Top 11 ASIC Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important way for ASIC engineers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. Certifications provide a solid evidence of an engineer’s understanding of the technology, processes, and tools used in ASIC design. A certification can help demonstrate that an engineer is well-versed in the current industry standards and techniques needed to create quality ASIC designs. Additionally, certifications can provide employers with assurance that a candidate is qualified to work on their project. Having a certification may also give an engineer a competitive edge when applying for jobs as it shows dedication to professional development.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for ASIC Engineers and explains how they can help to advance an ASIC Engineer's career.

What are ASIC Engineer Certifications?

ASIC engineer certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of an individual in designing, manufacturing, and verifying ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). It is an invaluable asset for engineers working in the semiconductor industry.

The certification is awarded by a number of organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Society of Automation (ISA). It requires that applicants demonstrate their competence in various aspects of ASIC design, including RTL coding, synthesis, timing analysis, power analysis, verification techniques, chip assembly and testing.

Having an ASIC engineer certification can provide several advantages to engineers. Firstly, it serves as a strong indication to employers that they have expertise in this area. Secondly, it can give them an advantage over other job applicants who may not have such credentials. Thirdly, having this certification proves to potential customers that they are capable of producing top-notch products with reliable results. Finally, it gives engineers greater confidence when dealing with clients or vendors because they know that their qualifications are recognized by industry standards.

Pro Tip: When obtaining an ASIC Engineer Certification, it is important to ensure that the certification is from a reputable source. Many certifications are offered online and may not be as comprehensive as those offered through more traditional educational institutions. Additionally, make sure to research the experience requirements for the certification, as it will determine how much knowledge and experience you need to have in order to be successful.

Related: What does an ASIC Engineer do?

Top 11 ASIC Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to ASIC Engineers today.

1. Certified ASIC Design Engineer (CADE)

Certified ASIC Design Engineer (CADE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Institute of Certified ASIC Design Engineers (IICADE). It is designed to provide engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and implement complex Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) designs. The certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert.

It typically takes around two years to complete the CADE program. During this time, individuals must complete a series of courses covering topics such as digital logic design, system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, verification techniques, and embedded software development. Upon completion of the coursework, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as an ASIC Design Engineer through IICADE, individuals must first register for the program on their website. After registering for the program, individuals will be given access to course materials and exams. They will then need to complete all required coursework and pass the associated exams in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming certified as an ASIC Design Engineer through IICADE varies depending on which level of certification you are seeking (Associate/Professional/Expert). Generally speaking, it costs around $1000 USD per level of certification.

2. Certified VLSI Design Engineer (CVDE)

Certified VLSI Design Engineer (CVDE) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design. It is an industry-recognized certification that is awarded to those who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of VLSI design principles and techniques, as well as their application in real-world design projects.

The certification process typically takes about 6 months to complete. To get certified, you must first complete an accredited VLSI Design course or program from an approved institution. After completing the course or program, you will need to pass the CVDE exam, which consists of both written and practical components. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it, but it usually ranges between $500-$1000 USD. Additionally, some organizations may require additional fees for membership or other services associated with the certification process.

3. Certified Embedded System Designer (CESD)

Certified Embedded System Designer (CESD) is a professional certification program designed to provide embedded system engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop reliable, efficient, and cost-effective embedded systems. The CESD certification is offered by the Embedded Systems Certification Institute (ESCI).

The CESD certification requires applicants to pass a two-hour multiple-choice exam that covers topics including embedded system design principles, hardware/software integration, debugging techniques, and more. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in embedded system design or development.

The CESD exam costs $250 USD and can be taken online or at designated testing centers. It typically takes about two weeks for test results to be processed. Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive their official Certified Embedded System Designer certificate from ESCI.

4. Certified FPGA Design Engineer (CFDE)

Certified FPGA Design Engineer (CFDE) is a certification program offered by the Xilinx University Program that provides engineers with the knowledge and skills to design and develop FPGA-based systems. The certification includes a comprehensive set of courses, labs, and exams that cover topics such as FPGA architecture, design methodology, logic synthesis, timing analysis, verification techniques, and more.

