
10	Digital Brand Touchpoints: Social Avatar, Email Header, and Branded Mockups	11.5	lab	Students adapt the brand system for digital contexts by producing a social media avatar, a branded email header, and two photorealistic product mockups using Adobe Photoshop smart object replacement	Avatar optimization: students export the icon-only logo variation at required pixel dimensions for a major social platform (instructor specifies a current standard; students verify on the platform's help documentation), then test it at display size on screen for legibility and confirm sRGB color mode Email header design: students design an email header at a standard width (instructor specifies a widely-used dimension such as 600 px) in Photoshop, placing logo, a brand color band, and one line of headline type, then export as an optimized JPEG and PNG and compare file sizes Smart object mockup application: instructor provides two licensed mockup PSD files (t-shirt and coffee cup); students replace the smart object layer contents with their logo variation, adjust blending mode and opacity to integrate naturally, and export flattened JPEGs for presentation	Adobe Photoshop; Adobe Illustrator (for exporting logo assets); free or licensed PSD mockup files (Freepik or Mockup World, instructor-vetted); school workstations with calibrated monitors; platform help documentation (browser access)	Submitted avatar PNG, email header JPEG and PNG, and two mockup JPEGs; graded with rubric — avatar must be correct pixel dimensions and sRGB; email header must be correct width and export under a reasonable file size; mockups must show brand mark legibly integrated without visible hard edges — 75% rubric score required to pass
11	Brand Guidelines Document: Assembling and Writing the Brand Standards	13.5	practice	Students produce a complete brand guidelines document of at least 12 pages covering logo usage, color system, typography, photography or illustration style, and correct and incorrect usage examples, laid out in Adobe InDesign or Illustrator	Guidelines structure workshop: instructor distributes three publicly available brand guidelines documents (e.g., NASA, Skype, or other open-source examples); students reverse-engineer the table of contents and document which sections are present and what each communicates, then draft a section outline for their own document Content population sessions: two supervised work sessions in which students populate each section with their assets (logo variations, swatch specs, type specimens, application examples, mockup images) and write concise rules-based body copy for each section in plain, directive language ('Always use the primary logo on white or light backgrounds; never place it on a busy photographic background') Do/don't usage page construction: students build a minimum of one full spread showing six incorrect usage examples (color alteration, distortion, unapproved backgrounds, outdated version, low contrast, pixelation) with clear visual indicators and brief explanatory captions	Adobe InDesign or Adobe Illustrator; student assets from Lessons 3–10; printed and digital brand guidelines reference examples; brand guidelines section outline template (instructor-provided); image-placement and text-threading instructions sheet	Submitted brand guidelines PDF assessed against rubric requiring all six required sections present, minimum 12 pages, all spec values accurate and matching source files, at least six do/don't examples with captions, and body copy that is directive and free of vague language — must earn 75% overall to pass
12	Brand Presentation, Critique, and Packaging Final Deliverables	15.5	practice	Students present their complete brand system to a panel using a structured verbal defense, respond to critique using design vocabulary, revise the system based on feedback, and submit a fully packaged and labeled final deliverable folder	Presentation rehearsal: students deliver a timed 8-minute run-through of their brand presentation to a peer partner, who uses a structured feedback form covering clarity of strategy connection, coverage of all system components, and use of design vocabulary; students incorporate at least two specific feedback points before the final panel Panel presentation and critique: each student presents to a two-person panel (instructor plus one industry-connected guest reviewer or advanced student acting as reviewer); panel asks at least three critique questions; student responds in real time using correct design terminology and referencing specific brief criteria File packaging and submission: following any required revisions, students organize all final files into a standardized folder hierarchy (Fonts, Links, Packaged AI files, Exports, Guidelines PDF), run Illustrator's Package function on all print files, complete a file delivery checklist, and submit the compressed folder as the course's final deliverable	Adobe Illustrator; Adobe InDesign (if used for guidelines); presentation display (projector or large monitor); file delivery checklist (instructor-provided); Illustrator Package function; USB drive or shared cloud folder for submission	Panel presentation scored on rubric covering strategy articulation (25%), design vocabulary use (25%), response to critique (25%), and completeness of system (25%) — must earn 75% overall; packaged file folder checked against delivery checklist — all items must be present and correctly named to pass the file-packaging component

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Brand Strategy and Visual Principles Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% correct (38 of 50 questions)	A 50-question written exam covering brand strategy vocabulary (positioning, persona, voice), visual design principles (unity, contrast, balance, hierarchy, repetition, Gestalt), color theory (color modes, WCAG contrast standards, palette strategies), and typography terminology (hierarchy levels, type classification, leading, tracking, kerning). Questions are multiple-choice and short-answer, mapped to Adobe Certified Professional exam objective areas for visual design and document setup. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Logo System Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	All six checklist items pass; rubric score of 75% or higher on design quality criteria	Students are given a new one-page creative brief and 4 hours to produce a primary logo mark plus three required variations (horizontal, icon, reversed) in Illustrator, with a brief written rationale; the file is evaluated against a technical checklist (no rasters, expanded strokes, global swatches, correct artboard setup) and a design rubric assessing concept-to-brief alignment, visual balance, and scalability. This demonstration maps directly to Adobe Certified Professional objectives for working with vector tools and production file setup. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Brand Project Lab Log	Log	15%	All 12 lesson entries present with required evidence; average rubric score of 75% across all entries	Students maintain a running digital lab log (PDF or shared folder) documenting work from each of the 12 lessons: one entry per lesson containing the in-progress file, a screenshot or export, and a 3–5 sentence reflection describing what was built, one technical decision made, and one revision prompted by instructor or peer feedback. The complete log is submitted at course end and evaluated for completeness, honesty of reflection, and evidence that feedback was acted upon. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Workspace and Digital File Safety Check	Safety audit	15%	Pass/fail — all items must pass; any single failure requires correction and re-check before final grade is recorded	Instructor conducts a direct observation check at two points in the course (mid-course and end of course) using a standardized checklist covering: ergonomic workstation setup (monitor height, wrist position, seating), proper file-naming and backup practices (no untitled or unsaved working files, daily backup confirmed), correct screen brightness to reduce eye strain, and electrical safety at the workstation (no overloaded power strips, cables clear of walkways). This check reinforces the OSHA general-industry ergonomic and electrical safety principles introduced in Course 1. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DIGI47-04 Trade course

Layout: Print & Digital Composition

146 hr · ~~$1,750~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students master the principles and professional workflows of layout design for both print and digital media using Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, applying grid systems, typography, color, and image integration to produce publication-ready documents. Emphasis is placed on industry standards for prepress and digital delivery, client-ready file packaging, and accessibility considerations. Lesson objectives map directly to the Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for Visual Design and InDesign.

Outcomes

Construct multi-page print and digital layouts in Adobe InDesign using master pages, grids, paragraph and character styles, and proper bleed and margin settings to meet professional prepress specifications.
Apply the principles of visual hierarchy, typographic contrast, and spatial relationships to arrange text and image elements that guide the reader's eye and communicate a clear message.
Package and preflight InDesign documents, embed or link assets correctly, and export press-ready PDFs and screen-optimized PDFs/EPUBs that conform to output requirements.
Demonstrate safe, ergonomic studio practices and digital file-management habits, including version control and organized asset folders, consistent with OSHA general-industry ergonomics guidance.
Evaluate layouts against a professional design brief, identify compositional weaknesses, and revise work based on structured peer and instructor critique.
Produce a portfolio-quality editorial spread, brochure, and digital interactive PDF that demonstrate competency in the Adobe Certified Professional exam areas of project setup, typography, color, and asset management.

Course text

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Studio Safety, Ergonomics, and Digital File Management; InDesign Interface, Document Setup, and the Layout Workspace; Grid Systems and Spatial Organization; Typography for Layout: Styles, Hierarchy, and Legibility; Color in Layout: Swatches, Spot vs. Process, and Brand Consistency; Image Integration: Linking, Resolution, and the Links Panel; Master Pages, Long Documents, and Automatic Page Numbering; Editorial Layout: Designing a Multi-Page Magazine Spread; Brochure and Folded-Document Layout; Digital Layout: Interactive PDFs and Responsive Considerations; Preflight, Packaging, and File Delivery Standards; Portfolio Review, Critique, and Credential Exam Mapping.

What competent looks like. Construct multi-page print and digital layouts in Adobe InDesign using master pages, grids, paragraph and character styles, and proper bleed and margin settings to meet professional prepress specifications. Apply the principles of visual hierarchy, typographic contrast, and spatial relationships to arrange text and image elements that guide the reader's eye and communicate a clear message. Package and preflight InDesign documents, embed or link assets correctly, and export press-ready PDFs and screen-optimized PDFs/EPUBs that conform to output requirements. Demonstrate safe, ergonomic studio practices and digital file-management habits, including version control and organized asset folders, consistent with OSHA general-industry ergonomics guidance. Evaluate layouts against a professional design brief, identify compositional weaknesses, and revise work based on structured peer and instructor critique. Produce a portfolio-quality editorial spread, brochure, and digital interactive PDF that demonstrate competency in the Adobe Certified Professional exam areas of project setup, typography, color, and asset management.

