Top 10 Engineering Technologist Certifications

Certifications are important for engineering technologists in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and proficiency in their field. They also show employers that the individual has taken the time to invest in their education, which can be beneficial when competing for a job. Certifications can also help an engineering technologist stand out from other applicants, as they demonstrate that they have specialized knowledge and skills that could be valuable to an employer. Additionally, certifications may provide access to higher-level positions or more lucrative opportunities within their field.

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

What are Engineering Technologist Certifications?

Engineering technologist certification is a way for engineering professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in a specific field or specialty. It is typically awarded by professional societies, universities, or other organizations that specialize in the field of engineering. Certification can help engineers stand out from their peers, as it provides an indication of their commitment to the profession and expertise in the area of specialization. It also provides employers with assurance that an engineer has the necessary skills and training to perform at a high level. In addition, certification can provide engineers with greater job security and potential for promotion within their organization. Finally, some employers may even require certifications for certain positions or specializations.

Pro Tip: When looking into engineering technologist certification, make sure to research the requirements for each program and understand what you need to do in order to qualify. Additionally, it's important to note that many certifications require you to maintain your certification through continuing education credits or other activities.

Related: What does an Engineering Technologist do?

Top 10 Engineering Technologist Certifications

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

1. Certified Engineering Technologist (CET)

Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a professional certification issued by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). It is a national certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of engineering technologists in Canada.

To become certified as a CET, you must have an accredited engineering technology diploma or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada or an equivalent international qualification. You must also have at least two years of relevant work experience in an engineering technology related field.

The process to become certified as a CET typically takes about 6-12 months from start to finish. The first step is to complete an online application form and submit it to CCTT along with supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of work experience, and references. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be invited to write the CET exam which consists of multiple choice questions about topics related to engineering technology.

After passing the exam, you will receive your CET certification. The cost for becoming certified as a CET varies depending on whether you are applying for full or provisional certification. Full certification costs $400 CAD while provisional certification costs $200 CAD.

2. Certified Quality Engineering Technologist (CQET)

Certified Quality Engineering Technologist (CQET) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in quality engineering, including inspection, testing, and process improvement.

The CQET certification requires that candidates meet certain educational and/or experience requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible for the CQET certification, individuals must have either a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology from an accredited college or university or at least five years of full-time quality engineering experience.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management principles, statistical methods, design of experiments, process control techniques, and problem solving. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get the CQET certification, individuals must first submit an application to ASQ and pay the applicable fees. The fee for taking the exam is $250 USD for members of ASQ and $350 USD for non-members. Once approved, applicants can register to take the exam at a local testing center.

The cost of the CQET certification varies depending on whether you are a member of ASQ or not. For members, it costs $250 USD to take the exam plus a one-time fee of $50 USD for certification maintenance every three years thereafter. For non-members, it costs $350 USD to take the exam plus a one-time fee of $100 USD for certification maintenance every three years thereafter.

3. Certified Manufacturing Engineering Technologist (CMET)

Certified Manufacturing Engineering Technologist (CMET) is a professional certification administered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of manufacturing engineering technology.

The CMET certification requires an individual to pass an exam that covers topics such as manufacturing processes, materials, quality control, safety, and design. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CMET certification, applicants must have at least four years of experience in the field of manufacturing engineering technology or have completed a two-year technical degree program in the same field. Applicants must also pass a background check and provide proof of continuing education credits.

The cost for taking the CMET certification exam is $350 USD.

4. Certified Electronics Engineering Technologist (CEET)

Certified Electronics Engineering Technologist (CEET) is a certification offered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of electronics engineering technology. The CEET certification is intended to provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals who have met rigorous standards of excellence in their field.

The CEET certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in the electronics engineering technology field, and to pass a comprehensive exam administered by ISCET. The exam covers topics such as electrical safety, electronic components, signal processing, circuit design, microprocessors, and more. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication skills related to their profession.

It typically takes about six months for an individual to complete all requirements for the CEET certification. This includes completing coursework or other educational experiences related to electronics engineering technology, studying for and taking the exam, and submitting all required documents to ISCET for review.

The cost of obtaining the CEET certification varies depending on the applicant's level of experience and education. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 USD depending on the type of courses taken or other educational experiences completed prior to applying for the certification.

5. Certified Mechanical Engineering Technologist (CMET)

Certified Mechanical Engineering Technologist (CMET) is a professional certification offered by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). It is designed to recognize the expertise of individuals who are working as technicians or technologists in mechanical engineering.

To become a Certified Mechanical Engineering Technologist, an individual must have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in mechanical engineering technology, as well as successful completion of the CCTT’s CMET Examination. The examination consists of four parts: General Knowledge, Technical Knowledge, Professional Practice and Specialized Knowledge. Each part has its own set of criteria that must be met before an individual can be certified.

The cost for taking the CMET Examination varies depending on the jurisdiction in which you are taking it. Generally, it ranges from $200 to $400 CAD. Once you have successfully completed the examination, there is an annual fee to maintain your certification status with CCTT which is currently $120 CAD per year.

In order to take the CMET Examination, you will need to complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and proof of work experience. Once your application is approved, you will be able to register for the exam at a location near you. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and results are usually available within two weeks after completion.

6. Certified Environmental Engineering Technologist (CEET)

Certified Environmental Engineering Technologist (CEET) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES). The CEET designation is a recognition of an individual’s knowledge and experience in environmental engineering technology. It demonstrates that the holder has met the rigorous standards set by AAEES and is qualified to practice as an environmental engineering technologist.

The CEET program requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time work experience in the field of environmental engineering technology, or equivalent part-time experience. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as water quality, air quality, hazardous waste management, and environmental regulations.

