California Graphic Designer Certification Exam (GDC Exam) (Latest Update 2025 / 2026) Questions & Answers with Rationales| 100% Correct | Grade

California Graphic Designer Certification Exam (GDC
Exam) (Latest Update ) Questions &
Answers with Rationales| 100% Correct | Grade

1. Which of the following color combinations is considered complementary?

 A) Red and Green ✅
 B) Blue and Purple
 C) Yellow and Orange
 D) Blue and Cyan
Answer: A
Rationale: Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color
wheel and create high contrast.



2. In typography, which term describes the vertical space between lines of text?

 A) Kerning
 B) Leading ✅
 C) Tracking
 D) Baseline
Answer: B
Rationale: Leading controls readability and spacing between text lines.



3. Which design principle helps to create visual hierarchy in a layout?

 A) Balance
 B) Contrast ✅
 C) Texture
 D) Harmony
Answer: B
Rationale: Contrast guides the viewer’s eye to the most important elements.

,4. When preparing files for print, which color mode is recommended?

 A) RGB
 B) CMYK ✅
 C) HSB
 D) LAB
Answer: B
Rationale: CMYK is used for print production to match ink colors
accurately.



5. A logo needs to be scalable without losing quality. Which file format is most
appropriate?

 A) JPEG
 B) PNG
 C) SVG ✅
 D) GIF
Answer: C
Rationale: Vector formats like SVG retain quality at any size.



6. Which software is primarily used for vector graphics creation?

 A) Adobe Photoshop
 B) Adobe Illustrator ✅
 C) Adobe InDesign
 D) Adobe Lightroom
Answer: B
Rationale: Illustrator is specialized for vector-based artwork.



7. What does the principle of alignment ensure in design?

 A) Consistent color
 B) Visual connection among elements ✅
 C) Increased contrast

,  D) Better image quality
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper alignment creates order and cohesion in layouts.



8. In UX design, which element improves navigation for users?

 A) Call-to-action buttons ✅
 B) Raster images
 C) Text effects
 D) Stock photography
Answer: A
Rationale: Clear call-to-action buttons guide users through digital
interfaces.



9. What is the main purpose of a style guide in branding?

 A) To create print files
 B) To maintain consistent visual identity ✅
 C) To manage project timelines
 D) To code websites
Answer: B
Rationale: A style guide ensures consistent fonts, colors, and logos across
all media.



10. Which design principle is primarily concerned with equal visual weight across
a composition?

 A) Contrast
 B) Balance ✅
 C) Emphasis
 D) Repetition
Answer: B
Rationale: Balance prevents a design from feeling lopsided or chaotic.

, 11. What is the purpose of kerning in typography?

 A) Adjust space between lines
 B) Adjust space between individual characters ✅
 C) Adjust font size
 D) Adjust paragraph alignment
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper kerning improves readability and aesthetics.



12. Which file format supports transparency for digital graphics?

 A) JPEG
 B) PNG ✅
 C) BMP
 D) TIFF
Answer: B
Rationale: PNG files preserve transparent backgrounds for web and digital
use.



13. Which principle of design focuses on repeating visual elements?

 A) Contrast
 B) Repetition ✅
 C) Alignment
 D) Proximity
Answer: B
Rationale: Repetition strengthens branding and creates visual unity.



14. What is the main advantage of using vector graphics over raster graphics?

 A) Higher color fidelity
 B) Scalability without losing quality ✅
 C) Better for photographs