Top 11 Control Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a control engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge in the field. Having certifications can help control engineers stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of getting hired. Additionally, some employers may require certain certifications, so having them can make an engineer more competitive for certain positions. Finally, certifications also provide an opportunity to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which is essential for any successful control engineer.

This article reviews the top certifications for Control Engineers and explains how they can benefit a Control Engineer's career.

What are Control Engineer Certifications?

Control engineer certification is a form of professional certification for engineers that specialize in the design and implementation of control systems. This type of certification provides recognition from peers and employers that a control engineer has the knowledge and experience necessary to work in this field. It also shows potential employers that an individual has taken the initiative to further their education and increase their skillset.

The certification requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree in engineering, as well as three or more years of experience with control systems and automation. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying organization such as ISA (International Society of Automation).

Having control engineer certification can help professionals in many ways. It shows employers that they are knowledgeable and experienced in this field, which increases their chances of getting hired or promoted. Additionally, it gives them access to additional resources such as job postings, continuing education opportunities, and networking events. Finally, it allows them to stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions because they have taken the extra step to obtain this specialized certification.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the different control engineer certifications available and find one that is tailored to your specific job requirements. Also, be sure to check with the certifying body for any prerequisites or training requirements before signing up for the certification.

Related: What does a Control Engineer do?

Top 11 Control Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA) that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skill in the field of industrial automation. CCST certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of automated systems.

In order to become certified as a CCST, applicants must pass an exam administered by ISA. The exam covers topics such as electrical safety, control system components, instrumentation and process control, communication networks and programming. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get certified as a CCST, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of education or experience in the field of industrial automation. Once approved, applicants will be provided with information on how to register for the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD for members of ISA or $300 USD for non-members.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate from ISA within six weeks. Certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and must be renewed every three years in order to remain active.

2. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of industrial automation.

The CAP program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment covers topics such as system design, control systems, programming, instrumentation, networking, safety, and maintenance. The practical exam covers hands-on skills such as troubleshooting and installation.

To become a Certified Automation Professional (CAP), you must first complete the online assessment. Once you pass the online assessment, you can then register for the practical exam. The practical exam is typically held at ISA’s headquarters or at regional locations throughout the year.

The cost of becoming a Certified Automation Professional (CAP) depends on your location and which package you choose. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000 and $2,000 to become certified. This includes registration fees for both the online assessment and practical exam as well as any materials needed for study purposes.

In total, it takes approximately three months to become a Certified Automation Professional (CAP). This includes time spent studying for the online assessment and preparing for the practical exam.

3. Certified Process Control Engineer (CPCP)

Certified Process Control Engineer (CPCP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to design, install, maintain and troubleshoot process control systems. The CPCP certification is a globally recognized standard for process control engineering excellence.

The CPCP certification requires passing an exam administered by ISA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process control fundamentals, instrumentation and automation systems, process control principles, system design and implementation, safety systems, system maintenance and troubleshooting.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CPCP exam. Candidates should review relevant textbooks or take courses in order to gain the knowledge needed to pass the exam. Additionally, candidates can use practice exams provided by ISA to help prepare for the actual exam.

The cost of taking the CPCP exam is $450 USD for ISA members and $550 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as a one-year membership in ISA if you are not already a member.

4. Certified Instrumentation and Control Technician (CICT)

Certified Instrumentation and Control Technician (CICT) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The CICT certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of instrumentation and control technology.

The CICT program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level has its own set of requirements which must be met before an individual can become certified.

Level I requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in instrumentation and control technology or equivalent education. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by ISA that covers topics such as electrical safety, basic electronics, digital logic systems, process control systems, and industrial networking.

Level II requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in instrumentation and control technology or equivalent education. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by ISA that covers topics such as advanced process control systems, distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, safety instrumented systems (SIS), industrial networking protocols, system integration techniques, troubleshooting methods for instrumentation and control systems.

Level III requires applicants to have at least eight years of experience in instrumentation and control technology or equivalent education. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by ISA that covers topics such as advanced process optimization techniques for DCS/PLCs/SCADA systems; advanced troubleshooting methods for instrumentation and control systems; system design principles; project management principles; safety standards; system security principles; regulatory compliance requirements; communication protocols; computer programming languages; software development tools; system integration techniques.

It typically takes between 6-18 months to complete all three levels of the CICT program depending on the individual’s experience level. To get started with the CICT program you will need to apply online through the ISA website. The cost for each level ranges from $150-$350 USD depending on your membership status with ISA.

5. Certified Industrial Automation Professional (CIAP)

Certified Industrial Automation Professional (CIAP) is a certification program that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of automation professionals in the industrial sector. The certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To be eligible for the CIAP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in industrial automation and must have passed an ISA-accredited exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as systems integration, process control, safety systems, networking, and programming. The practical exam tests the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The CIAP certification typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and exams. To get started, applicants need to register with ISA and pay a registration fee of $125 USD. After registering, applicants will receive access to online courses and materials that they can use to prepare for the exams.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CIAP certificate from ISA along with a digital badge that they can display on their website or social media profiles. In addition to this recognition, certified professionals may also be eligible for higher salaries or more job opportunities in the field of industrial automation.

6. Certified Mechatronics Engineer (CME)

A Certified Mechatronics Engineer (CME) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of mechatronics engineering. Mechatronics engineering is a multidisciplinary field of engineering that combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles to design and create complex systems.

