Top 10 Engineering Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important way for engineering managers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a particular area. They provide employers with proof that the individual has mastered certain topics or areas of expertise. Additionally, certifications can help engineering managers stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. The certifications prove that they have the necessary qualifications and knowledge to excel in their field. Lastly, certifications can also give employers confidence that the manager is up-to-date on industry trends and advancements, which can be beneficial for strategic planning and decision-making.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of key certifications for Engineering Managers and explain how they can help advance an engineering manager's career.

What are Engineering Manager Certifications?

Engineering manager certification is a professional certification program designed to provide engineering managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and lead their teams. It is based on best practices from the engineering industry, and focuses on the technical, managerial, and interpersonal aspects of managing engineers. This certification helps engineering managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead their teams in a variety of tasks such as: developing team goals; leading projects; delegating tasks; solving problems; motivating and inspiring their teams; communicating effectively; managing resources; building relationships with stakeholders; setting performance standards; providing feedback and coaching. Engineering manager certification also helps managers stay up-to-date on current trends in the engineering industry, allowing them to make better decisions for their team. By obtaining this certification, engineering managers can demonstrate their commitment to staying informed of industry changes while also gaining greater credibility within their organization.

Pro tip: When considering an engineering manager certification, make sure to research which certifications are most highly regarded in the industry and focus on those. Also, look for a program with a practical component that allows you to apply your knowledge and gain hands-on experience. Finally, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in engineering management.

Related: What does an Engineering Manager do?

Top 10 Engineering Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the world’s most recognized and respected project management credential. PMP certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, experience, and competency in leading and directing projects.

To become certified, one must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a four-year degree or equivalent, at least three years of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education. Once these requirements are met, one can apply to take the PMP exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost of the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members it costs $405 USD and for non-members it costs $555 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam such as taxes or late registration fees.

In terms of how long it takes to get certified, it depends on how much time you have to dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3 months up to 6 months if you are studying full-time for the exam.

2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program designed to help individuals understand and apply the principles of Scrum, an Agile framework for developing, delivering, and sustaining complex products. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of Scrum. The CSM certification provides an understanding of the basic concepts of Scrum and how it can be used in organizations.

The CSM certification requires completion of a two-day training course that covers topics such as roles and responsibilities in Scrum teams, product backlogs, sprint planning, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an online exam to receive their CSM certification.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. The cost typically includes both the training and exam fee. The cost can range from $500 - $2,000 depending on location and provider.

To maintain your CSM certification you must complete 20 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every two years from approved sources such as workshops or conferences related to Agile/Scrum practices.

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and understanding of project management principles, processes, and techniques. CAPM certification is an entry-level credential for project managers who are just starting out in their careers or those with less than three years of experience.

To get the CAPM certification, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) or 23 hours of project management education completed before taking the exam. Once these requirements are met, you can then register to take the CAPM exam.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To pass the exam, you must score at least a 73%.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam varies depending on your PMI membership status. For non-members, it costs $300 USD; for members, it costs $225 USD; and for students/retirees/military personnel/disadvantaged groups, it costs $150 USD.

Once you successfully pass the exam, you will receive your official Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certificate from PMI and be recognized as a certified professional in project management.

4. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB)

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) is a professional certification program designed for professionals who want to become experts in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is a comprehensive program that provides an in-depth understanding of the Lean Six Sigma process, tools and techniques. The purpose of this certification is to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful improvement projects and initiatives.

The LSSBB program typically takes between 3-6 months to complete depending on the provider offering it. Generally, it consists of online or classroom instruction, practice exams, case studies and project work. To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally, it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for the entire course and exam fees.

In addition to the cost of certification, there may also be additional costs associated with travel expenses if attending classes in person or purchasing books or other materials related to the program.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage IT services. It is based on the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is a framework of best practices for IT service management. The certification is offered by Axelos, an organization that provides guidance and support for IT service management professionals.

The ITIL Foundation Certification consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation level focuses on the core concepts of IT service management, while the Practitioner level covers more advanced topics such as incident and problem management, change management, and service level agreements.

The ITIL Foundation Certification can be completed in as little as two days if you take an online course or attend a classroom-based training session. Online courses typically cost between $400-$600 USD, while classroom-based training sessions range from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

To get certified at the ITIL Foundation level you must pass an exam administered by Axelos. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. The cost of the exam is approximately $200 USD. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official certification from Axelos.

6. Certified Agile Leadership (CAL I)

Certified Agile Leadership (CAL I) is a certification program designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead agile teams. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the practice of agile software development.

The CAL I program consists of two parts: a one-day classroom course and an online assessment. The classroom course provides an introduction to agile principles, practices, and tools as well as how to apply them in real-world situations. The online assessment tests participants’ understanding of these concepts.

The CAL I certification is valid for two years after completion of the program. To renew it, participants must take part in continuing education activities such as attending conferences or taking additional courses.

The cost of obtaining a CAL I certification depends on where you take the course and whether you are already a member of the Scrum Alliance. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$600 USD for non-members and $200-$400 USD for members.

