Domain: Arts
What the Arts Domain Covers
Arts is the broadest domain in the DEX system. It covers creative, cultural, and cross-sector work. This includes fields like visual arts, performing arts, media, design, publishing, and entertainment.
Arts also works as the general category. It is a good fit for people who work across more than one field. It suits people who have not yet picked a specific industry.
Who This Domain Is For
The Arts domain is for a wide range of people. This includes:
- People working in creative or cultural fields.
- Freelancers and independent workers in the arts.
- People whose work spans more than one sector.
- Career changers who have not yet chosen a specific domain.
- People entering or returning to the workforce who want a broad credential.
Arts is the most portable domain in the DEX system. It does not lock a person into one industry.
What the Arts Sector Looks Like
The arts sector includes many types of work settings. Some people work in large organizations like museums, theatres, or media companies. Others work in small studios, freelance networks, or project-based teams.
Work patterns vary. Some roles are full-time. Others are contract, seasonal, or gig-based. Revenue comes from many sources: ticket sales, grants, donations, media, licensing, and services.
The creative economy connects with many other sectors. It touches technology, education, tourism, social services, and city planning.
The 13 Bands in Arts
DEX offers 13 bands across four certification levels. Each band describes a scope of work. All 13 are available in the Arts domain.
DEX-A has one band:
- Associate Arts -- Ready to start work and contribute under guidance.
DEX-P has four bands:
- Specialist Arts -- Works on their own within a defined area.
- Practitioner Arts -- A go-to person in their field. Handles complex work.
- Lead Expert Arts -- Shapes how work is done. Guides teams without managing people.
- Strategist Arts -- Thinks in systems. Shapes strategy. Top of the non-management track.
DEX-M has four bands:
- Team Leader Arts -- Leads a single team.
- Group Manager Arts -- Leads multiple teams or a department.
- Area Director Arts -- Manages managers across functions.
- Division Head Arts -- Leads at corporate-wide scope. Top of the management track.
DEX-PF has four bands:
- Regional Arts -- Executive leadership at a city or regional level.
- National Arts -- Leads across an entire country.
- Cross-Border Arts -- Leads across more than one country.
- Global Arts -- Leads worldwide operations. The highest band in the system.
A person does not need to start at the bottom. They may attempt the band that matches their current readiness.
What Certification in Arts Means
A DEX credential in Arts tells employers what a person has been assessed as ready to do. It describes a scope of work, not a body of knowledge.
The credential is portable. It does not expire when a person changes jobs, moves to a new city, or shifts into a different part of the sector. It stays valid for 24 months from the date the person passes.
Every DEX-certified holder appears in a public registry. Any employer can look up a holder by name. They can see the holder's level, band, domain, and current status. No login is needed. No fee is charged.
How the Assessment Works
Each assessment has 90 questions. The time limit is 90 minutes. Assessments are online and proctored.
Results are given right away. If a person does not pass, they may retake the assessment. Retakes are charged at 50% of the standard assessment fee.
Pricing
All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Assessment fees (without membership / with membership):
- DEX-A: $299 / $199
- DEX-P: $399 / $299
- DEX-M: $499 / $399
- DEX-PF: $599 / $499
Members save $100 at every level.
Bundles (assessment + one year membership + study guide):
- DEX-A Bundle: $288
- DEX-P Bundle: $388
- DEX-M Bundle: $488
- DEX-PF Bundle: $588
Retake fees (with membership / without membership):
- DEX-A: $100 / $150
- DEX-P: $150 / $200
- DEX-M: $200 / $250
- DEX-PF: $250 / $300
Membership: $89 per year. Members receive a study guide at no extra cost and member pricing on assessments.
Study guide (without membership): $49.
Why Arts Is a Good Starting Point
Arts is the only domain built to be fully general at the entry level. The Associate Arts credential works well for people who want a broad signal. It does not tie them to one industry.
At higher bands, Arts serves people whose work crosses many sectors. It is the right fit for generalists, multi-sector professionals, and creative leaders.
Next Steps
To explore Arts certification products, visit the DEX Arts collection page.
Certification and membership are separate. A person can certify without being a member. A member who has not passed an assessment is not a certified holder.