Top 11 Embedded Software Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for embedded software engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and proficiency in their field. They also provide employers with an easy way to verify an individual’s qualifications. Certifications can give embedded software engineers a competitive edge, as employers may prefer candidates who have been certified by a recognized authority or organization. Additionally, certifications provide evidence of an individual’s commitment to staying current with technological trends and advancements in the field. Finally, certifications may open up additional job opportunities that may not have been available without them.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Embedded Software Engineers and explain how they can contribute to an embedded software engineer's career by providing tangible benefits and enhancing their technical proficiency.

What are Embedded Software Engineer Certifications?

Embedded software engineer certification is a professional certification program that provides validation of an individual’s skills and knowledge in the field of embedded software engineering. The certification program consists of a series of tests, or “modules”, which are designed to assess an individual’s expertise in specific areas related to embedded software engineering. These modules cover topics such as programming languages, hardware platforms, operating systems, networking protocols, real-time systems, as well as embedded software design and development.

The primary benefit of pursuing an embedded software engineer certification is that it can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field to potential employers. This type of certification also serves as a valuable resource for employers who are looking for qualified professionals with experience and expertise in the area. Additionally, those who have achieved this certification may find that it helps them advance their career by providing them with access to higher paying positions or promotions within their current organization. Finally, having this certification can also provide individuals with increased job security since they will have demonstrated their proficiency in the field and be considered more valuable employees.

Pro Tip: When considering an embedded software engineer certification program, look for one that offers hands-on experience or project-based learning. This will ensure that you gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, research potential employers and make sure the certification program is recognized by them.

Related: What does an Embedded Software Engineer do?

Top 11 Embedded Software Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Embedded Software Engineer (CESE)

Certified Embedded Software Engineer (CESE) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of embedded software engineers. The CESE certification is intended for those who have an understanding of embedded software engineering principles, tools, and techniques.

The CESE certification requires successful completion of a written exam that covers topics such as embedded system architecture, software design, development processes, debugging techniques, coding standards, and software testing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to take the CESE exam, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience in embedded software engineering or related fields. Applicants must also submit proof of their educational background in computer science or a related field.

The cost for taking the CESE exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200 to $400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or obtaining study materials.

Once you have passed the CESE exam, you will receive your official certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification status after this period has expired, you will need to complete continuing education activities such as attending conferences or seminars related to embedded software engineering or taking additional courses in the subject area.

2. Certified Embedded Software Developer (CESD)

Certified Embedded Software Developer (CESD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to design, develop and maintain embedded software. The certification is offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA).

The CESD certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as embedded systems architecture, programming languages, operating systems, hardware interfacing and debugging techniques. The certification exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

In order to qualify for the CESD certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience developing embedded software applications or related technologies. They must also possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

To obtain the CESD certification, applicants must register with IASA and pay a fee of $350 USD. After registering, they will receive an email containing instructions on how to access the online exam. Once the exam has been completed successfully, applicants will receive their certificate within four weeks.

The cost for obtaining the CESD certification is $350 USD.

3. Certified Internet of Things Professional (CIoTP)

Certified Internet of Things Professional (CIoTP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, implement, and manage successful Internet of Things (IoT) projects. The CIoTP certification is offered by the IoT Institute, an independent organization dedicated to providing professional development and certifications in the field of IoT.

The CIoTP certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert. Each level requires passing a series of exams that cover topics such as IoT architecture, security, data management, analytics, device management, and more. The Associate level exam covers basic concepts while the Professional and Expert levels focus on more advanced topics.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CIoTP certification program depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams. You can also take advantage of online courses offered by the IoT Institute which can help speed up the process.

To get certified at any level you will need to register with the IoT Institute and pay a fee for each exam you take. The cost varies depending on which level you are taking but generally ranges from $150-$400 per exam.

4. Certified Firmware Engineer (CFE)

Certified Firmware Engineer (CFE) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The CFE certification is designed to recognize engineers who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop, maintain, and debug firmware for embedded systems.

To become a Certified Firmware Engineer, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Have at least five years of experience in developing embedded systems or firmware.

2. Pass an exam administered by IEEE that covers topics such as embedded system design, architecture, hardware/software integration, debugging techniques, and other related topics.

3. Complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education courses related to embedded system design or firmware development within the past three years.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete all requirements for the CFE certification. The cost of the certification varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

5. Certified Real-Time Software Engineer (CRTSE)

Certified Real-Time Software Engineer (CRTSE) is a certification program offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of real-time software engineering. The certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of software development, system integration, and project management.

To obtain the CRTSE certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by INCOSE. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as system architecture, software design, project management, and quality assurance. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in real-time software engineering projects.

The cost for taking the CRTSE exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $400 and $500 USD to take the exam.

It typically takes about two months for applicants to receive their results after taking the CRTSE exam. Those who pass will be awarded with a certificate from INCOSE recognizing their achievement.

6. Certified Embedded Systems Security Professional (CESSP)

Certified Embedded Systems Security Professional (CESSP) is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of embedded systems security. It is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

The CESSP certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as secure coding, secure architecture, system hardening, and secure deployment. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of experience in embedded systems security or related fields, as well as passing the CESSP exam with a score of at least 700 out of 1000 points.

The cost for taking the CESSP exam is $599 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams, as well as a one-year membership in ISC2. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking any required training courses or attending seminars on embedded systems security.

7. Certified Automotive Software Engineer (CASE)

Certified Automotive Software Engineer (CASE) is a certification program offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in automotive software engineering. The certification requires successful completion of an exam and provides the credential holder with recognition from INCOSE and the automotive industry.

