Top 11 FPGA Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for FPGA engineers in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a candidate has a comprehensive understanding of the technology and industry standards. A certification also shows that the engineer is up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in FPGA engineering. Certifications serve as a testament to an engineer's knowledge, skills, and dedication to their profession. It can help engineers stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive candidates for jobs. Ultimately, certifications can open doors for FPGA engineers looking to advance in their career or find new opportunities.

The article reviews the top certifications for FPGA Engineers and explains how they can help advance an engineer's career in the field.

What are FPGA Engineer Certifications?

FPGA engineer certification is a professional recognition granted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in designing, developing, and troubleshooting Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The certification helps to validate the knowledge and skills necessary for FPGA engineers to be successful in their roles.

The certification provides employers with an objective measure of a potential employee’s qualifications. It also serves as a valuable tool for current FPGA engineers to demonstrate their technical proficiency. By obtaining the certification, FPGA engineers are able to stay up-to-date on new technologies and techniques within the field. This allows them to remain competitive in the job market and better serve their employers.

Overall, FPGA engineer certification is beneficial for both employees and employers. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field and helps ensure that FPGA engineers are knowledgeable about best practices and current trends in the industry.

Pro Tip: If you are considering getting certified as an FPGA engineer, make sure to research the different certifications available and choose one that is tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, look for certification programs that have a good reputation in the industry and provide hands-on experience with actual FPGA hardware. This will help ensure you gain the best possible understanding of the technology and its applications.

Related: What does an FPGA Engineer do?

Top 11 FPGA Engineer Certifications

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

1. Xilinx Certified VHDL and Verilog Designer

Xilinx Certified VHDL and Verilog Designer is a professional certification program that enables engineers to demonstrate their expertise in the design of FPGA-based systems using Xilinx tools. The certification consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on lab exam.

The online exam tests the candidate's knowledge of Xilinx tools, design methodology, and best practices for developing FPGA-based systems. It consists of 50 multiple choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes or less.

The hands-on lab exam requires the candidate to complete a series of tasks related to the development of an FPGA-based system using Xilinx tools. This includes designing, simulating, synthesizing, and verifying a design on an actual FPGA board. The lab exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

It typically takes three months from start to finish to become a Xilinx Certified VHDL and Verilog Designer. To get certified, you must first register for the certification program at www.xilinxcertificationprograms.com and pay the associated fee (currently $399 USD). Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to take both exams. Upon successful completion of both exams, you will be awarded your certification as a Xilinx Certified VHDL and Verilog Designer.

2. Xilinx Certified System Design Professional

Xilinx Certified System Design Professional (XCSDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the design, development and implementation of Xilinx FPGA-based systems. This certification is offered by Xilinx, Inc., a leading provider of programmable logic devices.

To become a Xilinx Certified System Design Professional, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as system architecture, device selection and configuration, design implementation and verification, system performance optimization, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the XCSDP exam, you must first register with Xilinx's online portal. Once registered, you can purchase the exam voucher from the portal for $250 USD. After purchasing the voucher, you will receive an email containing instructions on how to schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

Once you have passed the XCSDP exam and received your certification card in the mail, your name will be listed in the official Xilinx Certified System Design Professionals directory on their website. This directory serves as an industry-recognized resource for employers looking to hire qualified professionals with expertise in designing FPGA-based systems using Xilinx products.

3. Altera Certified FPGA Design Professional

Altera Certified FPGA Design Professional (ACFDP) is an industry-recognized certification program that validates the expertise of experienced FPGA designers. The ACFDP certification is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Altera’s Quartus II design software and the fundamentals of FPGA design.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the ACFDP exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions and timed exercises. To get certified, applicants must pass an online assessment with a score of at least 80%.

The cost for the ACFDP exam is $100 USD per attempt. Applicants must have an active MyAltera account in order to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants will have 90 days from registration to take the exam and submit their results.

4. Intel FPGA Certification Program

The Intel FPGA Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the design, development, and deployment of applications using Intel FPGAs. The program offers three levels of certification: Associate, Professional, and Expert.

Associate-level certification requires completion of an online course, passing a written exam, and demonstrating hands-on experience with Intel FPGAs. This level of certification is aimed at entry-level engineers or those new to the field. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to complete all requirements for this level of certification.

Professional-level certification requires completion of an online course, passing a written exam, and completing two hands-on projects using Intel FPGAs. This level of certification is aimed at experienced engineers who have been working with Intel FPGAs for several years. It typically takes about 8-12 weeks to complete all requirements for this level of certification.

