Top 10 CFD Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for any engineer in the job market. For a CFD engineer, certifications demonstrate that they have the technical skills necessary to perform complex analysis and simulations. They also show employers that the engineer has a comprehensive understanding of CFD principles and techniques. In addition, certifications provide evidence that an engineer is up-to-date on the latest developments in CFD technology, which helps to ensure that their work is accurate and reliable. Certifications also serve as a signal to employers that an engineer is committed to their profession and willing to invest their time and resources into their development. Finally, certifications can help engineers stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for CFD Engineers and discuss how they can help advance a cfd engineer's career.

What are CFD Engineer Certifications?

CFD Engineer Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). CFD is a form of numerical analysis used to simulate the flow of fluids, such as air or water, over and around physical objects. This technology can be used to optimize designs, reduce costs and improve performance.

The CFD Engineer Certification program provides applicants with an assessment of their knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of CFD. The certification consists of an online test that evaluates applicants’ knowledge on topics covering fluid mechanics, mathematics, computer science and engineering principles. Upon successful completion of the test, applicants are awarded a certificate in CFD Engineering that they can use to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

The CFD Engineer Certification program helps individuals stand out from the competition by providing employers with evidence that they have a comprehensive understanding of CFD. It also serves as an opportunity for engineers who are already working in the field to validate their skillset and show potential employers how valuable their experience is. Furthermore, having a reputable certificate in the field demonstrates commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a course in CFD engineering certification to gain a better understanding of the principles, techniques, and methods used in computational fluid dynamics. This will help you become more familiar with the software, tools, and processes involved in this type of engineering. Additionally, having an official certification can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or advancing your career.

Related: What does a CFD Engineer do?

Top 10 CFD Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional CFD Engineer (CPCE)

Certified Professional CFD Engineer (CPCE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The CPCE program is designed to recognize the advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities of engineers who specialize in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a level of proficiency in CFD that is recognized by the industry.

The CPCE program consists of two parts: a written examination and an oral examination. The written exam covers topics such as fluid mechanics, numerical methods, turbulence modeling, grid generation, boundary conditions, and post-processing. The oral exam focuses on the candidate's experience with CFD applications and their ability to apply the principles they have learned.

To become certified as a CPCE engineer, applicants must first meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least five years' experience in CFD and/or related fields; completing at least one year of graduate-level course work in CFD; passing the written exam; and passing the oral exam. Once these requirements are met, candidates can submit their application for certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Professional CFD Engineer varies depending on the applicant's location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD to become certified in this field.

2. Certified CFD Analyst (CCA)

Certified CFD Analyst (CCA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Computational Mechanics (AACM). The CCA program is designed to provide engineers and scientists with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for solving engineering problems.

The CCA program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires a minimum of 40 hours of instruction in CFD theory and practice. The Basic level focuses on the fundamentals of CFD, while the Intermediate level covers more advanced topics such as turbulence modeling, numerical methods, and grid generation. The Advanced level provides an introduction to advanced topics such as multiphase flow, compressible flows, and heat transfer.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete all three levels of the CCA program. To get certified, applicants must pass an online exam at each level. The exams are administered by AACM and can be taken at any approved testing center.

The cost of getting certified depends on the number of levels you choose to take. For example, if you only take the Basic certification exam it will cost $400 USD; if you take all three levels it will cost $1125 USD.

3. Certified Computational Fluid Dynamics Practitioner (CCFDP)

Certified Computational Fluid Dynamics Practitioner (CCFDP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. It is administered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

The CCFDP certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in CFD through a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, and project work. The written examinations cover topics such as numerical methods, turbulence modeling, boundary conditions, and post-processing. The practical exercises involve using CFD software to solve problems related to flow around airfoils, heat transfer in ducts, and combustion in engines. The project work involves designing an original CFD simulation for an application of the candidate’s choice.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CCFDP certification process. Candidates must first register with AIAA and pay the registration fee before they can begin the certification process. Once registered, candidates will be given access to study materials and practice tests that can help them prepare for the written exams. After passing all three exams, candidates must submit their project work for review by AIAA experts before receiving their certification.

