Top 11 Engineering Program Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an engineering program manager in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and expertise in the field. Certifications can provide evidence of specialized knowledge, technical skills, and experience that employers look for when hiring a program manager. They can also be used as proof of qualifications and a way to stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can help an engineering program manager stay up-to-date on industry trends, which is beneficial when managing complex programs.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Engineering Program Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Engineering Program Manager Certifications?

Engineering Program Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and experience in managing engineering programs. This certification is designed to help engineering professionals demonstrate their ability to lead complex technical projects, develop sound strategies, manage resources efficiently, and deliver quality results. It also helps employers ensure that their engineering teams have the necessary qualifications to successfully execute programmatic initiatives.

The Engineering Program Manager Certification covers a range of topics related to program management, including project planning and scheduling, risk management, budgeting and financial analysis, team building and leadership, communication skills, and quality assurance. The certification also includes an optional specialization in areas such as software development or system integration. By obtaining this certification, individuals can prove their expertise in engineering program management and gain recognition in the industry.

Having an Engineering Program Manager Certification provides several benefits for those looking to advance their career in engineering program management. It can help demonstrate credibility with potential employers, increase marketability for job seekers, provide access to advanced training opportunities and resources through certification organizations such as Project Management Institute (PMI) or Scrum Alliance (SA), enhance confidence in one's abilities as a leader of complex projects or programs, and improve networking opportunities with other certified professionals.

Pro Tip: To achieve engineering program manager certification, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in engineering management. Additionally, look for courses that provide a comprehensive overview of the principles of engineering project management and offer hands-on experience in developing and managing projects. Finally, make sure to take advantage of any available resources, such as online forums and professional networks, to network with other certified professionals.

Related: What does an Engineering Program Manager do?

Top 11 Engineering Program Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is the most popular and widely recognized project management credential in the world. It demonstrates that a project manager has the experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to get certified as a PMP, depending on your current level of project management knowledge and experience. To become certified, you must meet certain educational and professional requirements set forth by the PMI. You must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least 5 years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects; or a four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent) with at least 3 years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.

In addition to meeting these educational and professional requirements, you must also pass an exam administered by the PMI. The cost for taking the exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members.

2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead Scrum teams. The certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum in software development.

The CSM program consists of a two-day course that covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles, events, artifacts, and principles. After completing the course, participants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CSM, you must attend an official two-day training course offered by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). These courses are typically held at various locations around the world and cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 USD per person depending on location and provider.

Once you have attended the training course, you will be eligible to take the online assessment which consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You must answer at least 37 questions correctly in order to pass and receive your certification. Once you have passed the assessment, you will receive your CSM certificate via email within 5-7 business days.

The cost of getting certified as a CSM varies depending on where you take the training course and who provides it. Generally speaking though, it can range anywhere from $1000-$2000 USD per person for the two-day course plus any additional fees associated with taking the online assessment.

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their understanding of and commitment to project management principles. The CAPM provides a foundation for further professional development and recognition as a project manager.

It typically takes about 150 hours of study time to prepare for the CAPM exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers five process groups—initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing—and nine knowledge areas: integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk management and procurement.

To get the CAPM certification you must have either a high school diploma or an associate's degree plus 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education completed prior to taking the exam. You can also qualify if you have a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus 2 years (4,500 hours) of project experience.

The cost for the CAPM certification varies depending on your PMI membership status. For non-members it costs $225 USD while members pay $300 USD.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The ACP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in Agile practices and principles. It is intended for those who have experience with Agile methods and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

The ACP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as Agile values, principles, and processes; Agile project management; Agile development practices; and Agile team dynamics. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To be eligible for the ACP exam, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: hold a current PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) credential or have 21 contact hours of training in agile practices within the past two years. Applicants must also provide proof of their current project management experience or training.

The cost of the ACP exam varies depending on your country/region. In the United States, it costs $435 for PMI members ($495 for non-members). In other countries, prices may vary.

5. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to improve process performance, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The certification program typically takes about two weeks to complete. It includes both classroom instruction and an online exam. During the classroom portion, students learn about the Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques for improving processes. They also develop skills in problem-solving, communication, and team building.

In order to get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must have at least three years of experience in process improvement or quality management. You must also pass an online exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the organization offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $3,000 USD for the entire program including both classroom instruction and the online exam.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL). The ITIL framework is a set of best practices for managing IT services, and it provides guidance on how to plan, deliver, operate, and control IT services.

The ITIL Foundation Certification requires individuals to pass an exam in order to become certified. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at least 65% in order to pass the exam.

In order to prepare for the ITIL Foundation Certification Exam, individuals can take online courses or attend instructor-led classes. There are also practice exams available online that can help candidates prepare for the actual exam.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether you opt for self-study or instructor-led training. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$1000 USD.

7. Microsoft Project Certification

Microsoft Project Certification is a professional certification program that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Microsoft Project, the project management software. This certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in planning, tracking, and managing projects using Microsoft Project.

