Top 11 Engineering Teacher Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for engineering teachers. Certifications provide employers with evidence that the teacher is qualified to teach engineering and has necessary knowledge and skills. They also demonstrate that the teacher is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date on new technologies, trends, and developments in the field of engineering. Furthermore, certifications can help teachers stand out from other applicants as they show a dedication to their profession. Finally, certifications provide a level of assurance for employers that the teacher will be able to provide quality instruction and adhere to industry standards.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Engineering Teachers and explains how they can enhance an engineering teacher's career prospects.

What are Engineering Teacher Certifications?

Engineering teacher certification is a professional certification that allows teachers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in teaching engineering-related topics. It is an important credential for educators who wish to teach engineering courses at the secondary or post-secondary level. The certification assesses an educator’s knowledge of engineering concepts, as well as their ability to effectively communicate these concepts to students in a classroom setting.

Having an engineering teacher certification can help educators demonstrate their commitment to the subject matter and give them confidence when teaching courses. It also helps schools, districts, and other organizations evaluate potential engineering instructors and decide which candidates are best suited for the job. Additionally, having this certification may allow educators to qualify for higher pay or better job opportunities within the field of education. Finally, obtaining this credential can help teachers stay current on the latest developments in engineering education, making them more valuable instructors for their students.

Pro Tip: Research your state's teacher certification requirements before applying for an engineering teacher certification. Each state has different requirements and it is important to make sure you are meeting all of the necessary criteria for your specific situation.

Related: What does an Engineering Teacher do?

Top 11 Engineering Teacher Certifications

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

1. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes teachers who have met rigorous standards of practice in their profession. It is designed to recognize and reward excellence in teaching, promote professional growth, and provide a system for continuous improvement.

To obtain the NBPTS certification, teachers must complete an intensive application process that includes submitting evidence of their teaching practices, demonstrating their knowledge of the subject matter they teach, and passing a written assessment. The entire process can take up to 18 months from start to finish.

In order to begin the certification process, teachers must first register online at the NBPTS website. They must then submit an application package which includes a resume or CV, letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors, evidence of teaching practice such as lesson plans and student work samples, and an essay describing why they want to become certified. Once these materials are received by the NBPTS board, they will review them and determine if the teacher is eligible for certification.

If approved, the teacher will be invited to sit for a written assessment which will test their knowledge of teaching theory and principles as well as their understanding of content related to their area(s) of expertise. Once this exam is successfully completed, the teacher will be awarded with their NBPTS certification.

The cost associated with obtaining NBPTS certification varies depending on a number of factors such as geographic location and type of program chosen (e.g., traditional vs online). Generally speaking however, it can range anywhere from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on these factors.

2. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Certification

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is an internationally recognized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) certification program for K-12 students. It provides rigorous and relevant learning experiences that prepare students to be successful in college and career. PLTW offers a variety of courses ranging from engineering design to computer science, biomedical sciences, and more.

The PLTW certification process typically takes two years to complete. The first year involves completing the core curriculum which consists of four courses: Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. After completing the core curriculum, students can choose from a variety of elective courses such as Aerospace Engineering or Biomedical Sciences.

To get certified in PLTW, students must successfully complete all required courses with passing grades and submit their portfolios for review by a panel of educators. Students must also pass the PLTW End-of-Course Assessment for each course they have completed. Once all requirements are met, students will receive their official PLTW Certification.

The cost of getting certified in PLTW varies depending on the school district or organization offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range from free to several hundred dollars per course depending on the materials needed for each course and any additional fees associated with taking the End-of-Course Assessment.

3. International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification

The International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification is a professional certification program designed to help educators use technology effectively in the classroom. The ISTE Certification program is based on the National Educational Technology Standards for Educators (NETS-E), which are standards developed by ISTE that define the skills and knowledge that educators should possess to effectively use technology in their teaching.

The ISTE Certification program consists of two levels: the ISTE Certified Educator (ICE) and the ISTE Certified Trainer (ICT). To become an ICE, you must have at least three years of experience teaching with technology, complete an online course, and pass a comprehensive exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and costs $350. To become an ICT, you must have at least five years of experience teaching with technology, complete an online course, and pass a comprehensive exam. The online course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and costs $500.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for either level of certification, you will receive your official certificate from ISTE. This certificate will be valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education activities related to educational technology as well as payment of a renewal fee ($100 for ICE or $150 for ICT).

4. National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Certification

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes science teachers who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field of science education. It is designed to help educators demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence in teaching science.

To become certified, an educator must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria include having a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in the sciences, completing at least 30 hours of professional development activities related to science teaching, and submitting letters of recommendation from two current or former supervisors.

