Top 10 Hardware Design Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for hardware design engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is recognized by employers. They can help set candidates apart from other applicants, as certifications show employers that the individual has taken the time to develop their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that the individual is qualified to handle complex tasks related to hardware design engineering. Furthermore, certifications can help an engineer advance in their career, as many organizations require certification for promotions or additional responsibilities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Hardware Design Engineers, and explains how they can contribute to a hardware design engineer's career.

What are Hardware Design Engineer Certifications?

Hardware design engineer certification is a type of professional certification that shows employers and potential clients that a hardware design engineer has the knowledge, skills, and experience to create efficient and effective hardware designs. This certification can help engineers demonstrate their expertise in various areas of hardware design engineering, such as schematic capture and layout, circuit analysis, system testing, debugging, and troubleshooting.

Having a hardware design engineer certification can be beneficial for those who wish to advance their careers or gain new opportunities in the field. Employers often prefer to hire certified engineers since they are more likely to have the technical skills necessary to complete complex tasks. Additionally, having a certification may open doors for engineers looking to move up the ladder at their current company or seek new positions elsewhere.

Certification also provides an assurance of quality workmanship since it requires engineers to pass rigorous exams in order to obtain it. This helps employers rest assured that any designs created by certified engineers will meet industry standards and expectations. Additionally, having this credential may increase an engineer's earning potential by making them more attractive to employers offering higher salaries or other incentives.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a hardware design engineer certification, take the time to research the different certifications available and find one that best suits your needs. Make sure you understand the requirements for each certification and that it is recognized by employers in your field. Additionally, be sure to review any sample tests or practice exams to ensure you are well prepared for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Hardware Design Engineer do?

Top 10 Hardware Design Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Electronics Technician (CET)

Certified Electronics Technician (CET) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of electronics technology.

The CET certification is available to anyone who has completed a minimum of two years of formal education in electronics technology or has at least five years of documented, verifiable work experience in the field. The certification requires passing an examination that covers topics such as basic electricity, electronic components, circuit analysis, digital principles, and communications systems.

To get certified as a CET, you must first submit an application to ISCET along with documentation verifying your educational background or work experience. After your application is approved, you will be sent an exam packet containing instructions on how to register for the exam and payment information. Once you have registered for the exam and paid the fee, you will be able to schedule your test date at any Prometric testing center.

The cost for taking the CET exam varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam and results are usually available within one week after taking it.

2. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of manufacturing engineering. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in manufacturing processes, design and analysis, materials selection, quality assurance, safety and environmental compliance.

The CMfgE certification process consists of two parts: an application review and an exam. The application review requires applicants to submit a resume and other documentation demonstrating their qualifications for the certification. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from employers or peers who can attest to their experience in the field. Once approved, applicants must pass a four-hour written exam covering topics such as manufacturing processes, design and analysis, materials selection, quality assurance, safety and environmental compliance.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CMfgE certification process from start to finish. The cost of the application fee is $250 USD plus any additional fees associated with submitting letters of recommendation or taking the exam.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification provided by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality engineering principles, practices, and methods.

It typically takes approximately 6-12 months to prepare for the CQE exam. Preparation involves studying quality engineering principles, practices, and methods as outlined in the Body of Knowledge published by ASQ. This includes topics such as quality planning, control charts, design of experiments, process capability analysis, sampling plans, reliability testing and more.

To get certified as a CQE one must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics from the Body of Knowledge. The exam fee is $399 for members of ASQ or $499 for non-members.

4. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in reliability engineering principles, practices, and methods.

The CRE certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as reliability modeling, analysis techniques, failure data collection, root cause analysis, and reliability management. The exam is offered in both English and Spanish.

To become a Certified Reliability Engineer, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least four years of work experience in reliability engineering or related fields;
• Have at least one year of experience in a supervisory or management role;
• Possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field; and
• Pass the CRE Exam with at least 70% accuracy.

The exam fee is $395 USD for ASQ members and $495 USD for non-members. It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the exam depending on your prior experience with reliability engineering concepts.

5. Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the principles of production and inventory management.

The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as supply chain management, demand planning, inventory management, master scheduling, and material requirements planning. Each course is approximately 30 hours long and can be taken either online or in a classroom setting. In order to become certified, candidates must pass all five courses with a minimum score of 70%.

It typically takes an average of six months to complete the CPIM program. Candidates should plan on dedicating at least 10-15 hours per week to studying for the exams.

In order to get certified, candidates must first register for the CPIM program through APICS. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you choose to take the courses online or in a classroom setting. Typically, online courses are more affordable than classroom courses. Once registered, candidates will need to purchase textbooks and other materials related to each course.

The total cost for the CPIM program ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD depending on which materials you choose to purchase.

6. Certified Design for Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Design for Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to apply the principles of Six Sigma and design for six sigma (DFSS) to improve processes, products, and services. The CSSBB certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the CSSBB exam. Preparation includes studying course materials, completing practice exams, and attending review sessions. It is also recommended that individuals have at least three years of work experience in a related field prior to taking the exam.

