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Top 10 Director Of Engineering Certifications

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

Updated 17 min read

Certifications are extremely important for a director of engineering in the job market. Certifications provide evidence that the individual has been trained and is qualified to work in their field. They also demonstrate that the individual has a high level of commitment to their career, as they have gone out of their way to obtain certifications that prove their knowledge and experience. Additionally, certifications can help employers differentiate between potential candidates and ensure that they are hiring someone with the skills necessary to do the job properly. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for further education and training related to engineering, which could give the director an edge over other applicants.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Directors of Engineering and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Director Of Engineering Certifications?

Director of Engineering Certification is a professional certification program that is designed to provide engineering leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage all aspects of an engineering organization. This certification helps individuals develop the strategic, business, and technical leadership skills needed to lead an engineering team. It also equips them with the ability to assess organizational performance and identify areas for improvement.

This certification can be beneficial in a variety of ways. It can help directors gain exposure to current trends in engineering management, as well as develop their understanding of industry best practices and standards. Additionally, it can help equip directors with the necessary skills to effectively negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and create a positive work environment. Ultimately, this certification provides the foundation for successful engineering leadership by helping directors stay up-to-date on industry developments while also learning how to effectively motivate their teams.

Pro Tip: When seeking a director of engineering certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities. This will give you the opportunity to not only learn the technical skills necessary for success in the role, but also gain insight into the management challenges associated with leading an engineering team.

Related: What does a Director Of Engineering do?

Top 10 Director Of Engineering Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director Of Engineerings today.

1. Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM)

Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of engineering professionals who have demonstrated mastery in the field of engineering management.

The CPEM certification requires candidates to complete a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of engineering management, including project management, operations management, quality assurance, human resources, finance and accounting. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge through a series of case studies. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPEM certification, candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in engineering management or related fields. They must also submit proof of their education credentials as well as letters of reference from employers or colleagues.

The cost for taking the CPEM exam varies depending on where you take it and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$700 per attempt.

2. Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)

The Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in software development. The CSDP credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to design, develop, and maintain complex software systems.

The CSDP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as software architecture, design patterns, object-oriented programming, database design, web services, and distributed systems. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CSDP certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in software development or related fields. They must also demonstrate knowledge in areas such as software engineering principles, project management techniques, and system security best practices.

The cost for the CSDP exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $395 USD. Other countries may have different pricing structures.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam they will receive their official CSDP certificate from IASA. This certificate will be valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking a recertification exam.

3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program designed to help individuals learn the fundamentals of Scrum, an agile software development framework. It is one of the most popular certifications in the Agile community and is offered by the Scrum Alliance.

The CSM certification requires a two-day course that covers all aspects of Scrum, including its values, principles, roles, events, artifacts, and more. After completing the course and passing an online assessment, you will be awarded your CSM certification.

In order to get your CSM certification, you must first attend a two-day Certified Scrum Master training course from a certified instructor. The cost of this course varies depending on where you take it and who provides it. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay between $800-$1,500 for the course.

Once you have attended the training course and passed the online assessment with at least 85%, you will receive your CSM certificate from the Scrum Alliance. This certificate is valid for two years after which time you must renew it by attending another two-day Certified Scrum Master training course.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage projects. The PMP credential is highly sought after by employers and can be a valuable asset for project managers in any field.

To qualify for the PMP exam, you must have at least three years of project management experience and 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. You also need to complete 35 hours of project management education or training before taking the exam.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are divided into five performance domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes four hours to complete and covers topics such as scope management, cost estimation, risk management, quality assurance, communication management, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and more.

The cost of the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 USD while members pay $405 USD. In addition to this fee there are other associated costs such as study materials which vary depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official PMP certification from PMI which is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years through activities related to project management such as attending conferences or courses or writing articles about project management topics.

5. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

A Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQE certification is designed to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in quality engineering principles, practices, and tools. It is intended to provide evidence that an individual has the ability to identify, analyze, and solve quality problems.

The CQE certification process involves taking the CQE exam which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical methods, design of experiments, process improvement techniques, reliability engineering principles, and quality auditing. Candidates must also have at least 8 years of full-time work experience in quality engineering or related fields in order to be eligible for the certification.

To get certified as a CQE, candidates must first register with ASQ and pay the registration fee which is currently $399 USD. After registering, candidates can then purchase study materials from ASQ or other sources to prepare for the exam. Once ready to take the exam, candidates can schedule it through their local ASQ office or online through Prometric Testing Centers. The cost of taking the exam is currently $349 USD.

Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed with a minimum score of 70%, candidates will receive their official CQE certificate from ASQ within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam.

6. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is an advanced certification program designed to develop and enhance the skills of professionals in the field of Six Sigma. It is a widely recognized and respected certification that demonstrates a person’s expertise in process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, and project management.

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically takes between four to six months to complete. During this time, individuals will learn the principles and practices of Six Sigma, including the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology. They will also gain hands-on experience with Lean tools such as value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and Kaizen events.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam typically consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as statistics, quality control methods, project management techniques, and Lean principles. In addition to passing the exam, candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios through case studies or simulations.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider but can range from $1,000 to $3,000 USD for the entire course and exam fee.

7. Certified Manager of Software Engineering (CMSE)

Certified Manager of Software Engineering (CMSE) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). It is designed to recognize software engineering professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in managing software development projects. The CMSE certification is based on the IASA’s Global Standard for Software Engineering Management and provides assurance that those certified have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage software engineering projects.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by the IASA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, software development processes, quality assurance, and risk management. Applicants must also demonstrate at least three years of experience in managing software engineering projects or teams.

The cost of the CMSE exam varies depending on where you take it and when you register for it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or obtaining study materials.

The amount of time required to prepare for the CMSE exam depends on your current knowledge and experience level with software engineering management principles and practices. Generally speaking, most people require at least six months of study before they are ready to take the exam.

8. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and experience in information security. It is the most sought-after credential for professionals working in the field of information security.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple choice questions and takes six hours to complete. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including access control, cryptography, network security, risk management, software development security, and more. To be eligible to take the CISSP exam, candidates must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

To obtain the CISSP certification, individuals must first pass the exam and then submit an application form to (ISC)2. Once approved, they will need to agree to abide by a code of ethics and pay an annual membership fee.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $699 - $999 USD. There are also additional fees associated with maintaining your certification such as an annual membership fee which ranges from $85 - $125 USD depending on your location.

9. Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of agile principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply them in an organization.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To earn the certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 65%.

To get certified, you need to meet the eligibility requirements set by PMI. These include having either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or equivalent) or 23 hours of project management education. You also need to have 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education completed within five years prior to submitting your application.

The cost for taking the CAPM exam is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. In addition, there are other costs associated with becoming certified such as membership fees and study materials.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to drive process improvement initiatives in their organization. The program focuses on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines the principles of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete. During this time, participants learn how to use the tools and techniques of Lean Six Sigma to identify and eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve processes. Participants also learn how to develop an implementation plan for their projects.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must complete an approved training course in the subject matter. There are several organizations that offer courses in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification including ASQ (American Society for Quality), IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification), and Villanova University.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the organization offering the course. Courses range from $1,500-$4,000 USD depending on the length of the course and other factors such as whether or not you need additional materials or coaching services.

Do You Really Need a Director Of Engineering Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Director of Engineering Certificate to become a successful engineer. However, having a Director of Engineering Certificate can be extremely beneficial and can give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs. It demonstrates your commitment to your profession, as well as your knowledge in the field of engineering.

Having a Director of Engineering Certificate shows employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the specific requirements for the job you are applying for. It also shows that you are well-versed in various aspects of engineering, such as project management, design principles, and problem solving skills. Additionally, it provides employers with evidence that you have received formal training in the field and have kept up with current trends and technologies in engineering.

Furthermore, having a Director of Engineering Certificate will provide you with invaluable networking opportunities within the engineering community. This can be especially helpful if you are looking to advance your career by transitioning into a new area or industry. You will also be able to gain insights into different projects and issues that engineers face on a daily basis, which may help inform decisions related to your own career path or allow you to make connections with potential employers or colleagues.

Overall, having a Director of Engineering Certificate is definitely worth considering if you are serious about advancing in your career as an engineer. While it may not be necessary for every engineer, it certainly has its advantages and can give you an edge when competing for positions against other applicants who do not have one.

Related: Director Of Engineering Resume Examples

FAQs About Director Of Engineering Certifications

1. What is a Director of Engineering Certification?

Answer: A Director of Engineering Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of engineering management. This certification requires knowledge and experience in managing engineering projects, leading teams, and delivering results.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Director of Engineering Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Director of Engineering Certification can help demonstrate your expertise in engineering management to potential employers or clients. It also provides a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions and may lead to increased salary and job opportunities.

3. How do I become certified as a Director of Engineering?

Answer: To become certified as a Director of Engineering, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying organization such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). You must also have significant work experience in engineering management to qualify for the certification.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Director of Engineering Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Director of Engineering Certification varies depending on your background, experience level, and certifying organization. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements for certification.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Director of Engineering?

Answer: The costs associated with obtaining a Director of Engineering Certification vary depending on the certifying organization you choose, but generally range from $500-$2000 USD including fees for application, examination, and maintenance costs over time.

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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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