The NSTA Certification Exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as scientific inquiry, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and classroom management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the NSTA Certification Exam is $225 for members of the NSTA and $275 for non-members. There are also additional fees for late registration ($50) and rescheduling ($25).

Once an educator has passed the exam, they will receive a certificate from the NSTA recognizing them as a Certified Science Teacher. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completing 50 hours of professional development activities related to science teaching within the five year period prior to renewal.

5. American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Certification

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Certification is a professional accreditation that recognizes the highest standards of excellence in engineering education. It is the only certification program specifically designed to recognize and promote quality engineering education programs. ASEE Certification provides assurance to students, employers, and other stakeholders that an accredited program meets rigorous standards of quality.

It typically takes about two years to complete the process of obtaining ASEE Certification. The process begins with a self-study by the institution or department seeking certification. This self-study is then reviewed by an external team of experts who are members of ASEE's Board of Examiners. After the review, the Board makes a recommendation to ASEE's Council on Professional Accreditation as to whether or not the institution or department should be granted certification. If approved, the institution or department will receive its official ASEE Certificate of Accreditation.

To obtain ASEE Certification, institutions must demonstrate that they meet all requirements outlined in ASEE's Standards for Accreditation and Guidelines for Self-Study Reports. These requirements include: having a strong commitment to student learning; providing faculty with appropriate resources; maintaining adequate facilities; demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion; and having effective administrative processes in place. Additionally, institutions must also demonstrate that their engineering programs are consistent with established industry standards and have achieved positive outcomes for students in terms of employment opportunities, graduate school acceptance rates, etc.

The cost for obtaining ASEE Certification varies depending on factors such as size and scope of the institution or department seeking accreditation, as well as any additional services requested from ASEE during the review process. Generally speaking, however, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$25,000 USD per year depending on these factors.

6. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Certification

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to professional engineers and surveyors. NCEES certification is required in most states in order to become a licensed engineer or surveyor.

To get certified, applicants must meet the requirements set by their state board, which includes passing two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam is typically taken during college, while the PE exam is typically taken after graduation.

The process of getting certified can take anywhere from one to three years depending on the individual’s experience level and the state board’s requirements. To get started, applicants must first register with NCEES, then submit an application to their state board for approval. Once approved, they will be able to register for the FE or PE exam. After passing both exams, applicants must complete additional requirements set by their state board before they can be officially certified as a professional engineer or surveyor.

The cost of NCEES certification varies depending on the individual’s state board requirements and fees associated with taking the exams. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 to get certified through NCEES.

7. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Certification

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Certification is a professional certification program that provides assurance to employers, students, and the public that an accredited engineering or technology program meets the quality standards established by the profession. ABET is a non-profit organization that accredits college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

It typically takes two to three years to get ABET certification. The process begins with the institution submitting a self-study report to ABET detailing how their program meets all of the criteria set forth by ABET. Once the self-study report is approved, an on-site visit from an ABET team is scheduled. During this visit, the team evaluates the institution’s program against all of the criteria set forth by ABET. If all criteria are met then a certificate of accreditation is issued.

The cost of getting ABET certification varies depending on the size of the institution and its program. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000 and $10,000 for each program seeking accreditation. This fee covers the cost of staff time spent preparing for and completing both the self-study report and on-site visit as well as any other administrative costs associated with accreditation.

In addition to these fees there may also be additional costs associated with making changes or improvements to meet certain criteria set forth by ABET prior to receiving accreditation. These costs can include faculty salaries for additional teaching hours or purchasing new equipment or software needed for compliance with certain standards set forth by ABET.

8. National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certification

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is a non-profit organization that works to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare by establishing standards for the registration of architects. NCARB Certification is a voluntary process that allows architects to demonstrate their professional qualifications and experience in order to be eligible for licensure in multiple jurisdictions.

To become certified, an architect must complete five steps:

1. Earn an accredited degree from a program that meets NCARB's educational standards;

2. Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP);

3. Pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE);

4. Meet character and fitness requirements; and

5. Obtain a license in at least one jurisdiction.

The entire certification process can take anywhere from two to seven years depending on how quickly the individual completes each step. The cost of certification varies by state but typically includes fees for application materials, exams, and other administrative costs associated with obtaining licensure in multiple states.

9. Certified Technology Teacher Program (CTTP) Certification

The Certified Technology Teacher Program (CTTP) Certification is a program designed to help teachers develop their technology skills and become more effective in the classroom. CTTP certification is offered by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), an organization that promotes technology use in education.

To obtain CTTP certification, teachers must complete a series of courses, assessments, and projects related to educational technology. The program consists of four components: Foundations of Educational Technology, Teaching and Learning with Technology, Leading and Managing Technology Programs, and Professionalism in Educational Technology. Each component requires 40 hours of coursework, including online lectures, readings, activities, and assignments.