To get certified, individuals must pass an online examination consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost of taking the exam is $399 USD. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their certificate from ASQ.

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 and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of automation professionals. The certification provides assurance that those who have achieved it are competent in the areas of automation engineering, design, implementation, maintenance, and management.

The CAP exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process control systems, instrumentation and measurement systems, industrial networking and communications systems, safety systems, data acquisition systems, system integration and troubleshooting. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become a Certified Automation Professional (CAP), you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ISA. These include having at least five years of experience in automation engineering or related fields as well as completing an approved training course. Once you have met these requirements, you can register for the exam online through ISA’s website.

The cost for taking the CAP exam is $495 USD for members of ISA or $595 USD for non-members.

8. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and their ability to apply it in their organization. It is designed for professionals who are involved in the implementation, management and improvement of Lean Six Sigma processes. The certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the DMAIC process and its application to problem solving, as well as a basic understanding of statistics and data analysis.

The CLSSGB certification typically takes between two and four months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, individuals must attend an approved training course, pass an exam and demonstrate a certain amount of work experience in Lean Six Sigma.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $3,000 USD for both the training course and the exam fee.

9. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program developed by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). The CMRP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management.

The CMRP certification process consists of two parts: an online application and an exam. The online application requires applicants to submit their educational background, work experience, references, and other relevant information. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants are eligible to take the CMRP exam.

The CMRP exam is offered twice a year at various testing centers across the United States. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as maintenance operations, reliability engineering, asset management systems, safety practices, quality control processes, root cause analysis techniques, project management principles, and more. Applicants must score 70% or higher on the exam in order to pass.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the entire CMRP certification process from start to finish. The cost of taking the exam varies based on location but generally ranges between $400-$600 USD.

10. Certified SolidWorks Associate Designer (CSWA-D)

Certified SolidWorks Associate Designer (CSWA-D) is a professional certification program offered by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation. It is designed to recognize the skills of experienced SolidWorks users who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the software and its capabilities. The CSWA-D certification proves that an individual has the knowledge and expertise necessary to design complex parts, assemblies, and drawings using SolidWorks.

The CSWA-D certification exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The exam covers topics such as basic sketching techniques, part modeling, assembly modeling, drawing creation, and other related topics. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that individuals use the official study guide provided by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation or take an authorized training course from a certified trainer.

To obtain the CSWA-D certification, individuals must register for the exam through MySolidWorks Certification Portal and pay the associated fee. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $100-$150 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their CSWA-D certificate via email within 7 business days.

Do You Really Need a Hardware Design Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a hardware design engineer certificate in order to be successful in the field of hardware design engineering. While having such a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants and open up more opportunities for career advancement, there are many ways to gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed for this profession without it.

For example, many hardware design engineers learn their trade through on-the-job experience and self-education. This can include taking courses or attending seminars related to the field, reading books on the subject, or even attending webinars or workshops provided by industry professionals. Additionally, there are several online resources available today that provide excellent instruction on hardware design engineering topics.

Furthermore, if you’re already employed in the field of hardware design engineering but lack formal certification, your employer may offer professional development programs or tuition assistance programs that will allow you to obtain the necessary certifications. Some employers also offer internships which can help individuals gain hands-on experience and develop their skillset in an area of interest related to hardware design engineering.

Finally, networking with other professionals in the industry is a great way to stay informed about new technologies and trends in the field as well as potential job opportunities. Building relationships with mentors and colleagues who have expertise in this area can also be incredibly beneficial when it comes time to apply for jobs or advance within your current role.

In conclusion, while having a certificate in hardware design engineering may give you an advantage over other applicants and provide more options for career advancement, it is not essential for success in this field. With dedication and effort, anyone can become a skilled hardware design engineer without formal certification.

Related: Hardware Design Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Hardware Design Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Hardware Design Engineer Certification?

A1. A Hardware Design Engineer Certification is an industry-recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in designing, developing, and verifying hardware systems.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Hardware Design Engineer Certification?

A2. Benefits of obtaining a certification include demonstrating your knowledge and skills to employers, increasing job opportunities, staying up-to-date with industry trends and technology, and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Q3. How do I get started with getting certified?

A3. To get started with getting certified, research what certifications are available and which one best suits your needs. After selecting the right certification for you, complete any prerequisites such as courses or exams required by the certification provider before beginning your certification process.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. The time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing as well as the number of prerequisites needed to be completed prior to obtaining the certification itself. Generally speaking, most certifications take between 3-6 months to complete depending on how much study time you dedicate each week and if there are any additional requirements such as coursework or exams that must be completed first before becoming certified.

Q5. Is there an exam involved in becoming certified?

A5: Yes, most certifications require an exam that tests an individual’s knowledge on topics related to hardware design engineering in order to become certified. Depending on the type of certification being pursued, some exams may be online or proctored at a testing center while others may require hands-on experience or fieldwork in order to obtain the certification itself