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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Adobe Photoshop certification practice test for CS6 skills

Quick, free Photoshop certification test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kylee Hartman-CaballeroUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a quiz on Adobe Photoshop certification practice test on a golden yellow background.

This Adobe Photoshop certification practice test helps you check your CS6 skills with layers, masks, selections, retouching, and color correction before the exam. See instant results and spot gaps, then try our photoshop quiz, take an illustrator certification practice test, or switch tools with an Adobe Premiere Pro quiz.

Which Photoshop tool selects pixels based on tone and color similarity?
Magic Wand Tool
Brush Tool
Lasso Tool
Marquee Tool
The Magic Wand tool selects contiguous areas of similar color by sampling the pixel value and expanding outwards based on tolerance. It's ideal for quickly selecting uniform backgrounds or objects. Other selection tools rely on manual tracing or shape constraints.
Which tool is used to paint brush strokes in Photoshop?
Pencil Tool
Eraser Tool
Brush Tool
Clone Stamp Tool
The Brush Tool allows freehand painting with various brush tips, sizes, and opacities. It's the primary tool for digital painting and retouching. The Pencil Tool creates hard-edged strokes, while the Eraser removes pixels.
Which tool would you use to trim away unwanted portions of an image?
Lasso Tool
Eyedropper Tool
Crop Tool
Marquee Tool
The Crop Tool lets you define a new canvas boundary by trimming away extra parts of the image. It can also straighten and rotate the image when cropping. Other tools make selections or sample colors but don't alter the canvas size.
What is the keyboard shortcut for undoing the last action in Photoshop on Windows?
Ctrl+Alt+Z
Ctrl+Shift+Z
Ctrl+Z
Ctrl+Y
On Windows, Ctrl+Z toggles between undo and redo of the last step. Photoshop's multiple undo history is accessed with Ctrl+Alt+Z. Ctrl+Y isn't used by default.
Which file format supports full transparency without background?
BMP
TIFF
JPEG
PNG
PNG supports 8-bit transparency, allowing lossless alpha-channel transparency. JPEG does not support transparency. TIFF can support layers and transparency but is less common for web use.
Which color mode should you choose for printing full-color documents?
Grayscale
RGB
Lab Color
CMYK
Printers mix cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks (CMYK). RGB is for screens, Lab is a device-independent model, and Grayscale is black-and-white only. Setting CMYK ensures accurate press colors.
What shortcut temporarily switches to the Zoom tool?
Alt+Spacebar
Ctrl+Z
Ctrl+=
Ctrl+Spacebar
Holding Ctrl+Spacebar switches temporarily to Zoom In and clicking magnifies the image. Releasing returns to the previous tool. Ctrl+= also zooms but isn't a temporary switch.
Which panel lists all layers in a document?
Channels Panel
Layers Panel
Paths Panel
History Panel
The Layers panel displays every layer, including adjustment layers and groups. You can rearrange, hide, lock, or blend from here. History shows undo states, Channels shows color channels, and Paths shows vector paths.
Which selection tool lets you draw freehand shapes?
Quick Selection Tool
Magic Wand Tool
Rectangular Marquee Tool
Lasso Tool
The Lasso Tool allows freehand drawing around elements for selection. Magic Wand selects by color, Quick Selection grows a selection based on brush strokes, and Marquee selects predefined shapes.
What is the shortcut to deselect the active selection?
Ctrl+R
Ctrl+D
Ctrl+A
Ctrl+X
Ctrl+D removes any active selection. Ctrl+A selects all, Ctrl+X cuts, and Ctrl+R toggles rulers. Deselecting is essential to avoid unintended edits.
Which adjustment layer allows you to control hue and saturation non-destructively?
Brightness/Contrast
Curves
Hue/Saturation
Levels
The Hue/Saturation adjustment layer modifies hue, saturation, and lightness without altering original pixels. Levels and Curves focus on tonal range, while Brightness/Contrast adjusts lightness and contrast only.
To apply an adjustment only to one layer without affecting others, which feature do you use?
Layer Mask
Adjustment Layer
Group
Clipping Mask
A Clipping Mask confines the effect of an adjustment to the layer directly below it. Layer masks control visibility on the same layer. Groups organize layers but don't restrict adjustments.
Which filter produces a smooth blur effect by averaging pixel values?
Sharpen
Smart Sharpen
Gaussian Blur
Unsharp Mask