Expert-level certification requires completion of an online course, passing a written exam, completing two hands-on projects using Intel FPGAs, and submitting an application that demonstrates mastery in the use of Intel FPGA technology. This level of certification is aimed at experienced engineers who have extensive experience working with Intel FPGAs and can demonstrate their expertise in the field. It typically takes about 12-16 weeks to complete all requirements for this level of certification.

The cost for each level varies depending on the country you are located in; however, it generally ranges from $200-$500 USD per person per level (not including any applicable taxes).

5. Avnet FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification

Avnet FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification is a certification program designed to provide engineers with the skills and knowledge necessary for designing, developing, and deploying FPGA-based systems. The certification requires the completion of a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as FPGA architecture and design, HDL coding, synthesis and optimization, verification techniques, system integration, and software development.

The Avnet FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to FPGAs; HDL Coding; Synthesis & Optimization; Verification Techniques. Each course is approximately 10 hours in length and can be completed at your own pace. Upon successful completion of all four courses, you will receive an official Avnet certificate indicating your certification status.

To get the Avnet FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification you must first register for the program on their website. After registering you will be given access to the online course materials which include lecture videos, practice exercises, quizzes and exams. Once you have successfully completed all four courses you will be eligible for the final exam which tests your knowledge of all material covered in the program. Upon successful completion of the final exam you will receive your official Avnet certificate indicating your certification status.

The cost for the Avnet FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification Program is $299 USD. This fee covers access to all course materials as well as a one-time registration fee for taking the final exam.

6. Mentor Graphics FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification

Mentor Graphics FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification is a professional certification program designed to help engineers and other professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and implement FPGA-based systems. The certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of FPGA design, including logic synthesis, timing analysis, simulation, and debugging. It also covers topics such as embedded systems design, embedded software development, system-on-chip (SoC) design, and hardware/software co-design.

The certification program consists of two courses: FPGA Design Fundamentals I and II. The duration of each course is approximately five days. To get certified in Mentor Graphics FPGA Design Fundamentals, students must complete both courses successfully. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from Mentor Graphics that verifies their expertise in FPGA design fundamentals.

The cost for the Mentor Graphics FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification Program varies depending on the location where it is offered. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 USD per person for both courses combined.

7. Lattice Semiconductor FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification

Lattice Semiconductor FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification is a certification program offered by Lattice Semiconductor that provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of FPGA design. The certification covers topics such as FPGA architecture, design entry, synthesis, verification and debugging. It also provides a comprehensive introduction to the Lattice FPGA family and development tools.

The certification program consists of two courses: Introduction to FPGA Design with Lattice Semiconductor Devices and Advanced FPGA Design with Lattice Semiconductor Devices. Both courses are self-paced and can be completed online in approximately 8 hours each.

To get certified, you must successfully complete both courses and pass the final exam for each course with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the certification program is $499 USD.

8. Synopsys FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification

Synopsys FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification is a certification program designed to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of FPGA design. It covers topics such as logic synthesis, timing analysis, and device-specific optimization techniques. The certification is offered by Synopsys, a leader in electronic design automation (EDA) software and services for the semiconductor industry.

The certification requires completion of a series of online courses that cover the following topics: Introduction to FPGAs, Logic Synthesis and Optimization, Timing Analysis and Optimization, Device-Specific Optimization Techniques, System Verilog Assertions, and Advanced Topics in FPGA Design. The course materials are available online and can be completed at your own pace.

The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the individual courses or purchase a package that includes all six courses. The individual courses range from $99-$199 each while the full package costs $599.

It typically takes around four weeks to complete all six courses if you are studying full time. However, if you have prior experience with FPGAs or EDA tools then it may take less time to complete the program.

Once you have completed all six courses successfully you will receive your Synopsys FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification which is valid for two years from date of issue.

9. Cadence FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification

Cadence FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification is a certification program offered by Cadence, an electronic design automation company. It is designed to help engineers and designers gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop successful FPGA designs. The certification program covers topics such as logic synthesis, timing constraints, floorplanning, place-and-route, verification, and debugging.

The Cadence FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification typically takes around three months to complete. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to FPGA Design, Synthesis and Timing Constraints, Floorplanning and Place-and-Route, and Verification and Debugging. Each course is self-paced with online lectures and tutorials that can be completed in approximately two weeks each.

To get the Cadence FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification you must first register for the program on the Cadence website. Once registered you will receive access to the online learning materials which include lectures, tutorials, webinars and other resources. After completing all four courses you will be required to take an online assessment which tests your understanding of the material covered in each course. Upon passing this assessment you will receive your certification from Cadence.

