Top 10 Field Application Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a field application engineer because they demonstrate to employers that the engineer has the necessary knowledge and expertise to do the job. Certifications provide employers with assurance that their field application engineer is not only up-to-date on best practices and industry standards, but also has a deep understanding of the product or technology they will be working with. Having certifications may also give an engineer an edge when competing for jobs, helping them stand out from other candidates. Additionally, certifications may give a field application engineer access to more advanced technologies and higher pay grades.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Field Application Engineers and to explain how these certifications can help enhance their career prospects.

What are Field Application Engineer Certifications?

Field Application Engineer Certification is a type of certification that validates the skills and knowledge of engineers in the field. This certification recognizes an individual’s expertise in the application of engineering principles, technologies, and practices to solve practical problems. Field Application Engineers typically provide technical support for customers, develop product specifications and designs, write software programs, and test products. The certification helps engineers demonstrate their competency and proficiency in their chosen field to potential employers while also giving them a competitive edge over other applicants. In addition to increasing job opportunities, having this certification can also lead to higher salaries as employers are more likely to trust certified engineers with complex tasks. Furthermore, it allows engineers to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and best practices which can help them create innovative solutions for their clients.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the specific requirements of any field application engineer certification program you are considering. Different programs may have different prerequisites, such as experience in a particular industry or working knowledge of certain software and hardware platforms. Additionally, some certifications may require additional coursework or continuing education credits to maintain.

Related: What does a Field Application Engineer do?

Top 10 Field Application Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Field Application Engineer (CFAP)

Certified Field Application Engineer (CFAP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the application and support of electronic components, systems, and solutions. This certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To become certified as a CFAP, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of automation and/or control systems engineering. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as system design, troubleshooting, programming, networking, safety standards, and more. The exam is administered by ISA and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CFAP exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, the cost is $450 USD for members of ISA or $550 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with registering for the exam or purchasing study materials.

Overall, becoming certified as a CFAP can help demonstrate your expertise in automation and control systems engineering to employers and clients alike. It can also open up new opportunities for career advancement within your chosen field.

2. Certified Product Application Engineer (CPAP)

Certified Product Application Engineer (CPAP) is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the application of products. The CPAP certification is offered by the Association of Certified Product Application Engineers (ACPAE).

The CPAP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as product design, engineering principles, product testing, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in product application engineering or related fields in order to qualify for the exam.

In order to get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their professional experience and pay a fee. The fee for the CPAP certification is $300 USD. After submitting their application, applicants will be notified within four weeks if they have been approved for the exam. Once approved, applicants can schedule their exam date with ACPAE and take the exam at one of its authorized testing centers.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their official CPAP certification from ACPAE within four weeks after passing the exam. This certification is valid for three years after which it must be renewed by taking an additional examination.

3. Certified Industrial Automation Application Engineer (CIAAE)

Certified Industrial Automation Application Engineer (CIAAE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This certification provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in industrial automation applications. The CIAAE program is designed to help engineers, technicians, and other professionals gain the skills needed to successfully design, implement, and maintain industrial automation systems.

The CIAAE certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of industrial automation concepts, principles, and practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as control system design, programming languages, safety standards, communications protocols, and troubleshooting techniques.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CIAAE exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and reference materials related to industrial automation applications as well as attending courses or seminars on the subject matter. Additionally, applicants should have at least two years of practical experience in industrial automation applications before taking the exam.

To become certified as a Certified Industrial Automation Application Engineer (CIAAE), you must first apply online with ISA. Applicants must provide proof of education or experience in industrial automation applications before they can be approved to take the exam. Once approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fee.

The cost of becoming a Certified Industrial Automation Application Engineer (CIAAE) varies depending on where you take the exam and whether or not you are a member of ISA. Generally speaking, non-members can expect to pay between $500 - $700 USD for the application process and exam fees combined while members may pay up to $400 USD less than that amount for both fees combined.

4. Certified Embedded Systems Application Engineer (CESAE)

Certified Embedded Systems Application Engineer (CESAE) is a professional certification program designed to provide engineers with the skills and knowledge needed to develop, deploy, and maintain embedded systems applications. CESAE certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA), a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

The CESAE certification program consists of two courses: Embedded Systems Fundamentals and Embedded Systems Applications. The first course covers topics such as microcontrollers, communication protocols, embedded software development tools, and real-time operating systems. The second course focuses on developing embedded systems applications such as motor control systems, data acquisition systems, and human-machine interfaces.

It typically takes six months to complete both courses in order to receive the CESAE certification. To get started on the path towards becoming certified, you must first become a member of ISA. After that, you can register for either or both of the courses through ISA's website. The cost for each course is $795 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

5. Certified Robotics Application Engineer (CRAE)

Certified Robotics Application Engineer (CRAE) is a certification program that provides engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and deploy robotic applications. The certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

The CRAE program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site exam. The online course covers topics such as robotics fundamentals, robot programming, sensing and control systems, motion planning, vision systems, computer-aided design (CAD), safety protocols, and more. After completing the online course, candidates must pass an on-site exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CRAE certification program varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for the entire program. The cost includes both the online course and the on-site exam fee.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CRAE program from start to finish. This includes both studying for the online course and taking the on-site exam.

To get certified as a CRAE, you must first register for the program through ISA’s website or through an authorized training provider. Once registered, you will be given access to all of the materials needed to complete the online course portion of the program. After successfully completing this portion of the program, you can then register for your local on-site exam date and location through ISA’s website or through an authorized training provider.

