Recognition of training

1) The importance of recognised certification

In a field as competitive as 3D animation, having certified training is an asset. Recognised certification allows you to:

• Guarantee teaching in accordance with industry standards.
• Assure employers that the graduate has the required skills.
• Improve the credibility and employability of students.

2) Accreditation by official institutions

Quality training is often accredited by the State, such as the ‘RNCP’ (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) diplomas, which assess:

• The educational programme (suitability with market needs).
• The skills taught (technical, creative and software).
• The equipment and software used (up-to-date with professional standards).
• The rate of professional integration of graduates.

ESMA, for example, is recognised in France and abroad, with the 3D Animation & Special Effects course, validated by the title RNCP37415 level 7, available in French and English.

To obtain certification, schools must meet specific criteria, relating in particular to teaching methods and resources, but also to employability at the end of the course: a low-quality school, whose students struggle to find employment, would have its title revoked.

3) Partnerships with companies in the sector

The best training programmes collaborate with animation studios and companies in the sector where there is mutual trust. These partnerships make it possible to:

• Offer internships and concrete projects to students.
• Adapt courses to the real needs of recruiters.
• Promote rapid integration into the labour market.

In practice, these partnerships have very concrete impacts: for example, partner companies will tend to come and attend the graduation jury, as is the case for students of 3D animation cinema at ESMA, providing students with a professional perspective, but also a job fair that will enable them to make contacts and even find their first job.

Certifying bodies

4) Academic and professional certifications

3D animation training courses can be recognised by different types of organisations:

• Ministries of education (e.g. university degree or RNCP title in France).
• Specialised organisations (e.g. SIGGRAPH, Animation Mentor).
• Software publisher certifications (e.g. Autodesk Maya, Adobe, Unreal Engine).

5) Examples of recognised certifying bodies and trusted rankings

Several organisations stand out when it comes to ranking and certifying schools. These include:

• RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) in France, which guarantees the official recognition of training.
• The Rookies and Animation Career Review, which rank the best animation schools. For example, ESMA is once again certified by The Rookies this year.
• Autodesk Certifications (Maya, 3ds Max), valued by animation studios.
• Unity Certified and Unreal Engine Certification, for training courses oriented towards video games and real time.

6) International labels and accreditations

Some 3D animation schools obtain prestigious labels, as is the case with ESMA:

• Awards at conferences and festivals, such as SIGGRAPH, recognise the talent of graduation projects and therefore that of the courses.
• The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) in the United States.
• International rankings, which help to identify the most reputable schools.

Impact on employment

7) Certification, a passport to the labour market?

A certified school obviously facilitates access to employment, because it allows you to:

• Stand out to recruiters who favour recognised training.
• Guarantee a mastery of software and techniques in line with the industry.
• Access professional networks through school partnerships.

However, it should not be forgotten that the demo reel and portfolio are essential and are the key to a job in a studio: getting a place in a good school is only the first step; of course, you will have to work during your years of study!

Discover some tips to help you build your portfolio to find a job in 3D animation: How do you create an attractive portfolio for a job as a 3D animator?

8) A guarantee of competence and adaptability

The studios are looking for professionals capable of adapting to technological developments. A certified training ensures that:

• The students are trained on the latest software and workflows.
• They have solid creative and technical skills.
• They have concrete experience through projects and internships in companies.

9) The role of alumni and the professional network

The best schools have a network of alumni who are active in the industry, offering:

• Opportunities for mentoring and the exchange of experience.
• Access to exclusive job offers via professional networks.
• Rapid recognition by renowned studios.

Moreover, we often see alumni on the school boards who have been hired by the studios but who return with their experience of the working world to judge new student productions and recruit students. Discover the ESMA alumni network.

Conclusion

Choosing a certified training course in 3D animation is a crucial investment for success in this field. Official recognition, professional software certifications and partnerships with companies are essential criteria for ensuring that a training course is of high quality.

A recognised certification facilitates professional integration, guarantees education in line with market standards and gives students access to solid career opportunities.