Top 11 Control Systems Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a control systems engineer's job market success. Certified engineers demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the field that employers look for when hiring. Having a certification can give an engineer an edge over other applicants, and can help them stand out from the competition. Additionally, certifications can open up more career opportunities for engineers, as some employers may require candidates to have specific certifications to apply for certain positions. Certifications also provide evidence that the engineer is up-to-date on current industry standards and technology, and is committed to advancing their skillset.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Control Systems Engineers and explains how they can help enhance a control systems engineer's career.

What are Control Systems Engineer Certifications?

Control systems engineer certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to work in the field of control engineering. This certification is usually issued by a professional organization or institution, and requires applicants to pass an examination and demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices related to control engineering.

Having control systems engineer certification can be beneficial in several ways. It can provide employers with assurance that a potential employee has been tested and found competent in the field of control engineering. Additionally, it can help potential employers assess the qualifications and capabilities of potential employees more accurately, as certified individuals are likely to be more knowledgeable about current trends and technologies in the field. Furthermore, having this certification may also help employees stand out from other job candidates as they will have demonstrated their commitment to excellence through obtaining such recognition. Finally, having control systems engineer certification may also make employees more marketable as they will have shown their dedication to continuing education in their field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for certification for a particular control systems engineer position before applying. Be aware of any additional experience or training that may be required in order to become certified, and consider taking continuing education courses in order to stay current with industry standards.

Related: What does a Control Systems Engineer do?

Top 11 Control Systems Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Control Systems 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). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of industrial automation and control systems. The CCST certification is intended for technicians, engineers, and other professionals who work directly with control systems in an industrial environment.

The CCST certification program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as safety, electrical principles, process control theory, instrumentation, communication protocols, and system integration. The practical skills assessment tests the candidate’s ability to troubleshoot and maintain control systems.

To obtain the CCST certification, candidates must pass both the written exam and the practical skills assessment. The written exam can be taken at any ISA-approved testing center around the world. The practical skills assessment must be completed at an ISA-certified training facility.

The cost of obtaining the CCST certification varies depending on where you take the exams and assessments. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 USD to obtain the certification.

2. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate proficiency in the principles and practices of automation, including control systems engineering, process control, instrumentation, and system integration.

The CAP exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as safety, industrial networks, programming languages, and system design. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified as a CAP professional, you must first meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least five years of experience in automation or related fields; completing an approved training course; and passing the CAP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CAP exam varies depending on your location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam.

3. Certified Instrumentation and Control Technician (CICT)

Certified Instrumentation and Control Technician (CICT) is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field of instrumentation and control. The CICT certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This certification is designed for technicians who are responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing industrial process control systems.

The CICT certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in instrumentation and control or related fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering. Applicants must also have completed an approved training course in instrumentation and control technology.

It typically takes three to four months to complete all requirements for the CICT certification. To obtain the CICT certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by ISA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as electrical theory, digital logic circuits, process control systems, instrument calibration techniques, loop tuning methods, system design principles, safety practices, and more.

The cost of the CICT certification varies depending on the type of package purchased. A basic package costs around $400 USD while a premium package can cost up to $900 USD. This fee includes registration fees for the exam as well as access to study materials such as practice tests and online courses.

4. Certified Process Control Engineer (CPCE)

Certified Process Control Engineer (CPCE) is an internationally recognized professional certification program designed to recognize the competency of process control engineers. The CPCE certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To become a Certified Process Control Engineer, one must have at least five years of experience in the field and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as instrumentation, process control systems, process dynamics and control, and safety.

The cost of the CPCE exam varies by country, but typically ranges from $400 to $600 USD. The exam can be taken at any ISA-accredited testing center or online through ISA’s eLearning platform. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

Once you have passed the CPCE exam, you will receive your certificate within four to six weeks. You will also receive an official digital badge that you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile to demonstrate your expertise in process control engineering.

5. Certified Industrial Automation Professional (CIAP)

Certified Industrial Automation Professional (CIAP) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in industrial automation and control systems.

The CIAP program consists of two levels: Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and Certified Control System Technician (CCST). The CAP level requires a minimum of four years of experience in industrial automation and control systems, while the CCST level requires two years of experience.

To obtain the CIAP certification, applicants must take an exam that covers topics such as project management, safety systems, system design, programming, networking, and troubleshooting. The exam is administered by ISA at various locations around the world. Applicants must also submit proof of their experience in industrial automation and control systems.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400 to $600 USD. The cost for obtaining the CIAP certification after passing the exam is $200 USD.

In order to maintain the CIAP certification, individuals must renew their membership with ISA every three years and complete continuing education credits each year.

6. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of reliability engineers who are responsible for ensuring that products, services, and systems meet customer requirements.

The CRE certification program consists of three parts: an online exam, a work experience requirement, and a written essay. The online exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as statistics, probability theory, reliability engineering principles, and failure analysis. The work experience requirement requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in reliability engineering or related fields. Finally, applicants must submit a written essay on their understanding of reliability engineering principles and practices.

It usually takes between six months to one year to complete the CRE certification process. To get started with the process, applicants can register online with ASQ for the CRE exam. The cost for registration varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member; non-members pay $299 while members pay $249. After registering for the exam, applicants should review the study materials provided by ASQ and begin preparing for the exam. Once they pass the exam, they must then submit their work experience documentation along with their essay before being awarded their CRE certification.

7. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification for Control Systems Engineers

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification for Control Systems Engineers is a professional certification program designed to help control systems engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the Six Sigma methodology. This certification provides control systems engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement Six Sigma processes in their organization.

The certification consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course typically takes around 40 hours to complete and covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, and problem-solving techniques. The exam is administered through a third-party provider such as ASQ or IASSC and consists of multiple choice questions covering the same topics as the online course.

In order to obtain the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification for Control Systems Engineers, potential candidates must meet certain prerequisites, including having at least three years of experience in control systems engineering or related fields. Additionally, applicants must have completed the online course prior to taking the exam and must pass it with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of obtaining the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification for Control Systems Engineers varies depending on which third-party provider administers the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,500 USD for both the online course and exam fees combined.

8. Project Management Professional Certification for Control Systems Engineers

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification for Control Systems Engineers is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills of control systems engineers who manage projects and programs related to automation, control systems, and instrumentation.

The PMP certification process takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a minimum of three years of professional experience in project management or four years of experience in a combination of project management and other relevant fields. They must also have completed 35 hours of formal education in project management topics.

To obtain the PMP certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers five domains: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of four hours. The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI; members pay $405 while non-members pay $555.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also agree to adhere to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as well as maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate Certification for Control Systems Engineers

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification for Control Systems Engineers is a certification program designed to help engineers gain the skills and knowledge needed to work in the field of control systems engineering. The MTA certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, deploy, and maintain control systems in an industrial setting.

The MTA certification is earned by taking a series of exams that cover topics such as programming languages, operating systems, networking technologies, databases, security fundamentals, and web development. Each exam takes approximately one hour to complete. Once all exams are completed successfully, the candidate will receive their MTA certification.

To get certified as an MTA Control Systems Engineer, you must first register with Microsoft Learning and purchase the appropriate exam package. The cost of the package varies depending on which exams you choose to take but typically ranges from $99-$199 USD. After purchasing your exam package, you can schedule your exams at any time through your Microsoft Learning account.

Once you have taken all required exams for your chosen certification track and passed them successfully, you will receive your official MTA certificate from Microsoft within 4-6 weeks after completion of the last exam.

10. CompTIA A+ Certification for Control Systems Engineers

CompTIA A+ Certification for Control Systems Engineers is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the area of control systems engineering. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skills to perform control systems engineering tasks.

The CompTIA A+ Certification for Control Systems Engineers exam consists of two parts: Core 1 and Core 2. The Core 1 exam covers topics such as electrical safety, system design, installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and networking. The Core 2 exam focuses on topics such as programming languages, communication protocols, network security, and system integration.

To obtain CompTIA A+ Certification for Control Systems Engineers, individuals must pass both exams within three years of each other. Each exam costs $219 USD and must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center. The total cost of the certification is therefore $438 USD.

The time it takes to complete the CompTIA A+ Certification for Control Systems Engineers varies depending on an individual's experience level and study habits; however, most individuals can expect to spend between 6-12 months studying for both exams before taking them.

11. Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification for Control Systems Engineers

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a globally recognized IT credential that validates the skills and knowledge of Control Systems Engineers in networking technologies. It is designed to help engineers develop, maintain, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.

To become CCNA certified, an engineer must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long and cover topics such as routing protocols, switching technologies, IP addressing, network security, and more.

The cost of the CCNA certification depends on the country in which you take the exam. In the United States, it typically costs around $300 for both exams. The time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you spend studying for the exams; however, most people can complete both exams within a few months if they dedicate enough time to studying.

In addition to passing the two required exams, engineers must also agree to abide by Cisco's Code of Ethics before they can become CCNA certified. This code outlines ethical standards for engineers working with Cisco products and services.

Do You Really Need a Control Systems Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the individual's career goals and current experience in control systems engineering. For those who are new to the field, a Control Systems Engineer Certificate may be beneficial in helping to demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter and gain recognition from employers. It can also provide an opportunity for continuing education and professional development.

For those with some experience in control systems engineering, a certificate may not be necessary. However, depending on the individual's career goals, it could still be useful to have one. For example, if an individual plans to pursue a more advanced position within the field or wishes to advance their career in any way, having a Control Systems Engineering Certificate could certainly help them stand out from other candidates for that position or promotion.

In summary, whether or not someone needs a Control Systems Engineering Certificate is largely dependent on their current level of experience and future career goals. If they are just starting out in the field or want to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to their profession, then obtaining such a certificate can be beneficial. On the other hand, if they already have some experience and are simply looking for ways to further develop their skillset and increase their chances of success in their chosen field, then a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: Control Systems Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Control Systems Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Control Systems Engineers?

Answer: The International Society of Automation (ISA) offers a Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification, as well as a Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification.

2. How do I become certified in Control Systems Engineering?

Answer: To become certified in Control Systems Engineering, you will need to pass the relevant exams offered by ISA. You may also need to demonstrate relevant work experience or educational qualifications.

3. What is the cost of the certifications?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on which certification you are pursuing and whether or not you are an ISA member. For non-members, the CCST exam costs $250 USD and the CAP exam costs $450 USD. For members, the cost is discounted to $200 USD and $400 USD respectively.

4. What is the duration of the certification exams?

Answer: The CCST exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete; while the CAP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

5. How long is my certification valid for?

Answer: Your certification will be valid for three years from the date that you passed your exam(s). After this period, you must recertify in order to maintain your status as a certified professional in control systems engineering.