Top 10 Engineering Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for engineering consultants, as they demonstrate a level of proficiency in their field and can often be a deciding factor in whether or not someone is hired. Certifications provide potential employers with assurance that the consultant has the necessary skills and knowledge to complete projects and tasks to a satisfactory level. They also provide evidence of continuing education and professional development, which demonstrates dedication to the profession. Additionally, certifications can give engineers access to higher paying jobs and help them stand out from other applicants. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for networking with other professionals in the industry.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Engineering Consultants and explains how they can contribute to an engineering consultant's career.

What are Engineering Consultant Certifications?

Engineering consultant certification is a type of accreditation that recognizes the expertise and qualifications of engineering consultants. It is typically awarded by an independent organization or professional association after an individual has successfully completed a comprehensive examination and met certain other criteria. This certification can be invaluable to those seeking to establish their credentials as a qualified consultant in the engineering field.

By obtaining this credential, engineers demonstrate to potential clients that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills required to provide quality engineering services. Certification also serves as evidence of commitment to continuing education and professional development. In addition, it provides assurance that the consultant is in compliance with industry standards, best practices, and ethics codes. With this certification, engineers can expect increased opportunities for employment or business contracts from organizations looking for reliable consultants who have attained a high level of proficiency in their chosen field. Furthermore, having an engineering consultant certification may give an individual access to additional resources such as networking events, training programs, and industry-specific publications.

Pro Tip: When considering an engineering consultant certification, make sure to research the certifying body thoroughly. Ensure that their standards are up to date and that they have a good reputation in the industry. Additionally, in order to ensure quality assurance and compliance with regulations, confirm that the certifying body is accredited by a relevant national or international organization.

Related: What does an Engineering Consultant do?

Top 10 Engineering Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Engineering Consultants today.

1. Certified Professional Engineer (PE)

Certified Professional Engineer (PE) is a professional license that allows an engineer to practice engineering in the United States. It is granted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). To become a PE, an engineer must meet certain educational, experience, and ethical requirements.

The process of becoming a PE typically takes several years. First, an engineer must have at least four years of relevant work experience after graduating from an accredited engineering program. Then they must pass two examinations administered by NCEES: the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam and the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. The exams are offered twice per year and can be taken in person or online.

In addition to passing the exams, engineers must also meet certain ethical requirements set by their state’s licensing board. This may include submitting character references, completing continuing education courses, or undergoing a criminal background check.

The cost of becoming a PE varies depending on the state in which you are applying for licensure. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1,000 to apply for licensure and take both exams.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s professional expertise in project management. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is considered the gold standard for project management professionals.

In order to obtain the PMP credential, an individual must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of three years of professional experience in leading projects, as well as passing an exam that tests their knowledge on project management principles and processes. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

To get started on the path to becoming certified, individuals must first apply for membership with PMI. Membership costs $139 USD per year and provides access to resources such as study materials, practice exams, and networking opportunities with other PMP professionals.

Once an individual has met all the requirements for certification, they can then register for the exam which costs $405 USD for members and $555 USD for non-members. Once registered, individuals have one year from their registration date to take the exam before their registration expires.

Overall, it typically takes individuals between six months to one year to prepare for and take the PMP certification exam depending on how much time they are able to dedicate towards studying.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice quality engineering in any industry.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the CQE exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks, attending seminars, and taking practice exams.

To get the CQE certification, you must pass the ASQ's CQE exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam consists of two parts: multiple-choice questions and essay questions.

The cost of getting the CQE certification varies depending on your location and method of preparation. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$800 for books and materials, $200-$400 for seminars or online courses, and $300-$400 for the actual exam fee.

4. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification for engineers who specialize in the field of manufacturing engineering. The certification is offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in manufacturing engineering, while providing a benchmark of knowledge and skills that can be used to measure an individual's proficiency in this field.

To become certified as a CMfgE, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASME. The exam covers topics such as process planning, quality control and assurance, cost estimating, production systems design, materials selection and processing, safety management, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related fields. Applicants must also submit proof of their educational background and work experience. Additionally, they must submit letters of recommendation from two professional references who are familiar with their work experience in the field of manufacturing engineering.

The cost for taking the CMfgE exam varies depending on whether you are an ASME member or non-member. For ASME members, the fee is $395; for non-members it is $495.

5. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program that is offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of construction management practice. The CCM credential signifies that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and commitment to ethical practices necessary to provide effective leadership on a construction project.

The CCM program consists of three components: a written examination, an oral examination, and a portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as project management principles, contract administration, risk management, safety management, cost estimating, scheduling and quality control. The oral exam focuses on the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with other members of the construction team. Finally, the portfolio review assesses the candidate’s knowledge and experience in managing projects from start to finish.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three components of the CCM program. During this time, candidates must complete coursework in construction management topics as well as prepare for their examinations and portfolio review.

In order to become certified as a CCM, applicants must first apply for membership with CMAA. This can be done online or by mail. Membership fees vary depending on which level of membership you choose (basic or premium). After becoming a member of CMAA, applicants can then register for the CCM program through CMAA's website or by phone.

The cost of becoming a Certified Construction Manager varies depending on which type of membership you choose with CMAA and whether you are taking advantage of any discounts or special offers they may have available at any given time. Generally speaking however, it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 USD to become certified as a CCM.

6. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional certification issued by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in green building design, construction, and operations. It is the most widely recognized credential for green building professionals in the world.

It typically takes 6-12 months to obtain a LEED AP certification. The process begins with studying for and passing an exam administered by USGBC. The exam covers topics such as green building principles, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, materials selection, and more. After passing the exam, applicants must submit documentation of their experience in green building projects or activities. This can include project plans, photos of completed projects, and other evidence of involvement with green building initiatives.

The cost for taking the LEED AP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per person per exam session. Additional costs may be incurred if additional study materials are purchased or if applicants opt to take part in workshops or seminars offered by USGBC or its affiliates.

7. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional engineer who has achieved a certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to demonstrate that an engineer has the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and analyze potential reliability problems in products, systems, and services. The CRE certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as reliability engineering principles, methods, and tools; design of experiments; failure modes and effects analysis; reliability testing; reliability growth management; and system safety.

The amount of time it takes to get the CRE certification depends on how quickly you can study for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to one year or more to prepare for the exam. To get started with studying for the exam, you should review ASQ’s Body of Knowledge (BOK) which outlines all of the topics covered on the exam. You should also consider taking an ASQ-approved training course or attending seminars related to reliability engineering.

The cost of getting your CRE certification varies depending on whether or not you choose to take an ASQ-approved training course or attend seminars related to reliability engineering. The cost of taking the actual exam is $419 USD for members of ASQ and $569 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with preparing for and taking the exam such as books, travel expenses for attending seminars, etc.

Overall, becoming a Certified Reliability Engineer is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in this field and can help open doors to new career opportunities in product development, quality assurance, manufacturing engineering, supply chain management, etc.

8. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and experience in energy management. The CEM program requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field, as well as passing an exam.

The exam consists of multiple-choice and essay questions covering topics such as energy auditing, economics, engineering principles, energy conservation technologies, and management practices. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in the energy field or a combination of education and experience totaling eight years.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CEM exam. Preparation involves studying for the exam, attending review courses or seminars, and taking practice exams. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are an AEE member or non-member. For members, it costs $400; for non-members it costs $600.

9. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and products by reducing variation and defects, and improving customer satisfaction. The certification is offered through several organizations, including ASQ (American Society for Quality), IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification), and CSSC (Certified Six Sigma Consultant).

The certification process usually takes between four to six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the Six Sigma methodology. This includes topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, project management, and quality assurance. Once they have passed the exam, they must then demonstrate their ability to apply the principles of Six Sigma in a practical setting. This may involve completing a project or leading a team through a process improvement initiative.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it and the type of training involved. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $5,000 USD. The cost typically covers materials such as study guides and practice exams as well as any fees associated with taking the exam itself.

In addition to passing the exam and demonstrating their ability to apply Six Sigma principles in practice, applicants may also need to meet other requirements such as having several years of experience working in quality control or related fields before being eligible for certification.

10. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP is designed to recognize safety professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of safety, health, and environmental management.

To become a CSP, an individual must meet certain educational requirements and pass an examination administered by the BCSP. The educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree or higher in safety, industrial hygiene, occupational health, engineering, physical science, or other related disciplines; or at least four years of qualifying work experience in safety and/or health.

The CSP examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazard recognition and control; occupational health; industrial hygiene; ergonomics; fire protection; emergency response planning; risk assessment; accident investigation; environmental law and regulations; loss prevention systems; and workplace safety programs. The exam fee is $450 USD for members of the BCSP ($550 USD for non-members).

Once an individual has met all the requirements for becoming a CSP, they must renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education activities. The renewal fee is $150 USD for members ($200 USD for non-members).

Do You Really Need a Engineering Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their specific situation. If someone is looking to pursue a career in engineering consulting, then it might be beneficial for them to obtain an engineering consultant certificate. This type of certification can provide individuals with the credentials necessary to gain access to some of the more advanced and specialized engineering consulting positions.

A certificate can also help demonstrate a person’s knowledge and expertise in their field, which can be beneficial when competing for jobs or negotiating contracts. Depending on the level of certification, individuals may also have access to additional resources that are not available through traditional education programs. These resources could include industry conferences and seminars, as well as specialized software tools used in engineering consulting work.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs an engineering consultant certificate will depend on their goals and objectives. If they are looking for a career in consulting, then obtaining a certificate could give them an edge over other candidates who don’t have one. However, if they are looking for a job that does not require such credentials, then it may not be necessary.

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FAQs About Engineering Consultant Certifications

1. What are the requirements for obtaining an engineering consultant certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining an engineering consultant certification vary depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally, these certifications require a combination of education, experience, and professional development to demonstrate expertise in a given field.

2. How long does it take to become certified as an engineering consultant?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified depends on the specific requirements and the individual's level of experience in engineering. Generally, it can take anywhere from one year to three years or more for someone to complete all the necessary steps for certification.

3. What is the cost of becoming certified as an engineering consultant?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified will depend on the type of certification being sought and any additional training or coursework that may be required. Generally, certifications range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity and length of the process.

4. Is there an exam required for certification as an engineering consultant?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to pass a written or oral examination in order to obtain their certification. This exam is designed to assess knowledge and expertise in various areas related to engineering consulting services.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining a valid engineering consultant certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying bodies require engineers who are already certified to complete periodic continuing education courses in order to maintain their valid status as a certified engineer or consultant.