Top 10 Field Service Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for field service engineers because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in their field. They can help a potential employer evaluate a candidate’s qualifications and determine if they have the necessary skills to perform the job. Certifications also provide proof that an engineer has met certain industry standards and requirements, which can help employers make sure they are hiring qualified personnel. Finally, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement and can give engineers an edge over non-certified competitors.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Field Service Engineers and explains how they can help to advance a field service engineer's career.

What are Field Service Engineer Certifications?

Field service engineer certification is a professional designation that demonstrates a person has the necessary skills and qualifications to work as a field service technician. Field service engineers are responsible for the maintenance, repair and installation of complex systems and equipment in a variety of industries. This type of certification is offered by many trade organizations, professional associations and other educational institutions.

Being certified as a field service engineer can increase an individual's chances of getting hired or promoted in the industry. It shows potential employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and experience to handle repairs, installations and maintenance of complex systems. Certification also helps demonstrate that an individual has the technical expertise to diagnose problems quickly, accurately and efficiently.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can stay up-to-date with changes in technology and best practices within their industry. They can also learn new techniques to improve their job performance, which could lead to higher pay or promotions. Finally, having this certification may make it easier for individuals to find jobs in other locations since many employers prefer certified technicians over non-certified ones.

Pro Tip: Obtaining field service engineer certification can be beneficial for career growth and advancement. It demonstrates a commitment to your profession and increases your technical knowledge, which makes you more competitive in the job market. Additionally, certification may allow access to special training and resources that can help you better serve customers.

Related: What does a Field Service Engineer do?

Top 10 Field Service Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Field Service Technician (CFST)

Certified Field Service Technician (CFST) is a certification program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively service and maintain a variety of equipment. The CFST certification is awarded by the Association for Field Service Technicians (AFST), an international organization that sets standards for field service professionals.

The CFST certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of equipment installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. The exam covers topics such as electrical systems, motors, pumps, valves, and other related topics. Applicants must also demonstrate their proficiency in safety procedures and customer service.

The CFST exam typically takes about four hours to complete. It is available at testing centers throughout the United States and Canada. To take the exam, applicants must pay a fee of $250 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CFST certification from AFST within two weeks.

In order to maintain their CFST certification, technicians must complete continuing education credits every two years or retake the CFST exam every five years.

2. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a credential offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). The CMRP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and processes of maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management.

The CMRP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the maintenance and reliability field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, asset management, failure analysis, lubrication principles, safety/ergonomics, work control systems, planning/scheduling/budgeting, organizational development/change management, and reliability engineering.

To get the CMRP certification you must first apply online through SMRP's website. Once your application is approved you will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. After passing the exam you will be awarded your CMRP certification.

The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD for SMRP members or $495 USD for non-members.

3. Certified HVAC/R Technician (CHT)

A Certified HVAC/R Technician (CHT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The certification is provided by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI).

It typically takes two to three years of experience in the field of HVAC/R to become eligible for the CHT certification. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as two years of documented work experience in the field. They must also pass an exam administered by NOCTI.

To get certified as a CHT, applicants must first register with NOCTI and pay a fee of $195. This fee covers the cost of the exam and any other materials needed for the application process. Once registered, applicants can then take the exam at an approved testing center. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as safety procedures, installation techniques, maintenance practices, electrical systems, troubleshooting methods, and more.

The cost for taking the CHT exam is $150 per attempt. If an applicant fails the exam on their first try they may retake it up to three times before being required to reapply for certification eligibility.

4. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of industrial maintenance mechanics. It is offered through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The CIMM certification is valid for five years and requires recertification every five years to maintain the credential.

The CIMM certification involves passing an exam that covers topics such as electrical systems, mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, welding and cutting processes, power transmission systems, fluid power systems, and machine tool operations. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To become certified as a CIMM, individuals must have at least two years of experience in industrial maintenance or related fields. They must also complete an NCCER-accredited training program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

The cost of the CIMM certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen by the individual. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 for the exam fee alone. In addition to this cost, individuals may need to pay for textbooks and other materials related to their training program.

5. Automation Control Systems Technician (ACST)

Automation Control Systems Technician (ACST) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot automation control systems. ACST certification is designed for technicians who work with industrial automation systems such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

The ACST certification program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level. The program consists of two parts: an online coursework component and a hands-on practical exam. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

In order to become certified as an Automation Control Systems Technician, individuals must successfully complete both parts of the program. Upon completion of the coursework component, individuals must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification. Once certified, ACSTs are eligible for employment in various industrial settings including manufacturing plants, power plants, oil refineries, water treatment facilities, and other industrial settings.

6. Certified Electronic Technician (CET)

Certified Electronic Technician (CET) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skill of electronics technicians. It is offered by the Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA-I), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing electronics technology. The CET certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that certified technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively and safely.