The CFDE certification requires successful completion of four courses: Introduction to FPGAs & Digital Design; Advanced Digital System Design; Verification & Debugging Techniques; and Advanced Verification & Debugging Techniques. It takes approximately six months to complete these courses.

To get the CFDE certification you must register for the program through the Xilinx University Program website. You will then receive access to course materials and be able to take exams online. Once all four courses have been completed successfully, you will receive your CFDE certificate.

The cost of the CFDE program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $1,995 USD while the premium package costs $2,495 USD.

5. Certified Mixed Signal ASIC Design Engineer (CMSAE)

Certified Mixed Signal ASIC Design Engineer (CMSAE) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Mixed Signal ASIC Designers (ISMAD). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of experienced mixed-signal ASIC design engineers.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam covers topics such as analog/digital circuit design, signal integrity, system-on-chip (SoC) design, verification, and layout. The practical project requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to design a complex mixed-signal ASIC from start to finish.

The CMSAE certification typically takes about six months to complete. To get certified, candidates must first register for the online exam on the ISMAD website. After passing the online exam, they must then submit their practical project for review by an ISMAD panel of experts. Once approved, they will be awarded the CMSAE certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether or not you are an ISMAD member. For non-members, the cost is $1,000 USD; for members, it is $500 USD.

6. Certified Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC Design Engineer (CAMSAE)

Certified Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC Design Engineer (CAMSAE) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in designing analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits.

The CAMSAE certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge and experience in the design of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits. The exam covers topics such as circuit analysis, device physics, signal integrity, system design, layout techniques, manufacturing processes, embedded systems, and more.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CAMSAE exam. During this time, applicants should study relevant material and gain hands-on experience through internships or other work opportunities. Applicants are also encouraged to join local IEEE chapters for additional support.

The cost of the CAMSAE certification varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, it costs around $400 USD. In other countries, such as India or China, it can cost up to $800 USD.

In order to apply for the CAMSAE certification exam, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit proof of their professional experience or degree in engineering or related fields. Once approved by IEEE, applicants will receive an invitation letter with instructions on how to register for the exam.

7. Certified Digital ASIC Design Engineer (CDADE)

Certified Digital ASIC Design Engineer (CDADE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required for designing, verifying, and testing digital ASICs. The CDADE certification is administered by the International Society of Digital ASIC Designers (ISDAD).

The CDADE certification process consists of three steps: passing a written exam, completing a project-based assessment, and attending an in-person interview. The written exam covers topics such as digital circuit design, logic synthesis, verification techniques, and system-level design. The project-based assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to design an ASIC from concept to completion. Finally, the in-person interview evaluates applicants’ communication skills and problem solving abilities.

To become certified as a CDADE, applicants must pass all three components of the certification process. It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the entire process.

The cost of becoming a CDADE varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 - $3,000 USD for the entire certification process including exam fees and other associated costs such as travel expenses for the in-person interview.

8. Certified Verification and Validation Engineer (CVVE)

Certified Verification and Validation Engineer (CVVE) is a certification program offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). The CVVE certification is designed for software engineers, testers, and other professionals involved in software verification and validation. It recognizes their expertise in the field of software testing and quality assurance.

The CVVE certification requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in software testing or quality assurance. Candidates must also pass an exam consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as test design techniques, test execution strategies, defect management, and risk management. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To obtain the CVVE certification, candidates must first register with ISTQB and pay a registration fee of $250 USD. After registering, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam portal. Once they have completed the exam, they will receive their results within 7 days. If successful, they will be awarded the Certified Verification and Validation Engineer (CVVE) certificate.

The cost of obtaining the CVVE certification is $250 USD for registration plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at an approved testing center or proctoring service.

9. Certified Physical Design and Synthesis Engineer (CPDSE)

Certified Physical Design and Synthesis Engineer (CPDSE) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in physical design and synthesis. It is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of engineers who are responsible for designing and implementing digital integrated circuits.