Lessons · 12 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Studio Safety, Ergonomics, and Digital File Management	8	theory	Students will identify workstation ergonomic hazards, apply OSHA general-industry ergonomics guidelines to a graphic-design studio setup, and organize a project folder hierarchy that supports professional file management.	Conduct a self-audit of their own workstation using an OSHA ergonomics checklist: monitor height, chair adjustment, keyboard position, and lighting; document findings and corrections in a written report. Set up a standardized project folder structure (links, fonts, output, working files, archive) for a sample InDesign job and discuss why consistent naming conventions prevent prepress errors. Review MSDS/SDS sheets for toner and inkjet ink cartridges used in the lab, locate the first-aid station and eyewash, and walk through the emergency evacuation route; complete a brief quiz on hazard identification.	OSHA General Industry Ergonomics eTool (osha.gov), SDS sheets for lab consumables, workstation ergonomics poster, course file-management style guide, lab computers with Adobe InDesign CC	Written ergonomics audit earns 80% or higher on a 10-point rubric; folder structure submitted and verified correct by instructor before moving to Lesson 2.
2	InDesign Interface, Document Setup, and the Layout Workspace	10	demo	Students will configure a new InDesign document with correct intent (print or digital), page size, margins, columns, bleed, and slug values appropriate to a given print brief.	Follow a guided screen-share demonstration to create three document presets: a US-letter flyer with 0.125-in bleed, a half-fold brochure at 8.5 × 11 in, and a tablet-format interactive PDF at 1024 × 768 px; save each as a custom preset. Explore the workspace panels (Pages, Layers, Links, Swatches, Character Styles, Paragraph Styles) by toggling views and docking panels into a custom workspace saved under the student's name. Complete a timed setup challenge: given a printed creative brief card, configure a correct new document in under four minutes; instructor checks all settings against a specification checklist.	Adobe InDesign CC, course creative brief cards, Adobe InDesign User Guide (help.adobe.com), projector/large monitor for demonstration	Timed setup challenge: all six document parameters (intent, size, margins, columns, bleed, slug) set correctly earns a pass; any error requires a second attempt before proceeding.
3	Grid Systems and Spatial Organization	12	theory	Students will construct a column grid and a baseline grid in InDesign and demonstrate how these grids create visual order by aligning all text and image frames to grid intersections in a two-page spread.	Read and annotate a two-page excerpt from a professional design reference on grid theory (column grids, modular grids, baseline grids); record key vocabulary in a design notebook. Recreate three historical grid examples — a six-column editorial grid, a four-column brochure grid, and a modular poster grid — in InDesign, placing placeholder text and grey-box image frames to demonstrate structure. Critique a set of four printed layouts provided by the instructor: identify which use a recognizable grid, mark axis lines on translucent overlay paper, and present findings in a five-minute group discussion.	Adobe InDesign CC, design notebooks, translucent overlay paper, printed layout samples, design reference texts on grid systems, whiteboard	Two-page spread submitted showing baseline grid alignment verified by View > Grids & Guides: at least 90% of text frames snap correctly; instructor reviews in a 2-minute desk crit.
4	Typography for Layout: Styles, Hierarchy, and Legibility	14	lab	Students will build a complete paragraph-style and character-style sheet for a multi-page document and apply it consistently so that all body, headline, subhead, caption, and pull-quote text renders with correct typeface, size, leading, tracking, and color.	Audit a deliberately broken InDesign file (provided by instructor) that has 12 typography errors — wrong leading, inconsistent tracking, missing styles, widows, orphans — and document each error with a screenshot and written explanation. Build a style sheet from scratch for a four-page newsletter: define Body, Subhead, Headline, Caption, and Pull Quote paragraph styles and one Bold Run-In character style; demonstrate Next Style chaining for efficient text flow. Apply the style sheet to a 600-word article placed via File > Place; manually correct any remaining widows and orphans using soft returns and tracking adjustments; print a proof and mark it with proofreader symbols.	Adobe InDesign CC, broken InDesign practice file, 600-word article text file, proofreader symbol reference card, Adobe Fonts library, color laser printer	Submitted newsletter file reviewed against a 15-point typography rubric (styles defined, consistently applied, no widows/orphans, correct hierarchy); passing score is 12/15.
5	Color in Layout: Swatches, Spot vs. Process, and Brand Consistency	10	theory	Students will distinguish between CMYK process color and Pantone spot color, build a project swatch panel from a provided brand style guide, and apply color consistently to all layout elements without using untagged RGB values in a print document.	Compare side-by-side print samples of the same design output in RGB, CMYK, and Pantone spot to observe gamut shift; record observations and explain in writing why RGB is not used for press-ready print files. Import a sample brand style guide (provided) specifying two Pantone spot colors and one CMYK process color; locate and add those exact swatches in InDesign's Swatches panel, delete all unused swatches, and save a swatch library (.ase file). Apply the brand swatch library to a one-page advertisement layout; use the Separations Preview panel to confirm no unintended RGB or spot colors appear; export a PDF/X-1a and review it in Adobe Acrobat's Output Preview.	Adobe InDesign CC, Adobe Acrobat, Pantone color bridge printed fan deck (or digital equivalent), brand style guide handout, color laser printer, Separations Preview panel reference guide	Exported PDF/X-1a examined in Acrobat Output Preview; zero unintended RGB values and correct spot-color separation earns a pass; any untagged color requires correction and resubmission.
6	Image Integration: Linking, Resolution, and the Links Panel	12	demo	Students will place, manage, and update linked images in InDesign, verify that all linked files meet minimum effective resolution for print (300 ppi at output size) and screen (72–96 ppi), and resolve broken or modified link warnings.	Place six images of varying resolution into a document using File > Place; open the Links panel and the Info section to read effective PPI for each; sort images into two categories — print-ready and not-ready — and document findings in a table. Deliberately move a linked file to a different folder on the desktop to generate a broken-link warning; practice relinking it via the Links panel; then modify the original file in Photoshop and update the link in InDesign without reopening. Compare embedding versus linking: embed one image and observe the file-size increase; discuss with a partner the professional workflow reasons to prefer linking for large production files, then write a two-paragraph reflection.	Adobe InDesign CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, set of six provided test images at varying resolutions, Links panel reference guide, course resolution standards handout	All six images correctly categorized in submitted table (100% accuracy); broken-link and modified-link scenarios resolved correctly during instructor observation; reflection demonstrates understanding of linking workflow.
7	Master Pages, Long Documents, and Automatic Page Numbering	12	lab	Students will build a parent master page with running headers, footers, automatic page numbers, and a logo, then apply it across a 12-page document with at least two overridden local exceptions.	Construct a parent A-Master in a blank 12-page document that includes: a logo in the upper-left, a running header with the document title, a footer with an automatic page-number marker, and a horizontal rule; verify it propagates to all pages. Create a B-Master child page based on A-Master for chapter-opening pages — suppressing the header rule and repositioning the page number — and apply it to pages 1, 5, and 9. Override one element (the logo) on a single non-master page using Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + click to allow local editing without detaching the full master; document the difference between override and detach in a written note.	Adobe InDesign CC, course logo asset file, 12-page document starter file, Adobe InDesign User Guide chapter on master pages	Submitted file inspected by instructor: A-Master propagates correctly, B-Master applied to correct pages, automatic page numbers functional, local override demonstrated — all four criteria met for a pass.
8	Editorial Layout: Designing a Multi-Page Magazine Spread	18	practice	Students will design a professional-quality two-page editorial magazine spread, incorporating all prior layout skills — grid, type styles, linked images, master pages, and brand color — that meets a written creative brief.	Analyze three professional magazine spreads for grid, hierarchy, white space, and image-to-text ratio; annotate printed tearsheets with arrows and sticky notes, then share findings with a partner before beginning their own design. Sketch three thumbnail layout compositions on paper for instructor sign-off before opening InDesign; after approval, build the spread digitally, applying the previously created paragraph style sheet and swatch library. Present the completed spread in a five-minute in-class critique: explain design decisions, respond to two instructor questions, and identify one element they would revise if given more time.	Adobe InDesign CC, printed magazine tearsheets (instructor-provided), thumbnail sketch paper, creative brief handout, brand swatch library (.ase), paragraph style sheet file, color laser printer for proof	Spread evaluated against a 20-point rubric covering grid adherence, typographic hierarchy, image resolution, color accuracy, and alignment with the brief; 16/20 required to pass.
9	Brochure and Folded-Document Layout	12	practice	Students will produce a tri-fold brochure in InDesign, correctly setting panel widths that account for paper-fold tolerances, and deliver a print-ready PDF with proper bleed and crop marks.	Calculate the correct panel widths for a tri-fold 8.5 × 11 in brochure (interior panel slightly narrower) using basic arithmetic; document the math in their design notebook before setting up the document. Design both sides of the tri-fold using provided copy and images, maintaining visual continuity across panels; print a full-size proof on a color laser printer, fold it, and evaluate the design as the reader would experience it. Export a print-ready PDF/X-1a with crop marks, bleed marks, and registration marks using InDesign's Export dialog; open it in Adobe Acrobat and use the Preflight tool's Basic profile to confirm zero errors.	Adobe InDesign CC, Adobe Acrobat, color laser printer, ruler, bone folder for folding proofs, provided copy and image assets, design notebook	PDF/X-1a passes Acrobat Preflight with zero critical errors; folded paper proof shows no text cut off at fold lines; math for panel widths documented correctly — all three required for a pass.
10	Digital Layout: Interactive PDFs and Responsive Considerations	14	lab	Students will convert a print-designed document into an interactive PDF by adding hyperlinks, cross-reference links, and a table of contents, then export it as a screen-optimized Interactive PDF and test navigation functionality in Adobe Acrobat Reader.	Add a clickable table of contents to a four-page document using InDesign's Layout > Table of Contents feature; generate it as a styled text frame and verify all entries link to the correct pages when exported. Insert three external hyperlinks (URLs) and two cross-reference buttons using the Hyperlinks and Buttons & Forms panels; set a button to go to the next page and style it with a visible icon and rollover state. Export as Interactive PDF (not print PDF); open in Acrobat Reader and test every link and button; document any non-functional interactive elements and correct them in InDesign, then re-export.	Adobe InDesign CC, Adobe Acrobat Reader, four-page document starter file, Hyperlinks and Buttons & Forms panel reference, course interactive PDF checklist	Completed interactive PDF tested against course checklist: all TOC links, hyperlinks, and navigation buttons functional (100% pass rate required on interactive elements).
11	Preflight, Packaging, and File Delivery Standards	12	lab	Students will preflight a complex InDesign document using a custom preflight profile, resolve all flagged errors, and package the job into a complete delivery folder containing the INDD file, all linked assets, and document fonts.	Open a provided InDesign file that contains deliberate prepress errors (missing fonts, low-resolution images, RGB swatches, overset text); run the built-in Preflight panel to identify all errors and record them in a preflight log. Resolve each flagged error systematically: re-link missing images, substitute or activate missing fonts via Adobe Fonts, convert RGB swatches to CMYK, and fix overset text; re-run preflight until zero errors remain. Package the corrected file using File > Package; review the Package Report to confirm all fonts and links are included; write a one-page delivery memo (as if sending to a commercial printer) describing the job specifications.	Adobe InDesign CC, Adobe Fonts, deliberately broken InDesign practice file with assets, preflight log template, delivery memo template, course prepress standards handout	Packaged folder submitted: preflight shows zero errors, Package Report confirms all fonts and links present, delivery memo includes page count, bleed, color mode, and output resolution — all four criteria required for a pass.
12	Portfolio Review, Critique, and Credential Exam Mapping	12	theory	Students will assemble their four strongest layout pieces into a cohesive PDF portfolio, present them in a formal critique, and map each piece to specific Adobe Certified Professional exam domains to identify remaining gaps before exam preparation.	Curate four layout projects (magazine spread, brochure, interactive PDF, and one piece of their choice) into a single PDF portfolio with a cover page and brief designer's statement for each piece; format the portfolio itself as a polished InDesign document. Participate in a formal 10-minute desk critique with the instructor: present the portfolio, explain design rationale, receive written feedback on two strengths and two areas for improvement. Complete a self-mapping worksheet that lists the Adobe Certified Professional exam objective areas (project setup and interface, organizing documents, creating and editing elements, typography, color, and output) and identifies which portfolio piece provides evidence for each; note any exam area not yet covered.	Adobe InDesign CC, Adobe Acrobat, course portfolio template, Adobe Certified Professional exam objective list (from Certiport candidate page), self-mapping worksheet, printed critique rubric	Portfolio PDF submitted and presents professionally (cover page, four pieces, designer's statements); self-mapping worksheet completed with at least one piece mapped to each exam objective area — both required for a pass.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Layout Principles Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% or higher (30 of 40 questions correct)	A 40-question written exam covering grid theory, typography terminology, color modes (CMYK vs. RGB vs. spot), image resolution standards, prepress vocabulary, and InDesign document-setup concepts drawn from Lessons 1 through 6. Questions are multiple-choice and short-answer, mapped to the Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for project setup, typography, and color. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Editorial Spread Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	16 of 20 rubric points across all five categories	Students design a two-page editorial spread to a live creative brief in a 90-minute timed session using only the InDesign tools and assets provided; the completed file is evaluated on grid adherence, typographic hierarchy, linked-image integrity, correct CMYK color, and export of a preflight-passing PDF/X-1a. This demonstration maps to the Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for organizing documents, creating and editing elements, and output. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log: Preflight and Packaging Portfolio	Log	15%	All five log entries complete and all packaged files pass instructor preflight check	Students maintain a running preflight log across five separate lab sessions (Lessons 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11), recording every error found, its cause, the correction applied, and the final zero-error preflight result; at course end the log is submitted alongside the five packaged InDesign folders as evidence of consistent professional file-management practice. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Studio Safety and Ergonomics Check	Safety audit	15%	Pass/Fail — all six safety items must be correctly demonstrated or answered	An instructor-administered checklist conducted at the student's workstation verifying: monitor at correct height and distance, chair adjusted to support neutral posture, keyboard and mouse positioned to minimize wrist extension, task lighting free of glare, SDS location known, and emergency exit route identified; any single failure requires immediate correction and a second check within the same class session before the student may continue lab work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DIGI47-05 Trade course

