Visual Merchandising Certification
Why you should study with us
Visual Merchandising Certification
Visual merchandising is one of a retailer's most valuable assets. When done well, it can drive sales, inspire loyalty in customers, improve the buying experience and communicate a brand's core values and ideals.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of visual merchandising. Although the content focuses primarily on visual merchandising within a traditional retail environment, much of the material is also relevant in other art and design-based contexts, such as exhibition design, interior design, ecommerce-related web design, and event planning.
This course addresses numerous practical aspects of visual merchandising, including the proper use of planograms, brand communication, the launching of sales campaigns, and arranging seasonal displays.
You will learn exactly what drives a customer to make a purchase, and how to harness the shopper's senses in such a way that they feel inclined to buy a product.
Whether you are a small business owner wanting to learn how to show your products to their best advantage, an individual looking to break into the retail industry, or simply someone with a passion for the visual arts, you will soon develop a working knowledge of all key areas of visual merchandising.
The knowledge you gain during this course will prepare you to enter this challenging yet rewarding and highly creative profession.
What You Will Learn
- What visual merchandising is, why visual merchandising plays a vital role in the retail industry, and the ways in which visual merchandising practices have changed over time.
- The various kinds of internal and external displays a visual merchandiser will create, the principles underlying good display design, and how planograms are used to guide visual merchandisers in their day-to-day work.
- How visual merchandisers choose, dress and style mannequins when designing displays.
- The most common types of fixtures and fittings used by visual merchandisers and how they are used to construct eye-catching displays.
- Why a visual merchandiser needs to understand the principles behind an effective store layout and how these layouts are put together.
- How visual merchandisers display home furnishings and related products in a way that promotes sales and improves customer engagement.
- The challenges that come with displaying shoes and accessories, together with an overview of the most common techniques used to present items in these categories.
- How visual merchandisers can play a key role in ensuring the success of sales and promotions.
- The most pressing issues confronting retailers today and how they are shaping visual merchandising roles.
- How to begin and develop a career in visual merchandising, together with an overview of alternative career paths for those with previous experience in retail merchandising.
Benefits of taking this course
- You will gain an insight into the necessary qualities and qualifications needed for a career in visual merchandising, which will help you make informed choices when seeking training and employment in this sector.
- You will be in a position to put together effective, attractive displays that incorporate both merchandise and props.
- You will be able to apply for entry-level assistant merchandising roles, confident that you have knowledge of the underlying principles of contemporary retail displays.
- You will be able to begin a career that could give you the opportunity to manage a visual merchandising team, and to assume considerable creative responsibility within a retail environment.
- You can learn the material in any place, at any time, and at your own speed.
- All you need is an internet-enabled device.
- Content is presented as brief modules, making learning easy.
- Affordable cost.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- What is meant by the term ‘visual merchandising’
- The key aims of visual merchandising as a retail practice
- The history of visual merchandising
- Why visual merchandising is important and effective in selling products
- Why key design principles are the foundation of every successful display
- The most common types of display used in retail environments
- How to use lighting, to make merchandise more appealing to the customer
- How color can be employed, to display products to good effect
- The advantages of using mannequins, to display clothing and accessories
- How to care for and store mannequins
- How to dress a mannequin
- The various forms available that can replace or supplement mannequins
- What is meant by the term ‘fixture’, in the context of the retail industry;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- How to use platforms and elevations, to show off store merchandise;
- What is meant by the term ‘store planning
- How the role of a store planner differs from that of a visual merchandiser
- Why visual merchandisers should take the time to become familiar with the purposes of store planning, and how it is carried out in practice
- The key purposes and aims of store design
- The types of merchandise that fall under the category of home accessories (also known as ‘home fashions’;
- The importance of setting the scene and using lifestyle themes, when displaying homeware and home accessories;
- How to display small and fragile goos in a safe, aesthetically pleasing manner;
- How to use mannequins in the promotion of homeware;
- Why the presentation of shoes, jewelry and fashion accessories is just as important as that of clothes;
- The most common props used by visual merchandisers, in order to display items in these categories;
- How to present shoes, in order to frm an attractive display;
- How to display jewelry in a way that catches the eye of the customer;
- How visual merchandising plays an essential role in the performance of a sales campaign;
- How to use signs, to promote a sale, and the most effective words and phrases to use, in encouraging sales;
- How to use symbolism, to communicate price reductions;
- How to use mannequins and other props, to raw attention to a sale;
- Why retail does not stand still, and how retailers can stay abreast of the latest trends;
- The rise of online shopping and its implications for visual merchandising;
- Why omnichannel retailing is growing in popularity and the implications of this trend, for those working in visual merchandising;
- The role of pop-up shops in contemporary retail and how a visual merchandiser can put together effective displays, in these environments;
- Why you need to take a proactive approach, in order to advance within the retail industry;
- What you need to consider, before studyig a formal qualification, and how to choose the right course for you;
- The options available to you with regards to working hours and environments;
- How to keep up with changing trends in the retail industry;
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Visual Merchandising Certification
on 21st November 2026
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 12 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
I completed the international massage diploma months ago and love to keep revisiting modules. I learn something new each and every time because there’s such a wealth of information presented in a beautifully user-friendly way with excellent videos to accompany each massage technique.
