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Top 10 Assistant Engineer Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 17 min read

Certifications are an important asset for assistant engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of specific industry skills. They also provide proof that the engineer has received formal training and can apply their knowledge in the workplace. Certifications can give assistant engineers an edge over other candidates when competing for positions, as employers are often looking for individuals with specialized skills and experience to fill roles. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or industries, making them essential for those seeking work in specific fields.

This article reviews the top certifications for Assistant Engineers, discussing how they can help to advance an assistant engineer's career.

What are Assistant Engineer Certifications?

Assistant engineer certification is a program developed by the American Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE) to recognize those who have achieved a high level of technical proficiency and professionalism in their field. This certification indicates that an individual has achieved a level of expertise in engineering that is recognized by their peers and employers.

The certification process requires applicants to provide proof of education and experience, pass an exam, and adhere to a code of ethics. The exam tests knowledge and skills related to the specific engineering discipline they are pursuing, such as civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Once certified, engineers can use their credentials to showcase their abilities to potential employers.

Having assistant engineer certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. It also demonstrates commitment to professional development and mastery of the subject matter. Furthermore, some employers may require applicants for certain positions to possess this credential before even considering them for employment. Therefore, having this certification can open up more opportunities for engineers who wish to advance in their careers or take on higher-level roles within organizations.

Pro Tip: When considering assistant engineer certification, be sure to research the requirements of the specific program you are interested in thoroughly. Many programs require applicants to have a certain amount of experience or education in a related field, and this must be taken into account when deciding whether or not to pursue certification.

Related: What does an Assistant Engineer do?

Top 10 Assistant Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Engineer (CPE)

Certified Professional Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification for engineers in the United States. It is granted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), an organization composed of engineering and land surveying licensing boards from all U.S. states and territories. The CPE designation is designed to demonstrate a high level of professional competence and ethical practice in the engineering field, as well as a commitment to lifelong learning.

It typically takes three years to become certified as a Professional Engineer (PE). This includes completing an accredited four-year college degree program in engineering, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining four or more years of professional experience under the supervision of a PE, and finally passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

In order to get certified as a CPE, you must first be licensed as a PE in at least one state or territory. Once you have done this, you can apply for certification through NCEES. You will need to submit proof that you are currently licensed as a PE, provide documentation about your work experience, and pass an ethics examination administered by NCEES.

The cost for certification varies depending on where you live; however, it typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

2. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It is designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of manufacturing engineering. The certification is based on a comprehensive examination that tests an individual’s understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, quality control, product design, and other related areas.

The process to become certified as a CMfgE takes approximately one year. During this time, applicants must complete an application form and submit it to SME for review. Once approved, applicants must then take the CMfgE exam which consists of multiple choice questions covering various topics related to manufacturing engineering. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their certificate and can use the designation CMfgE after their name.

The cost for becoming certified as a CMfgE varies depending on where you live and if you are a member of SME or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to apply for the certification program and take the exam. This fee includes all necessary materials such as study guides and practice exams.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in quality engineering, quality control, and quality assurance. The CQE credential is recognized as one of the premier credentials in the field of quality management.

The CQE exam consists of 225 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections: Quality Concepts, Quality Planning, Quality Control and Improvement Tools, and Statistics. To become certified, candidates must pass all four sections with a score of at least 70%.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CQE exam. Candidates should plan on studying for at least 100 hours prior to taking the exam. It is recommended that candidates use ASQ’s Body of Knowledge as a study guide when preparing for the exam. Additionally, there are numerous online courses and study materials available to help candidates prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the CQE exam is $395 for ASQ members ($495 for non-members). This fee includes access to two practice exams and a copy of ASQ’s Body of Knowledge.

4. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional designation awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CRE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in reliability engineering principles, practices, and techniques. It also provides assurance that the individual has the necessary skills and abilities to effectively apply reliability engineering principles in their work.

The CRE certification requires applicants to pass an exam which covers topics such as reliability fundamentals, failure analysis, design of experiments, preventive maintenance, and statistical process control. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete.

To become a CRE, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements including having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in reliability engineering or related fields, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering with at least two years of full-time experience. In addition, applicants must submit documentation verifying their education and work experience.

The cost of taking the CRE exam varies depending on the country where it is taken but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

5. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP credential is the highest level of safety certification available in the United States and is internationally recognized. It signifies that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge, experience, and competency in safety management.

The CSP requires applicants to have at least four years of full-time safety work experience and to pass a comprehensive examination. The exam covers topics such as occupational health and safety regulations, hazard recognition and control, risk assessment and analysis, emergency preparedness, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and more.

The process for obtaining the CSP typically takes about six months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application packet to BCSP along with documentation proving their educational background and professional experience. Once accepted into the program, applicants must register for the CSP exam which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. After passing the exam, applicants must submit evidence of their continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost for obtaining the CSP varies depending on various factors such as geographic location and membership status with BCSP. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD to obtain your certification depending on what type of fees you are required to pay (e.g., application fee or exam fee).

6. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has been trained to recognize, evaluate, and control workplace hazards that may cause injury or illness. Industrial hygienists are responsible for identifying and controlling chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic hazards in the workplace. They use a variety of methods to assess the potential health risks associated with exposure to these hazards.

It typically takes between two and four years to become a CIH depending on the individual's educational background. To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited industrial hygiene program and pass an exam administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). The cost of becoming a CIH varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience. However, it typically costs around $2,000 to become certified.

7. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The CHMM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in hazardous materials management.

To obtain the CHMM certification, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements, which include having at least two years of full-time hazardous materials management experience or four years of part-time hazardous materials management experience. Additionally, applicants must pass both a written examination and an oral examination.

The written examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as hazardous materials regulations, safety practices, emergency response planning, and environmental protection. The oral examination consists of questions related to the applicant’s work experience in hazardous materials management.

The cost for obtaining the CHMM certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or if you are retaking it after failing it previously. For first-time applicants, the cost is $750; for those retaking the exam after failing it previously, the cost is $500. It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive your results from IHMM after taking either exam.

8. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize construction professionals who have demonstrated excellence in their field and have achieved the highest levels of professionalism. The CCM certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers all aspects of construction management, including project planning, budgeting, scheduling, estimating, contract administration, risk management and more.

The CCM certification process typically takes between six to nine months to complete. During this time applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in the areas of construction management. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field and provide references from employers or clients they have worked with in the past.

The cost for obtaining the CCM certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose. CMAA members pay $1,100 for the application fee and exam fee combined, while non-members pay $1,400 for both fees combined. There are additional costs associated with becoming certified such as travel expenses for attending workshops or seminars related to construction management topics.

Once certified, CCMs must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every two years. This ensures that CCMs stay up-to-date on best practices and industry trends so they can continue to provide high quality services to their clients.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates an individual’s expertise in leading and directing projects.

The PMP certification process typically takes about four to six months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience and background. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

To get the PMP certification, applicants must first submit an application to PMI for review. Once approved, they must then take a four-hour exam that covers topics such as project management fundamentals, project scheduling, risk management, quality management, cost control, communication management, stakeholder management, procurement management and more. After passing the exam with a score of at least 60%, applicants will receive their official PMP credential.

The cost of obtaining the PMP certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). If you are not a member yet but plan to join after getting your certification, you can expect to pay around $555 USD for both membership fees and exam fees combined. If you are already a member of PMI then you will only need to pay for the exam fee which is $405 USD.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of competency in Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and increase their bottom line.

The certification requires completion of an accredited training program, which typically takes between one and four weeks to complete. During the course, participants learn about Six Sigma principles and tools, such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) and Lean Six Sigma. They also receive instruction on how to apply these principles to real-world business problems.

In order to obtain the certification, candidates must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization. The exam covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, project management, and customer service. After passing the exam, applicants receive a certificate from the organization that administered it.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 USD for the entire program. This includes tuition fees for the coursework as well as any additional materials or resources needed for successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Assistant Engineer Certificate depends on the type of engineering work you plan to do. An Assistant Engineer Certificate is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in some areas of engineering, such as electrical and mechanical engineering. This certification is only required if you plan to do certain types of engineering work, such as designing and building complex systems.

For example, if you hope to design and build large-scale power plants or advanced medical equipment, then you will likely need an Assistant Engineer Certificate in order to be eligible for the job. You will also need this certificate if you are applying for jobs in aerospace industries or other high-tech fields. On the other hand, if your goal is to become a civil engineer or an environmental engineer, then you may not need this certification.

In addition to helping you land certain types of jobs, having an Assistant Engineer Certificate can give employers confidence that you are skilled and knowledgeable enough to handle complex tasks. It can also make it easier for employers to evaluate your qualifications since they know exactly what kind of training and experience you have received. Furthermore, having this certificate can open up more job opportunities since many employers prefer candidates who have earned it.

Overall, whether or not you need an Assistant Engineer Certificate depends on your career goals and the type of work you wish to do. If your goal is to specialize in a particular area of engineering, then having this certificate will be beneficial for both yourself and potential employers.

Related: Assistant Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Engineer Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Engineer Certification?

An Assistant Engineer Certification is a professional certification that provides knowledge and skills in the field of engineering. It is designed to help aspiring engineers gain industry experience and develop their expertise in the area of engineering.

2. How do I obtain an Assistant Engineer Certification?

In order to obtain an Assistant Engineer Certification, you must complete a program accredited by a recognized professional engineering organization such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Most programs require completion of coursework, exams, and/or practical experience.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining an Assistant Engineer Certification?

By obtaining an Assistant Engineer Certification, you will demonstrate your commitment to professional development and be able to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in the field of engineering. Additionally, this certification can provide increased job opportunities as well as higher salaries for qualified engineers.

4. How long does it take to complete an Assistant Engineer Certification?

The amount of time required to complete an Assistant Engineer Certification varies depending on the program chosen; however, most programs range from six months to two years in length.

5. Is there any additional training or education necessary after obtaining an Assistant Engineer Certification?

Although additional training or education may not be required after obtaining an Assistant Engineer Certification, many employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees or extra certifications in specialized areas such as software engineering or electrical engineering.

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Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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