Overall, Certified Agile Leadership (CAL I) is an excellent way for leaders to gain the skills they need to effectively lead agile teams and organizations.

7. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to design, develop, manage, and measure learning and performance initiatives.

It takes approximately 18-24 months to complete the CPLP certification process. The process consists of four steps: completing an application form; passing an online assessment; attending a CPLP Knowledge Exam Preparation course; and finally taking and passing the CPLP Knowledge Exam.

The cost of the CPLP certification process varies depending on the country you are located in. In the United States it costs $1,095 for ATD members or $1,395 for non-members. This fee covers all four steps of the process including the application fee, assessment fee, course fee, and exam fee.

In order to get certified as a CPLP you must meet certain requirements such as having at least three years of experience in designing, developing, managing or measuring learning or performance initiatives within your organization or field. You must also have completed at least 45 hours of professional development activities related to learning and performance within the past three years prior to applying for certification.

8. Professional Engineering Manager (PEM)

Professional Engineering Manager (PEM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and expertise in engineering management. The PEM certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the technical and managerial competencies required to lead and manage complex engineering projects.

It typically takes about six months to complete the PEM certification process. To get started, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of five years of experience in engineering management or related fields. After meeting these requirements, applicants must then pass an examination which consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as project management, risk management, budgeting, and organizational behavior. The oral exam requires applicants to present their project plans and discuss their strategies for managing projects.

The cost for obtaining the PEM certification varies depending on the country or region where you are taking the exams. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 USD to become certified as a Professional Engineering Manager. This fee includes registration fees, study materials, and other expenses associated with taking the exams.

In addition to passing both examinations, applicants must also maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years in order to keep up with changes in technology and best practices in engineering management.

9. 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 knowledge of quality engineering principles and practices.

The CQE certification requires that applicants have a minimum of eight years of on-the-job experience in quality engineering, including at least three years in a decision-making position. Alternatively, applicants may substitute education for up to four years of experience.

To get the CQE certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality assurance, quality control, statistics and design of experiments. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $450 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have a current ASQ membership and agree to abide by the ASQ Code of Ethics. Once all requirements are met, the CQE certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to assess organizations for compliance with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) standard. It is issued by an accredited third-party organization, such as the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA).

The duration of the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification depends on the type of course taken. Generally, it takes between 5 and 7 days to complete a classroom-based course, or up to 8 weeks for an online course. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD.

To become certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, you must first have experience in auditing and/or quality management systems. You must also pass an exam administered by IRCA or another accredited certifying body. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of the ISO 9001 standard and its requirements. Once you have passed this exam, you will be awarded your certification.

In addition to passing the exam, you may be required to demonstrate your proficiency in leading audits through practical exercises or case studies. These may include planning and conducting audits; analyzing audit results; developing corrective action plans; and writing audit reports.

Once certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, you can use your certification to demonstrate your competence in auditing QMSs and provide assurance that organizations are compliant with ISO 9001 standards.

Do You Really Need a Engineering Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need an engineering manager certificate in order to become an effective engineering manager. However, having such a certification can provide a number of advantages that can help you be successful in the role.

Engineering management certificates are offered by universities and other institutions and typically involve taking specialized courses that cover topics such as project management, engineering principles, and organizational leadership. While it is possible to learn these skills without taking a formal course, having a certificate will provide more comprehensive training and give employers confidence that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to take on the responsibilities of an engineering manager.

Additionally, having an engineering manager certificate may also give you access to resources and networks that would otherwise be unavailable. Such resources could include industry contacts or access to professional development opportunities. This could prove invaluable when looking for new job opportunities or seeking career advancement.

In conclusion, while an engineering manager certificate is not necessary for success in this role, it can provide numerous advantages that may be worth considering if you are looking to advance your career in this field.

Related: Engineering Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Engineering Manager Certifications

1. What types of engineering manager certifications are available?

Answer: Types of engineering manager certifications available include Professional Engineering Manager (PEM) certification, Certified Engineering Manager (CEM) certification, Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification and Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

2. How much does an engineering manager certification cost?

Answer: The cost of an engineering manager certification varies depending on the type of certification and the organization offering it. Generally speaking, fees for a PEM or CEM range from $200 to $400, while fees for a CQE or Six Sigma Black Belt can range from $500 to several thousand dollars.

3. How long does it take to complete an engineering manager certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete an engineering manager certification depends on the type and scope of the program chosen. Generally speaking, most certifications require between six months and two years of study and training before being eligible to take the final exam.

4. What are the benefits of having an engineering manager certification?

Answer: Benefits of having an engineering manager certification include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, improved credibility among peers and colleagues in the field, recognition by employers as a qualified leader, and greater confidence in one’s ability to handle complex tasks within their profession.

5. Is there any way to receive credit towards an engineering manager certification?

Answer: Yes! Many organizations offer continuing education credits that can be applied towards an engineering management degree or certificate program. Additionally, some programs may also accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions or allow students to test out of certain courses with proof of prior learning experience.