Video Production & Motion Graphics

146 hr · ~~$1,750~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn the complete video production workflow—from pre-production planning and safe on-set practice through shooting, audio capture, editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, and motion graphics in Adobe After Effects—to deliver broadcast-ready and web-ready video assets. Lessons are sequenced to mirror professional production pipelines and mapped directly to the Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for Premiere Pro and After Effects. Emphasis is placed on real client-style projects, file management discipline, and safe studio and location practices throughout.

Outcomes

Plan and execute a complete video production from script breakdown and storyboard through final export, applying safe on-set practices at every stage.
Edit multi-track timelines in Adobe Premiere Pro, applying color correction, audio mixing, transitions, and captions to produce a polished edited sequence.
Build animated lower-thirds, title cards, and composited motion graphics sequences in Adobe After Effects using keyframes, expressions, and pre-comps.
Apply safe ergonomic and electrical practices when setting up lighting, camera rigs, and audio equipment in studio and location environments.
Export deliverables in formats appropriate for broadcast, social platforms, and web distribution, demonstrating knowledge of codec and resolution standards.
Demonstrate understanding of the Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for Premiere Pro and After Effects as evidenced by scoring 80 percent or above on a timed practice exam.

Course text

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Pre-Production: Script Breakdown, Storyboarding & Production Planning; Studio & Location Safety: Electrical, Ergonomic & On-Set Hazards; Camera Operation: Exposure, Focus & Shot Composition; Audio Capture: Microphones, Gain Staging & Sync; Premiere Pro Fundamentals: Interface, Project Setup & Timeline Editing; Color Correction & Grading in Premiere Pro; Audio Mixing, Music, & Captions in Premiere Pro; After Effects Fundamentals: Composition, Layers & Keyframe Animation; Motion Graphics: Lower-Thirds, Titles & Essential Graphics; Visual Effects Basics: Green Screen, Masking & Compositing; Export, Delivery & Platform Specifications; Integrated Project: 2-Minute Brand Video Production.

What competent looks like. Plan and execute a complete video production from script breakdown and storyboard through final export, applying safe on-set practices at every stage. Edit multi-track timelines in Adobe Premiere Pro, applying color correction, audio mixing, transitions, and captions to produce a polished edited sequence. Build animated lower-thirds, title cards, and composited motion graphics sequences in Adobe After Effects using keyframes, expressions, and pre-comps. Apply safe ergonomic and electrical practices when setting up lighting, camera rigs, and audio equipment in studio and location environments. Export deliverables in formats appropriate for broadcast, social platforms, and web distribution, demonstrating knowledge of codec and resolution standards. Demonstrate understanding of the Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for Premiere Pro and After Effects as evidenced by scoring 80 percent or above on a timed practice exam.

