Overview:

The Certificate in Adobe Photoshop (CAP) is a 6-month professional training course offered by the National Council of Training Academy (NCTA). This programme is designed to equip learners with digital image editing, retouching, and graphic design skills using Adobe Photoshop. It is ideal for beginners, students, job seekers, aspiring graphic designers, photographers, digital artists, and creative professionals who want to master photo editing and creative design for both print and digital media.

The course provides a balanced blend of theory and hands-on training, covering everything from basic photo correction and retouching to advanced compositing, digital painting, and professional design projects. Learners will gain expertise in image editing, layout design, digital artwork creation, and preparing files for print and web publishing.

Course Curriculum:

The CAP course emphasises practical learning and creative skills, preparing learners for careers in graphic design, photography, advertising, and digital media industries.
The curriculum includes:

1. Introduction to Photoshop
   1. Overview of Graphic Design & Image Editing
   2. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Interface
   3. Understanding Workspace, Tools & Panels
       
2. Image Editing & Correction
   1. Opening, Saving & Managing Files
   2. Cropping, Resizing & Adjusting Images
   3. Colour Modes & Image Resolution
   4. Brightness, Contrast & Colour Adjustments
   5. Retouching & Repair Tools (Clone, Healing, Patch)
       
3. Selections & Layers
   1. Selection Tools (Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand)
   2. Layer Basics, Layer Styles & Blending Modes
   3. Adjustment Layers & Masks
   4. Smart Objects & Non-Destructive Editing
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4. Text & Typography
   1. Adding & Formatting Text
   2. Working with Fonts, Styles & Effects
   3. Creating Text Effects & Word Art
   4. Typography for Print & Web
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5. Brushes, Filters & Effects
   1. Using Brushes, Patterns & Gradients
   2. Applying Filters & Creative Effects
   3. Photo Manipulation Techniques
   4. Creating Special Effects & Digital Art
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6. Advanced Features
   1. Pen Tool & Paths
   2. Vector Shapes & Custom Graphics
   3. Working with Channels & Histograms
   4. Advanced Compositing & Blending
   5. Preparing Images for Print & Web
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7. Practical Sessions & Projects
   1. Photo Retouching & Colour Correction Projects
   2. Designing Posters & Flyers
   3. Creating Social Media Graphics & Banners
   4. Digital Painting & Creative Artwork
   5. Final Portfolio Project (Professional Design Showcase)
       

Learning Outcomes:

After completing the CAP course, learners will be able to:

1. Edit, retouch, and enhance photographs professionally.
2. Use layers, masks, and advanced tools for creative compositions.
3. Design posters, flyers, banners, and digital media content.
4. Apply text and typography effectively in designs.
5. Create original digital artwork and special effects.
6. Prepare images and layouts for print and web publishing.
    

Career Opportunities:

Successful graduates can pursue roles such as:

1. Graphic Designer (Print & Digital Media)
2. Photo Editor / Retoucher
3. Visual Content Creator
4. Digital Artist / Illustrator
5. Advertising & Marketing Designer
6. Freelance Photoshop Specialist
    

Salary Expectations:

Entry-level salaries for Photoshop professionals typically range from ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 per month, depending on the role, organisation, and location. Freelancers and creative specialists can earn more based on projects, client base, and niche expertise. With experience and advanced skills in other tools (like Illustrator, InDesign, CorelDraw, Premiere Pro), professionals can achieve higher salaries and significant career growth.