It typically takes around 30 hours of study time to prepare for the Microsoft Project certification exam. The exam itself consists of multiple choice questions and hands-on simulations. It tests your ability to use the features of Microsoft Project to manage projects, create reports, and track tasks.

To get certified, you must first pass the Microsoft Project certification exam. You can take this exam online or at a testing center near you. To register for the exam, you will need to purchase a voucher from an authorized training provider or from Microsoft directly. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where you purchase it from.

Once you have passed the exam and received your certificate, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills with Microsoft Project on your resume or job application. This certification is also recognized by many employers as proof of proficiency in project management software.

8. Product Owner Certification (CSPO)

Product Owner Certification (CSPO) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of product ownership within the Scrum framework. The certification is based on the Scrum Guide, which outlines the roles, responsibilities, and activities of a successful product owner.

The CSPO certification process typically takes two days to complete. On day one, participants attend a two-day classroom course that covers topics such as product visioning, user stories, backlog management, release planning, and stakeholder engagement. On day two, participants take an online assessment that tests their knowledge of Scrum fundamentals and product ownership.

To become certified as a Product Owner (CSPO), individuals must first register for the two-day course with an accredited training provider. After completing the coursework and passing the online assessment with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their official CSPO certificate from the Scrum Alliance.

The cost of becoming certified as a Product Owner (CSPO) varies depending on where you take your training course; however, it can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD for both days of instruction plus any applicable exam fees.

9. SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)

SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) is a certification program offered by Scaled Agile, Inc. that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to successfully implement the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The SPC certification is designed for experienced agile practitioners who want to help their organization adopt and scale agile practices.

The SPC certification requires a two-day training course and passing an exam. The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD. After completing the training course, candidates must pass an online exam in order to become certified as an SPC. The cost of the exam is $500 USD.

In total, it takes about three days to get certified as an SPC: one day for the training course and two days for taking and passing the exam.

10. Agile Program Manager Certification (APMC)

Agile Program Manager Certification (APMC) is a professional certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in managing Agile programs. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The certification is designed for those who are responsible for leading and managing Agile programs, projects, and teams.

The APMC requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as Agile principles, project management, team dynamics, and organizational change. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in program or project management and at least one year of experience with Agile methods.

To prepare for the APMC exam, applicants should review PMI’s Agile Practice Guide and study the material provided on the PMI website. There are also many online courses available that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the APMC exam is $500 USD ($400 USD for PMI members). Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification within 4-6 weeks.

11. Professional Engineering Management Certification (PEMC).

Professional Engineering Management Certification (PEMC) is an internationally recognized professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of engineering managers. It is offered by the International Association for Professional Engineering Managers (IAPEM).

The PEMC certification process consists of three stages: knowledge assessment, experience evaluation, and interview. The knowledge assessment includes a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as project management, engineering law, ethics, and financial management. The experience evaluation requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to lead teams and manage projects. Finally, candidates must pass an in-person interview with IAPEM representatives.

The entire certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Candidates must also pay a fee of $1,500 USD to cover the cost of the examination and other related expenses.

In addition to passing all three stages of the PEMC certification process, applicants must also meet certain requirements such as having at least five years of professional engineering experience or a master’s degree in engineering management. Furthermore, they must be members in good standing with IAPEM for at least two years prior to applying for certification.

Once certified, engineers are required to maintain their credentials through continuing education activities every two years in order to remain certified.

Do You Really Need a Engineering Program Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to pursue a career in engineering program management, then an engineering program manager certificate could be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field. Having an official certification can help you stand out from other job applicants, as it shows that you have taken the time and effort to become educated in the field. Additionally, having a certificate may give you access to exclusive job opportunities or specialized training courses.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working in engineering program management or have a degree in the field, then an engineering program manager certificate may not be necessary. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing additional education before making a decision. It may be more beneficial for you to focus on gaining hands-on experience or developing additional technical skills instead of obtaining a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an engineering program manager certificate is up to you and your individual goals. Be sure to consider all of your options before making a decision so that you can make an informed choice about how best to further your career.

Related: Engineering Program Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Engineering Program Manager Certifications

1. What is an Engineering Program Manager Certification?

Answer: An Engineering Program Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates mastery of the skills and knowledge required to manage engineering projects in a variety of industries. It is typically earned by passing an exam and demonstrating a certain level of experience in engineering project management.

2. How do I become certified as an Engineering Program Manager?

Answer: To become certified as an Engineering Program Manager, you must have at least five years of experience managing engineering projects, complete training courses related to program management, and pass the certification exam administered by a recognized certifying organization.

3. Are there any prerequisites for taking the certification exam?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require applicants to have either a bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent work experience. Additionally, some organizations may also require applicants to have completed specific training courses prior to taking the exam.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Engineering Program Manager?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the certifying organization and your individual qualifications and experience. Generally, it can take anywhere from two months to one year or more before completing all requirements and passing the certification exam.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as an Engineering Program Manager?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the certifying organization and your individual qualifications and experience; however, generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2000 USD or more in total costs (including course fees, application fees, and exam fees).