Top 10 Electrical Project Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for electrical project engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to complete projects safely, efficiently, and effectively. They also demonstrate the engineer’s commitment to their craft and their willingness to learn more and stay up-to-date on industry standards. Certifications can also give an edge over competitors in the job market as employers typically prefer candidates with certifications that prove their expertise. Additionally, certifications can open up doors for higher-level positions or promotions within a company as they show that an engineer is serious about their profession and has taken the initiative to acquire additional knowledge.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Electrical Project Engineers and provides insight into how they can benefit an electrical project engineer's career.

What are Electrical Project Engineer Certifications?

Electrical project engineer certification is a type of professional certification for electrical engineers who are involved in the design, planning, and implementation of electrical projects. It is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of electrical engineering and their ability to manage large-scale projects from start to finish. With this certification, engineers will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in the areas of project management, safety standards, cost estimation, project scheduling and budgeting, resource allocation, risk assessment and control, problem solving, and communications skills.

Having this certification can help engineers secure higher-level positions within their company as well as better job opportunities with other companies. It also shows that they possess a high level of expertise in the field of electrical engineering and have the necessary skills to effectively manage complex projects. Additionally, it can help them gain access to exclusive professional networks which can provide valuable resources such as industry contacts or even potential career opportunities. Finally, having this certification may also lead to greater recognition within the industry which could result in more job security or even higher salaries.

Pro Tip: When pursuing electrical project engineer certification, make sure you understand the requirements of your particular state or province. In some areas, a professional engineering license may be required in order to practice as an electrical project engineer. Additionally, research and become familiar with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other industry standards that may apply to your work.

Related: What does an Electrical Project Engineer do?

Top 10 Electrical Project Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET)

Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in electrical engineering and related fields. It is offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The CEET certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge and proficiency in their field.

The CEET exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as electrical theory, power systems, digital electronics, control systems, and safety. The practical skills assessment includes tasks such as wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment.

To get the CEET certification, you must first pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the written exam, you must then complete the practical skills assessment within one year. Once both exams are completed successfully, you will be awarded your CEET certificate.

The cost for taking the CEET exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $400 USD for both parts of the exam.

2. Certified Professional Engineer (CPE)

A Certified Professional Engineer (CPE) is a professional designation that recognizes engineers who have met the highest standards of engineering knowledge, experience, and ethics. The CPE designation is awarded by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

It typically takes between four to eight years of experience in engineering to qualify for the CPE designation. To become certified, an engineer must pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam is typically taken after completing an undergraduate degree in engineering, while the PE exam is taken after several years of experience in engineering practice.

In addition to passing both exams, applicants must also meet other requirements such as having a valid license to practice engineering in their state or country, passing a background check, and demonstrating good character.

The cost of becoming a CPE varies depending on where you take your exams and how many times you need to retake them if you do not pass them on your first attempt. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000+ USD to become certified.

3. Certified Electrical Project Manager (CEPM)

Certified Electrical Project Manager (CEPM) is a certification program developed by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). It is designed to provide electrical contractors and project managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage large-scale electrical projects. The CEPM certification is recognized as an industry standard for project management excellence.

The CEPM program consists of two parts: a written exam and a field experience component. The written exam covers topics such as project management principles, estimating and budgeting, scheduling, contracts and documents, safety regulations, labor relations, and other related topics. The field experience component requires applicants to have at least three years of documented experience in managing electrical projects.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CEPM program. Applicants must first apply for the program through NECA’s online application system. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete an online course that covers all of the topics covered on the written exam. After completing this coursework, they must pass a proctored final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CEPM program varies depending on whether you are a member of NECA or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,500 plus applicable taxes and fees; for members it is $1,000 plus applicable taxes and fees.

4. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who is responsible for the development and implementation of reliability and maintainability programs. The CRE develops strategies to ensure that products and systems meet their design objectives, as well as customer requirements. The CRE also works to reduce costs associated with product failure or system downtime.

The certification process typically takes anywhere from 6-12 months depending on the individual's experience. To become certified, individuals must first pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). After passing the exam, applicants must complete a project demonstrating their knowledge of reliability engineering principles.

The cost of becoming a Certified Reliability Engineer varies depending on the organization offering the certification. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$2,000 USD for all required materials and fees associated with taking the exam and completing the project.

5. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is an internationally recognized certification program for automation professionals. It is a credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of automation and control systems engineering. CAPs are well-versed in the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems.

The CAP program is administered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as safety, instrumentation, process control, system integration, and programming. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $450 USD to take the exam. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE test center or online through their website.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CAP exam depending on your background and experience in automation engineering. It is recommended that applicants have at least two years of experience designing or implementing automated systems prior to taking the exam. Additionally, ISA offers study materials such as books and practice exams to help prepare for the test.

6. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional designation awarded by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) to individuals who demonstrate excellence in energy management. The CEM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of energy management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become certified as a CEM. To qualify, applicants must complete an AEE-approved training program, pass an exam, and have at least two years of full-time professional experience in energy management or related fields.

