Top 11 Equipment Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for equipment engineers in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in a specific area. Certifications can also give employers added confidence that an engineer has the necessary skills to perform their job well. Additionally, certifications show dedication to continuing education and staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in engineering. Finally, certifications can provide an edge over other applicants who may not have the same credentials.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Equipment Engineers and explains how they can contribute to an equipment engineer's career by increasing their knowledge and skillset.

What are Equipment Engineer Certifications?

Equipment engineer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the maintenance and operation of equipment used in industrial manufacturing. It is typically obtained through an accredited organization or institution and requires passing an examination.

This type of certification can help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in this area and provide them with the opportunity to progress their career within the field. Having this certification can help open doors for those looking to enter into or advance within the equipment engineering field, as employers often look for credentials that prove a candidate’s knowledge and abilities in this area.

In addition, having this certification may provide individuals with access to higher paying jobs, as they are more likely to be considered for positions that require specialized knowledge in the area of equipment engineering. Additionally, those who possess this certification may also have access to additional resources such as conferences and workshops that may help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for equipment engineer certification before starting your application. Many certifications require specific educational background, experience, and/or a combination of both. Additionally, be sure to check with your employer or state licensing agency to ensure that any certification you pursue is valid and accepted in your area.

Related: What does an Equipment Engineer do?

Top 11 Equipment Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Equipment Engineers today.

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program administered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience, and commitment to the maintenance and reliability profession. The CMRP certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the principles, practices, and techniques of maintenance and reliability.

To become certified as a CMRP, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of professional experience in maintenance or reliability engineering. Candidates must also pass a written exam which covers topics such as planning and scheduling, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, asset management, safety systems, quality assurance, etc.

The CMRP exam typically takes three hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost to take the exam varies based on location but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available for purchase which can help candidates prepare for the exam.

2. Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Plant Engineers (APE). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of plant engineers who are responsible for the safe, efficient operation of industrial plants.

To become a Certified Plant Engineer, applicants must have at least five years of experience in plant engineering or operations and must pass an exam administered by the APE. The exam covers topics such as safety, maintenance, process control, energy management, project management, and other related areas.

The exam is offered twice a year in April and October. The cost of the exam is $225 for members of APE and $275 for non-members.

Once certified, CPEs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years. These courses help keep CPEs up to date on industry best practices and new technologies.

In addition to passing the exam and completing continuing education courses, CPEs must also adhere to a code of ethics set forth by the APE. This includes upholding professional standards in all aspects of their work and conducting themselves with integrity when dealing with clients or colleagues.

3. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of manufacturing engineering. The CMfgE certification requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an examination.

To become certified as a CMfgE, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with at least five years of work experience in manufacturing engineering. Candidates must also pass an examination that covers topics such as industrial engineering, materials science, production systems and processes, quality assurance, and safety.

The CMfgE exam is administered twice per year and can be taken either online or in-person. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost for the exam is $375 for SME members and $450 for non-members.

Once certified, CMfgEs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every three years. This includes attending conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, or other approved educational activities related to manufacturing engineering.

4. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification granted by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE certification demonstrates a commitment to quality engineering and provides employers with assurance that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to help them achieve their quality goals.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CQE exam, depending on an individual's experience level. Preparation involves studying for and taking practice exams, attending seminars, and reading textbooks related to quality engineering topics.

To become certified as a CQE, individuals must first apply for certification through ASQ's website. Once approved, they must pass the CQE exam within three years of applying. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as statistics, design of experiments, process capability analysis, control plans, inspection methods, problem solving techniques, and quality management systems.

The cost of becoming a CQE varies depending on the country in which you are located. In the US it costs $399 USD to take the exam plus any additional fees associated with preparation courses or materials.

5. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.

The certification process typically takes about three to four months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and study schedule. To become certified, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by a recognized certification body such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as project management, data analysis, process improvement techniques, problem solving, and quality control.

In order to prepare for the exam, individuals should have some prior knowledge of Six Sigma principles and practices. Many organizations offer training courses or seminars that cover the material required for the exam. Additionally, there are numerous online resources available to help individuals study for the exam.

The cost of taking the CSSGB exam varies depending on where it is taken and who administers it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$600 USD.

6. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of industrial machinery and equipment. The CIMM certification is administered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

The CIMM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, mechanical systems, fluid power systems, and instrumentation. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in industrial maintenance or a related field.

The exam can be taken online or at an approved testing center. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their CIMM certificate within 4-6 weeks. The certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to remain current.

7. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize excellence in automation professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of and competence in automation principles, practices, and technology. The CAP program is intended to provide employers with a reliable way to identify qualified automation professionals.

The CAP program consists of two parts: an online exam and an experience-based assessment. To become certified, applicants must pass the online exam and meet the experience requirements. The exam covers topics such as systems integration, process control, instrumentation and communication networks, safety systems, and industrial automation software.

The online exam takes approximately four hours to complete. Applicants must register for the exam through ISA's website at least 30 days prior to taking it. The cost for the exam is $395 USD for members of ISA or $495 USD for non-members.

To be eligible for the experience-based assessment portion of the CAP program, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in automation engineering or related fields. They must also have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education in automation-related topics within three years prior to applying for certification.

The cost for the experience-based assessment portion is $200 USD for members of ISA or $300 USD for non-members. After completing both parts successfully, applicants will receive their Certified Automation Professional designation from ISA.

8. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the principles of reliability engineering. Reliability engineering is a discipline that focuses on understanding and managing the reliability of products, processes, services, and systems to ensure they meet customer requirements. The CRE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To become a CRE, you must have at least five years of experience in reliability engineering or related fields. You must also pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistical analysis, probability theory, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), maintainability analysis, design for reliability, and more.

The cost to take the CRE exam varies depending on your membership status with ASQ. For non-members, it costs $450; for members, it costs $300; and for student members, it costs $150. It typically takes two to three hours to complete the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the CRE credential by ASQ. This credential is valid for three years after which time you must renew your certification by taking another exam or completing continuing education credits.

9. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of plant maintenance professionals. It is offered by the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in facilities engineering, operations, and maintenance.

The CPMM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in plant maintenance management, as well as passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as safety and health regulations, preventive maintenance programs, energy management systems, and other related topics.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application with supporting documentation that includes proof of their work experience in plant maintenance management. Once approved, they must then register for and pass the CPMM exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

The cost for the CPMM certification program is $395 for AFE members and $495 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the exam registration fee as well as access to study materials and online practice tests. The certification is valid for three years from the date it is issued.

10. Certified Mechanical Technician (CMT)

Certified Mechanical Technician (CMT) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the mechanical field. It is designed to provide employers with a way to verify the competency of their employees and to help technicians demonstrate their commitment to quality workmanship.

The CMT program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level requires the successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, HVAC systems, and maintenance procedures. To become certified at any level, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the mechanical field or have completed an approved apprenticeship program.

It typically takes 12-18 months to complete all three levels of the CMT program. The time frame can vary depending on how quickly you are able to study and pass each exam.

To get started on the CMT program, you will need to register with a testing center and pay a fee for each level of certification you wish to pursue. The cost for each level is approximately $150 - $200 USD (depending on the testing center). Once registered, you will receive study materials that will help you prepare for your exams.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also submit proof of experience or training in order to be eligible for certification. This can include copies of diplomas or transcripts from accredited programs or letters from employers verifying your experience in the mechanical field.

Once all requirements have been met and all exams passed with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their CMT certificate in the mail within four weeks after completion.

11. American Society for Quality – Quality Technician Certification (ASQ-QT).

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Quality Technician Certification (ASQ-QT) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality principles and practices. The ASQ-QT certification is designed to validate a person’s knowledge and skills in the field of quality assurance, control, and improvement.

In order to get the ASQ-QT certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement tools, problem solving techniques, and statistical methods. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To prepare for the exam, applicants can take courses offered by ASQ or other organizations or study independently using textbooks and resources available online. There are also practice exams available that can help applicants become familiar with the format of the actual exam.

The cost of taking the ASQ-QT certification exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, it costs $299 USD while for non-members it costs $399 USD. In addition to this fee, there may be additional fees associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials.

Overall, obtaining the ASQ-QT certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in quality assurance and control. It can open up new job opportunities and help you advance in your career.

Do You Really Need a Equipment Engineer Certificate?

When it comes to making a decision about whether or not you need an equipment engineer certificate, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. As with any career path, the more education and training you have, the better your chances of success will be. However, there are certain situations where an equipment engineer certificate may not be necessary.

For example, if you are already working in the field of engineering and have plenty of hands-on experience with various types of machinery and equipment, then an equipment engineer certificate may not be necessary. You could still benefit from taking courses related to this field in order to increase your knowledge base and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Additionally, if you do decide to pursue an equipment engineering certification, it can open up new job opportunities or provide a pathway for advancement within your current position.

In addition to your experience level and current job situation, another factor that should be considered is the type of employer you would like to work for. Depending on their requirements for hiring engineers, some employers may require an equipment engineer certificate as part of their screening process. On the other hand, some employers may simply prefer applicants with a higher level of education or experience in this area. It is important to research potential employers before applying so that you can make sure that your qualifications match their needs.

Overall, whether or not you need an equipment engineer certificate depends largely on your individual situation and goals. If you have plenty of hands-on experience in the field and are looking for new job opportunities or a pathway for advancement within your current position then obtaining a certification may be beneficial. However, if you already possess enough knowledge and experience in this field then it may not be necessary depending on the type of employer that you are applying to work for.

Related: Equipment Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Equipment Engineer Certifications

1. What is an Equipment Engineer Certification?

Answer: An Equipment Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the field of equipment engineering. It involves a comprehensive assessment of the engineer’s knowledge and skills related to equipment design, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

2. How do I become certified as an Equipment Engineer?

Answer: To become certified as an Equipment Engineer, you must pass an examination administered by a recognized certification body such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam tests your knowledge of equipment engineering principles and practices through multiple-choice questions and hands-on performance tasks.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Equipment Engineer?

Answer: Becoming certified as an Equipment Engineer allows you to demonstrate your expertise in the field, which can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. It also provides recognition from employers and peers that you have mastered the skills necessary to be successful in this field. Additionally, it can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities.

4. How often do I need to renew my Equipment Engineering Certification?

Answer: Most certifications require renewal every three years in order to maintain their validity. Renewal typically requires passing a recertification exam or completing continuing education courses related to equipment engineering topics.

5. Is there any coursework required for earning an Equipment Engineering Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification body, some courses may be required prior to taking the certification exam in order to ensure that applicants have adequate knowledge in relevant topics such as safety regulations and best practices for operating equipment systems. In some cases, these courses may be provided by the organization offering the certification program or by third-party providers offering specialized training programs for engineers seeking certification