The cost of the Cadence FPGA Design Fundamentals Certification varies depending on where you purchase it from. Generally speaking it costs between $500 - $1000 USD for access to all four courses plus the final assessment.

10. Actel Advanced FPGA Design Techniques Certification

Actel Advanced FPGA Design Techniques Certification is a certification program offered by Actel Corporation, a provider of FPGA solutions. The certification provides an in-depth understanding of the design techniques and tools used to create successful FPGA designs. It covers topics such as synthesis, timing analysis, debugging, and verification.

The certification program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an online exam. The self-paced online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and costs $295 USD. The online exam is a multiple-choice test that must be taken within 30 days of completing the course. The cost for the exam is $99 USD.

To get the Actel Advanced FPGA Design Techniques Certification, you must successfully complete both the self-paced online course and the online exam within 30 days of starting the course. Once you have completed both parts of the certification program, you will receive your certificate via email from Actel Corporation.

11. Microsemi Advanced FPGA Design Techniques Certification

Microsemi Advanced FPGA Design Techniques Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to design, develop and deploy advanced FPGA designs. The certification covers topics such as FPGA architecture, high-speed signal routing, memory interfacing, power management, system integration and verification. It also provides an in-depth understanding of the tools used for designing complex FPGAs.

The certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on lab. The online course consists of 12 modules covering topics such as basic digital logic design, FPGA architecture, high-speed signal routing, memory interfacing, power management, system integration and verification. The duration of the online course is approximately 8 hours.

The hands-on lab is conducted at Microsemi's training center in San Jose, California. During this lab session you will be given access to a range of development boards and software tools which you can use to develop your own projects. You will also have access to experienced instructors who will provide guidance throughout the process. The duration of the hands-on lab is approximately 4 days (32 hours).

To get the certification you must complete both parts of the program successfully. After completing both parts you will receive a certificate from Microsemi which will be valid for three years from the date it was issued.

The cost of the Microsemi Advanced FPGA Design Techniques Certification program varies depending on whether or not you are already a customer of Microsemi. If you are not already a customer then you can expect to pay around $2,500 USD for both parts of the program (online course + hands-on lab).

Do You Really Need a FPGA Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an FPGA engineer certificate in order to be successful as an FPGA engineer. However, having a certificate can provide additional credibility and demonstrate a commitment to the profession that may be beneficial for certain job opportunities.

Having a degree in electrical engineering or computer science will likely provide sufficient qualifications for most FPGA engineering positions, but there are still advantages to obtaining an FPGA engineer certificate. A certificate program can offer specialized instruction on topics such as hardware design, coding techniques, and application development. This training may give you the edge over other applicants in terms of knowledge and experience when applying for jobs. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who have taken the time to complete certifications that demonstrate their commitment to the field and their eagerness to learn new skills.

In addition to providing more detailed knowledge of specific topics related to FPGA engineering, completing a certificate program may also improve your chances of finding a job or advancing within your current organization. Many employers view certificates as evidence of a candidate's dedication and willingness to commit time and effort into developing their skill set. Furthermore, having a certification may make it easier for employers to assess your qualifications since they can review specific course material instead of relying solely on your resume or cover letter.

Overall, although having an FPGA engineer certificate is not necessary for success in this profession, it can be beneficial in terms of demonstrating your commitment and expertise in the field. It may also improve your chances of finding employment or advancing within your current organization by providing evidence of specialized knowledge and training related to FPGA engineering.

Related: FPGA Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About FPGA Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is an FPGA Engineer Certification?

A1. An FPGA Engineer Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a working knowledge of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), the integrated circuits (ICs) used to design and implement digital logic systems. It validates an individual's understanding of the basic principles, techniques, and technologies related to programmable logic devices and their applications in embedded systems.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining an FPGA Engineer Certification?

A2. Obtaining an FPGA Engineer Certification provides many benefits, such as increased job opportunities, improved salary potential, better understanding of digital logic systems, and enhanced credibility within the engineering profession. Additionally, some employers may require certification for certain positions or projects.

Q3. Is there a specific exam I need to take to become certified?

A3. Yes – The VHDL Certified Programmer (VCP) exam is required for most FPGA engineer certifications, although some certifications may have additional requirements such as coursework or hands-on experience with programmable logic devices.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. The amount of time needed to obtain an FPGA engineer certification varies depending on the type of certification and any additional requirements such as coursework or hands-on experience with programmable logic devices that may be required by certain certifications programs. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete all requirements for certification depending on the individual's background and commitment level.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining an FPGA engineer certification?

A5: Yes – Most FPGA engineer certifications require payment of fees for registration and examination costs which can range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the program chosen by the individual seeking certification