Lessons · 12 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Pre-Production: Script Breakdown, Storyboarding & Production Planning	10	theory	Students will create a complete pre-production package—including a one-page script, shot list, storyboard, and production schedule—for a 60-second video project.	Analyze two professionally written short-film scripts using a standard breakdown sheet to identify locations, talent, props, and equipment needs. Draw a six-panel storyboard for an assigned 30-second product video using provided templates, annotating each panel with shot type, camera movement, and rough dialogue. Build a day-of-production schedule in a provided spreadsheet template, allocating setup, shooting, and strike time and identifying a safety check milestone before any equipment is powered.	Printed script breakdown templates, storyboard grid sheets, pencils, Google Sheets or Excel for scheduling, instructor-provided sample scripts, SMPTE shot-type reference card	Instructor reviews storyboard and schedule against a rubric (12-point scale); students must earn 9/12 (75 percent) to proceed; revision required within one class period if below threshold.
2	Studio & Location Safety: Electrical, Ergonomic & On-Set Hazards	8	theory	Students will identify electrical, ergonomic, and trip/fall hazards common to video production environments and demonstrate correct cable management, equipment lock-out/tag-out procedures for lighting fixtures, and proper PPE selection.	Complete a guided walk-through of the school studio, finding and labeling at least eight potential hazards on a provided hazard-identification worksheet. Practice de-energizing and tagging a hot light fixture following a written LOTO (lock-out/tag-out) procedure checklist before simulated lamp replacement. Participate in a table-top scenario exercise in which pairs of students role-play a production manager and a safety officer resolving three common on-set hazard scenarios, then debrief as a class.	Hazard-identification worksheet, printed LOTO checklist adapted from OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 principles, studio hot lights, equipment tags and locks (training set), non-slip mats, cable ramps, extension cord load-rating reference	Written 20-question safety quiz; students must score 16/20 (80 percent) to pass; this score is also recorded as the course Safety Check assessment. Students who score below 80 percent must remediate before handling any powered equipment.
3	Camera Operation: Exposure, Focus & Shot Composition	12	demo	Students will set manual exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and achieve critical focus on a mirrorless or DSLR camera to produce correctly exposed, in-focus footage across three lighting conditions.	Follow a live instructor demonstration on a projected camera feed, adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve a centered waveform reading on the camera histogram for a daylight interior scene. Shoot a 10-shot sequence (mixed close-up, medium, wide) using the rule of thirds and 180-degree rule on a designated studio set, then self-evaluate footage against a shot-composition checklist. Transfer footage to a class workstation and log each clip in a provided camera report form, noting slate information, take quality, and file name—mirroring industry digital-imaging technician practice.	Mirrorless or DSLR cameras (one per two students), tripods, light meter app, studio lighting kit, waveform monitor or in-camera histogram, shot-composition checklist, camera report forms, SD cards, card readers	Instructor reviews the 10-shot sequence and camera report; at least 8 of 10 shots must be correctly exposed (within one stop per waveform) and in focus; shot log must be 100 percent complete.
4	Audio Capture: Microphones, Gain Staging & Sync	10	demo	Students will record clean, properly gained dialogue and ambient audio using a boom microphone and a lavalier microphone, then sync dual-system audio to picture using a slate in Adobe Premiere Pro.	Compare polar-pattern diagrams for cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional microphones and predict which pattern suits three given recording scenarios by completing a matching worksheet. Record a 60-second scripted scene using a boom mic positioned no higher than necessary to stay out of frame, monitoring levels on a field recorder to keep peaks between −12 dBFS and −6 dBFS. Import dual-system audio and video into Premiere Pro, manually sync the audio track to the video clap using the waveform and slate, then export a synced sequence as a H.264 proxy for review.	Boom microphone with fishpole, lavalier kit, field recorder or audio interface, XLR cables, headphones, slate (clapper board), Adobe Premiere Pro (current version), metering plugin or built-in Premiere audio meters, gain-staging reference sheet	Instructor listens to exported synced sequence; audio must be within the target peak range on at least 90 percent of the dialogue, sync must be frame-accurate (verified by clap transient alignment), and no clipping artifacts may be present.
5	Premiere Pro Fundamentals: Interface, Project Setup & Timeline Editing	12	lab	Students will set up a correctly structured Premiere Pro project, import and organize media into labeled bins, and assemble a rough-cut multi-track timeline using standard in/out editing techniques.	Build a Premiere Pro project from scratch following the class file-naming convention (ProjectName_LastName_Date), create bins for video, audio, graphics, and exports, and import a provided media packet of 15 clips and four audio tracks. Use three-point editing to assemble a provided script into a 90-second rough cut on a 1920×1080 / 29.97 fps timeline, placing interview b-roll on V2 over a primary interview track on V1. Practice ripple delete, rolling edit, and slip/slide tool edits on the rough cut, then compare before/after versions in the Program Monitor and log observations in the course lab notebook.	Adobe Premiere Pro (current version), instructor-provided media packet (video clips, audio, lower-third graphics), class file-naming convention handout, lab notebook (paper or digital), Adobe Premiere Pro User Guide	Instructor evaluates completed rough cut and project folder against a checklist: correct sequence settings, all bins populated and named, no offline media, edit assembles all scripted sections in order; 80 percent of checklist items must pass.
6	Color Correction & Grading in Premiere Pro	10	lab	Students will apply a primary color correction to normalize exposure and white balance across a multi-clip sequence using Lumetri Color, then apply a secondary correction to isolate and adjust a specific color range.	Analyze six provided ungraded clips on a Lumetri Scopes waveform and vectorscope, completing a written worksheet identifying which clips are over-exposed, under-exposed, or color-shifted, before touching any controls. Apply Lumetri Color panel adjustments (exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, white balance) to bring all six clips to a neutral reference, then use the HSL Secondary section to desaturate all but a single hero color in one clip. Export a before/after comparison using Export Frame and write a two-paragraph technical rationale in the lab notebook explaining each major control adjustment.	Adobe Premiere Pro with Lumetri Color, Lumetri Scopes panel, provided ungraded footage set, vectorscope reference chart, Lumetri Color panel guide (Adobe help documentation), lab notebook	Instructor measures the corrected clips against a broadcast-safe scope reference; clips must fall within 16–235 luma range (or 0–100 IRE), skin tones must land within the skin-tone line on the vectorscope (±15°), and the lab notebook rationale must address at least four controls; 80 percent of rubric criteria passed.
7	Audio Mixing, Music, & Captions in Premiere Pro	10	lab	Students will mix a three-track audio sequence (dialogue, music, and ambient sound) to broadcast loudness standards and add burned-in captions using Premiere Pro's Caption panel.	Use the Essential Sound panel to assign roles (Dialogue, Music, Ambience) to each track and apply auto-match loudness to the dialogue track, then manually ride the music volume keyframes so music sits 12–18 dB below dialogue. Run the Loudness Radar or Loudness Meter in Premiere and adjust the master output until the integrated loudness reads near −16 LUFS (suitable for web/social delivery) as per common platform guidelines. Create at least 10 caption cues manually in the Caption panel, matching on-screen text to dialogue timing, then export the sequence with captions burned in as a final H.264 MP4.	Adobe Premiere Pro (current version), Essential Sound panel, Loudness Meter, Caption panel, provided three-track audio sequence from prior lessons, headphones, reference sheet of common loudness targets for major platforms (YouTube, broadcast), export settings guide	Exported MP4 reviewed by instructor: integrated loudness must be between −18 LUFS and −14 LUFS, music must not mask any dialogue word (spot-check of three random moments), and captions must be present and frame-accurate on at least 9 of 10 cues; all three criteria must be met to pass.
8	After Effects Fundamentals: Composition, Layers & Keyframe Animation	14	demo	Students will create a new After Effects composition at broadcast specifications, import layered assets, and animate position, scale, and opacity using keyframes and easy-ease to produce a 10-second animated intro card.	Create an After Effects composition (1920×1080, 29.97 fps, 10 seconds) from scratch, import a provided layered Photoshop file, and inspect how layers translate to the After Effects timeline. Set keyframes on the Position and Scale properties of two text layers to build an entrance animation, then select all keyframes and apply Easy Ease (F9) and compare the motion curves before and after in the Graph Editor. Preview the 10-second comp in RAM Preview, identify any timing issues, adjust keyframe timing in the timeline, and render a lossless QuickTime MOV for instructor review.	Adobe After Effects (current version), provided layered Photoshop assets, Adobe After Effects User Guide, RAM Preview and Graph Editor panels, QuickTime or Adobe Media Encoder for output	Rendered MOV reviewed by instructor: animation must start and end on correct frames, Easy Ease must be visible in motion blur/curve, and all layers must be visible and correctly timed; students present the comp with a one-minute verbal walkthrough of their keyframe decisions; instructor uses a 10-point rubric, minimum 8/10 to pass.
9	Motion Graphics: Lower-Thirds, Titles & Essential Graphics	12	practice	Students will design and animate a branded lower-third and a title card in After Effects, then import them into Premiere Pro via Dynamic Link for use in a cut sequence.	Using provided brand guidelines (logo, color hex values, typeface), design a lower-third in After Effects with a name bar and title bar, applying shape layers and masks to create a slide-on animation triggered at frame 0. Build a full-screen title card comp in After Effects, animate the logo with a 20-frame fade-in and the headline text with a character-by-character reveal using a text animator, and pre-compose both elements for clean organization. Use Adobe Dynamic Link to place both After Effects comps directly into a Premiere Pro timeline without rendering, adjust in/out points in Premiere, and export the full sequence as an H.264 MP4 for client-style delivery.	Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro (current version), provided brand guidelines PDF, Essential Graphics panel, Dynamic Link workflow guide, text animator reference sheet, Adobe Media Encoder	Instructor evaluates the exported MP4 and the After Effects project file: lower-third must display for at least 4 seconds with a clean in and out animation, title card must match provided brand colors within 5 percent hex tolerance, Dynamic Link must function without an offline comp warning; 80 percent of rubric criteria passed.
10	Visual Effects Basics: Green Screen, Masking & Compositing	12	lab	Students will key out a green-screen background in After Effects using the Keylight effect, refine the matte edge, and composite the subject over a provided background plate to produce a convincing composite shot.	Shoot a 30-second green-screen clip in the school studio, performing a pre-shoot safety check of lighting stands and power cables on a provided checklist before powering any fixtures. Apply the Keylight (1.2) effect to the footage in After Effects, sample the screen color, and use the Screen Matte controls to remove gray fringes, checking the matte in Alpha view before switching to Composite view. Place the keyed subject over a provided background still, match grain using the Add Grain effect, and adjust levels so subject and background share a consistent shadow direction and color temperature; export as ProRes or H.264.	Green-screen backdrop, studio lighting kit, DSLR or mirrorless camera, Adobe After Effects with Keylight (1.2) effect, provided background plate images, pre-shoot safety checklist, Add Grain effect reference, export settings guide	Instructor evaluates exported composite: no visible green fringe on a 200-percent zoom inspection of at least three edges, subject sits plausibly in the background scene (no floating), and pre-shoot safety checklist must be signed off by instructor before footage is shot; all three criteria required to pass.
11	Export, Delivery & Platform Specifications	10	theory	Students will select and configure export settings in Adobe Media Encoder for five different delivery destinations (broadcast, YouTube, Instagram, client archive, and web streaming) and verify deliverable specifications against a client requirements sheet.	Research and complete a platform-specification comparison table for at least five delivery destinations, recording codec, container, resolution, frame rate, and audio requirements from current platform documentation. Configure five export presets in Adobe Media Encoder matching the comparison table, then batch-export a single source sequence in all five formats and inspect file size and metadata using a free media info tool (e.g., MediaInfo). Write a one-page delivery memo addressed to a fictional client explaining the difference between the archive master and the web-delivery files, using plain language appropriate for a non-technical audience.	Adobe Media Encoder, MediaInfo or equivalent media inspection tool, current platform specification documentation (printed or bookmarked), client requirements template, laptop with internet access for research	All five exported files inspected with MediaInfo: each file must match the target specification within acceptable tolerance (correct codec, resolution, and audio channel configuration); delivery memo must correctly distinguish archive master from web files; 80 percent of checklist criteria passed.
12	Integrated Project: 2-Minute Brand Video Production	26	practice	Students will independently execute all phases of a 2-minute branded video—pre-production through final delivery—demonstrating competency across camera operation, audio, editing, motion graphics, color, and safe studio practice.	Develop a pre-production package (script, storyboard, shot list, production schedule, and equipment request) for a provided fictional client brief, submitting it for instructor sign-off before any shooting begins. Shoot all footage following the class safety protocol checklist, edit the piece in Premiere Pro with color correction, audio mix to −16 LUFS target, and at least one branded lower-third built and linked via After Effects Dynamic Link. Present the finished video in a brief 5-minute peer screening, followed by a written self-evaluation (minimum 300 words) comparing the final product to the original storyboard and identifying at least three technical or creative improvements for a hypothetical revision round.	All previously used production equipment and software (cameras, lighting, audio kit, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder), client brief handout, safety checklist, pre-production templates, lab notebook for self-evaluation	Instructor scores the finished video and supporting documentation on a 25-point rubric covering pre-production completeness (5 pts), technical image and audio quality (8 pts), motion graphics (4 pts), color correction (4 pts), and delivery file compliance (4 pts); minimum passing score is 20/25 (80 percent). Safety checklist must be countersigned by instructor or the project is ineligible for grading.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Video & Motion Graphics Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	80 percent (40 of 50 questions correct)	A 50-question written exam covering pre-production planning, camera exposure theory, audio gain staging, Premiere Pro and After Effects workflow concepts, color science fundamentals, codec and delivery specifications, and copyright basics for video assets. Questions are mapped to Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for Premiere Pro and After Effects to reinforce certification readiness. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Editing & Motion Graphics Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	80 percent on the instructor rubric (minimum 20 of 25 points)	Students receive a fresh media packet they have not seen before and have 90 minutes to assemble a 60-second edited sequence in Premiere Pro, apply a primary color correction, mix audio to a target loudness, and insert an After Effects lower-third via Dynamic Link, then export an H.264 MP4. The instructor evaluates the exported file and the project structure against a 25-point rubric assessing timeline organization, color accuracy on scopes, loudness compliance, and motion graphics functionality. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Production Lab Log	Log	15%	Complete entries for all 12 lessons with no more than one missing entry; narrative reflections average 2 paragraphs or more per lab	Students maintain a running lab notebook (paper or digital) throughout the course, recording equipment settings, software parameter choices, troubleshooting steps, and reflective notes after every hands-on lesson. The log is collected at the end of the course and evaluated for completeness, technical accuracy of recorded settings, and evidence of iterative problem-solving; it also serves as the primary evidence artifact for the skills demonstration. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
On-Set Safety Performance Check	Safety audit	15%	100 percent completion of the safety checklist with no critical steps missed; written quiz score of 80 percent or above	Drawn from Lesson 2, this assessment requires students to score at least 16 out of 20 on the on-set safety quiz and to physically demonstrate correct LOTO procedure on a studio lighting fixture, proper cable management across a walkway, and correct identification of PPE for a simulated lighting-fire scenario, observed live by the instructor using a pass/fail checklist. Any critical safety step performed incorrectly requires immediate remediation before the student may handle powered equipment in subsequent lessons. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DIGI47-06 Trade course

Social Content Creation for Graphic & Digital Media

145 hr · ~~$1,740~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students plan, design, produce, and publish platform-native social media content using Adobe Express, Photoshop, and Illustrator, applying brand consistency, content strategy, and performance fundamentals. The course covers static posts, animated graphics, Stories/Reels-format vertical video, and community management essentials used daily in agency and in-house media roles. Lessons map to the Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for Visual Design and Graphic Design Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator where applicable.

Outcomes

Design on-brand static and animated social graphics sized and exported correctly for at least three major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Express.
Build a repeatable content calendar that aligns visual assets with a stated brand strategy, campaign objective, and posting schedule.
Produce and export a short vertical video or motion graphic (15–60 seconds) formatted for Stories/Reels delivery using Adobe Express or Premiere Rush.
Apply accessible design practices—color contrast, alt-text planning, readable type sizes—to social assets following WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines.
Evaluate asset performance using native platform analytics vocabulary (reach, engagement rate, impressions) and revise design decisions based on data.
Organize, version, and archive social asset libraries in a structured folder and naming convention system that meets professional handoff standards.