Gaussian Blur applies a weighted average that softens hard edges and reduces detail. Sharpen filters increase contrast along edges. Unsharp Mask and Smart Sharpen are also edge-enhancement filters.
Which tool samples a color from an image for painting or adjustments?
Clone Stamp Tool
Eyedropper Tool
Gradient Tool
Paint Bucket Tool
The Eyedropper Tool lets you click any pixel to make it the foreground color, which is used by painting tools. Paint Bucket fills areas, Gradient creates blends, and Clone Stamp copies pixel data.
What does DPI stand for in image resolution?
Dynamic Pixel Interval
Data Per Information
Dots Per Inch
Depth Per Inch
Dots Per Inch measures how many individual ink dots a printer prints per inch. Higher DPI yields sharper print quality. On screen, PPI (Pixels Per Inch) is more common, but DPI is used in print settings.
Which layer lock option prevents paint operations on transparent areas?
Lock Image Pixels
Lock All
Lock Position
Lock Transparent Pixels
Lock Transparent Pixels ensures that you can only paint on existing opaque pixels, preserving transparency. Lock Image Pixels prevents any pixel edits, Lock Position locks movement, and Lock All disables all changes.
Which tool creates precise vector paths that can be converted into selections or shapes?
Lasso Tool
Magic Wand Tool
Brush Tool
Pen Tool
The Pen Tool draws anchor points and handles to create Bézier curves for precise paths. Paths can be stroked, filled, or turned into selections. Lasso and Magic Wand make pixel-based selections, and Brush paints.
What feature allows non-destructive transformations and filters on a layer?
Smart Object
Adjustment Layer
Layer Mask
Raster Layer
Converting a layer to a Smart Object preserves original pixel data when scaling or applying filters. You can edit Smart Filters and revert at any time. Raster layers lose data when transformed.
How do you apply a filter non-destructively to a layer?
Group layer then apply filter
Convert layer to Smart Object then apply filter
Flatten image then apply filter
Rasterize layer then apply filter
Smart Filters only work on Smart Objects, preserving original pixels and allowing edits. Rasterizing loses filter flexibility, grouping doesn't affect pixels, and flattening merges layers.
Which blending mode multiplies the base color by the blend color, resulting in darker tones?
Soft Light
Multiply
Screen
Overlay
Multiply mode multiplies pixel values, darkening the result and preserving shadows. Screen lightens by inverting and multiplying. Overlay and Soft Light combine Multiply and Screen effects.
Where is the Red Eye Tool located by default?
Beside the Text Tool
In the Eraser Tool group
With the Clone Stamp Tools
Under the Spot Healing Brush Tool
The Red Eye Tool is nested under the Spot Healing Brush in the toolbar. It samples surrounding pixels to correct red-eye artifacts. It isn't grouped with Eraser, Clone Stamp, or Text tools.
Which tool creates smooth color transitions between two or more colors?
Paint Bucket Tool
Blur Tool
Gradient Tool
Smudge Tool
The Gradient Tool paints blends between selected colors across a defined path. The Paint Bucket fills uniform areas, Blur softens edges, and Smudge smears existing pixels.
What is the primary advantage of using adjustment layers?
Flattening the document instantly
Merging multiple layers automatically
Non-destructive editing of image attributes
Converting layers to vector shapes
Adjustment layers apply color and tonal changes without altering original pixels, making edits reversible. They can be masked or clipped as needed. They do not merge or flatten layers.
Which format preserves all layers and adjustments for future editing?
GIF
JPEG
PNG
PSD
PSD is Photoshop's native format that retains layers, masks, channels, and adjustments. JPEG and PNG flatten the image, and GIF supports limited colors. TIFF can preserve layers but is less common.
What does the History panel allow you to do?
Create shape paths
Manage and reorder layers
Adjust color channels
Revert to previous editing states
The History panel lists editing steps, allowing you to jump back to earlier states. It does not manage layers, channels, or paths. It's essential for iterative, non-linear workflows.
Which shortcut duplicates a selected layer or selection to a new layer?
Ctrl+Shift+N
Ctrl+J
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+Alt+G
Ctrl+J creates a new layer from the selection or active layer, duplicating content. Ctrl+Shift+N opens the New Layer dialog, and Ctrl+Alt+G makes a clipping mask. Ctrl+C copies to clipboard only.
How do you change image resolution without altering total pixel count?
Use Image > Trim