I’m already a working massage therapist, who enjoys attending short courses to up-skill and be able to provide my clients with more value. And ‘The New Skills Academy’ massage course is simply one of the best investments I’ve made in my ongoing professional development.
I’m now a whizz at facial massage (something they didn’t teach at massage school) and Lomi-Lomi too! Highly recommended!
Bee Scott
Great teaching layout for each module. Clear and easy to follow studying method.
I found this way of learning perfect for me, as I could study at my own pace in the comfort of my home. Being dyslexic, I enjoyed studying the modules in my own time. Support always on hand if needed, plus a bonus of being able to print off each module to add my own notes.
Easy to use layout of the course, allowed myself to swiftly go through each module, with a small test at the end of each module before moving on, making sure the knowledge had sunk in! With a final Test at the end to complete the Diploma. I would recommend this site to others, looking to add to their skill set.
Gemma Russell
A clear and concise course that allowed me to go at my own pace, with no time limit. A great way to learn and study from home so that you can fit it around your daily lifestyle.
With demonstration videos and help always on hand, the course is easy to follow and understand. The course taught me a variety of techniques and methods to apply Make-Up and has also given me the advice and guidance I needed to go forward with a career.
The end test is challenging so it is important to study and revise all modules in order to pass.
Summer Wearn
The course was really easy to access, very clear and easy to read.
Packed with information about so many different topics and situations you may be in as a PA. Helped lots of Microsoft too which I didn’t know about. Very glad I did this course as I have learnt a lot of new things that I didn’t even know you could do online.
I will be looking in to starting new courses with New Skills Academy as it really was so well presented, great support if you needed it and can access it anywhere and continue at any time, thank you.
Jessie Dillon
I really enjoyed the course. I found it very informative and straightforward.
It provided me with all facts and details about payroll, how to run it smoothly and how to communicate with HMRC. I like the format of the written information, it selects vital facts to remember and highlights the most important information that should be learnt.
Even with all the reading required, it kept me interested during whole course. The exam covers everything that should be learnt during the course and the diploma looks professional. I have learnt a lot. Thank you! I will return for some more courses.
Agata Kwiatkowksa
I ordered the wedding planner course as I am off work and wanted to make use of my time. This course is extremely well set out and easy to follow. The course is broken down into easy to manage modules covering absolutely everything you need to know about being a wedding planner. You can complete these modules at your own pace and you get the chance to review the modules you have completed at any time you wish. The modules take you through the step by step process of planning a wedding including all the pit falls. I am enjoying this course and would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of going into this area of work. The course gives you some very handy tips on things that you may well not have thought about. So what are you waiting for, sign up for an excellent course at a more than reasonable price.
Joanne Wigmore
Visual Merchandising Certification
Visual merchandising is one of a retailer's most valuable assets. When done well, it can drive sales, inspire loyalty in customers, improve the buying experience and communicate a brand's core values and ideals.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of visual merchandising. Although the content focuses primarily on visual merchandising within a traditional retail environment, much of the material is also relevant in other art and design-based contexts, such as exhibition design, interior design, ecommerce-related web design, and event planning.
This course addresses numerous practical aspects of visual merchandising, including the proper use of planograms, brand communication, the launching of sales campaigns, and arranging seasonal displays.
You will learn exactly what drives a customer to make a purchase, and how to harness the shopper's senses in such a way that they feel inclined to buy a product.
Whether you are a small business owner wanting to learn how to show your products to their best advantage, an individual looking to break into the retail industry, or simply someone with a passion for the visual arts, you will soon develop a working knowledge of all key areas of visual merchandising.
The knowledge you gain during this course will prepare you to enter this challenging yet rewarding and highly creative profession.
What You Will Learn
- What visual merchandising is, why visual merchandising plays a vital role in the retail industry, and the ways in which visual merchandising practices have changed over time.