Course text

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Platform Landscape & Content Anatomy; Brand Voice on Social: Strategy & Content Planning; Workspace Setup: File Organization & Naming Conventions; Static Post Design: Photoshop & Illustrator Production; Accessible Design for Social Media; Typography & Copywriting for Social Formats; Carousel & Multi-Frame Design; Motion Graphics & Animated Social Assets; Vertical Video & Stories/Reels Formatting; Community Management & Content Scheduling; Analytics Fundamentals & Design Iteration; Integrated Social Campaign: Production Sprint.

What competent looks like. Design on-brand static and animated social graphics sized and exported correctly for at least three major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Express. Build a repeatable content calendar that aligns visual assets with a stated brand strategy, campaign objective, and posting schedule. Produce and export a short vertical video or motion graphic (15–60 seconds) formatted for Stories/Reels delivery using Adobe Express or Premiere Rush. Apply accessible design practices—color contrast, alt-text planning, readable type sizes—to social assets following WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. Evaluate asset performance using native platform analytics vocabulary (reach, engagement rate, impressions) and revise design decisions based on data. Organize, version, and archive social asset libraries in a structured folder and naming convention system that meets professional handoff standards.

Lessons · 12 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Platform Landscape & Content Anatomy	10	theory	Students identify the major social platforms, their native content formats, and current canvas specifications used in professional production.	Audit and document the format specifications (image dimensions, aspect ratios, file-size limits, video length caps) for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest using each platform's current official help center, then compile a reference cheat-sheet in a shared class document. Analyze three brand social feeds chosen by the instructor and annotate screenshots identifying grid strategy, aspect ratio, typography scale, and color palette consistency. Discuss in small groups how algorithm-favored content types (carousels, Reels, Stories) differ from standard feed posts and write a one-page summary connecting format choices to business goals.	Computers with browser access; platform official help centers; Adobe Express (free tier or school license); printed Platform Spec Reference handout (instructor-prepared, sourced from official platform documentation); course textbook chapter on social media design strategy	Students complete a platform-spec quiz of 20 items (matching formats to platforms, identifying correct pixel dimensions); pass mark 75%. Cheat-sheet is reviewed for accuracy against official sources.
2	Brand Voice on Social: Strategy & Content Planning	10	theory	Students construct a one-month content calendar for a supplied brand brief that schedules post types, messages, and platform targets.	Study two provided brand style guides and extract the voice, tone, color palette, and typeface rules that must carry into social assets; annotate findings on a worksheet. Using a provided content-pillar framework (educational, promotional, engagement, behind-the-scenes), students allocate 20 notional posts across pillars and platforms for a fictional brand, justifying each decision in a caption column. Peer-review a partner's calendar against the brand brief using a structured rubric; give written feedback on platform fit, message variety, and visual direction notes.	Sample brand style guides (instructor-supplied); Google Sheets or Excel for calendar template; content-pillar framework handout; course textbook chapter on content strategy	Submitted calendar contains at minimum 20 scheduled entries with platform, format, pillar, caption draft, and visual direction note fields filled; reviewed against rubric for brand alignment; pass mark 75% on rubric score.
3	Workspace Setup: File Organization & Naming Conventions	8	demo	Students build a professional folder hierarchy and apply a standard naming convention for a social asset library that supports team handoff.	Instructor demonstrates a real agency folder structure (client > campaign > platform > format > version) live on screen; students replicate it on their own machine for a supplied dummy project. Students rename a batch of 30 misnamed sample files using an agreed class naming convention (YYYYMMDD_ClientCode_Platform_Format_v##) and verify the result against an answer key. Draft a one-page Asset Library SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) document describing the folder structure and naming rules for a fictional new hire, then share it with the class for critique.	Computers; Adobe Bridge (included in Creative Cloud); sample misnamed file set (instructor-provided); naming convention worksheet; course style guide template	Submitted folder structure and renamed file batch are checked against the answer key; zero naming errors allowed on the core 20 required files. SOP document reviewed for completeness; pass mark 75% on checklist.
4	Static Post Design: Photoshop & Illustrator Production	18	lab	Students produce a set of three on-brand static social posts in correct platform dimensions using non-destructive layers, smart objects, and vector elements.	Instructor-led demo: set up an Instagram square (1080×1080 px), a LinkedIn landscape (1200×627 px), and a Pinterest pin (1000×1500 px) in Photoshop using artboards; students build along simultaneously. Students design three posts (one per canvas size) for a supplied brand brief, incorporating a provided logo (Illustrator AI file placed as a smart object), brand typefaces, and a photographic asset from a supplied royalty-free image folder. Export all three posts using Photoshop's Export As function with correct format (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics with transparency) and verify file size is within each platform's published limit.	Adobe Photoshop CC; Adobe Illustrator CC; supplied AI logo file; royalty-free image folder (instructor-curated from Unsplash or Pexels, clearly licensed); platform spec cheat-sheet from Lesson 1; Adobe Photoshop ACP exam guide (Certiport/Adobe)	All three exported files match specified pixel dimensions exactly, are in the correct format, and meet platform file-size limits; brand elements (logo, palette, type) are correctly applied. Instructor inspects layer panel for non-destructive structure. Pass mark: all three files meet spec AND layer review passes.
5	Accessible Design for Social Media	8	theory	Students evaluate social graphic designs for color contrast and readability compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards and revise at least one asset to pass.	Lecture and discussion on WCAG 2.1 AA contrast ratio requirements (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) and why they matter for social audiences including people with low vision; students take guided notes. Using the free WebAIM Contrast Checker tool, students test text-on-background combinations from three instructor-provided social graphics and record pass/fail results on a structured worksheet. Students revise one failing graphic from the worksheet—adjusting type color, size, or weight—until it passes the contrast check, then document the before/after hex values and contrast ratios.	Computers with browser; WebAIM Contrast Checker (webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/); Adobe Photoshop CC; three sample social graphics (instructor-supplied); WCAG 2.1 AA quick-reference handout	Worksheet showing test results for all three graphics is accurate; revised graphic is verified with the tool to achieve a passing contrast ratio; written documentation of before/after values is submitted. Pass mark: worksheet accuracy 80% and revised asset passes tool check.
6	Typography & Copywriting for Social Formats	10	practice	Students select and set type hierarchies appropriate for mobile-first social viewing and write captions with calls to action for three distinct post purposes.	Type-pairing exercise: students choose a heading and body typeface combination from a supplied licensed font library, set them at platform-appropriate sizes (minimum 18 pt equivalent at intended viewing size), and present their rationale to a partner. Caption writing workshop: using a provided brand brief and four sample images, students write four captions (one awareness, one engagement/question, one promotional, one user-generated-content repurpose) under 150 characters each, with a distinct call to action in each. Combine type work and captions into a single Instagram feed post mock-up in Photoshop and submit with a short written note explaining typeface and hierarchy choices.	Adobe Photoshop CC; Adobe Fonts (via Creative Cloud); brand brief (instructor-supplied); caption writing worksheet; mobile type-scale reference handout; ACP Visual Design exam domain reference	Four captions meet length limit and contain a clear CTA; mock-up shows visible type hierarchy (minimum two size levels); font pairing rationale references readability and brand tone. Instructor scores against rubric; pass mark 75%.
7	Carousel & Multi-Frame Design	12	lab	Students design a five-slide Instagram carousel as a cohesive set using a shared visual system, correctly sized and exported as individual numbered files.	Instructor demonstrates building a five-artboard carousel in Illustrator with a consistent grid, bleed-through visual element linking slides, and numbered frame logic; students replicate the template setup. Students design a five-slide educational carousel ('how-to' or 'listicle' format) on a topic drawn from the supplied brief pool, maintaining brand palette, type system, and the linking visual element across all frames. Export each slide as a numbered PNG (slide_01.png through slide_05.png) at 1080×1080 px, assemble a PDF proof showing all slides in order, and write a 100-word deck note explaining the narrative arc.	Adobe Illustrator CC; Adobe Photoshop CC; carousel template starter file (instructor-supplied); platform spec cheat-sheet; ACP Graphic Design Using Illustrator exam domain reference	All five slides are 1080×1080 px, correctly numbered, share brand system elements, and contain a linking visual device; narrative arc is logical. Instructor reviews using carousel rubric; pass mark 75%.
8	Motion Graphics & Animated Social Assets	18	lab	Students produce a 5–15 second looping animated social graphic using Adobe Express or Premiere Rush and export it in a platform-appropriate format.	Instructor demo: animate a static Photoshop graphic in Adobe Express using auto-animate and motion presets, then export as MP4; students follow along and experiment with timing controls. Students take a static post they built in Lesson 4 and create an animated version: at minimum the headline text entrance, logo reveal, and one background element must be animated; the loop must feel seamless. Export the animation as MP4 at 1080×1080 px, verify the file is within Instagram's published video file-size limit, and write a brief technical note logging export settings chosen.	Adobe Express (school license); Adobe Premiere Rush; completed static post from Lesson 4; platform video spec reference; export settings worksheet	Exported MP4 meets platform size specification; minimum three animated elements are present; loop is seamless on playback. Instructor plays file full-screen and scores against rubric; pass mark 75%.
9	Vertical Video & Stories/Reels Formatting	14	lab	Students edit and export a 15–30 second vertical video formatted for Stories/Reels delivery (1080×1920 px, 9:16) with on-screen text, a brand element overlay, and a music or voiceover track.	Instructor demonstration in Premiere Rush: import supplied b-roll clips, set sequence to 1080×1920, trim to 30 seconds, add supplied royalty-free music track at appropriate volume, and apply text overlay; students work alongside. Students edit their own 15–30 second Reel from a supplied b-roll package, adding a brand logo overlay (from Lesson 4 AI file), an on-screen caption or text card, and a royalty-free music or voiceover track from the supplied audio folder. Export in H.264 MP4 format at 1080×1920 px and complete an export checklist form verifying frame rate, resolution, audio levels, and file size against platform published specs.	Adobe Premiere Rush; supplied b-roll video clips (instructor-curated, clearly licensed); supplied royalty-free audio folder; brand logo AI file from Lesson 4; export checklist form; platform vertical video spec reference	Exported file is exactly 1080×1920 px, 15–30 seconds, contains a logo overlay and on-screen text, has audible audio, and passes the export checklist. Instructor reviews checklist and plays file; pass mark: all checklist items checked and visual review passes.
10	Community Management & Content Scheduling	10	theory	Students demonstrate the workflow for scheduling social content and write professional community management responses to three comment scenarios.	Instructor walkthrough of a social media management tool dashboard (e.g., Buffer or Later free tier) showing post scheduling, queue management, and the difference between scheduled and published views; students schedule two test posts using dummy accounts. Role-play exercise: students receive a printed set of six social comment scenarios (positive review, neutral question, complaint, spam, competitor mention, sensitive topic) and write a brand-appropriate response to three of their choosing, applying the brand voice from Lesson 2. Class discussion and debrief: instructor reviews sample responses on screen against a community management best-practice checklist; students revise their responses based on feedback.	Computers with browser; Buffer or Later free account (students register with school email); community management scenario worksheet; brand voice brief from Lesson 2; community management best-practice checklist (instructor-prepared)	Three written responses are submitted; each is evaluated against the checklist for tone appropriateness, factual accuracy, and CTA where relevant. Pass mark: 75% of checklist criteria met across all three responses.
11	Analytics Fundamentals & Design Iteration	10	practice	Students interpret a supplied social analytics report, identify the lowest-performing post, and produce a revised design backed by data reasoning.	Instructor presents the vocabulary of native platform analytics—reach, impressions, engagement rate, click-through rate, saves—using a sample analytics report screenshot; students annotate a printed copy identifying each metric. Students receive a simulated one-month analytics report for a fictional brand; they identify the three highest- and three lowest-performing posts by engagement rate and write a paragraph hypothesis for why each group performed as it did. Students select the lowest-performing post's asset, redesign it in Photoshop applying one specific data-driven change (e.g., improved contrast, clearer CTA text, format change from static to carousel layout), and write a 150-word A/B test rationale connecting the change to the data hypothesis.	Printed simulated analytics report (instructor-prepared, realistic but fictional data); Adobe Photoshop CC; analytics vocabulary reference sheet; A/B test rationale template	Analytics annotation is 80% accurate against answer key; redesigned asset shows a clear, described change; A/B rationale connects change to a specific metric from the report. Instructor scores rationale for logic and specificity; pass mark 75%.
12	Integrated Social Campaign: Production Sprint	17	practice	Students independently produce a complete mini social campaign—four assets across two platforms—meeting a supplied brand brief, content calendar, and accessibility requirements within a timed production window.	Students receive a final campaign brief at lesson start; they spend the first 30 minutes planning the four assets (format, platform, content pillar, dimension) on a one-page production plan before opening any Adobe application. Timed production sprint (approximately 12 hours across scheduled lab sessions): students produce all four assets—minimum one static post, one carousel slide set, one animated graphic, and one vertical video clip—using skills from Lessons 4–9, checking each against the accessibility criteria from Lesson 5. Students assemble a final delivery folder following naming and organization conventions from Lesson 3, write a one-page campaign summary document (brand rationale, platform choices, accessibility notes, and a simulated performance goal for each asset), and conduct a five-minute peer critique before final submission.	Adobe Photoshop CC; Adobe Illustrator CC; Adobe Express; Adobe Premiere Rush; supplied campaign brief and brand asset kit; platform spec cheat-sheet; accessibility checklist; naming convention worksheet; production plan template	Delivery folder contains all four correctly named and sized assets; campaign summary document is complete; at minimum two assets pass the WCAG 2.1 AA contrast check; production plan is submitted. Instructor scores using integrated campaign rubric across design quality, technical accuracy, brand consistency, and accessibility; pass mark 75% overall.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Social Media Design Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% (38 of 50 items correct)	A 50-item written examination covering platform specifications, content strategy vocabulary, file format selection, accessible design requirements (WCAG 2.1 AA), analytics metrics, and Adobe tool functions as they apply to social content production. Items are drawn proportionally from all twelve lesson areas and mapped to the Adobe Certified Professional Visual Design and Graphic Design exam domains. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Integrated Social Campaign Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	75% on the integrated campaign rubric across four domains: design quality, technical accuracy (correct file specs), brand consistency, and accessibility compliance	Students submit the complete four-asset campaign package produced in Lesson 12—static post, carousel, animated graphic, and vertical video—along with the campaign summary document and delivery folder, assessed by the instructor using a structured rubric. This demonstration serves as the primary evidence of readiness for the Adobe Certified Professional credential exam. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Production Lab Log	Log	15%	Pass: all required entries present, accurate, and submitted within 24 hours of each lab session; no more than one late entry permitted	Students maintain a running production log throughout the course, recording for each lab and practice session: the task completed, software and settings used, any technical problems encountered and how they were resolved, and export specifications applied. The log is reviewed at the end of the course for completeness and accuracy. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Workstation and Digital Safety Check	Safety audit	15%	Pass: 100% compliance on all critical-item rows; no critical item may be marked fail	The instructor conducts a structured safety walkthrough at each student's workstation using a printed checklist covering ergonomic setup (monitor height, posture, wrist position), correct cable management to prevent trip hazards, proper shutdown and file-save procedures to prevent data loss, and adherence to copyright and licensing rules for all assets used in student projects. Any critical item failure requires immediate correction and a re-check before the student may continue coursework. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DIGI47-07 Capstone

