Top 11 Hydraulic Engineer Certifications

Certifications for a hydraulic engineer are important in the job market because they demonstrate the engineer’s knowledge and expertise on specific topics related to hydraulic engineering. Employers want to hire engineers who have proven their competency and mastery of certain principles and concepts, and certifications provide them with evidence of this. Certifications also signal to employers that the engineer is committed to staying up-to-date on trends and advancements in the field. This demonstrates dedication to their profession, which is an attractive quality in potential employees.

The purpose of this article is to review and discuss the benefits of some of the top certifications available for Hydraulic Engineers and how they can help advance their career.

What are Hydraulic Engineer Certifications?

Hydraulic engineer certification is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of those who design, install, inspect, and maintain hydraulic systems. This certification is offered through organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA).

Hydraulic engineer certification can help individuals in many ways. It enables them to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field to potential employers or current employers who are looking for someone with specialized skills. It also helps professionals stay up-to-date on industry standards by requiring continuing education courses. Certification can also lead to higher salaries and job opportunities. Additionally, it is a way to show commitment to safety and quality workmanship, which can be beneficial when bidding on jobs or seeking employment. Finally, certification provides a sense of accomplishment and recognition that comes along with working in an industry where there are not many other professionals with similar credentials.

Pro Tip: When seeking certification as a hydraulic engineer, it is important to become familiar with the specific requirements of the certifying body. This includes understanding the formal education, professional experience and other qualifications that are needed in order to be eligible for certification. Additionally, it is beneficial to research the available certifications and determine which one best suits your career goals.

Related: What does a Hydraulic Engineer do?

Top 11 Hydraulic Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Fluid Power Engineer (CFPS)

Certified Fluid Power Engineer (CFPS) is a professional certification offered by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in fluid power technology. The CFPS certification is a voluntary program that requires applicants to pass an exam covering topics such as fluid power components, systems, design, troubleshooting, safety, and maintenance.

The CFPS exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. To be eligible for the CFPS certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the fluid power field or have completed a college degree in engineering or related field.

To obtain the CFPS certification, individuals must first submit an application to NFPA along with proof of their qualifications. Once approved, applicants can then register for the exam and pay the associated fee ($500 USD). After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CFPS certificate from NFPA.

2. Certified Hydraulic Technician (CHT)

Certified Hydraulic Technician (CHT) is a certification program offered by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of hydraulic technology. The certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as fluid power principles, hydraulic components and systems, troubleshooting, maintenance, and safety.

It typically takes around two years to complete the certification process. To get certified, you must first complete an NFPA-approved training program in hydraulic technology or have equivalent experience in the field. You then need to pass the CHT exam with a score of at least 80%.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your chosen training program. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$2,000 for tuition and materials. Additionally, there is a fee of $125 for taking the CHT exam.

3. Certified Professional Hydraulic Engineer (CPHE)

Certified Professional Hydraulic Engineer (CPHE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of engineers in the field of hydraulic engineering. The CPHE designation is granted to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competence in the areas of hydraulic system design, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

To obtain the CPHE designation, an individual must have at least five years of professional experience in hydraulic engineering, pass an examination administered by ASME, and be endorsed by two current CPHEs. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hydraulics fundamentals, fluid power systems design and analysis, component selection and application, system troubleshooting and maintenance.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $400-$600. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete. After passing the exam, individuals must submit their application for certification along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or work experience verification. Once approved, they will receive their official CPHE certificate from ASME.

4. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a professional credential offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of automation. The CAP designation is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in automation.

To become certified, individuals must pass an examination that covers topics such as process control, instrumentation, safety systems, and computer-based control systems. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get started on the path to certification, individuals should first join ISA and then register for the CAP examination. The cost for the exam is $350 USD for ISA members and $450 USD for non-members. After registering, individuals can access study materials such as practice exams, textbooks, webinars, and other resources to help prepare for the exam.

Once an individual passes the CAP examination they will be awarded their certification which is valid for three years. In order to maintain their certification status during this time period they will need to participate in continuing education activities related to automation technology.

5. Certified Industrial Hydraulics Technician (CIHT)

Certified Industrial Hydraulics Technician (CIHT) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of industrial hydraulics. The certification is issued by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), and it is designed to help employers identify qualified technicians who can work on complex hydraulic systems.

To become a Certified Industrial Hydraulics Technician, an individual must pass an exam administered by the IFPS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as fluid power principles, system components and design, troubleshooting techniques, safety procedures, and maintenance practices. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in practical situations.

The cost for taking the CIHT exam varies depending on the location where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD to take the exam.

It typically takes between 4-6 months of preparation to successfully pass the CIHT exam. During this period, candidates should study for the exam using materials provided by IFPS or other sources such as textbooks or online courses. Additionally, candidates may benefit from attending workshops or seminars related to industrial hydraulics offered by IFPS or other organizations.

6. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program offered by the Society of Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). The CMRP certification is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and skill in the fields of maintenance and reliability.

The CMRP certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and an in-person interview. The online exam is a multiple-choice test that covers topics such as maintenance management, asset management, reliability engineering, and safety. The in-person interview is conducted by SMRP staff or volunteers who will assess the applicant’s knowledge and skills related to the topics covered on the online exam.

In order to obtain the CMRP certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in maintenance or reliability engineering. Applicants must also complete 40 hours of continuing education credits within four years prior to applying for the CMRP certification.

The cost of obtaining the CMRP certification varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or non-member. For SMRP members, it costs $500 for both parts of the process (online exam + in-person interview). For non-members, it costs $600 for both parts.