To become a Certified Mechatronics Engineer (CME), you must have at least four years of experience in mechatronics engineering or related fields, as well as a bachelor's degree in an accredited program. You will also need to pass the CME exam administered by the International Society for Mechatronic Engineering (ISME). The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical test.

The cost of taking the CME exam varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. Additionally, you may need to pay fees for any additional training courses you take in order to prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the CME exam, you will receive your official certification from ISME and be recognized as an officially certified mechatronics engineer. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

7. Certified Programmable Logic Controller Technician (CPCT)

A Certified Programmable Logic Controller Technician (CPCT) is a professional who has been certified to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the installation, programming, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). PLCs are used to control industrial processes such as manufacturing and automation. The CPCT certification is administered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To become a CPCT, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as electrical safety, PLC hardware components, programming languages, troubleshooting techniques and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the CPCT exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with PLCs in an industrial setting or four years of experience working with PLCs in a non-industrial setting. Applicants must also have completed an approved training program or have documented proof of their experience with PLCs.

The cost for taking the CPCT exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, the cost will be around $200 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPCT certificate from ISA.

8. International Society of Automation's Certified Control Systems Integrator (CCSI)

The Certified Control Systems Integrator (CCSI) program is an industry-recognized certification offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The CCSI certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the design, installation, configuration, and commissioning of industrial control systems.

To become a CCSI, individuals must complete an application process that includes passing a written exam and submitting a portfolio of work experience in the field. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to industrial automation topics such as process control, instrumentation, networking, safety systems, and more. The portfolio should include project descriptions and other evidence of relevant work experience.

The application process typically takes about six months to complete. After submitting the required materials and passing the exam, applicants will receive their CCSI certificate within four to six weeks.

The cost for the CCSI program varies depending on the individual’s ISA membership status. For non-members, the cost is $1,000 USD; for members it is $750 USD; and for students it is $500 USD.

9. ISA's Certified Automation Professional (CAP-ISA)

The Certified Automation Professional (CAP-ISA) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of automation.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria include having at least five years of experience in the automation field, completing at least 60 hours of continuing education in automation topics, and demonstrating knowledge of ISA standards.

The CAP-ISA exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as process control systems, instrumentation and control systems, safety systems, and system integration. The practical exam tests the candidate's ability to design, implement, troubleshoot, and maintain automated systems.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the requirements for certification. The cost for the CAP-ISA certification varies depending on the country or region where it is being taken; however, it generally costs around $2,000-$3,000 USD.

10. ISA's Certified Control System Technician (CCST-ISA)

The Certified Control System Technician (CCST-ISA) is an internationally recognized certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The CCST certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills required to design, install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot and repair industrial control systems.

To become certified as a CCST-ISA, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as electrical safety, system components and architecture, programming languages, networking protocols, communication protocols and system integration. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the field of industrial automation or control systems.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent education and experience in the field of industrial automation or control systems.

The cost for the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200 - $300 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available from ISA which can help prepare candidates for the exam.

11. ISA's Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE-ISA).

The Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE-ISA) is a professional certification offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The CRE-ISA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the field of reliability engineering. It is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in the area of reliability engineering.

To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam administered by ISA. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as risk management, system design, component selection, maintenance strategies, and quality assurance. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of reliability engineering or three years of experience in a related field.

The cost of taking the CRE-ISA exam is $450 USD for members and $550 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken at any authorized testing center around the world. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CRE-ISA certification within six weeks.

The Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE-ISA) certification provides professionals with recognition from peers and employers that they possess advanced knowledge and expertise in reliability engineering principles and practices. It also helps them stand out from other job candidates when applying for positions in this field.

Do You Really Need a Control Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. In general, a Control Engineer Certificate may be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career and gain a greater understanding of the field of control engineering. It can also help demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job.

However, it is important to note that having such a certificate does not guarantee you employment or advancement in the field. Employers also take into consideration other qualifications, such as experience and education, when making hiring decisions. So, while having a Control Engineer Certificate may give you an edge over other applicants, it is not necessarily essential in order to get hired.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Control Engineer Certificate depends on what kind of control engineering career you are seeking and how competitive the job market is in your area. If there is a lot of competition for positions in your chosen field, then obtaining such certification may be beneficial as it could give you an advantage over other applicants. However, if there are few jobs available in your area or if you already have considerable experience in the field, then it may not be worth investing time and money into obtaining a certificate.

Related: Control Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Control Engineer Certifications

1. What are the different types of Control Engineer Certifications?

Answer: The most common type of Control Engineer Certification is the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) from ISA, the International Society of Automation. There are also certifications from other organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and specific industry certifications such as those offered by Rockwell Automation.

2. What experience do I need to get a Control Engineer Certification?

Answer: Generally, you will need at least two years of experience in control engineering or related fields to qualify for certification. Some organizations may require additional requirements such as education or training courses to be completed before applying for certification.

3. How long does it take to get a Control Engineer Certification?

Answer: It can take anywhere from two months to several years depending on the organization offering the certification and the level of experience you have prior to applying for certification.

4. How much does it cost to get a Control Engineer Certification?

Answer: The cost for certification varies depending on the organization offering it, but generally ranges from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

5. What are some benefits of having a Control Engineer Certification?

Answer: Having a Control Engineer Certification can open up new opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries, as well as demonstrate expertise in your field and provide professional recognition that can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.