Capstone Project: Integrated Graphic & Digital Media Campaign

162 hr · ~~$1,620~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students conceive, plan, produce, and present a complete multi-platform graphic and digital media campaign that synthesizes skills from every prior course, including branding, layout, video/motion, and social content. Each student builds a professional-grade deliverable set, writes supporting process documentation, and defends design decisions before a panel of instructors and industry reviewers. Lesson tasks and assessment criteria are aligned to Adobe Certified Professional exam domains across Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Outcomes

Develop and document a full creative brief, mood board, and production schedule for an original multi-platform campaign without instructor prompting.
Produce a minimum of six campaign deliverables—including a logo/brand mark, print layout, social-media asset set, and a 60-to-90-second motion piece—that meet professional print and screen technical specifications.
Apply correct color management, file-naming conventions, pre-flight checks, and export settings across Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
Demonstrate safe and organized digital workspace practices, including version-controlled file management and proper equipment use consistent with program safety standards.
Write a reflective process document of at least 800 words that explains design rationale, software choices, and revision history for each major deliverable.
Deliver a structured 10-to-15-minute oral defense of the completed campaign, accurately answering panel questions about software techniques and design theory.

Course text

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Campaign Discovery and Planning; Asset Production — Print and Brand Deliverables; Asset Production — Screen, Motion, and Social Content; Process Documentation and Campaign Defense.

What competent looks like. Develop and document a full creative brief, mood board, and production schedule for an original multi-platform campaign without instructor prompting. Produce a minimum of six campaign deliverables—including a logo/brand mark, print layout, social-media asset set, and a 60-to-90-second motion piece—that meet professional print and screen technical specifications. Apply correct color management, file-naming conventions, pre-flight checks, and export settings across Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. Demonstrate safe and organized digital workspace practices, including version-controlled file management and proper equipment use consistent with program safety standards. Write a reflective process document of at least 800 words that explains design rationale, software choices, and revision history for each major deliverable. Deliver a structured 10-to-15-minute oral defense of the completed campaign, accurately answering panel questions about software techniques and design theory.

