Top 11 Engineering Director Certifications

Certifications are an important component of a successful engineering director’s job market prospects. They demonstrate the director’s professional qualifications, expertise and commitment to their field. Certifications can give a potential employer confidence that the director is up-to-date on the latest technology and trends in engineering and can provide guidance for the team or organization. In addition, certifications may also open up opportunities for advancement within an organization as they signify knowledge and capability in certain areas of engineering. Finally, certifications may be required by certain organizations or employers, so having them can make a candidate more attractive to prospective employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Engineering Directors and explains how they can help advance an engineering director's career.

What are Engineering Director Certifications?

Engineering director certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in leading and managing engineering teams. This certification is awarded by the Institute of Engineering Management (IEM), an international organization that provides leadership training and education for engineering professionals. To be eligible for this certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience as a manager or director in the engineering field, as well as a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.

The IEM's certification program helps to ensure that engineering directors are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their teams effectively and efficiently. The program covers topics such as strategic planning, project management, team building, risk management, communication skills, personnel development, and financial management. By completing this program and earning the certification, engineering directors demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional development and show employers that they are capable of taking on complex tasks and leading their team to success. Certification can also help engineers increase their earning potential; according to the IEM, those who hold this credential earn 8-10% more than their non-certified counterparts.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming an engineering director, it is important to obtain certification. Look for certification programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) to ensure that you receive the best education and training available. Additionally, make sure that the program is tailored to your specific industry needs in order to maximize its value.

Related: What does an Engineering Director do?

Top 11 Engineering Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Engineering Manager (CEM)

Certified Engineering Manager (CEM) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced engineering managers. The certification is offered by the International Association of Engineering Management (IAEM), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of engineering management.

It takes approximately 8-10 months to complete the CEM program, which includes completing a series of online courses and passing a final exam. To be eligible for the CEM program, applicants must have at least 5 years of experience in engineering management or related fields.

The cost for the CEM program varies depending on the country in which you are located. Generally, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD to become certified. This fee covers all course materials and exams as well as membership in IAEM.

To get started with the CEM program, applicants must first register with IAEM and then complete all required courses within 8-10 months. Once all courses are completed, applicants must pass a final exam administered by IAEM in order to receive their certification.

2. Certified Professional Engineer (CPE)

Certified Professional Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification for engineers who have met the educational, experience, and ethical requirements set by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The CPE certification is an important credential for engineers who are looking to advance their careers in the engineering field.

It usually takes about four years to become a Certified Professional Engineer. To get the certification, you must first complete a four-year engineering degree from an accredited college or university. You must also pass two exams administered by NCEES: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). After passing these exams, you must meet certain experience requirements before applying for the CPE certification.

The cost of getting certified as a Professional Engineer depends on several factors such as exam fees, state license fees, application fees, and other miscellaneous costs. The NCEES website provides detailed information about all associated costs. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000 to become a Certified Professional Engineer.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). A CQE is an individual who has demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality engineering, including the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control. The CQE designation is intended to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competence in quality engineering that meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards.

It takes approximately 6-9 months to get certified as a CQE. To become certified, you must pass the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer Exam. This exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as management responsibility, product design, process control, statistical analysis, and quality improvement techniques.

The cost of the exam varies depending on if you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the exam fee is $519 USD while for members it is $419 USD. You must also pay an additional fee for study materials which can range from $50-$200 USD depending on what type of material you purchase.

4. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the field of manufacturing engineering. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in areas such as production planning, process improvement, quality control, cost reduction, and safety management.

The CMfgE certification process typically takes several months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application with their resume and transcripts showing proof of a minimum of four years of relevant work experience. After the application is approved, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as manufacturing processes, materials selection, design for manufacturability, production planning and control, quality assurance and control systems, cost analysis and optimization techniques. Finally, applicants must complete an oral exam conducted by a panel of SME-certified professionals.

The cost of obtaining the CMfgE certification varies depending on the applicant's location and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more for all associated fees (application fee, exam fee etc.).

5. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in reliability engineering. The CRE credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems related to product and system reliability.

It typically takes approximately 6 months of preparation to obtain the CRE certification. Preparation includes studying the ASQ Body of Knowledge, which covers topics such as reliability fundamentals, statistical analysis methods, failure analysis techniques, maintenance strategies, quality assurance processes, and more. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CRE you must first apply for the certification through ASQ. The application fee is $229 USD for members or $369 USD for non-members. After submitting your application you will be required to take the CRE exam at one of ASQ's approved testing centers located throughout the world. The cost of taking the exam is $350 USD for members or $500 USD for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your Certified Reliability Engineer certificate from ASQ.

6. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in software quality engineering and related disciplines. The CSQE designation is based on knowledge and experience in software quality engineering, including the ability to apply principles and practices of software quality assurance, software process improvement, and software testing.

The CSQE certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as software testing, process improvement, quality assurance, project management, and customer satisfaction. Applicants must also have at least five years of experience in software quality engineering or related fields.

It typically takes six months or more to prepare for the exam. Candidates should plan to spend time studying the material covered on the exam and taking practice tests. They should also consider attending training courses or workshops offered by ASQ or other organizations that specialize in software quality engineering topics.

The cost of obtaining the CSQE certification varies depending on where you take the exam and how much preparation you do beforehand. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 USD for registration fees plus any applicable taxes or fees.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. PMP is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, experience, and competency in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes 4-6 months to prepare for the PMP exam. The preparation process includes studying the PMBOK Guide and other reference materials, attending training courses, and taking practice exams.

