Top 11 Maintenance Engineer Certifications

Certifications are extremely important for maintenance engineers in the job market. They demonstrate to employers that a candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in their role. Certifications also provide proof of an individual’s commitment to their profession, as they have taken the time and effort to gain additional qualifications outside of their regular job duties. By having certifications, it demonstrates to potential employers that a candidate has a greater level of understanding and expertise within the field. This can be a huge advantage when competing with other candidates for the same position or promotion. Furthermore, certifications can help open up new opportunities, as some employers may only consider applicants who possess certain credentials.

The article reviews the top certifications for Maintenance Engineers and explains how they can benefit a maintenance engineer's career.

What are Maintenance Engineer Certifications?

Maintenance engineer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of maintenance engineering. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that an individual has the necessary skills and abilities to perform maintenance engineering tasks effectively and safely.

Maintenance engineering involves the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of equipment used in industrial processes. The certification helps demonstrate that individuals have the necessary qualifications for this position by covering topics such as safety standards, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and more.

The certification also provides individuals with an opportunity to stay up-to-date on changes in technology so they can remain competitive in their current role or advance into a leadership role. With advances in technology happening at a rapid pace, staying abreast of new developments is essential for success in today's workplace.

By obtaining maintenance engineer certification, individuals can prove their knowledge and proficiency when applying for jobs or promotions within their organization or when searching for a new job outside of their current company. Additionally, employers may be more likely to hire candidates who have achieved the certification due to its rigorous standards and requirements. Ultimately, this credential can help open doors to better career opportunities for those looking to pursue a career as a maintenance engineer.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the requirements for a maintenance engineer certification in your area before committing to any training program. Different areas may have different requirements, so it's important to be aware of what you need to do in order to become certified. Additionally, research potential employers and their expectations for maintenance engineers before enrolling in a certification program.

Related: What does a Maintenance Engineer do?

Top 11 Maintenance Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). The CMRP certification is intended to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in the maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management disciplines. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that their personnel have the necessary skills to effectively manage their physical assets.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CMRP exam. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as maintenance planning and scheduling, root cause analysis, reliability improvement, quality assurance, and safety management. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in a related field.

The cost of taking the CMRP exam varies depending on whether or not you are an SMRP member. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members, it’s $395 USD. Additionally, applicants must pay an application fee of $50 USD when they submit their application to take the exam.

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of maintenance professionals in the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. The CPMM certification is offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP).

The CPMM program is a self-study program that requires candidates to complete a comprehensive online training course. The course covers topics such as maintenance planning, scheduling, budgeting, safety, reliability engineering, electrical systems, and more. Candidates must also pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CPMM program varies depending on whether you are an AMP member or non-member. For members, the cost is $595 USD; for non-members it is $795 USD. The cost includes access to all materials needed for the program and one year of membership with AMP.

It typically takes about 8-12 weeks to complete the CPMM program depending on how much time you have available for studying. After completing the course and passing the exam, you will receive your official CPMM certificate from AMP.

3. Certified Maintenance and Engineering Technician (CMET)

Certified Maintenance and Engineering Technician (CMET) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of maintenance and engineering technicians. It is administered by the International Council for Certified Maintenance & Engineering Technicians (ICCMET). The CMET certification program provides an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a technician's commitment to excellence in the field of maintenance and engineering.

The CMET certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form along with their resume and supporting documents. Once accepted, applicants must then pass a written exam covering topics such as safety, electrical systems, mechanical systems, preventive maintenance techniques, troubleshooting techniques, and more. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a practical assessment which tests their ability to perform tasks related to maintenance and engineering.

The cost of the CMET certification program varies depending on the country or region in which it is being taken. In most cases, it costs around $500-$600 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam or completing the practical assessment.

4. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CRE certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in reliability engineering. It is intended to demonstrate an individual’s ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems related to product and system reliability.

The CRE certification requires passing a two-part exam that covers topics such as reliability principles, failure analysis techniques, design of experiments, and preventive maintenance. The exam also includes questions on quality assurance and statistical process control. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in a reliability engineering role.

The CRE exam typically takes about four hours to complete. It can be taken at any ASQ testing center or online via the ASQ website. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD.

5. Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)

Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and skill in the field of maintenance management. The CMM certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field of maintenance management.

The CMM certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as asset management, preventive maintenance, reliability engineering, root cause analysis, and safety. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CMM certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in maintenance management or related fields. They must also have completed at least 60 hours of formal training in maintenance management or related fields. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from industry professionals who can attest to their knowledge and experience in the field.

The cost of the CMM certification exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the fee is $399 USD; for non-members it is $499 USD.

6. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). The CIMM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the maintenance, repair, and installation of industrial machinery.

