Top 10 Hardware Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for hardware engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers need to ensure that their projects will be successful. Certifications can help hardware engineers stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have the necessary skills to do the job. They can also provide evidence of an engineer's commitment to staying current with industry trends and developments, which is essential for success in hardware engineering. Additionally, certifications can give hardware engineers access to career opportunities that might otherwise not be available.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Hardware Engineers and explain how they can help boost their career prospects.

What are Hardware Engineer Certifications?

Hardware engineer certification is a professional certification program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of hardware engineering. This type of certification helps demonstrate to employers that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills required for a successful career in hardware engineering.

Hardware engineers design, develop, test, and maintain computer hardware components such as processors, motherboards, memory modules, power supplies, network cards, and other components used in computers and other electronic devices. To become certified as a hardware engineer, an individual must pass exams administered by recognized certifying bodies like CompTIA or Cisco. These exams cover topics such as digital logic design, embedded systems programming, computer architecture and system design, troubleshooting methods for hardware components, and more.

Having this certification can be very beneficial when applying for jobs in the field of hardware engineering. It can help potential employers to quickly assess an individual’s level of knowledge and experience with respect to the specific areas covered by the certification exams. Furthermore, having this type of certification can also give individuals an edge over their competition when seeking employment opportunities in the field. Finally, having a hardware engineer certification may also increase an individual’s salary expectations due to its prestigious nature.

Pro tip: When researching hardware engineer certification, look for certifications that are accredited by a professional organization such as IEEE or CompTIA. This ensures that the certification is recognized within the industry and can be used to demonstrate your expertise. Additionally, some certifications require continuing education to maintain, so make sure to research any requirements before committing to a certification.

Related: What does a Hardware Engineer do?

Top 10 Hardware Engineer Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers a wide range of topics, including hardware, software, networking, security, troubleshooting, and customer service. The CompTIA A+ certification is designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to become successful IT technicians.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the training for the CompTIA A+ certification. To get certified, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams are 90 minutes long and contain a mix of multiple choice and performance-based questions.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200 - $300 for both exams. You can also purchase practice tests or study guides to help prepare for the exam.

Overall, obtaining your CompTIA A+ certification can be a great way to start your career in IT and demonstrate your knowledge and abilities to employers.

2. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who design, implement, and maintain Microsoft-based networks. The MCSE certification is intended for those who have experience in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server operating systems, as well as other core technologies such as Active Directory, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, and System Center.

The MCSE certification typically takes around 6 months to complete. This includes studying for the exams and completing any required hands-on labs or projects. To get an MCSE certification, you must pass one or more exams that are relevant to the specific technology you are pursuing. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD per exam.

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual's skills and knowledge in networking. It is the entry-level certification for Cisco, which covers topics such as network fundamentals, IP addressing, routing protocols, switching technologies, WAN technologies and more.

It typically takes around 3 to 6 months to prepare for the CCNA exam depending on your prior experience. The best way to get started is to sign up for a training program or course that teaches you the necessary material. There are many online courses available, as well as classroom-based programs at various schools and institutions.

The cost of taking the CCNA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $250-$400 USD per exam. In addition to the exam fee, there may also be additional costs associated with taking a training course or purchasing study materials.

Once you have passed the CCNA exam, you will receive your official certification from Cisco Systems and become a certified professional in networking technology. This certification will give you an advantage when applying for jobs in IT related fields and can help open doors for career advancement opportunities.

4. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to demonstrate competency in areas such as network design, configuration, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security. The certification is vendor-neutral and covers a wide range of topics related to networking technologies.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. A passing score of 720 on a scale from 100-900 is required to obtain the certification.

To become certified, you must first register for the exam with CompTIA and pay the associated fees. You can choose to take the exam at a testing center or online through an approved proctoring service. Once you have registered for the exam, you will need to study for it using resources such as practice exams, study guides, and other materials provided by CompTIA or third-party vendors.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Network+ certification exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost can range from $200-$300 USD per attempt (not including any additional fees charged by proctoring services).

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an IT professional’s ability to design, deploy, and manage complex server infrastructures in a Windows Server environment. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for the planning, implementation, and maintenance of large-scale enterprise solutions based on Microsoft technologies.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification exam. To get started, you must first pass one of three qualifying exams: 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012; 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012; or 70-412 Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services. After passing these exams, you will then need to pass two additional elective exams in order to earn your MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification.

The cost of the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification depends on which exams you choose to take. The cost of each exam ranges from $165-$200 USD per exam. In addition to the cost of the exams, there may also be other costs associated with preparing for the exams such as books, practice tests, and online courses.

6. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Hardware and Devices

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an introduction to core Microsoft technologies. The MTA: Hardware and Devices certification is specifically designed for those interested in learning the fundamentals of computer hardware and device troubleshooting.