Lessons · 4 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Campaign Discovery and Planning	30	theory	Students will produce an approved creative brief, competitive analysis, and a day-by-day production schedule that assigns Adobe tools to each deliverable before any asset creation begins.	Instructor-led workshop: students analyze two real-world campaign case studies (print + digital) and identify how brand standards, target audience, and platform specs shaped every design decision; class builds a shared checklist of planning artifacts. Each student independently researches a self-selected client scenario (small business, nonprofit, or personal brand), writes a one-page creative brief using a standard template, and conducts a five-competitor visual audit with annotated screenshots. Students draft a Gantt-style production schedule in a spreadsheet, listing every deliverable, the primary Adobe application, file-format requirements, and a milestone check date; peers exchange schedules for a structured 20-minute critique using an instructor-supplied rubric.	Creative brief template (instructor-authored), spreadsheet application, Adobe Color wheel (color.adobe.com), current Adobe Certified Professional exam guide (Certiport), course style guide from Course 3 (Branding), whiteboard and markers	Instructor reviews creative brief and production schedule against a 10-point rubric (client scenario clarity, audience definition, six or more deliverables listed with specs, realistic timeline, competitor analysis present, tool assignments accurate); student must score 8/10 or higher to advance to Lesson 2.
2	Asset Production — Print and Brand Deliverables	52	lab	Students will create all print and brand deliverables—logo/brand mark, brand style tile, tri-fold or multi-page layout, and one large-format piece—to professional file specifications in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.	Structured lab sessions: students build a vector logo in Illustrator (minimum three variations: full-color, reversed, single-color) using layers, artboards, and named color swatches that match the creative brief; instructor circulates and checks anchor-point accuracy and color-mode settings (CMYK for print, RGB for screen). Students design a minimum four-page InDesign document (brochure, lookbook, or annual report spread) applying master pages, paragraph/character styles, proper image linking (no embedded low-res files), and a preflight check that returns zero errors before export; exported as press-ready PDF/X-1a. Peer review session: students swap InDesign files, run a preflight on a partner's package, log any errors in a shared Google Sheet, and write two specific improvement suggestions; all errors must be resolved and a corrected PDF resubmitted before end of lesson.	Adobe Illustrator (current version), Adobe InDesign (current version), Adobe Fonts, instructor-supplied asset library (stock photos cleared for educational use), color-calibrated monitor, printer for proof output, InDesign preflight profile (instructor-configured), Adobe Certified Professional Illustrator and InDesign exam objectives (Certiport)	Instructor evaluates logo package and InDesign export using a 20-point production rubric (vector integrity, correct color modes, master-page use, no preflight errors, PDF export settings, naming conventions); 16/20 required to proceed; any file failing preflight is returned for same-day correction.
3	Asset Production — Screen, Motion, and Social Content	52	lab	Students will produce all digital deliverables—a minimum three-post social-media asset set, a 60-to-90-second promotional video with titles and an audio mix, and an animated logo or motion graphic—exported to platform-correct specifications.	In Adobe Photoshop, students create a cohesive social-media asset set (at minimum: one square post, one Story/Reel vertical, one LinkedIn or Twitter/X header) using Smart Objects for non-destructive editing, correct sRGB color profile, and resolution appropriate to each platform; assets are exported via the Export As dialog to verified pixel dimensions. Students edit and finish a 60-to-90-second promotional video in Adobe Premiere Pro: sequence includes at least three camera angles or screen-recorded clips, a lower-third title card built in the sequence, royalty-free or original music mixed to no higher than –6 dB average, and color correction applied via Lumetri Color; sequence is exported as H.264 MP4 at 1920×1080, 24 or 30 fps. Using Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro's built-in motion tools, students animate the campaign logo (minimum: three keyframed properties—position, scale, or opacity) into a 3-to-5-second animated sting and export as a transparent-background ProRes 4444 or as an H.264 looping clip; students record a written log of every keyframe and easing choice as part of the process document.	Adobe Photoshop (current version), Adobe Premiere Pro (current version), Adobe After Effects (current version), royalty-free music library (e.g., YouTube Audio Library), screen-capture software, headphones or studio monitors, export-settings reference card (instructor-authored), Adobe Certified Professional Photoshop and Premiere Pro exam objectives (Certiport)	Each digital deliverable is checked against a 20-point screen-production rubric (correct color profile, export dimensions verified by file inspector, video duration within spec, audio levels within –6 dB ceiling, motion log submitted); 16/20 required on each sub-deliverable; any export failing a technical spec is corrected and re-checked within 24 hours.
4	Process Documentation and Campaign Defense	28	practice	Students will finalize a written process document, assemble a complete deliverable package, and deliver a 10-to-15-minute defended oral presentation of their campaign to a review panel.	Writing workshop: using an instructor-supplied outline, students draft and revise an 800-plus-word process document that covers design rationale for each deliverable, software workflow decisions, at least two documented revision cycles with before/after screenshots, and a self-assessment paragraph; a peer reads for clarity and completeness using a provided checklist before final submission. Deliverable packaging lab: students organize all final files into a structured folder hierarchy (Fonts, Links, Exports, Working Files sub-folders), complete a final InDesign package and preflight, compress to a ZIP archive, and upload to the course LMS with a file-manifest text file listing every asset, its format, and its intended use. Mock defense rehearsal: each student presents to a partner using a 10-slide maximum deck (brief overview, one slide per major deliverable, one lessons-learned slide); partner uses the panel rubric to give timed feedback on clarity, accuracy of software terminology, and response to one spontaneous question; students revise weak points before the formal panel defense scheduled in the Project assessment.	Process document outline template, LMS (course platform), ZIP utility, presentation software (Adobe Express, PowerPoint, or Google Slides), oral defense rubric (instructor-authored), panel scoring sheets	Process document is evaluated by instructor for minimum word count, presence of all required sections, and two documented revision cycles (pass = all sections complete and word count met); file package is spot-checked for correct folder structure and zero missing-link errors (pass = no errors); mock defense feedback sheet must be completed and signed by partner before formal defense.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Capstone Campaign Project	Project	60%	70 out of 100 points; any deliverable with an unresolved technical error (failed preflight, wrong export spec) must be corrected before a passing score is recorded	Instructors score the complete set of six or more campaign deliverables using a 100-point rubric equally weighted across four domains: brand consistency and design quality (25 pts), technical file accuracy and export compliance (25 pts), scope completion per the approved creative brief (25 pts), and process documentation completeness (25 pts). The rubric items directly reference Adobe Certified Professional exam competency areas for Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation
Capstone Portfolio Submission	Portfolio	20%	Pass requires a correctly structured ZIP archive with zero missing links or fonts, a complete file manifest, and a process document meeting the 800-word minimum and all section requirements	Students submit their packaged deliverable archive and process document to the course LMS; instructors verify folder structure, file naming, preflight results, and document completeness against the packaging checklist. This submission serves as the student's primary portfolio artifact for the Externship course and for presenting to employers. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality
Campaign Oral Defense	Oral / panel	20%	21 out of 30 points; a score below 14 on the technical-accuracy domain alone requires a second defense within five business days	A panel of at least two reviewers (one instructor plus one industry advisor or additional faculty member) scores the 10-to-15-minute presentation on three domains of 10 points each: clarity and organization of the design narrative, accurate use of software and design terminology in responses to panel questions, and professional presentation manner. Panel questions include at least two scenario-based prompts drawn from Adobe Certified Professional exam-style scenarios. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication

TEC-DIGI47-08 Externship / clinical

Externship / Worksite Placement

243 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students complete 243 supervised hours at an approved employer site in the graphic and digital media industry, applying skills in branding, layout, video, and social content production within a professional workplace. A site supervisor evaluates performance against industry standards, and students document their experience through structured weekly logs and a final employer evaluation. This course bridges classroom preparation and entry-level employment by requiring students to meet real client deadlines, follow studio workflows, and demonstrate professional conduct.

Outcomes

Perform assigned graphic and digital media production tasks—including file setup, asset creation, and output preparation—to employer quality standards at an approved worksite.
Follow workplace safety protocols, digital file management procedures, and studio or agency workflows without direct instructor supervision.
Communicate professionally with supervisors, colleagues, and clients using trade-appropriate vocabulary and accepted workplace conduct.
Document weekly worksite activities, skills applied, and learning reflections in a structured log that is verified by the site supervisor.
Receive a satisfactory or better rating from the employer evaluator across all performance domains on the official mid-term and final evaluation forms.
Connect worksite tasks to the Adobe Certified Professional exam content areas, identifying real-world applications of each domain practiced on site.

Course text

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Pre-Placement Orientation: Workplace Readiness and Site Agreement; Worksite Hours – Phase 1: Orientation and Supervised Production (Weeks 1–4); Worksite Hours – Phase 2: Independent Contribution and Skill Deepening (Weeks 5–11); Post-Placement Debrief and Portfolio Integration.

What competent looks like. Perform assigned graphic and digital media production tasks—including file setup, asset creation, and output preparation—to employer quality standards at an approved worksite. Follow workplace safety protocols, digital file management procedures, and studio or agency workflows without direct instructor supervision. Communicate professionally with supervisors, colleagues, and clients using trade-appropriate vocabulary and accepted workplace conduct. Document weekly worksite activities, skills applied, and learning reflections in a structured log that is verified by the site supervisor. Receive a satisfactory or better rating from the employer evaluator across all performance domains on the official mid-term and final evaluation forms. Connect worksite tasks to the Adobe Certified Professional exam content areas, identifying real-world applications of each domain practiced on site.

Lessons · 4 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Pre-Placement Orientation: Workplace Readiness and Site Agreement	15	theory	Before beginning worksite hours, students will correctly explain workplace safety obligations, professional conduct expectations, and documentation requirements by passing a pre-placement readiness check.	Review and sign the three-party externship agreement (student, school, employer); discuss each party's responsibilities and the grievance procedure for unsafe conditions. Complete a workplace hazard identification exercise specific to graphic and digital media environments—covering ergonomic workstation setup, electrical safety near production equipment, emergency exit awareness, and digital data security—and record findings on a hazard checklist. Role-play three realistic workplace scenarios (receiving critical feedback on a design, missing a deadline, and being asked to perform a task outside the agreed scope) and debrief correct professional responses with the instructor.	Three-party externship agreement form, school workplace safety policy, OSHA General Industry ergonomics guidelines (OSHA publication 3125), weekly log template, employer evaluation rubric, student handbook	Student correctly answers at least 80% of questions on a 20-item pre-placement readiness quiz covering safety obligations, conduct standards, and log procedures; instructor signs placement clearance only after 80% is achieved.
2	Worksite Hours – Phase 1: Orientation and Supervised Production (Weeks 1–4)	72	field	During the first four weeks on site, students will complete assigned production tasks under close supervision and submit accurate weekly logs verified by the site supervisor.	Shadow the assigned mentor or lead designer for the first two days, then transition to completing assigned tasks—such as resizing assets for print and digital output, building layouts from approved templates, and organizing shared file libraries—using the employer's software suite and file-naming conventions. Complete a weekly log each Friday documenting: hours worked each day, specific tasks performed, tools and software used, one challenge encountered and how it was resolved, and one connection between the worksite task and an Adobe Certified Professional exam domain; submit logs to both the site supervisor for signature and the school coordinator by end of business Friday. Participate in at least one internal studio meeting or client briefing per week, take notes on workflow decisions made, and bring those notes to the next school check-in call to discuss professional communication practices observed.	Employer-provided workstation and software (typically Adobe Creative Cloud applications), weekly log form, school–employer communication log, employer mid-term evaluation form (to be completed at end of Phase 1)	All four weekly logs submitted on time with supervisor signatures; mid-term employer evaluation completed at the end of week 4 with an average rating of Satisfactory (3 out of 5) or higher across all domains; school coordinator conducts one site visit or video check-in and confirms student is meeting production expectations.
3	Worksite Hours – Phase 2: Independent Contribution and Skill Deepening (Weeks 5–11)	138	field	During weeks five through eleven, students will complete production assignments with increasing independence, demonstrate measurable skill growth identified in the mid-term evaluation, and maintain a complete weekly log record.	Take on at least one project or recurring task that involves the full production cycle from brief to final output—such as creating a set of social media graphics from a brand guide, editing and exporting a short promotional video, or preparing print-ready files for a client—and document each production stage in the weekly log. Address any performance areas rated below Satisfactory on the mid-term evaluation by working with the site supervisor on a focused improvement plan; record the specific goal, actions taken each week, and the supervisor's follow-up rating in a two-page improvement tracking sheet attached to the relevant weekly logs. In the final week of Phase 2, write a two-page reflection connecting at least four worksite tasks to specific Adobe Certified Professional exam content areas (for example, explaining how setting up a print bleed on a client job reinforces Adobe InDesign domain knowledge of print production), to be submitted with the final weekly log.	Employer workstation and Creative Cloud software, weekly log forms, improvement tracking template, reflection prompt sheet, employer final evaluation form	All seven weekly logs for this phase submitted on time with supervisor signatures; final employer evaluation completed with an average rating of Satisfactory (3 out of 5) or higher across all domains and no individual domain rated Unsatisfactory; two-page reflection submitted and reviewed by school coordinator, who confirms at least four accurate exam-domain connections.
4	Post-Placement Debrief and Portfolio Integration	18	lab	After completing worksite hours, students will compile externship documentation into a complete placement portfolio and deliver a structured oral debrief that demonstrates professional growth and readiness for the exam preparation course.	Assemble the full externship binder or digital folder containing: the signed three-party agreement, all eleven weekly logs with supervisor signatures, the mid-term and final employer evaluation forms, and the Phase 2 reflection; organize documents in order and prepare a one-page summary table listing total hours by task category (production, communication, file management, other). Select two to three work samples produced on site (with employer permission documented in writing) and write a brief annotation for each explaining the project brief, software and techniques used, any production challenge solved, and which Adobe Certified Professional exam domain the task most closely aligns with; add annotated samples to the digital portfolio begun in earlier courses. Deliver a 10-minute structured oral debrief to the instructor covering: one skill strengthened on site, one gap identified, one piece of feedback received from the employer and how it was applied, and a self-assessment of readiness for the certification exam; respond to at least three instructor follow-up questions.	Completed weekly log set, both employer evaluation forms, employer written permission for sample use, digital portfolio files, debrief rubric, school externship completion checklist	Externship binder or digital folder is complete with all required documents verified on the completion checklist; oral debrief rated at least 70% on the four-category debrief rubric (evidence, reflection, professional vocabulary, exam connection); instructor signs externship completion form only after both standards are met.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Employer Performance Evaluation (Skills Demonstration)	Skills demonstration	70%	Average rating of Satisfactory (3 out of 5) or higher across all domains on the final employer evaluation form, with no individual domain rated Unsatisfactory (1 out of 5); if any domain is rated Unsatisfactory, the student must complete a documented remediation plan and return to the site for additional supervised hours before the course is marked complete.	The site supervisor completes a standardized evaluation form at the midpoint and again at the conclusion of the externship, rating the student on production quality, software proficiency, file management, professional communication, reliability and punctuality, and ability to accept and apply feedback. The final evaluation score is the primary competency measure for this course and confirms that the student performed to industry entry-level standards in a real workplace setting. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative
Weekly Log Portfolio (Lab Log)	Log	30%	100% of weekly logs submitted on time with verifying supervisor signatures; no more than one log may require a resubmission for incomplete entries; the Phase 2 reflection earns a score of at least 70% on the reflection rubric, which assesses completeness, accuracy of exam-domain connections, and professional writing quality.	Students maintain a structured weekly log throughout all eleven weeks of site placement, recording daily hours, tasks performed, tools used, challenges encountered, and connections to Adobe Certified Professional exam domains; each log is signed by the site supervisor before submission to the school coordinator. The complete, signed log set—along with the Phase 2 reflection—forms the official record of hours and learning and is required for the school to certify externship completion to the certifying body. Complete · Verified