Overall, it typically takes between three to six months to complete the entire CMRP certification process from start to finish.

7. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRS)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRS) is a certification offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in maintenance and reliability. The CMRS certification validates that its holders have the necessary technical competency to work in maintenance and reliability roles.

The CMRS program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, lubrication practices, safety procedures, electrical systems, fluid power systems, mechanical systems, welding/fabrication processes, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

To become certified as a CMRS, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by SMRP. These include having a minimum of three years of experience in maintenance or reliability roles or having completed a recognized educational program in the field. Applicants must also submit proof of their experience or education along with their application form.

The cost for taking the CMRS exam is $295 USD for SMRP members and $395 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from SMRP which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

8. Certified Machinery Lubrication Technician (CMLT)

Certified Machinery Lubrication Technician (CMLT) is a certification program offered by the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML). The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, implement, and maintain effective lubrication practices in industrial and commercial settings.

The CMLT program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To become a Certified Machinery Lubrication Technician, an individual must first complete the Level I coursework, which typically takes about 40 hours to complete. This course covers topics such as lubricant selection, oil analysis, contamination control, and lubrication system design. Upon successful completion of this coursework, an individual can then move on to Level II where they will learn more advanced topics such as predictive maintenance techniques, vibration analysis, and troubleshooting.

To become certified as a CMLT, an individual must pass both the written exam for each level as well as the practical exam for each level. The written exams are administered by ICML-approved testing centers around the world while the practical exams are administered by ICML-approved instructors.

The cost of becoming a Certified Machinery Lubrication Technician varies depending on where you take your courses and exams. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD to become certified at either level.

9. Certified Pump System Specialist (CPSS)

Certified Pump System Specialist (CPSS) is a professional certification program that provides comprehensive training and education in the areas of pump system design, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. The program is designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become an expert in the field of pump systems.

The CPSS certification requires successful completion of a two-day course followed by a written exam. The course covers topics such as pump system components, design principles, installation techniques, operation and maintenance procedures, troubleshooting methods, and safety considerations. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the written exam, individuals are awarded their CPSS certification.

The cost for the CPSS certification program varies depending on location but generally ranges from $800-$1,200 USD. The cost includes tuition for the two-day course as well as materials needed for the exam.

In order to obtain your CPSS certification you must first register for the course with an approved provider. Once registered you will be able to access all of the material needed to complete your training and take your exam. After successfully completing both components you will receive your CPSS certification within 4-6 weeks after passing your exam.

10. ASME International Certification for Fluid Power Systems Designers

ASME International Certification for Fluid Power Systems Designers is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of professionals in the field of fluid power systems design. This certification is offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence.

The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of fluid power system design, analysis, and troubleshooting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as fluid mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, system design principles, and safety considerations.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the certification process. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to ASME International along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or work experience records. Once approved, applicants must then schedule an exam appointment with ASME International and pay the associated fees.

The cost for the ASME International Certification for Fluid Power Systems Designers varies depending on location but can range from $500-$1,000 USD.

11. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification in Hydraulics and Pneumatics

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification in Hydraulics and Pneumatics is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. The program is intended for those who work with or manage hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment covers topics such as basic principles, components, system design, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, safety, and other related topics. This portion of the exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

The practical exam is a hands-on evaluation that requires the candidate to demonstrate their skills on actual equipment. This portion of the exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must pass both portions of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience working with hydraulic or pneumatic systems in order to qualify for the certification program.

The cost for ASME Certification in Hydraulics and Pneumatics varies depending on the location where you take the exams; however, it typically costs between $500-$1000 USD to become certified.

Do You Really Need a Hydraulic Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you plan to do with your career. If you are looking to work in the field of hydraulic engineering, a certificate can be beneficial. It can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job, as well as demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession.

However, if you are simply looking for a way to increase your knowledge base or build a more competitive resume, then a certificate may not be necessary. The field of hydraulic engineering is complex and requires many years of experience and study in order to become proficient. Even with a certification, it would still be necessary to gain hands-on experience in order to truly understand all aspects of the profession.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a hydraulic engineer certificate depends on what you want out of your career. A certificate can be beneficial if it helps you reach your goals, but it may not be necessary if those goals don’t involve working in the field of hydraulics.

Related: Hydraulic Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Hydraulic Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Hydraulic Engineer Certification?

A1. A Hydraulic Engineer Certification is a professional certification that shows mastery of the principles and practices of hydraulic engineering. It demonstrates knowledge in areas such as fluid mechanics, fluid power, hydraulics systems design, operation and maintenance, and other related topics.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Hydraulic Engineer?

A2. To become certified as a Hydraulic Engineer, you must pass an exam administered by a nationally recognized certifying body like the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). In order to sit for the exam, you must have completed an accredited engineering program or have equivalent work experience in the field of hydraulic engineering.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Hydraulic Engineer?

A3. Becoming a certified Hydraulic Engineer can help demonstrate your competence in the field to potential employers, demonstrate commitment to your profession, increase job opportunities and salary potential, provide recognition from peers and organizations, and enhance career mobility.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a Hydraulic Engineer?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on several factors including prior education or experience in the field, preparation for the exam, and passing scores on the exam itself. Generally speaking however it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on these factors.

Q5. Is there any continuing education required after certification?

A5: Yes, it is generally recommended that certified engineers complete continuing education credits every year in order to maintain their certifications with most organizations requiring at least 30 hours every three years