Software Usability and User Experience
Software usability and user experience are essential aspects of modern software quality. A system may provide all required functionality and still fail its users if tasks are difficult to understand, inefficient to complete or prone to errors.
Professional UX work therefore goes beyond visual design. It combines knowledge about users and their context, human perception and cognition, requirements, UX design, accessibility, evaluation and usability testing.
UXQCC provides internationally applicable certification schemes for these competencies. The certifications address both UX professionals and software professionals who need to systematically improve the usability and user experience of digital products.
UXQCC Certification Scheme
UXQCC – the User Experience Quality Certification Center – develops and maintains certification schemes, syllabi, learning objectives and quality requirements for Software Usability and User Experience.
The certification portfolio currently includes two complementary paths:
User Experience and Usability
UXQCC Certified Professional for User Experience – Foundation Level
UXQCC CPUE Foundation Level (CPUE-FL)
The Foundation Level provides the common body of knowledge required to understand and work professionally with Usability and User Experience. It covers fundamental concepts of human perception and cognition, Human-Centred Design, user and context analysis, UX design, prototyping, standards and guidelines, and usability evaluation.
It is suitable for UX professionals as well as software developers, product managers, testers, project managers and other professionals involved in the development of interactive systems.
UXQCC Certified Professional for User Experience – Advanced Level
UXQCC CPUE Advanced Level (CPUE-AL)
The Advanced Level builds on the Foundation Level and focuses on the practical application of UX knowledge in professional projects.
It addresses professionals who plan, manage or carry out UX activities and want to deepen their competence in areas such as UX research, UX management, evaluation, metrics and evidence-based UX decision-making.
A valid UXQCC CPUE Foundation Level certificate is required before taking the Advanced Level examination.
UXQCC Certified Professional in Software Usability with GenAI – Foundation Level
UXQCC GenAI Foundation Level (UXQCC GenAI - FL)
The UXQCC GenAI Foundation Level is designed for people who develop, specify, test or manage software and want to improve Software Usability with the support of generative AI.
The certification follows the software development process from Discovery and Requirements through planning, UI design and implementation to testing, release and continuous improvement.
Participants learn how GenAI can support usability-related activities, where AI-generated results can be useful, and where human judgement, domain knowledge and real user involvement remain necessary. The syllabus also addresses User Experience, Accessibility, software quality and the responsible use of GenAI.
The objective is not to turn software professionals into UX specialists. It is to provide the knowledge required to recognise usability problems, use GenAI effectively and critically evaluate AI-generated results.
UXQCC Certification Examinations
GASQ administers the official certification examinations for:
- UXQCC Certified Professional for User Experience – Foundation Level
(UXQCC CPUE Foundation Level / CPUE-FL) - UXQCC Certified Professional for User Experience – Advanced Level
(UXQCC CPUE Advanced Level / CPUE-AL) - UXQCC Certified Professional in Software Usability with GenAI – Foundation Level
(UXQCC GenAI Foundation Level / UXQCC GenAI - FL)
The examinations are based on the respective official UXQCC syllabus and its learning objectives.
Candidates may prepare through an accredited training course or, where permitted, independently. Attendance at a training course is not required for taking the Foundation Level examinations.
The UXQCC CPUE Advanced Level requires successful completion of the UXQCC CPUE Foundation Level.
Official UXQCC examinations are administered independently by GASQ.
Syllabus & Mock Exam
The UXQCC syllabi define the knowledge, competencies and learning objectives relevant to each certification and provide the basis for the respective examination.
UXQCC Certified Professional for User Experience – Foundation Level
Content and Structure UXQCC FL
UXQCC Certified Professional for User Experience – Advanced Level
UXQCC Certified Professional in Software Usability with GenAI – Foundation Level
FAQ
I have lost my certificate. Is it possible to apply for a new one?
It is possible to apply for a replacement certificate; a processing fee of € 35 will be charged.
Is it possible to review the exam?
For a fee of € 80, a target-actual comparison can be performed at our business premises in Nuremberg, Germany. Conducting a target-actual comparison means that you will be presented the exam questions along with the solutions. You will have a time limit of 15 minutes to conduct this review. Subsequently, you will be denied access to the questions that are currently being used in the exam.
If I do not pass, is it possible to take the exam again?
Yes, you can re-take the exam; however, you will be charged another exam fee.
Do I have to meet any prerequisites to participate in the Foundation Level?
No.
Is it possible for me to take the Advanced Level exam immediately without first passing the Foundation Level exam?
No. Before you are eligible to take the Advanced Level exam it is mandatory for you to have passed the Foundation Level exam.
When will my certificate expire?
The validity of both the Foundation and the Advanced Level certificates is indefinite.
Will I incur any other fees besides the exam fee?
No.
Will I have to attend a course before I sign up for the exam?
No, attending a course is a choice you make at your discretion. You can also take the test by self-study. However, we recommend you attend a course offered by an accredited training provider.
Will you notify my supervisor/employer as to whether I have passed or failed the exam?
No.