The entire program takes approximately two years to complete. To start the program, teachers must submit an application form along with a fee of $100 USD. Once accepted into the program, teachers will receive access to all course materials and assessments as well as support from ISTE staff members throughout the duration of the program. Upon completion of all four components, teachers will be awarded their CTTP certification.

The cost for completing the CTTP certification varies depending on which courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. In general, it costs around $3200 USD for all four components plus any additional fees associated with taking exams or submitting projects.

10. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification is a program that provides accreditation to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of mechanical engineering. The certification is designed to recognize those who have achieved a professional level of expertise in their chosen discipline and can demonstrate their ability to apply engineering principles, theories, and techniques to solve complex problems.

In order to become certified by the ASME, an individual must complete a series of exams that test their knowledge and skills related to mechanical engineering. The exams are divided into two categories: the Professional Engineering Exam (PE) and the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE). The PE exam is more comprehensive and requires more preparation than the FE exam, but both tests are necessary for certification.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all the requirements for ASME certification. During this time, individuals must pass both exams as well as meet any additional requirements set forth by ASME such as completing continuing education courses or having a certain number of years of experience in the field.

In order to get started on the path toward ASME certification, individuals must first register with ASME’s online portal where they will be able to access study materials and register for exams. They will also need to pay an application fee which varies depending on which type of exam they are taking. For example, the application fee for the PE exam is $225 while the application fee for the FE exam is $175.

Overall, obtaining ASME certification can be a lengthy process but it can also provide numerous benefits such as increased job opportunities and higher salaries. It can also help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization.

11. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Certification

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. They offer certifications that are recognized around the world as a mark of excellence in the field of electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and other related fields.

IEEE Certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their technical knowledge and expertise in specific areas. The certifications are based on an assessment of an individual’s knowledge and skills, which can be acquired through formal education or work experience.

The length of time it takes to get an IEEE Certification depends on the type of certification being sought. Most certifications require passing an exam that covers topics such as mathematics, electronics, computer programming, and software engineering. Depending on the type of certification being sought, it may take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete all requirements for certification.

To get an IEEE Certification, you must first meet any prerequisites for the particular certification you are seeking. This may include having a certain amount of work experience or completing specific courses or training programs related to the field in which you are seeking certification. Once these prerequisites have been met, you can then register for the exam with IEEE and pay any applicable fees associated with taking the exam.

The cost for taking an IEEE Certification exam varies depending on the type of certification being sought and where it is taken. Generally speaking, exams range from $100-$200 USD per attempt; however some specialty exams may cost more than this amount. In addition to paying for the exam itself, there may also be additional costs associated with taking preparatory courses or materials needed to prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Engineering Teacher Certificate?

The answer to this question will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are looking to pursue a career as an engineer, then obtaining an engineering teacher certificate may be beneficial. An engineering teacher certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field of engineering, which may help you stand out from other applicants for engineering positions. It can also provide you with the opportunity to teach others about engineering concepts, which can be highly rewarding.

On the other hand, if you are already employed as an engineer or have prior experience in the field of engineering, then having an engineering teacher certificate may not be necessary. In some cases, employers may consider prior experience and knowledge as more valuable than having a teaching certification. Furthermore, depending on where you work, it may be easier to obtain professional development opportunities without needing to obtain a teaching certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an engineering teacher certificate will depend on your individual goals and objectives. If teaching is something that interests you or if it is important for advancing your career in the field of engineering then obtaining a teaching certification could prove beneficial. However, if teaching is not something that interests you or if it is not necessary for advancing your career in the field of engineering then obtaining a teaching certification may not be necessary.

Related: Engineering Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Engineering Teacher Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become an Engineering Teacher?

A: To become an Engineering Teacher, you will need to have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, as well as a teaching license from your state board of education. You may also need to complete additional coursework and exams to qualify for a teaching certification.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an Engineering Teacher?

A: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the specific requirements of your state board of education and the number of hours you have available for study and preparation. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months up to two years to become fully certified.

3. What is the cost associated with becoming an Engineering Teacher?

A: The cost associated with becoming an Engineering Teacher varies depending on the type of certification you pursue and the state in which you live. Costs may include fees for coursework, exams, and credentials.

4. Are there any special certifications I can obtain as an Engineering Teacher?

A: Yes! Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to obtain specialized certifications such as National Board Certification or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

5. Is there any way I can get help preparing for my Engineering Teacher certification exams?

A: Yes! There are many resources available online that provide practice tests and sample questions designed to help you prepare for your certification exams. Additionally, many states offer test preparation courses that can help you prepare for your exams more effectively.