- The various kinds of internal and external displays a visual merchandiser will create, the principles underlying good display design, and how planograms are used to guide visual merchandisers in their day-to-day work.
- How visual merchandisers choose, dress and style mannequins when designing displays.
- The most common types of fixtures and fittings used by visual merchandisers and how they are used to construct eye-catching displays.
- Why a visual merchandiser needs to understand the principles behind an effective store layout and how these layouts are put together.
- How visual merchandisers display home furnishings and related products in a way that promotes sales and improves customer engagement.
- The challenges that come with displaying shoes and accessories, together with an overview of the most common techniques used to present items in these categories.
- How visual merchandisers can play a key role in ensuring the success of sales and promotions.
- The most pressing issues confronting retailers today and how they are shaping visual merchandising roles.
- How to begin and develop a career in visual merchandising, together with an overview of alternative career paths for those with previous experience in retail merchandising.
Benefits of taking this course
- You will gain an insight into the necessary qualities and qualifications needed for a career in visual merchandising, which will help you make informed choices when seeking training and employment in this sector.
- You will be in a position to put together effective, attractive displays that incorporate both merchandise and props.
- You will be able to apply for entry-level assistant merchandising roles, confident that you have knowledge of the underlying principles of contemporary retail displays.
- You will be able to begin a career that could give you the opportunity to manage a visual merchandising team, and to assume considerable creative responsibility within a retail environment.
- You can learn the material in any place, at any time, and at your own speed.
- All you need is an internet-enabled device.
- Content is presented as brief modules, making learning easy.
- Affordable cost.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- What is meant by the term ‘visual merchandising’
- The key aims of visual merchandising as a retail practice
- The history of visual merchandising
- Why visual merchandising is important and effective in selling products
- Why key design principles are the foundation of every successful display
- The most common types of display used in retail environments
- How to use lighting, to make merchandise more appealing to the customer
- How color can be employed, to display products to good effect
- The advantages of using mannequins, to display clothing and accessories
- How to care for and store mannequins
- How to dress a mannequin
- The various forms available that can replace or supplement mannequins
- What is meant by the term ‘fixture’, in the context of the retail industry;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- How to use platforms and elevations, to show off store merchandise;
- What is meant by the term ‘store planning
- How the role of a store planner differs from that of a visual merchandiser
- Why visual merchandisers should take the time to become familiar with the purposes of store planning, and how it is carried out in practice
- The key purposes and aims of store design
- The types of merchandise that fall under the category of home accessories (also known as ‘home fashions’;
- The importance of setting the scene and using lifestyle themes, when displaying homeware and home accessories;
- How to display small and fragile goos in a safe, aesthetically pleasing manner;
- How to use mannequins in the promotion of homeware;
- Why the presentation of shoes, jewelry and fashion accessories is just as important as that of clothes;
- The most common props used by visual merchandisers, in order to display items in these categories;
- How to present shoes, in order to frm an attractive display;
- How to display jewelry in a way that catches the eye of the customer;
- How visual merchandising plays an essential role in the performance of a sales campaign;
- How to use signs, to promote a sale, and the most effective words and phrases to use, in encouraging sales;
- How to use symbolism, to communicate price reductions;
- How to use mannequins and other props, to raw attention to a sale;
- Why retail does not stand still, and how retailers can stay abreast of the latest trends;
- The rise of online shopping and its implications for visual merchandising;
- Why omnichannel retailing is growing in popularity and the implications of this trend, for those working in visual merchandising;
- The role of pop-up shops in contemporary retail and how a visual merchandiser can put together effective displays, in these environments;
- Why you need to take a proactive approach, in order to advance within the retail industry;
- What you need to consider, before studyig a formal qualification, and how to choose the right course for you;
- The options available to you with regards to working hours and environments;
- How to keep up with changing trends in the retail industry;
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Visual Merchandising Certification
on 21st November 2026
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 12 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
I completed the international massage diploma months ago and love to keep revisiting modules. I learn something new each and every time because there’s such a wealth of information presented in a beautifully user-friendly way with excellent videos to accompany each massage technique.
I’m already a working massage therapist, who enjoys attending short courses to up-skill and be able to provide my clients with more value. And ‘The New Skills Academy’ massage course is simply one of the best investments I’ve made in my ongoing professional development.
I’m now a whizz at facial massage (something they didn’t teach at massage school) and Lomi-Lomi too! Highly recommended!
Bee Scott
Great teaching layout for each module. Clear and easy to follow studying method.
