Education
Online professional offered by DSF

Our mission is to grow our industry through professional development. The DSF offers access to two types of industry credentials: Micro-Credentials and Certification. Micro-credential courses may be used for Certification continuing education requirements.
DSF Online Education Micro-credentials

The flagship DSF Online Education micro-credentials are a set of stacking credentials for individuals which are earned through taking short online courses and completing a short assessment.
Each member company receives one individual license for the program which offers all of the available courses below. After course completion the participant receives a certificate and a digital badge to use on their materials, signatures or social media.
- All
- Digital Signage 101
- Hardware
- Software and Content
Licensed Content Feeds
Licensed content is used as an effective content element in much of what we call digital signage. This course will teach learners the definitions of licensed content feeds, how they can most effectively be used, and some of the comparisons to other type of content feeds.
Choosing a Display
In this course, students will learn the basics of choosing correct displays for a digital signage project. Concepts include display types, display size, resolution and brightness, and other functionality. The course will also describe the differences between commercial and consumer grade displays and the benefits that come with commercial grade products.
Choosing a Partner
Digital signage projects and networks are developed and maintained using a variety of components. All of these components are created or provided by other companies specializing in each component. Having the right partners to help support the project is critical. In this course, participants will be taught the basics of choosing partners for their digital…
Designing Content
Clients aren’t buying Digital Signage technology because they like spending money. Digital Signage is a communication investment to meet a goal, and content delivers on that goal. Digital signage content creating is an ongoing business process. Content should be relevant to the user and direct them to some sort of action. The creation process behind…
Selecting the Right CMS
Content Management or Software is an essential piece of a digital signage network. It connects your messages and media with individual screens or groups of screens and ensures the right message plays at the right time. Choosing the right provider will help ensure the content can be updated efficiently and that your screen is always…
Software Features
Digital signage software platforms should all do core basic functions. Digital signage networks are not one size-fits-all all, and neither is digital signage software. The level of software functionality, price, support, and operations needs by the customer may differ. This course teaches the user about software features and elements of the decision process to help…
Content Management
The objective of this course is to learn the basics of content management for digital signage. While systems, software, and content format may be different, this course will teach individuals about the components and workflows common to any content management scheme for digital sigange.
Cloud vs. Premise-Based Software
This course is designed to help the learner become familiar with deciding the benefits and proper applications for both cloud and premise based digital signage management software.
Fundamentals of Planning
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This adage is particularly true in context to digital signage. This course helps the user better articulate the reasoning behind their project. It also helps frame the much needed commitment by signage operators in relation to goal and objective setting, content planning, sourcing and funding. Cheat…
Media Players
Media players are an important component of most digital signage systems. This course provides an overview of media player features and functionality. Users will understand how to determine media player requirements, including connectivity, form factor, and processing power.
Dynamic Content
In this course, learn more about how you can implement dynamic content into your digital signage displays that updates automatically. As it is a broad topic, without one definitive way to execute, this course will introduce you to the concept, explain use cases for different verticals, and give you some things to think about when…
Mounting Basics
All digital signage requires some type of mount or enclosure. In this course users will learn a broad range of basic mounting concepts and some technical knowledge in the areas of types of wall mounts, wall structures, the installation process, and safety. The course concludes with information about where to position displays based on viewing…
DSF Foundations- History
Digital signage has evolved over the years and started decades back from bulky CRT screens and VCR tapes into the flat panels and connected players we use today. Join us as we take a brief journey from then until now.
DSF Foundations – Content
In this portion of the Foundations Course you will learn general guidelines to create engaging content. We will touch on the basics of strategy, planning and design to help you deploy effective digital signage.
DSF Foundations – Hardware
When designing an experience for your customers it is important to take into consideration, what is the right hardware for my customer? In this course you will learn more about all of the aspects that go into the decision of selecting the right type, orientation and size of the display, which content streaming device is…
DSF Foundations – Planning
This section of the Foundations Course is focused on the strategic basics of setting up your network for success. We cover how it can be used within different verticals, how to align your network’s needs and goals to a business outcome, identifying and sourcing the resources to help you make it happen and the basics…
DSF Foundations – Software
In this part of the Foundations Course learners will be taught about the components that make up a digital signage content management system (CMS). This includes determining and planning for software features, selection requirements and ideas for selecting a CMS, how content is managed, and add on features for measuring success. The course will also…
Using Video to Enhance Digital Signage
Digital signage provides the opportunity to display various forms of digital content. Video content is a highly effective way to capture attention and engage an audience. In this micro credential education program we will explore how video can be used strategically, the content production process and best practices for the digital signage medium.
Touch Technology Solutions
This course is designed to teach the historical highlights of touch technology development, understand the different types of touch technology solutions available, understand HID and TAA compliance, and overview interactive video wall solutions.
How to Create an RFP- Part 1
COMING SOON
How to Create an RFP- Part 2
COMING SOON BY FEBRUARY 2020
Basics of Installation
This course provides an overview of the steps that make up the entire digital signage installation process along with recommendations for pre-installation decision making and site surveys.
Screen Maintenance
This course is an overview of cleaning and protecting varioius screen types in various environments. The course teaches about proper use of cleaning techniques, supplies, and scheduling.
Wayfinding
The main objectives of this course are to learn the best practices to build successful wayfinding solutions, the components that associate with the solution, the indoor positioning capabilities, mobile options, and how to manage the system.
Direct View LED
In this course the instrutor explains the basics of Direct View LED technology, how it can be used, the forms it comes in, applications, limitations, and future technology considerations.
Designing Interactive Experiences
Coming Soon
Featured Course “Using Video to Enhance Digital Signage”
Digital signage provides the opportunity to display various forms of digital content. Video content is a highly effective way to capture attention and engage an audience. In this micro credential education program we will explore how video can be used strategically, the content production process and best practices for the digital signage medium.
Experience Design
Experience is the today’s buzzword du jour, but how does the art and science of CX fit into DOOH? This course breaks down what it is, how it’s tied to non-conscience human triggers and how to weave it into your digital planning. Further, it provides simple tools and checklists to ensure that your program is…
Video Wall Applications
This course is designed to provide an overview of video wall applications using flat panel displays. It reviews software and hardware options and design considerations for video walls.
Choosing a Display
In this course, students will learn the basics of choosing correct displays for a digital signage project. Concepts include display types, display size, resolution and brightness, and other functionality. The course will also describe the differences between commercial and consumer grade displays and the benefits that come with commercial grade products.
Basics of Installation
This course provides an overview of the steps that make up the entire digital signage installation process along with recommendations for pre-installation decision making and site surveys.
ADA Compliance for Digital Signage
Understanding ADA compliance issues is important for design, installation, and management of digital signage displays and networks. This course teaches the basics of compliance to federal ADA laws in the USA and best practices for designing signage that will accommodate those with disabilities.