6. Certified Networking Application Engineer (CNAP)

Certified Networking Application Engineer (CNAP) is a certification program designed to help individuals develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of networking applications. It is aimed at professionals who are involved in the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of network applications. The certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as network protocols, application architectures, network security, cloud computing, virtualization technologies, and more.

The CNAP exam typically takes around two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of three years' experience working with networking applications or have completed a college degree in computer science or related field.

The cost of the CNAP certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200 and $400 USD for the exam itself. Additional fees may also apply for study materials or other associated costs.

7. Certified Software Application Engineer (CSAP)

Certified Software Application Engineer (CSAP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in software engineering. The CSAP certification requires candidates to pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills in topics such as software design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

The CSAP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in software engineering or related fields. Additionally, applicants must have completed a minimum of 20 hours of formal training in software engineering topics.

The cost of taking the CSAP exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $500 USD; in Canada, it is $600 CAD; and in other countries, it can range from $400 to $600 USD.

To apply for the CSAP certification program, applicants must first register with IASA online or through their local IASA chapter. Once registered, applicants will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam and pay the applicable fee. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CSAP certificate and be recognized as Certified Software Application Engineers by IASA.

8. Certified Mechanical Engineering Application Engineer (CMEPE)

Certified Mechanical Engineering Application Engineer (CMEPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of mechanical engineering professionals in the application of engineering principles. The CMEPE certification is administered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of mechanical engineering applications.

The certification process typically takes about two months from start to finish, but can be longer depending on the applicant’s level of experience and preparation. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application form along with relevant documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Once approved, applicants are required to take an online examination that tests their knowledge in areas such as material properties, design fundamentals, manufacturing processes, and safety practices.

The cost for the CMEPE certification varies depending on where you live; however, it generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD. This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and any other associated costs such as study materials or travel expenses. Additionally, some employers may cover part or all of the cost of obtaining this certification.

In order to maintain your CMEPE certification status you must stay current with continuing education activities related to mechanical engineering applications every three years. This includes attending seminars or workshops related to your field as well as keeping up with industry trends and developments.

9. Certified Electrical Engineering Application Engineer (CEEPE)

Certified Electrical Engineering Application Engineer (CEEPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of electrical engineers who have experience in the application of electrical engineering principles. This certification is offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The CEEPE certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of professional experience in the field, as well as a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent. The applicant must also pass an exam covering topics such as power systems, energy management, digital control systems, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and proof of education. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email notification from IEEE containing instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at any authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the CEEPE exam is $400 USD.

10. Certified Database Applications Engineer (CDBAE)

A Certified Database Applications Engineer (CDBAE) is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s expertise in designing, developing, and managing database applications. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge of database concepts and technologies, as well as their ability to design and develop databases for specific applications.

The CDBAE certification is offered by the International Association of Database Professionals (IADP). To become certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as database architecture, data modeling, SQL programming, database administration, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To register for the exam, you must first create an account with IADP. Once registered, you can purchase the certification package which includes the exam fee ($595 USD), study materials ($150 USD), and one year of membership in the IADP ($50 USD). After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your certificate within two weeks.

The cost of becoming a CDBAE is $795 USD plus applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Field Application Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Field Application Engineer (FAE) Certificate depends on your goals and the requirements of the company you are applying to work for. In general, an FAE Certificate is not required to become a field application engineer; however, it can be beneficial in helping you stand out from other candidates who may have similar qualifications.

The FAE Certificate provides formal recognition of your technical knowledge and skills in the area of field application engineering. It is designed to certify that you have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, deploy, and maintain embedded systems. By having this certification, employers know that you are well-versed in the latest technology and industry trends related to field application engineering. Additionally, they will be confident that you can confidently implement their product designs with minimal risk of errors or unforeseen issues.

In some cases, having an FAE Certificate may be necessary to qualify for certain positions or promotions within a company. Companies may also view having a certificate as evidence that you possess an advanced level of technical understanding and expertise which makes them more likely to hire you over someone without one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an FAE Certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations as well as the specific requirements of the company for which you are applying. It is important to research each job opportunity thoroughly before making any decisions about whether or not obtaining a certificate would be beneficial for your career growth.

Related: Field Application Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Application Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Field Application Engineer Certification?

A Field Application Engineer (FAE) certification is a designation that indicates the holder has completed specialized training and has demonstrated knowledge in the field of engineering. The holder of this certification is recognized as having expertise in designing, building, testing, and deploying systems or products that are used in industry.

2. How do I become a certified Field Application Engineer?

In order to become a certified Field Application Engineer, you must complete an accredited program from an accredited institution. Most programs include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Many schools offer online courses for those interested in pursuing this certification.

3. What are the benefits of having a Field Application Engineer Certification?

Having a FAE certification demonstrates to employers that you have the technical knowledge and skills necessary to design, build, test, and deploy systems or products used in industry. This certification can also lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.

4. What types of jobs can I apply for with a Field Application Engineer Certification?

With a FAE certification, you may be qualified to apply for positions such as software engineer, systems analyst, product designer or tester, project manager, technical sales engineer, and other related roles within the engineering field.

5. Are there any prerequisites required before taking the Field Application Engineer Certification exam?

Yes! Before taking your FAE exam you should make sure you meet any prerequisite requirements set by the certifying body such as having at least two years of engineering experience or completing an approved course on engineering fundamentals. It is also important to review all study materials provided by the certifying body to ensure you fully understand what will be covered on the exam prior to taking it.