Upgrading 'Experience Design Capability' for the AI Era — Applications Open for the 14th UX Certification (Basic) 2.0

The UX Intelligence Association (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Naoki Endo; hereinafter “UXIA”) announces the 14th administration of the UX Certification (Basic), a qualification exam designed to systematically teach the essential skills and mindset for improving user experience (UX). The exam date has been set for Saturday, November 14, 2026, and applications will be accepted starting Monday, July 13, 2026. Registration will be open until Tuesday, October 27, 2026, via the dedicated page on the Nikkei Business School website.

Application Page (Redirects to dedicated page on Nikkei Business School website)

https://school.nikkei.co.jp/special/ux_certification/

Introducing the Newly Updated 'UX Certification (Basic) 2.0'

Following the 'post-digital era,' where digital technology has deeply penetrated the real world, the widespread adoption of generative AI now enables anyone to produce outputs at a certain quality level in large volumes. However, precisely because of this, simply adopting AI no longer provides differentiation. The human ability to design 'for whom' and 'what kind of experience (UX)' will be the key differentiator for future businesses.

Additionally, in recent business practices, the demand for 'ethical design'—considering regulatory trends—and the importance of motivation and sustained engagement through 'gamification' have rapidly increased.

To respond swiftly to these rapid changes, the 'UX Certification (Basic)' has been newly updated to 'UX Certification (Basic) 2.0,' incorporating three new perspectives: the future of UX in light of generative AI, ethical design, and gamification.

This certification is not only for UX specialists. In an age where AI is ubiquitous, organizations where all members collectively understand 'better UX' are better positioned to build long-term relationships with customers. As everyone can now 'create,' we encourage business professionals to take this first step toward systematically learning how to determine 'what should be created.' Furthermore, since the exam content has been refreshed to reflect the latest business environment, we strongly recommend re-taking the exam for those who have previously taken or passed it, as a means of skill renewal.

Overview of the 14th UX Certification (Basic) .0

The UX Certification (Basic) is an exam that verifies foundational knowledge for understanding the basic concepts and practical methods of UX and HCD (Human-Centered Design), and for applying them in work.

It is taken by professionals across a wide range of industries and roles, including those in marketing and IT-related fields.

Official Name: 14th UX Certification (Basic) 2.0 (HCD ExamⓇ Certified)

Target Audience: General business professionals (no eligibility restrictions)

Exam Schedule: Simultaneous start at 13:00 on Saturday, November 14, 2026

Application Period: Monday, July 13, 2026 – Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Application Method: Apply via the dedicated page on the Nikkei Business School website

Exam Duration: 100 minutes

Exam Fee: ¥9,900 (excluding tax), ¥10,890 (including tax)

Format: Knowledge-based questions (single-choice), conducted online (remote from home)

Scope: Questions based on the syllabus (refer to the official website)

Organizer: UX Intelligence Association

Certification: HCD Foundation Exam (HCD ExamⓇ)

Collaborator: Nikkei Business School (https://school.nikkei.co.jp/)

Official Website: https://www.uxia.or.jp/certification/

About the Association

UXIA was established in May 2021 with the mission of promoting and advancing 'UX Intelligence'—a foundational capability for DX talent in the new era—so that society becomes filled with better user experiences and users can freely choose among them. Its members are primarily companies driving DX in Japan, with 40 corporate members as of June 2026. To enable more concrete discussion and research on UX, UXIA has established four subcommittees: 'UX Organization Development Subcommittee,' 'Advanced Case Study Subcommittee,' 'Certification and Training Development Subcommittee,' and 'Generative AI and UX Practical Research Group,' with active participation from member companies.

Official Name: UX Intelligence Association

(UX Intelligence Association, abbreviated as UXIA)

Headquarters: Shin-Ōtemachi Building, 10F, 2-2-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: President Naoki Endo (CEO, BitStar Inc.)

Founded: May 19, 2021

Business Activities:

- Promoting and popularizing UX Intelligence among organizations and individuals, domestically and internationally

- Discovering and sharing high-quality UX case studies (through networking events, awards, etc.)

- Standardizing UX Intelligence (establishing certification systems, administering exams, etc.)

- Creating learning environments to help practitioners acquire practical UX knowledge

Official Website: https://www.uxia.or.jp/