The cost of obtaining CCFDP certification varies depending on which package you choose. A basic package costs $350 USD while more comprehensive packages can cost up to $1,000 USD or more.

4. Certified CFD Professional (CCFP)

Certified CFD Professional (CCFP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in their work. The CCFP is a professional certification administered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

The CCFP requires applicants to demonstrate proficiency in five core areas: CFD Theory, CFD Methods, CFD Software, CFD Applications, and Professional Practice. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of these topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CCFP certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience using CFD software or have completed an accredited graduate-level course in CFD. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from two individuals familiar with their professional qualifications.

The cost of taking the CCFP exam is $500 USD for AIAA members and $700 USD for non-members. In addition, there is a one-time fee of $100 USD for processing applications and issuing certificates.

5. Autodesk Certified Professional: Simulation CFD

Autodesk Certified Professional: Simulation CFD is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the use of Autodesk’s simulation software, specifically Autodesk Simulation CFD. It is designed to help validate skills and demonstrate mastery of the software.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. The online exam covers topics such as modeling, meshing, solving, post-processing, and analysis. The hands-on project requires the candidate to create an accurate model using Autodesk Simulation CFD and then analyze it for accuracy.

The entire certification process typically takes about two weeks to complete from start to finish. Candidates must first register for the online exam through Autodesk’s website and pay the associated fee (currently $250 USD). After passing the online exam, candidates must then complete their hands-on project within 30 days of taking the exam. Once both parts are completed successfully, candidates will be awarded their Autodesk Certified Professional: Simulation CFD certification.

The cost of becoming an Autodesk Certified Professional: Simulation CFD is currently $250 USD for the online exam plus any additional fees associated with completing the hands-on project (such as materials or software).

6. ANSYS Certified Professional: CFD

ANSYS Certified Professional: CFD is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS CFX, and other CFD tools. The certification program tests an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, turbulence modeling, meshing, and post-processing.

The certification exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to solve complex CFD problems using ANSYS software. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as physics fundamentals, numerical methods, model setup and solution strategies.

The duration of the exam is two hours and it can be taken online or at any authorized testing center. Candidates must register for the exam through the ANSYS website prior to taking it.

The cost of the exam varies by region but generally ranges from $150 - $200 USD.

7. SolidWorks Flow Simulation Certified Professional

SolidWorks Flow Simulation Certified Professional is a certification program that allows users to demonstrate their proficiency in using SolidWorks Flow Simulation software. This certification is designed for engineers, designers and analysts who use the software to analyze fluid flow and heat transfer in a variety of applications.

It takes approximately 40 hours of study and practice to become certified. The SolidWorks Flow Simulation Certified Professional exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. A passing score of 80% or higher is required to earn the certification.

To get the SolidWorks Flow Simulation Certified Professional certification, you must first purchase an exam voucher from SolidWorks. The cost for the exam voucher is $150 USD. You can then register for the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you or online via their website. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from SolidWorks within 2-4 weeks.

8. OpenFOAM Certification Program

OpenFOAM Certification Program is a professional certification program for engineers and scientists who use the OpenFOAM computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. This certification program provides an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in OpenFOAM and gain recognition from peers, employers, and clients.

The OpenFOAM Certification Program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 is designed for users who are familiar with the basics of OpenFOAM and have used it to solve simple problems. It requires passing a written exam that covers topics such as basic CFD concepts, mesh generation, boundary conditions, solvers, post-processing, etc. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and it costs $200 USD.

Level 2 is designed for users who are proficient in using OpenFOAM to solve complex problems. It requires passing a written exam that covers topics such as advanced CFD concepts, numerical methods, optimization techniques, parallel computing, etc., as well as completing a project that demonstrates proficiency in solving an engineering problem using OpenFOAM. The exam takes approximately 5 hours to complete and it costs $400 USD.