Uncheck 'Resample' when adjusting resolution
Flatten the image first
Check 'Resample' when adjusting resolution
Unchecking Resample changes DPI and physical dimensions without adding or removing pixels. Checking Resample resizes pixel count. Trimming and flattening don't affect resolution settings.
Which type of mask uses grayscale pixels to control transparency?
Layer Mask
Channel Mask
Vector Mask
Clipping Mask
Layer Masks use black, white, and gray to hide or reveal parts of a layer. Vector Masks use paths, Clipping Masks constrain layers, and Channel Masks refer to saved selections.
Which adjustment layer lets you create precise tonal adjustments on a curve graph?
Levels
Curves
Brightness/Contrast
Exposure
Curves displays a histogram and allows point-by-point tonal adjustments across shadows, midtones, and highlights. Levels offers simple sliders. Brightness/Contrast and Exposure adjust overall lightness.
Which tool automatically detects and selects prominent objects?
Magic Wand Tool
Quick Mask Mode
Lasso Tool
Object Selection Tool
The Object Selection Tool uses AI to identify and select the main subject. Magic Wand and Lasso require manual input, and Quick Mask is a selection-edit mode.
What is the Vanishing Point filter primarily used for?
Creating HDR merges
Applying radial blur
Editing images in perspective planes
Adjusting color balance
Vanishing Point lets you define perspective grids to paste, clone, or paint in perspective. It's not for blurs, HDR, or color adjustments.
Which panel displays individual color channels and allows channel operations?
Adjustments Panel
Layers Panel
Channels Panel
Paths Panel
The Channels Panel lists each color channel and alpha channels, enabling targeted editing and masking. Layers manage layer stacking, Paths handle vector paths, and Adjustments houses adjustment layer icons.
Where do you access Lens Correction to fix distortion caused by camera lenses?
Filter > Lens Correction
Image > Auto Tone
Layer > Smart Filters
Edit > Transform
Lens Correction is found under the Filter menu and corrects barrel, pincushion distortion, and chromatic aberration. Image > Auto Tone is automatic exposure correction. Layer > Smart Filters applies filters non-destructively but doesn't open Lens Correction.
Which color profile is recommended for images intended for the web?
ProPhoto RGB
sRGB
Adobe RGB (1998)
CMYK
sRGB is the standard color space for monitors and the web, ensuring consistent display across devices. Adobe RGB and ProPhoto offer wider gamuts but aren't universally supported. CMYK is for print.
What must a layer be converted to before you can apply Smart Filters?
Artboard
Vector Mask
Adjustment Layer
Smart Object
Smart Filters apply only to Smart Objects, preserving original data and enabling filter adjustments. Artboards are document layouts, Vector Masks define shape masks, and Adjustment Layers alter tonality.
Which filter is best for correcting complex lens distortions such as fisheye effects?
Liquify
Vanishing Point
Adaptive Wide Angle
Gaussian Blur
Adaptive Wide Angle corrects fisheye and panoramic lens distortions by remapping pixels based on lens profiles. Liquify warps pixels manually, Gaussian Blur softens, and Vanishing Point works in perspective planes.
How do you create a custom brush from a pixel shape?
Layer > New Fill Layer
Image > Apply Image
Filter > Brush > Create
Edit > Define Brush Preset
Edit > Define Brush Preset converts selected pixels into a new brush tip that appears in the Brushes panel. There is no Filter > Brush > Create command. New Fill Layers add solid or gradient fills.
Which feature merges multiple exposures into a high dynamic range image?
Merge to HDR Pro
Auto-Blend Layers
Photomerge
HDR Toning
Merge to HDR Pro combines bracketed shots into a single HDR image with tone-mapping controls. Photomerge creates panoramas, Auto-Blend Layers blends focus or exposure but not full HDR, and HDR Toning applies an HDR-like effect to a single image.
Which layer style adds a repeating graphic over the contents of a layer?
Gradient Overlay
Pattern Overlay
Color Overlay
Bevel & Emboss
Pattern Overlay fills the layer's shape with a repeating pattern defined in the presets. Gradient Overlay applies a color gradient, Bevel & Emboss creates 3D edges, and Color Overlay fills with a solid color.
What does the Puppet Warp feature allow you to do?
Warp a layer using pinned control points
Convert raster to vector
Create perspective grids
Animate layers over time
Puppet Warp places pins on a layer so you can drag and distort parts while keeping other areas fixed. It's not for perspective grids, animation, or vector conversion.