It typically takes between two to three months to complete the requirements for the CET certification. To become certified, applicants must first successfully pass an online exam that covers topics such as electrical safety, basic electronics theory, digital fundamentals, analog circuits, and more. Once they have passed this exam, they must then demonstrate hands-on competency in a variety of areas related to electronic systems. This may include assembling components, troubleshooting equipment, repairing or replacing parts, or programming microprocessors.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the specific program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, most programs cost around $400-$500 USD for registration fees and materials. In addition to these costs, applicants may also need to purchase textbooks or other study materials if needed for their particular program.

Once applicants have completed all requirements for certification, they will receive a certificate indicating their achievement as well as a Certified Electronic Technician (CET) designation from ETA-I.

7. Network Infrastructure Technician Certification (NITC)

Network Infrastructure Technician Certification (NITC) is a certification offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). It is designed to help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot network infrastructure. The certification covers topics such as networking fundamentals, routing protocols, wireless networks, virtualization technologies, and security.

The NITC certification requires passing two exams: CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP). Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get certified, you must pass both exams within three years of each other.

The cost of the NITC certification varies depending on the provider you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for both exams. Additionally, there may be additional fees for study materials or practice tests.

Overall, obtaining the NITC certification can take anywhere from several months to a year depending on your level of experience and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exams.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of an individual to install, configure, manage, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Server 2016. This certification also demonstrates the ability to deploy and manage core services such as Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), networking services, Hyper-V virtualization, storage solutions, and Group Policy.

How long does it take to get it?

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016 certification requires passing one exam: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016. The exam typically takes two hours to complete. Depending on your experience level and study habits, it can take anywhere from four weeks to three months or more to prepare for the exam.

How do you get it?

To become certified in Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016 you must pass Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016 exam is $165 USD.

9. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for computer technicians and support professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to perform essential IT tasks such as installing, configuring, repairing, optimizing, and troubleshooting PCs and mobile devices. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it applies across all platforms.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams must be passed in order to become certified. Each exam takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions.

In order to get the CompTIA A+ certification, you must first register for the exams through the CompTIA website or a Pearson VUE testing center. You can then study for the exams using self-study materials or attend a training course from an authorized provider. Once you have passed both exams, your results will be reported to CompTIA within 24 hours and your certificate will be issued within 7–10 days.

The cost of taking the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. The exam fee itself is usually around $200 USD per exam, with additional fees for retakes if necessary. Training courses may also incur additional costs depending on the provider.

10. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates an individual’s knowledge and technical skills in designing, deploying, and managing applications on the AWS platform. It is designed for individuals who have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS services and solutions.

The exam typically takes around 80 minutes to complete, and consists of multiple choice questions as well as some scenario-based questions. The exam covers topics such as designing highly available, cost-efficient, fault tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on the AWS platform.

To get certified, you must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Exam. The exam fee is currently $150 USD. You can register for the exam through the AWS Certification Portal. Once you have registered for the exam, you will be able to schedule your exam date at an authorized testing center near you.

In addition to taking the exam, it is recommended that you also have some hands-on experience with AWS services prior to taking it. This will help ensure that you are familiar with how to use the various services and tools available on the platform before attempting to answer any of the questions on the exam.

Do You Really Need a Field Service Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what field service engineer job you are pursuing. In most cases, a field service engineer certificate is not required for entry-level positions. However, there may be certain specialized roles that require certification. Additionally, having a certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in a particular area of field service engineering, which can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions.

When considering whether or not to pursue a field service engineer certificate, it is important to consider the benefits and costs associated with obtaining one. On one hand, obtaining the certification will likely involve additional coursework and/or exams which could take up time and money. On the other hand, many employers view certifications favorably and may be more likely to hire someone who has obtained one. Additionally, having a certificate may qualify you for higher pay or better job opportunities in the future.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a field service engineer certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you are interested in pursuing a specific type of job that requires certification, then it may be beneficial to obtain one. However, if you are just starting out in the industry and don’t have any immediate plans to specialize in a certain area of engineering, then it may not be necessary at this point in time.

Related: Field Service Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Service Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Field Service Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Field Service Engineer Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of field service engineering. The certification verifies that the individual has met certain requirements, such as completing coursework or passing an exam, related to the field of field service engineering.

2. How do I become certified as a Field Service Engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a Field Service Engineer, you must complete an approved program or course of study related to field service engineering and pass a certification exam. Some certifying organizations may also require experience in the field before granting certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Field Service Engineer?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Field Service Engineer can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions in the industry. Additionally, it can provide you with access to resources and networking opportunities that may not be available to non-certified engineers.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Field Service Engineer?

Answer: Depending on how much experience you have and how quickly you complete your coursework or training program, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to earn your certification as a Field Service Engineer.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying organizations require that you maintain your certification by earning continuing education credits every year or two in order to stay up-to-date on new technologies and best practices related to field service engineering.