The cost for the CEET program varies depending on how you choose to take it. You can take the exam online or in person. Online exams cost $400 USD, while in-person exams cost $450 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with obtaining study materials for the exam and submitting your application for certification.

In total, it typically takes about six months from start to finish to become certified as a CEET. This includes studying for the exam and completing any additional requirements needed for certification.

7. Certified Automation and Control Systems Engineer Technologist (CACSET)

Certified Automation and Control Systems Engineer Technologist (CACSET) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of automation and control systems engineers. This certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

The CACSET certification requires applicants to have at least an associate’s degree in engineering technology, or equivalent experience in the field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as system design, programming, networking, and troubleshooting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, as well as practical exercises.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exam and complete all requirements necessary to receive the CACSET certification. During this time, applicants should focus on studying for the exam by reviewing relevant material such as textbooks and practice exams. Additionally, applicants should also take advantage of any available resources from ISA or other organizations that can help them prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CACSET certification depends on factors such as location and whether or not you are a member of ISA. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$400 USD to obtain the certification.

8. Certified Software Development Engineer Technologist (CSDET)

Certified Software Development Engineer Technologist (CSDET) is a certification program designed to validate the expertise of software developers and engineers in the field of software development. The CSDET certification is awarded by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA).

The CSDET certification requires applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in software development, as well as knowledge and experience with various software development methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL.

In order to obtain the CSDET certification, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with their resume and other required documents. Once the application is approved by IASA, applicants must pass an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions related to software development topics. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the CSDET certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of IASA. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD; for members it is $295 USD.

9. Certified Networking and Telecommunications Engineer Technologist (CNTEAT)

Certified Networking and Telecommunications Engineer Technologist (CNTEAT) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful networking and telecommunications engineer technologist. This certification is offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The CNTEAT certification requires that an individual pass a series of exams covering topics such as network architecture, data communications, IP networks, voice over IP, security, and wireless technologies. The exams are administered at approved testing centers around the world.

In order to obtain the CNTEAT certification, an individual must have at least two years of experience in networking or telecommunications engineering technology. Additionally, they must have successfully completed one of the following: a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer science; associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology or computer information systems; or a certificate from an accredited college or university program in networking or telecommunications engineering technology.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the CNTEAT certification. The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on which exam you take and where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2000 USD depending on your location and exam type.

10. Certified Industrial Maintenance Technician/Engineer Technologist (CIMTET)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Technician/Engineer Technologist (CIMTET) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Certified Engineering Technologists (IACET). The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified industrial maintenance technicians or engineer technologists. The CIMTET certification is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as safety, engineering principles, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.

The CIMTET certification requires a minimum of two years of work experience in an industrial setting. Candidates must also complete a series of online courses, pass an exam, and submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and skills. The cost for the program varies depending on the individual's level of experience but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD.

To obtain the CIMTET certification, candidates must first submit an application to IACET. After the application has been reviewed and approved, candidates are required to attend an orientation session where they will receive information about the program requirements and expectations. Once all coursework has been completed and successfully passed, candidates must then take an exam which tests their knowledge and skills related to industrial maintenance technician/engineer technologist competencies. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will be awarded their CIMTET certification.

Do You Really Need a Engineering Technologist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on your individual career goals and the type of engineering technology you wish to pursue. Generally speaking, an Engineering Technologist Certificate can be a valuable asset if you are looking to obtain a higher-level position in the engineering field or if you want to specialize in a certain area of engineering technology.

For example, if you are interested in becoming an engineer who specializes in designing and building complex systems, then having an Engineering Technologist Certificate could give you a competitive edge over other applicants. This certificate will demonstrate that you have achieved a higher level of knowledge and skill in the engineering field than someone who does not have the same credentials. Additionally, it may also provide employers with evidence that you have taken initiative to gain additional qualifications which could help them determine whether or not they should hire you for the job.

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to work as an entry-level technician or engineer within the industry, then obtaining an Engineering Technologist Certificate might not be necessary. In this case, it may be beneficial to focus on gaining experience and expanding your knowledge base through hands-on training and coursework rather than investing time and money into obtaining such a certificate.

In conclusion, whether or not obtaining an Engineering Technologist Certificate is right for you depends entirely on what type of career path you plan on following within the field of engineering technology. If your goal is to become an expert engineer or specialist in a particular area, then having this credential can certainly help set yourself apart from other candidates and make you more marketable for certain positions. However, if your plans are more modest and do not require specialized expertise then obtaining such certification may not be necessary at all.

Related: Engineering Technologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Engineering Technologist Certifications

Q1. What is an engineering technologist certification?

A1. An engineering technologist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to work as an engineering technologist in a particular specialty area. The certification is awarded by a professional organization after successful completion of an examination process.

Q2. How do I become certified as an engineering technologist?

A2. To become certified as an engineering technologist you must meet the prerequisites established by the certifying organization and pass the required exam with a passing score. Prerequisites typically include having a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or related field, two to five years of relevant experience, and/or completing continuing education courses related to your specialty area.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming an engineering technologist?

A3. Earning your certification as an engineering technologist can provide you with many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, access to educational resources, and recognition from peers in your field for demonstrating expertise in your specialty area.

Q4. Are there any other requirements for maintaining my certification?

A4. Yes, most certifying organizations require that their certified members complete continuing education activities on a regular basis to maintain their credentials and demonstrate they are up-to-date on current trends and technologies in their field.

Q5. How long does it take to get certified as an engineering technologist?

A5. The amount of time it takes to get certified as an engineering technologist depends on the certifying organization you choose and how quickly you can meet all of their requirements such as completing any necessary coursework or obtaining relevant experience before taking the exam for certification. Generally speaking though, it can take anywhere from several months to two years or more depending on your circumstances