How can you automate repetitive tasks like batch resizing or filter application?
Enable Auto-Resample
Use the History panel
Apply Image > Script
Record and play Actions
The Actions panel records sequences of steps you can replay manually or apply in batch. The History panel only tracks states in one session. Scripts require coding, and there's no Auto-Resample automation.
What is the quickest way to isolate and remove a complex background automatically?
Vanishing Point filter
Select Subject then refine mask
Color Range > Select Shadows
Magic Eraser Tool
Select Subject uses AI to detect foreground objects and create a selection you can mask. Magic Eraser works only on uniform backgrounds, Color Range targets color values, and Vanishing Point is for perspective edits.
Which adjustment converts a color image to black and white with control over individual color channels?
Gradient Map
Hue/Saturation layer set to 0% saturation
Desaturate command
Black & White adjustment layer
Black & White adjustment layer offers sliders for reds, yellows, greens, etc., to fine-tune grayscale conversions. Desaturate removes color evenly without channel control. Gradient Map maps tones to gradients, which differs from channel-based conversion.
How do you remove unwanted areas by sampling surrounding pixels intelligently?
Clone Stamp Tool
Layer Mask with brush
Filter > Blur > Surface Blur
Edit > Content-Aware Fill
Content-Aware Fill analyzes surrounding pixels and fills the selection seamlessly. Clone Stamp copies from a sampled point and requires manual alignment. Surface Blur is a filter, and masks hide but don't remove.
What advantage does working in 16-bit per channel mode provide?
Faster performance on all machines
Smaller file sizes
Greater tonal precision and smoother gradients
Automatic spot healing
16-bit mode supports 65,536 tonal levels per channel, reducing banding and providing smoother gradients. It increases file size and may slow performance but improves quality for heavy editing.
Which command aligns multiple selected layers relative to each other?
Filter > Align Layers to Content
Edit > Free Transform
Layer > Align
Image > Canvas Size
Layer > Align lets you align selected layers' edges or centers. Free Transform scales or rotates, Canvas Size changes document dimensions, and there's no Align Layers to Content filter.
In Photoshop's 3D workspace, where do you adjust material properties?
Channels Panel
Properties Panel
History Panel
Layers Panel
The Properties Panel displays and edits parameters for selected 3D materials including texture, reflection, and lighting. Layers, Channels, and History panels manage other aspects of the document.
Which filter is most effective at reducing JPEG compression artifacts?
Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise
Filter > Distort > Ripple
Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen
Filter > Blur > Motion Blur
Reduce Noise analyzes and smooths out compression artifacts and JPEG blockiness. Smart Sharpen focuses on edge clarity, Motion Blur adds directional blur, and Ripple distorts.
Which scripting language does Photoshop primarily support for automation?
ExtendScript (JavaScript)
Perl
Python
Ruby
Photoshop's scripting interface uses ExtendScript, Adobe's extended version of JavaScript. Python integration is limited and requires external plugins. Ruby and Perl aren't natively supported.
What algorithm underpins most of Photoshop's Content-Aware Fill operations?
PatchMatch
Neural Style Transfer
K-means Clustering
Fast Fourier Transform
PatchMatch is a randomized correspondence algorithm that finds best-matching patches for fill operations. Neural Style Transfer is for artistic effects, FFT is for frequency filtering, and K-means clusters data.
How do you preview how colors will look when printed on a specific device?
Filter > Proof Colors
Image > Mode > CMYK
View > Proof Setup > Custom...
Edit > Convert to Profile
Proof Setup > Custom lets you simulate output intent using device profiles for soft proofing. Converting to CMYK only changes color mode, and there's no Proof Colors filter. Convert to Profile changes the working color space permanently.
Which feature allows you to import variable data for creating multiple layout variations?
Layer Comps
Smart Objects
Generator Export
Variables and Data Sets
Variables and Data Sets let you define placeholders in templates that populate text and images from external data files. Layer Comps capture layout states, Smart Objects embed content, and Generator handles asset export.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Exam Format -