I found this way of learning perfect for me, as I could study at my own pace in the comfort of my home. Being dyslexic, I enjoyed studying the modules in my own time. Support always on hand if needed, plus a bonus of being able to print off each module to add my own notes.
Easy to use layout of the course, allowed myself to swiftly go through each module, with a small test at the end of each module before moving on, making sure the knowledge had sunk in! With a final Test at the end to complete the Diploma. I would recommend this site to others, looking to add to their skill set.
Gemma Russell
A clear and concise course that allowed me to go at my own pace, with no time limit. A great way to learn and study from home so that you can fit it around your daily lifestyle.
With demonstration videos and help always on hand, the course is easy to follow and understand. The course taught me a variety of techniques and methods to apply Make-Up and has also given me the advice and guidance I needed to go forward with a career.
The end test is challenging so it is important to study and revise all modules in order to pass.
Summer Wearn
The course was really easy to access, very clear and easy to read.
Packed with information about so many different topics and situations you may be in as a PA. Helped lots of Microsoft too which I didn’t know about. Very glad I did this course as I have learnt a lot of new things that I didn’t even know you could do online.
I will be looking in to starting new courses with New Skills Academy as it really was so well presented, great support if you needed it and can access it anywhere and continue at any time, thank you.
Jessie Dillon
I really enjoyed the course. I found it very informative and straightforward.
It provided me with all facts and details about payroll, how to run it smoothly and how to communicate with HMRC. I like the format of the written information, it selects vital facts to remember and highlights the most important information that should be learnt.
Even with all the reading required, it kept me interested during whole course. The exam covers everything that should be learnt during the course and the diploma looks professional. I have learnt a lot. Thank you! I will return for some more courses.
Agata Kwiatkowksa
I ordered the wedding planner course as I am off work and wanted to make use of my time. This course is extremely well set out and easy to follow. The course is broken down into easy to manage modules covering absolutely everything you need to know about being a wedding planner. You can complete these modules at your own pace and you get the chance to review the modules you have completed at any time you wish. The modules take you through the step by step process of planning a wedding including all the pit falls. I am enjoying this course and would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of going into this area of work. The course gives you some very handy tips on things that you may well not have thought about. So what are you waiting for, sign up for an excellent course at a more than reasonable price.
Joanne Wigmore
Why you should study with us
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Wow what an incredible insight for the start of anyone's journey in property. This course gives you so much information and there are tests and questions on each of the modules. The course is very easy to follow and well laid out. You can actually make notes on the pages of each module using the notes tab! I am very excited to say that I passed and I only spent one week on this course. I will print all the PDF information and keep it in a file with my certificate. I feel very confident for my future plans now I have completed this course.
Nichola Anderson
Yet another well laid out course. This is my 3rd course so far with New Skills Academy.
More than likely will be back for another one soon. This course was enjoyable to do, and I learnt a lot and passed first try. My certificate will be up on the wall soon.
Rob Coops
I found this course incredibly useful, as it provided me with practical knowledge which I can implement in my role as a Support Worker. The videos were clear and concise, and the downloadable worksheets reinforced what I had learned as I was able to put pen to paper. Overall, a fantastic course for a great price! I am looking forward to taking on my next one.
Teleisha Harley
I am a doctor. This course is well organized, covering all areas of CBT. The videos and practical tips are very helpful. All the modules are arranged with good explanations and examples. Also each module consists of quick test and assignment which enables you to gain knowledge. Finally I would like to thank the New Skills Academy team.
Dr. M. Arshad
Lovely course for people who want to know the basics and of sign language. It's has helped me to get more of an understanding and will greatly benefit me in my workplace. So easy to pick up and the videos were easy to understand. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Chloe Hambly
Omg im so excited, over joyed and all the good stuff that comes to mind! Wonderful experience doing lessons with New Skills Academy. I look foward to doing more courses with them. I hope this will encourage others to come on board and refresh your minds or to learn something new, it's a win win situation. I want to thank New Skills Academy so much for making this as simple as possible for me.
Shari Anderson
This is a great course for any level of knowledge. Very easy to navigate, great practical tasks and explanations are very clear. You can revise any module with no problem. The test wasn’t too hard if you completed every module. It may be handy to make some notes before you start. Overall I'm very happy with my choice. Thank you New skills for my New skills :)
Julia Bobkova
I took up this course initially to help me with my own dog, but found that as I worked through the material I actually started thinking that this could be something that I could use to make a second income. From start to finish I found the course engaging and interesting. I am now doing another dog related course and am experiencing the same level of enjoyment. I would recommend New Skills Academy without hesitation.
Keith Smith