To become a PMP certified professional, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. You must have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or equivalent), at least 7500 hours of leading and directing projects over the past 5 years, 35 hours of formal project management education within the past 5 years, or a combination of both.

The cost of getting your PMP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of PMI or not. If you are not a member yet, you will need to pay $139 for your membership fee plus $405 for the exam fee ($544 total). If you are already a member of PMI then you only need to pay $405 for the exam fee.

8. American Society for Quality Certification (ASQ-CQM/OE)

The American Society for Quality Certification (ASQ-CQM/OE) is a credentialing program that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in quality management and operational excellence. The certification is based on the body of knowledge developed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide employers with assurance that certified individuals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and lead quality initiatives.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality principles, process improvement, project management, customer satisfaction, and organizational excellence. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in the field of quality management through work experience or education.

The cost of the ASQ-CQM/OE certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or nonmember. For members, it costs $395 for the exam and $50 for each additional year of certification maintenance. For nonmembers, it costs $495 for the exam and $100 for each additional year of certification maintenance.

In order to get certified, you must first register with ASQ by filling out an application form online or by mail. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for the exam and register for a testing date at a nearby Prometric Testing Center. After successfully passing the exam, you will be awarded your certificate from ASQ within four weeks.

9. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of Six Sigma and Lean principles. It is designed to help individuals become experts in the use of Six Sigma methodology for process improvement, problem solving, and decision-making.

The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete, depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment. To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, an individual must pass an exam administered by a recognized organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as project management, data analysis, problem solving, design of experiments (DOE), statistical process control (SPC), and lean principles.

To prepare for the exam, individuals should take courses related to Six Sigma and Lean principles. These courses are typically offered through universities or online programs. Additionally, there are numerous books available that provide detailed information about Six Sigma and Lean principles.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the organization administering the exam but can range from $500 - $2,000 USD.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead, manage, and facilitate process improvement projects. The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is based on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) methodology. It is designed to help organizations reduce waste and improve efficiency in their processes.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification typically takes between four and six weeks to complete. This includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on project work. During the course of the program, participants learn how to identify process improvement opportunities, develop solutions for those opportunities, and implement them effectively. They also gain an understanding of the tools and techniques used in Lean Six Sigma projects such as value stream mapping, root cause analysis, statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), failure mode effect analysis (FMEA), and more.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt requires passing an exam administered by a third-party organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management principles, data collection methods, problem solving techniques, process improvement tools, statistical analysis methods and more.

The cost of obtaining Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification varies depending on the provider offering the coursework or exam preparation materials. Generally speaking however it can cost anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000 USD for the entire certification process including tuition fees for courses or study materials required for taking the exam.

11. International Council on Systems Engineering Certification (INCOSE-CSEP).

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification is an internationally recognized professional certification program for systems engineers. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of systems engineering, as well as demonstrate a commitment to the profession.

The CSEP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in the field of systems engineering, including at least four years in a leadership role. The certification process also involves passing an examination that tests knowledge and skills related to systems engineering. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam.

The written exam covers topics such as system architecture, requirements analysis, system design, verification and validation, project management, risk management, and configuration management. The oral exam focuses on the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge of systems engineering principles in solving real-world problems.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CSEP certification process. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or certificates from educational institutions or employers that verify their qualifications for the program. They must also submit a fee of $400 USD for INCOSE membership plus $500 USD for the CSEP examination fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to study materials which they can use to prepare for both exams.

After completing both exams successfully, applicants will be awarded their CSEP certificate and may use it when applying for jobs or promotions within the field of systems engineering.

Do You Really Need a Engineering Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their specific career goals. For some, an engineering director certificate may be necessary in order to reach their desired goals. For others, the additional educational credential may not be essential in achieving the same level of success.

For those interested in becoming an engineering director, having a certificate can provide a number of advantages. It can demonstrate a commitment to the profession and show potential employers that you have knowledge and skills that are applicable to the position. Additionally, it can give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess a certificate. Moreover, having an engineering director certificate might enable you to pursue higher-level positions or work with more complex projects.

On the other hand, there are also potential downsides to obtaining an engineering director certificate. Receiving a certificate requires time and financial resources that could otherwise be spent on other activities such as gaining experience in the field and networking with industry professionals. Furthermore, it is possible for someone without a certificate to still become successful in the field by relying on their transferable skills and personal connections.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs an engineering director certificate is largely dependent on their individual circumstances and career objectives. Those who decide they need one should carefully consider all of the pros and cons before making any decisions in order to ensure they make the best possible choice for themselves and their future career prospects.

Related: Engineering Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Engineering Director Certifications

Q1: What is an Engineering Director Certification?

A1: An Engineering Director Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in engineering management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the areas of engineering leadership, project management, and technical proficiency.

Q2: What are the requirements for obtaining an Engineering Director Certification?

A2: Requirements vary by certifying organization, but typically include several years of experience in engineering management or leadership roles, completion of an approved certification program or course, and passing a certification exam.

Q3: How long does it take to complete an Engineering Director Certification?

A3: The length of time varies depending on the certifying organization and the individual's background and experience. Typically, completing an approved certification program or course takes between 6 months and 1 year.

Q4: What are the benefits of having an Engineering Director Certification?

A4: Having a professional credential such as this can help demonstrate your commitment to excellence in your field and give you credibility among employers and peers. It can also provide you with opportunities for career advancement and higher-paying positions within engineering management.

Q5: How much does it cost to get an Engineering Director Certification?

A5: Costs vary by certifying organization, but typically range from $500-$2,000 depending on the program or course chosen. Additional fees may be required for registration, exam preparation materials, or other services associated with obtaining the credential.