    Gain familiarity with the structure and question types of the adobe photoshop certification practice test to reduce surprises on exam day.

  2. Identify Essential Tools -

    Recognize key Photoshop selection tools, layer management features, and filter effects to streamline your editing workflow.

  3. Apply Advanced Techniques -

    Practice advanced retouching methods and workflow shortcuts to enhance image quality and efficiency.

  4. Analyze Performance -

    Use scored results from the adobe certification practice test to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses for targeted improvement.

  5. Develop Exam Strategies -

    Learn time management and question prioritization tactics to maximize your score on the photoshop certification practice test.

  6. Build Confidence -

    Reinforce critical concepts through repeated quizzing, ensuring you're ready to ace the Adobe Certified Expert exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master Selection Tools -

    Understanding marquee, lasso, quick selection, and magic wand tools is crucial for precise edits; remember Shift to add and Alt (Option) to subtract from your selection. Practice feathering edges and using Refine Edge while taking an adobe photoshop certification practice test to see how smooth transitions improve your composites. For a quick deselect, press Ctrl + D (Cmd + D on Mac) every time.

  2. Efficient Layer Management -

    Organize your workflow by naming layers, grouping related elements, and locking unused ones - this mirrors real-world project standards as outlined by Adobe's official guidelines. Experiment with blend modes like Multiply for shadows or Screen for highlights, noting how each affects underlying layers in your photoshop certification practice test. A simple tip: Alt + click between layers to create a clipping mask instantly.

  3. Embrace Non-Destructive Editing -

    Convert critical artwork into Smart Objects so you can apply filters and transformations without altering original pixels; double-clicking the Smart Filter icon lets you refine effects anytime. Use adjustment layers (Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation) to tweak color and tone in your adobe certified expert practice test trials while keeping edits fully reversible. Remember the mnemonic "SAFE" (Smart, Adjustment, Filter, Editable) to keep track of non-destructive steps.

  4. Precision with Masking Techniques -

    Layer masks allow targeted reveal or conceal of pixels, and vector masks give you crisp, scalable shapes - ideal for logos and text effects in a photoshop exam environment. Alt + click your mask thumbnail to preview the mask itself and refine edges with a soft brush for natural composites. For complex selections, save alpha channels as reusable masks for speedy edits.

  5. Boost Speed with Keyboard Shortcuts -

    Memorize essentials like Ctrl + J to duplicate layers, C for Crop, V for Move, and B for Brush; this dramatically cuts down on menu hunting during your adobe certification practice test. Cycle through blend modes with Shift + plus/minus keys and toggle panels with F5 - F7 - remember "Five, Six, Seven, Panels" as a mnemonic. Regularly challenge yourself in timed quizzes to build muscle memory under pressure.

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