To get the CEM certification, applicants must first register with the AEE and pay the registration fee. This fee covers the cost of materials for the training program, as well as the exam fee. After completing the training program and passing the exam, applicants will receive their CEM certificate from AEE.

The cost of becoming a CEM varies depending on whether you take an online or in-person course. Online courses typically range from $1,000-$2,500 while in-person courses can cost up to $5,000. The registration fee for both types of courses is around $200-$300.

7. Certified Power Quality Engineer (CPQE)

Certified Power Quality Engineer (CPQE) is a professional certification program for engineers and technicians who work in the field of power quality. The CPQE program is administered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The CPQE certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals who are involved in the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and management of power quality systems. It also serves as a benchmark for employers when recruiting qualified personnel.

The CPQE program requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as electrical safety, power system analysis, power system protection, power quality monitoring and measurement techniques, and advanced power quality solutions. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPQE exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of power quality engineering or related disciplines. Applicants must also submit proof of their educational background in engineering or other relevant fields.

The cost to take the CPQE exam varies depending on location; however it typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per person. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations.

8. Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) is a certification program administered by BICSI, the Building Industry Consulting Service International. It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the design, integration, and implementation of telecommunications and information transport systems.

It takes an average of six months to complete the requirements for RCDD certification. To receive the RCDD certification, applicants must pass a two-part exam that covers topics such as: cabling infrastructure design; network design; system installation; maintenance and testing; project management; customer relations; industry standards and codes; and safety.

Applicants must also meet certain prerequisites before they can take the exam. These include at least five years of experience in the information transport systems industry or related fields, such as network engineering or IT project management.

The cost of taking the RCDD exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $400-$600 USD to take both parts of the exam.

9. LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) in Building Design and Construction is a certification program offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the LEED green building rating system and its application in the design and construction of green buildings.

The LEED AP credential is designed to recognize professionals who are knowledgeable about green building practices, principles, and technologies, as well as the LEED Rating System. It demonstrates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of green building principles and can effectively apply them to projects.

To become a LEED AP in Building Design and Construction, an individual must pass an exam administered by the USGBC. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, operations and maintenance, regional priority credits, innovation in design credits, and other related topics.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $250 USD for members of the USGBC or $350 USD for non-members. Upon passing the exam with a score of at least 170 out of 200 points (85%), individuals receive their LEED AP credential valid for three years from the date they passed their exam.

10. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a non-profit organization that provides professional licensure services to engineers and surveyors. It was founded in 1920 and is composed of engineering and surveying licensing boards from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Canadian provinces.

The NCEES offers two exams—the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam—which are required to become a licensed engineer or surveyor in most U.S. states. The FE exam is typically taken by recent college graduates who have just earned their bachelor’s degree in engineering; the PE exam is taken by experienced engineers who have been practicing for at least four years after passing the FE exam.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for either the FE or PE exams, depending on your study habits. To get started with studying for these exams, you can purchase study materials from NCEES or from third-party vendors such as PPI2Pass or Kaplan Test Prep. You can also find online practice tests and sample questions to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of taking an NCEES exam varies depending on your location; it can range anywhere from $50-$300 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or taking practice tests if you choose to do so.

Do You Really Need a Electrical Project Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need an electrical project engineer certificate depends on your career goals and the requirements of the job you are seeking. In some cases, having a certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to employers. It can also show that you have taken steps to stay current in the field. However, even if you don’t have a certificate, it is still possible to pursue a successful career as an electrical project engineer.

If you want to work in this field, then it is important to become familiar with the relevant industry standards and regulations for electrical engineering. You should also develop strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and be willing to work collaboratively with other professionals. Having an understanding of common software programs used in engineering projects is also beneficial.

In addition to these skills, having a degree in electrical engineering or another related field can help open doors for potential employment opportunities. Your degree program should include coursework in areas such as circuit analysis, digital logic design, microprocessors and embedded systems, control systems theory and applications, power electronics, electromagnetics, and more.

Finally, consider pursuing professional certifications such as those offered by IEEE or EITC (Engineering Institute of Technology Certification). These certifications demonstrate that you possess a certain level of knowledge in the field and that you are committed to staying up-to-date on industry developments. Many employers may require candidates for certain positions to have one or more professional certifications as part of their job requirements.

Overall, whether or not you need an electrical project engineer certificate depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. In some cases it may be beneficial or even necessary but there are many paths available for pursuing this profession without necessarily needing certification first.

Related: Electrical Project Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Electrical Project Engineer Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming an Electrical Project Engineer?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the employer, but typically you will need a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field and relevant experience in electrical project engineering. In some cases, employers may require additional certifications or professional licenses.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an Electrical Project Engineer?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified can vary depending on the type of certification and the institution offering the certification program. Generally, most programs require between 12-24 months to complete.

3. Is there an exam required for Electrical Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require passing an exam as part of their certification process.

4. What is covered by Electrical Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certifying organization and type of certification, topics covered may include safety regulations, industry standards and best practices, design principles, project management techniques, and more.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for Electrical Project Engineers?

Answer: Yes, many certifying organizations require that certified individuals complete continuing education in order to maintain their certification status.