The CASE exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical assessment. The written test covers topics such as system requirements, design, testing, validation, verification, and maintenance. The practical assessment tests the candidate's ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The CASE certification process takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates must first register with INCOSE and submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of experience. Once approved, candidates can then begin studying for the exam using materials provided by INCOSE or other sources. After passing both parts of the exam, candidates will receive their CASE certification.

The cost of obtaining the CASE certification varies depending on where you are taking it from. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to take the exam and become certified.

8. Certified Industrial Automation Software Engineer (CIASE)

Certified Industrial Automation Software Engineer (CIASE) is a professional certification program for software engineers who specialize in industrial automation. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development, implementation and maintenance of industrial automation systems. The certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To obtain the CIASE certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in industrial automation engineering and must pass an exam administered by ISA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as communication protocols, system architecture, control systems, programming languages, safety systems, and more.

The cost of the CIASE exam varies depending on your geographical location. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or registration fees.

In order to prepare for the CIASE exam, applicants should review material from ISA’s recommended reading list and practice with sample questions provided by ISA. Once you have successfully passed the CIASE exam, you will receive an official certificate from ISA and become a Certified Industrial Automation Software Engineer (CIASE).

9. Certified Medical Device Software Engineer (CMSE)

A Certified Medical Device Software Engineer (CMSE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in developing medical device software. The certification is offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). To become certified, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as design, development, testing, and validation of medical device software.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, the candidate must complete a set of prerequisites and then take the CMSE exam. The prerequisites include having a minimum of three years of experience in designing and developing medical device software, attending an IASA-approved training program or completing an online course on medical device software engineering, and passing the CMSE exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get the CMSE certification, individuals must first register for the exam through IASA's website. After registering for the exam, individuals must pay an application fee and submit proof of their experience and training. Once approved, they can schedule their exam date with IASA.

The cost to obtain the CMSE certification varies depending on where you are taking your exam. In general, it costs around $1,000 USD to take the exam and receive your certification.

10. Certified Avionics Software Engineer (CAvSE)

Certified Avionics Software Engineer (CAvSE) is a certification program developed by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of avionics software engineers. The certification provides evidence of professional competence in the development, integration, and maintenance of avionics systems.

The CAvSE certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in developing and integrating avionics systems. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as software engineering principles, system architecture, project management, safety-critical systems design, aircraft control systems, and embedded software development.

To obtain the CAvSE certification, applicants must submit an application form with their resume or CV along with a fee of $200 USD. After submitting the application form and fee, applicants will receive an email from INCOSE with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered for the exam, applicants can take it online or at a designated testing center. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

Once passed, applicants will receive their official CAvSE certificate within four weeks after passing the exam. The certificate is valid for three years before renewal is required.

11. Certified Aerospace Software Engineer (CAeSE).

Certified Aerospace Software Engineer (CAeSE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of aerospace software engineers.

The CAeSE certification program consists of two parts: a core knowledge assessment and an experience verification process. The core knowledge assessment is a multiple-choice exam that tests applicants’ understanding of aerospace software engineering principles, processes, and best practices. The experience verification process requires applicants to provide evidence of their professional experience in the field of aerospace software engineering.

The CAeSE certification program takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates must first register for the exam and pay the associated fees before taking the core knowledge assessment. After passing the exam, candidates must then submit evidence of their professional experience in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost for registering for the CAeSE exam is $250 USD, plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once certified, there are annual maintenance fees associated with maintaining your CAeSE credential.

Do You Really Need a Embedded Software Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need an embedded software engineer certificate depends on your goals and experience. If you already have a degree in computer science, engineering, or another related field and have experience working with embedded systems, then a certificate may not be necessary for you. However, if you are looking to specialize in embedded software engineering and don’t yet have the necessary skills or experience, then an embedded software engineer certificate could be beneficial.

The advantages of getting a certificate include being able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this specialized area of software engineering, as well as providing potential employers with evidence that you are qualified for the job. Additionally, most certificates require coursework that will teach you the fundamentals of embedded systems programming as well as more advanced topics such as real-time operating systems and debugging techniques. This can give you an edge when competing for jobs against candidates who lack such knowledge.

Overall, whether or not an embedded software engineer certificate is right for you depends on your individual goals and experience level. If you are just starting out in the field or want to specialize in this area of programming, then getting a certificate may be beneficial. However, if you already have the necessary qualifications and experience then it may not be necessary.

Related: Embedded Software Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Embedded Software Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is an Embedded Software Engineer Certification?

A1: An embedded software engineer certification is a type of professional certification for individuals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, and maintain embedded software systems. This type of certification is typically obtained from a recognized institution or organization such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the International Association of Software Architects (IASA).

Q2: What qualifications do I need to become an Embedded Software Engineer?

A2: To become an embedded software engineer, you will typically need a degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. Additionally, experience working with microcontrollers and other embedded systems can be beneficial.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified as an Embedded Software Engineer?

A3: The time required to obtain certification as an embedded software engineer depends on the institution offering the certification program. Generally speaking, most programs require anywhere from six months to two years of study.

Q4: What are some of the benefits of obtaining an Embedded Software Engineer Certification?

A4: Obtaining an embedded software engineer certification can open up many doors in terms of career opportunities and advancement. It also demonstrates your commitment to mastering the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field. Additionally, having a certification may give you access to higher salary offers or promotions within your current job.

Q5: Are there any online courses available for obtaining an Embedded Software Engineer Certification?

A5: Yes! There are many online courses available that offer training and certifications in embedded software engineering. These courses are often self-paced so you can work at your own speed and complete them whenever it’s convenient for you.