The MTA: Hardware and Devices exam covers topics such as basic hardware components, peripherals, storage devices, mobile devices, networking concepts, and troubleshooting. It also provides a foundation for further study in IT certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

The MTA: Hardware and Devices exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. It consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions that must be answered correctly in order to pass the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on your geographical location but generally ranges from $99-$125 USD.

To obtain the MTA: Hardware and Devices certification you must first purchase a voucher from an authorized reseller or Microsoft Learning Partner. Once you have purchased your voucher you can register for the exam at Prometric or VUE testing centers. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive an official certificate from Microsoft indicating that you have achieved this certification level.

7. Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT)

Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT) is an official certification from Apple that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of technical proficiency in servicing and troubleshooting Mac computers. This certification is designed for technicians who work on Apple products, either in-house or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

To become certified, you must successfully complete the ACMT Certification Exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as hardware repair and troubleshooting, software installation and configuration, system optimization, and customer support. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the ACMT Certification Exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $150 USD per attempt. You can register for the exam online through Apple's website or by contacting an Apple Authorized Training Center near you.

Once you've passed the ACMT Certification Exam, you will receive a digital certificate from Apple that will be valid for three years. To maintain your certification status, you must renew it every three years by passing the recertification exam or completing approved training courses.

8. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the baseline skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is an entry-level certification for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge in network security, compliance, operational security, and risk management.

The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. The exam must be completed within 90 minutes and a score of 750 or higher is required to pass. The exam covers topics such as: networking technologies and tools, access control, identity management, risk management, cryptography, and security architecture.

To get the CompTIA Security+ certification, you must first pass the Security+ exam. You can prepare for the exam by taking an online course or attending a classroom training session. Additionally, there are practice tests available to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $320 USD.

9. Dell EMC Proven Professional Data Science Associate

Dell EMC Proven Professional Data Science Associate is an entry-level certification program designed to validate a candidate's knowledge and skills in data science. It is intended for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in data science or those already working in the field who want to demonstrate their expertise.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidates' knowledge and understanding of basic data science concepts, including probability, statistics, machine learning, data visualization, and big data analysis. The exam also includes questions about the Dell EMC Proven Professional Data Science Associate program itself.

The certification exam typically takes two hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized testing center. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam to pass and receive the certification.

The cost of taking the Dell EMC Proven Professional Data Science Associate exam varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges between $200-$300 USD.

10. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. that certifies IT professionals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCE certification is designed to validate the technical competence of system administrators and engineers working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux in an enterprise environment.

It typically takes about 6-12 months of study and hands-on experience to prepare for the RHCE exam. To get certified, you must first pass the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam. After passing the RHCSA exam, you can take the RHCE exam.

The cost of getting certified depends on your location and how you choose to take the exams. Generally speaking, if you take the exams through a training provider or at a testing center, it will cost around $400-$500 per exam. If you are self-studying for the exams, then there are no costs associated with taking them other than any books or materials needed for studying.

Do You Really Need a Hardware Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a hardware engineer certificate depends on the job you are looking for and your current skill set. If you are looking to start a career in hardware engineering, then having a certificate can be beneficial as it will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your knowledge of the subject. On the other hand, if you already have experience in hardware engineering or related fields, then you may not need to pursue a certificate as additional proof of your qualifications.

Having said that, there are still advantages to having a hardware engineer certificate even if you don't necessarily need one for job prospects. A hardware engineer certificate shows potential employers that you have gone above and beyond what is expected of an average engineer, and that you are willing to continue learning and developing yourself professionally. It also demonstrates an understanding of the most up-to-date technologies and best practices in the field, which can help set you apart from other applicants when applying for jobs.

In conclusion, whether or not to pursue a hardware engineer certificate depends on your individual circumstances. If you are looking to get started in the field, then it can be beneficial as it will demonstrate commitment and knowledge of the subject matter. However, if you already have experience in this area then it may not be essential but could still give evidence of further development in the field.

Related: Hardware Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Hardware Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for hardware engineers?

Answer: Common certifications include CompTIA A+ certification, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT).

2. What is the cost of obtaining a hardware engineer certification?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the certification program and may include exam fees, training courses, and other related costs.

3. How long does it take to complete a hardware engineer certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification program, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years to complete.

4. What types of jobs require a hardware engineer certification?

Answer: Hardware engineer certifications are typically required for roles such as network administrator, systems analyst, IT technician, and computer support specialist.

5. Are there any online resources available for studying for a hardware engineer certification exam?

Answer: Yes, there are many online resources including practice tests, study guides, and video tutorials available to help prepare for a hardware engineer certification exam.