In order to get certified at either level, applicants must pass the written exams with a score of 70% or higher. Once an applicant passes the exams they will receive an official certificate from the OpenCFD Ltd., which is the company behind the OpenFOAM software.

9. Siemens PLM Software CFD Certification

Siemens PLM Software CFD Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise of users in the use of Siemens’ Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software, specifically, their Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) products. The certification provides an industry-recognized credential for those who demonstrate proficiency in using the software to design, analyze and optimize fluid flow systems.

The certification process consists of three steps:

1. Prerequisites: Before taking the exam, applicants must have a basic understanding of fluid dynamics and experience with numerical methods and CFD software.

2. Exam: Applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as geometry creation and meshing, boundary conditions, turbulence modeling, solution strategies and post-processing results.

3. Certification: Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded a certificate from Siemens PLM Software acknowledging their expertise in CFD simulation with their software products.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $200 USD to take the exam. The exam typically takes around two hours to complete and there are no prerequisites required to take it other than having a basic understanding of fluid dynamics and experience with numerical methods and CFD software.

10. Dassault Systemes SIMULIA Abaqus Certification

Dassault Systemes SIMULIA Abaqus Certification is a professional certification program designed to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Abaqus software suite. This certification is designed for those who wish to demonstrate their expertise in the use of Abaqus for finite element analysis (FEA) and computer-aided engineering (CAE).

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as material modeling, contact, nonlinearities, optimization, dynamic analysis, and more. The practical exam involves completing an example problem using the Abaqus software suite.

To get certified, you must pass both exams with at least 70% accuracy. The entire process typically takes 1-2 months to complete depending on the availability of resources and test centers.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the country you are located in, but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a CFD Engineer Certificate?

A CFD engineer certificate is an important credential for anyone working in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). It can be beneficial for job seekers looking to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area, as well as employers looking to hire qualified staff. However, it is not strictly necessary in order to work in this field.

In most cases, a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field will suffice. A background in mathematics and physics is also essential, as these are two key components of CFD. Most companies also require experience with certain software packages, such as ANSYS or COMSOL. Those who have experience with these programs can usually find employment without a CFD engineer certificate.

That said, having a CFD engineer certificate can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. The certificate proves that the holder has the necessary knowledge and skills to complete complex projects involving fluid dynamics and computational analysis. This can be invaluable for those seeking more advanced positions within the field or those who want to get ahead of their peers when applying for jobs.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a CFD engineer certificate depends on their individual situation and what they hope to achieve within the industry. For some people, obtaining one may be worth the effort due to its potential benefits; however, it is not always necessary for success in this field.

Related: CFD Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About CFD Engineer Certifications

1. What is a CFD Engineer Certification?

Answer: A CFD Engineer Certification is an industry-recognized qualification that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology for engineering design and analysis.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a CFD Engineer Certification?

Answer: The main benefit of obtaining a CFD Engineer Certification is that it provides employers with assurance that the individual has acquired the necessary skills to effectively utilize CFD software for engineering analysis and design. Additionally, having such certification can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs and increase your marketability as an engineer.

3. What type of training or courses do I need to take in order to obtain a CFD Engineer Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certifying body, you may be required to complete various courses related to computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Such courses may include topics such as numerical methods, turbulence modeling, heat transfer, and more. Additionally, some certifying bodies may require applicants to demonstrate their knowledge through an exam or project submission.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a CFD Engineer?

Answer: The time required to become certified as a CFD Engineer varies depending on the certifying body and how much prior experience you have with CFD software. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years or more depending on your level of expertise and experience with using CFD software tools.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a CFD Engineer?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a CFD Engineer depends on which certification program you choose. Some certifications require applicants to pay both an application fee and testing fee while others may only require one or the other. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with any training courses or materials needed for preparation for the certification exam(s).