TEC-DIGI47-09 Exam prep

Adobe Certified Professional Exam Preparation

68 hr · ~~$680~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students systematically review every domain tested on the Adobe Certified Professional exams for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, closing skill gaps identified through diagnostic practice before sitting live Certiport exams. Timed mock exams replicate the actual Certiport test environment—performance-based items, multiple choice, and drag-and-drop question types—so students build speed, accuracy, and test-taking confidence. Passing scores on mock exams serve as the go/no-go gate before students register for and sit the official credentialing exams.

Outcomes

Identify personal skill gaps across all Adobe Certified Professional exam domains by analyzing diagnostic mock-exam results and correcting errors to achieve at least 75% on each domain before the live exam.
Demonstrate mastery of core Photoshop exam competencies—including image creation and modification, working with layers and masks, and exporting for print and screen—at a passing mock-exam score.
Demonstrate mastery of core Illustrator exam competencies—including vector drawing, typography, color, and document setup—at a passing mock-exam score.
Demonstrate mastery of core InDesign exam competencies—including multi-page layout, styles, linking assets, and preflight/export—at a passing mock-exam score.
Complete a full-length timed mock exam for each targeted Adobe Certified Professional credential under Certiport-simulated conditions, achieving the program-defined passing threshold on every attempt before the live sitting.
Manage exam-day logistics by accurately completing Certiport candidate registration, understanding testing-center rules, and applying time-management strategies across all item types.

Course text

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Diagnostic Assessment and Exam Blueprint Orientation; Domain-by-Domain Skill Remediation — Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign; Full-Length Timed Mock Exams — Round 1; Final Mock Exams, Exam-Day Logistics, and Live Exam Registration.

What competent looks like. Identify personal skill gaps across all Adobe Certified Professional exam domains by analyzing diagnostic mock-exam results and correcting errors to achieve at least 75% on each domain before the live exam. Demonstrate mastery of core Photoshop exam competencies—including image creation and modification, working with layers and masks, and exporting for print and screen—at a passing mock-exam score. Demonstrate mastery of core Illustrator exam competencies—including vector drawing, typography, color, and document setup—at a passing mock-exam score. Demonstrate mastery of core InDesign exam competencies—including multi-page layout, styles, linking assets, and preflight/export—at a passing mock-exam score. Complete a full-length timed mock exam for each targeted Adobe Certified Professional credential under Certiport-simulated conditions, achieving the program-defined passing threshold on every attempt before the live sitting. Manage exam-day logistics by accurately completing Certiport candidate registration, understanding testing-center rules, and applying time-management strategies across all item types.

Lessons · 4 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Diagnostic Assessment and Exam Blueprint Orientation	8	theory	Students map their individual strengths and weaknesses against the published Adobe Certified Professional exam domains for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign by completing a scored diagnostic for each application and annotating a personal study plan.	Complete a 40-item diagnostic practice test for each of the three applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) using Certiport MeasureUp or equivalent practice-test platform; record domain-level scores on a personal tracking sheet. Side-by-side comparison activity: students place their diagnostic domain scores next to the official Adobe Certified Professional exam objectives document and highlight every domain scoring below 75%, then rank domains by priority for remediation. Draft a written Personal Study Plan that assigns specific lessons and practice hours to each below-threshold domain, schedules two full mock-exam days, and sets a target live-exam date; instructor reviews and signs off the plan.	Certiport MeasureUp or equivalent ACP practice-test platform, Adobe Certified Professional exam objectives documents (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) downloaded from Adobe/Certiport, personal study plan template, domain tracking spreadsheet, computers with internet access	Instructor reviews the completed domain tracking sheet and signed personal study plan; pass standard is that every domain is scored, all sub-threshold domains are identified with a remediation action, and the plan is approved by the instructor before the student proceeds to Lesson 2.
2	Domain-by-Domain Skill Remediation — Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign	36	lab	Students close identified skill gaps in each ACP exam domain by completing targeted hands-on exercises in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, verifying improvement through end-of-domain checkpoints scored at 75% or higher.	Rotating lab stations (12 hours per application): each station presents instructor-prepared task files aligned to a specific exam domain (for example, Photoshop — non-destructive editing with adjustment layers and smart objects; Illustrator — pen tool paths, live paint, and artboard export; InDesign — master pages, paragraph/character styles, and PDF export with preflight). Students complete each task file, then self-check against a provided answer key and note remaining errors in their tracking sheet. Error-analysis drill: after each domain station, students pull up their two or three most missed item types from the diagnostic, reproduce them in a blank document from memory without a reference, then compare their output to a rubric posted by the instructor; any item still missed is flagged for a second pass. Peer teaching pairs: each student picks one domain in which they scored highest and walks their partner through the steps for one representative task while the partner attempts it; roles then reverse. Instructor circulates and corrects any misinformation before it is reinforced.	Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign current version), instructor-prepared task files organized by exam domain, answer keys and rubrics for each task file, Certiport MeasureUp domain quizzes, personal tracking spreadsheet, Adobe Help documentation, domain checkpoint quiz forms	At the close of each application's 12-hour block, students complete a 20-item domain checkpoint quiz on the practice-test platform; pass standard is 75% or higher on every domain checkpoint. Students who do not pass a checkpoint receive an additional 1-hour remediation session and one retake before the lesson is marked complete.
3	Full-Length Timed Mock Exams — Round 1	12	practice	Students complete one full-length, Certiport-condition timed mock exam for each of the three ACP credentials and use scored results to finalize any remaining remediation before Round 2.	Simulated exam session: room is arranged as a Certiport testing center (seats separated, phones away, scratch paper only, no notes); students complete each mock exam at the published time limit using the practice-test platform set to exam mode, one application per session across the block. Score report analysis: immediately after each mock exam, students print or export their score report, calculate their domain percentages, and compare results to their personal study plan targets; they then update their tracking sheet and write a one-paragraph reflection identifying the three highest-priority items still needing work. Instructor-led group debrief: instructor projects anonymized aggregate results for the cohort, walks through the five most commonly missed item types per application using a live Adobe document, and demonstrates the correct workflow step by step while students annotate their notes.	Certiport MeasureUp or equivalent platform set to timed exam mode, computers with Adobe Creative Cloud installed, printed score report template, personal tracking spreadsheet, instructor debrief slide deck, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)	Pass standard for Lesson 3 is a mock-exam score of 70% or higher on at least two of the three applications; students scoring below 70% on all three must complete an additional 2-hour targeted remediation session with the instructor before advancing to Lesson 4.
4	Final Mock Exams, Exam-Day Logistics, and Live Exam Registration	12	practice	Students achieve the program passing threshold on a final round of full-length mock exams, complete Certiport candidate registration, and demonstrate exam-day strategies so they are fully prepared to sit the official Adobe Certified Professional credential exams.	Final timed mock exams under full Certiport conditions for all three applications (one per session); students must achieve 75% or higher on each mock exam to receive instructor sign-off for live exam registration — any student not meeting threshold on an application completes a focused 1-hour remediation and one additional attempt within the lesson block. Exam-day logistics workshop: instructor walks through the Certiport candidate registration portal step by step; students complete their own live registration (or a guided walkthrough if the exam is scheduled at an off-site Certiport center), review testing-center rules (valid ID, permitted items, retake policy), and practice the check-in sequence using a role-play scenario. Time-management and item-strategy session: instructor presents a structured approach for performance-based items (attempt, flag, and return; use undo freely; read all asset instructions before touching tools) and multiple-choice items (eliminate, commit, move on); students apply these strategies on a 15-item mixed-format practice set and compare completion time before and after applying the strategies.	Certiport MeasureUp or equivalent platform set to timed exam mode, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Certiport candidate registration portal, government-issued ID (for registration verification), instructor checklist for exam-day logistics, time-management strategy handout, mixed-format practice item set	Instructor signs off each student for live exam registration only after the student achieves 75% or higher on the final mock exam for each targeted ACP credential; registration confirmation and a completed exam-day checklist are collected as the lesson exit artifact. Students who do not reach 75% on a given application are counseled individually and given a documented remediation plan before scheduling that specific live exam.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Adobe Certified Professional Full Mock Certification Exams	Mock certification exam	100%	75% or higher on the final mock exam for each of the three Adobe Certified Professional credentials (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) under timed, Certiport-simulated conditions; this threshold must be met before the program grants sign-off for live Certiport exam registration	Each student completes three full-length, individually timed mock exams—one per application—on a Certiport-approved practice-test platform under testing-center conditions replicating the format, item types, and time limits of the live Adobe Certified Professional exams. Scored domain reports are reviewed by the instructor to confirm readiness, and students who meet the 75% threshold on all three mocks receive written sign-off to register for and sit the official Certiport credentialing exams. Score · Time management

Program completion

External credential: Adobe Certified Professional

Students sit the Adobe Certified Professional examination, delivered through Certiport's testing network. The exam validates skills in one or more Adobe applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or Premiere Pro. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.

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