The CPDSE certification requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamentals of physical design, including floorplanning, placement, routing, timing closure, signal integrity analysis, power optimization, clock tree synthesis (CTS), physical verification (PV), and static timing analysis (STA). Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to use advanced tools such as Synopsys Design Compiler and PrimeTime for synthesis.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CPDSE exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as logic synthesis, floor planning, placement & routing optimization techniques, signal integrity analysis & STA/PV/CTS flows. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. To get certified you will need to pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

10. Advanced Certification in IC Layout and Verification Techniques (ACILVT)

Advanced Certification in IC Layout and Verification Techniques (ACILVT) is a certification program offered by the International Society for Quality Electronic Design (ISQED). It is designed to recognize professionals who have advanced knowledge and expertise in the design, verification, and layout of integrated circuits.

The ACILVT certification requires applicants to demonstrate their technical proficiency in the areas of analog/mixed-signal design, digital design, physical design, verification/validation, and system-level integration. The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as: circuit theory, transistor physics, semiconductor device modeling, system simulation, timing analysis and optimization techniques.

The ACILVT certification process typically takes around six months to complete. To get certified as an ACILVT professional, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of relevant experience in the field. After submitting the application form and passing the online examination with a minimum score of 70%, applicants will receive their official ACILVT certificate from ISQED.

The cost of the ACILVT certification varies depending on whether you are taking it for the first time or renewing your existing certificate. For first-time applicants, the cost is $400 USD plus applicable taxes; for renewal applicants, it is $200 USD plus applicable taxes.

11. Advanced Certification in SoC Architecture and Design Techniques (ACISADT).

Advanced Certification in SoC Architecture and Design Techniques (ACISADT) is a certification program offered by the International System on Chip (SoC) Architecture and Design Technologies Institute (ISADTI). This certification program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and implement complex SoC architectures. The program focuses on the latest technologies, tools, and techniques used in SoC architecture design.

The ACISADT certification takes approximately six months to complete, depending on individual learning styles. It consists of four core modules: System-on-Chip Design Principles; Advanced SoC Architecture Design; Advanced Verification Techniques; and Advanced Embedded Software Development. Each module includes lectures, labs, quizzes, and exams that must be completed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get the ACISADT certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in system-on-chip design or related fields. Additionally, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work as part of their application process.

The cost for the ACISADT certification varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for tuition fees as well as additional fees for materials such as textbooks and software licenses.

Do You Really Need a ASIC Engineer Certificate?

An ASIC engineer certificate is a valuable asset to have in the engineering field. It provides employers with an assurance that the applicant has a deep understanding of the specific design and implementation of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology. The certificate also helps demonstrate a commitment to staying up-to-date on industry advancements and trends.

Having an ASIC engineer certificate can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires you to understand complex ASIC designs or if you want to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning in this specialized field, then having a certificate may be beneficial. Additionally, it can help set you apart from other applicants who may not have taken the time to gain this qualification.

That being said, an ASIC engineer certificate is not necessary for every engineering role. Depending on the specific job requirements, having additional qualifications such as software engineering experience or a degree in electrical engineering could be more beneficial than the certificate alone. Ultimately, it’s important to consider your individual circumstances and determine whether or not an ASIC engineer certificate would be worth pursuing for your career goals.

Related: ASIC Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About ASIC Engineer Certifications

1. What is an ASIC Engineer Certification?

Answer: An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Engineer Certification is a professional certification program that validates the knowledge and skills of engineers working in the field of ASIC design and verification.

2. How do I obtain an ASIC Engineer Certification?

Answer: The process of obtaining an ASIC Engineer Certification includes passing a written examination, completing a prescribed coursework, and submitting proof of experience in the field.

3. What are the benefits of having an ASIC Engineer Certification?

Answer: Having an ASIC Engineer Certification can provide recognition for your expertise in the field, help you stand out among other engineers, open up opportunities for career advancement, and increase your earning potential.

4. What topics are covered on the examination for an ASIC Engineer Certification?

Answer: The topics covered on the exam include fundamentals of digital logic design and testing, HDL synthesis techniques, timing analysis, power optimization techniques, memory architectures, system-on-chip integration principles and methods, verification methodologies and toolsets, etc.

5. How long does it take to complete an ASIC Engineer Certification?

Answer: The time required to complete an ASIC Engineer certification varies depending on factors such as individual experience and preparation level but typically takes around 3-6 months to finish all requirements and obtain the certification.