To become certified as a CIMM, individuals must successfully complete an IAMAW-approved training program. The training program typically takes between six months and two years to complete depending on the individual's prior experience. Once the training program has been completed, applicants must pass an exam administered by the IAMAW to receive their certification.

The cost for the CIMM certification varies depending on the training program chosen. Generally, applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$4,000 for the entire process. This cost includes tuition fees for the training program as well as any necessary materials or supplies that may be required.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants are also required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years. These courses are designed to keep individuals up-to-date on new technologies and industry trends related to industrial maintenance mechanics.

7. Certified Mechanical Maintenance Technician (CMMT)

Certified Mechanical Maintenance Technician (CMMT) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of mechanical maintenance technicians who are responsible for the safe and effective operation of industrial machinery. The CMMT program covers a range of topics, including safety, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, lubrication systems, and machine operation.

The CMMT certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical evaluation. The online exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in areas such as safety, electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, vibration analysis, lubrication systems, machine operation, etc. After passing the online exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants must complete a practical evaluation administered by an ISA-certified instructor. During this evaluation, applicants must demonstrate their ability to diagnose mechanical problems and perform maintenance tasks on actual equipment.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CMMT certification process. To get started on the path to becoming certified as a CMMT technician, you need to register with ISA and pay the registration fee which is currently $295 USD for members and $395 USD for non-members.

8. 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 individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in automation and control systems. The CAP program is based on an industry-wide body of knowledge that covers topics such as process control, instrumentation, safety systems, system integration, and project management.

The CAP certification requires passing two exams: the Core Exam and the Discipline Exam. The Core Exam tests general knowledge of automation concepts and principles while the Discipline Exam focuses on specific areas such as process control, instrumentation, safety systems, or system integration. The exams are administered online through ISA's testing center.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CAP exam. Candidates should study for at least 8 hours per week for 3 months prior to taking the exam. Resources such as practice exams, study guides, and online courses are available from ISA to help candidates prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CAP certification varies depending on whether you are an ISA member or not. For non-members, it costs $450 USD for both exams; for members it costs $350 USD for both exams. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake either exam or if you want a hard copy of your certificate.

9. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE certification helps professionals demonstrate their expertise in quality engineering, and it can help them advance their careers.

The CQE certification process typically takes six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical analysis, design of experiments, process capability analysis, and product/process validation. Applicants must also submit proof of work experience in the field of quality engineering.

To get the CQE certification, applicants must first join ASQ and pay a membership fee. After joining ASQ, applicants can register for the CQE exam online or through mail-in registration forms. The cost of the exam is $345 USD for members and $495 USD for non-members.

10. American Society for Quality – Quality Auditor Certification (ASQ-QAC)

The American Society for Quality – Quality Auditor Certification (ASQ-QAC) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of quality auditing. It is designed to provide assurance that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform quality audits in accordance with ASQ standards.

To become certified, individuals must complete a series of courses and pass an examination. The courses cover topics such as quality management systems, auditing principles, process analysis, and corrective action. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is administered by ASQ.

The certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment to studying for the exam. To begin the process, individuals must first apply for certification through ASQ’s website. After submitting their application, they will receive information about registering for courses and taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining ASQ-QAC certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as location. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2000 USD for all required materials and fees associated with obtaining the certification.

11. International Council for Machinery Lubrication – Level I and Level II Certification

The International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) is a global non-profit organization that provides certifications to professionals in the field of machinery lubrication. ICML has two levels of certification: Level I and Level II.

Level I Certification is designed to provide a basic understanding of machinery lubrication principles and practices, including proper selection, application, and disposal of lubricants. This certification requires a minimum of 16 hours of study and can be completed in as little as one day. The cost for this certification is $400 USD.

Level II Certification is designed for experienced professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field of machinery lubrication. This certification requires a minimum of 32 hours of study and can be completed in as little as two days. The cost for this certification is $750 USD.

To obtain either level of certification, individuals must first complete an online application form on the ICML website and pay the associated fee. Once approved, they will receive access to online study materials which must be completed before taking the final exam. After passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will receive their official certificate from ICML.

Do You Really Need a Maintenance Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a Maintenance Engineer Certificate can be beneficial as it offers a degree of credibility and recognition for their knowledge in the field of maintenance engineering. Additionally, having such a certificate may open up new job opportunities or provide access to better pay.

On the other hand, there are those who may not need such a certificate due to the fact that they already possess the necessary skills and knowledge in order to perform their job duties effectively. In these cases, having a Maintenance Engineer Certificate may not be necessary. However, it is important to note that even if one does not need such a certification, it can still be beneficial in terms of increased job opportunities or higher wages.

In conclusion, whether or not an individual needs a Maintenance Engineer Certificate depends largely on their own personal career goals and objectives. Those who feel they could benefit from possessing such certification should pursue it while others who do not feel it is necessary may choose to forego obtaining one and instead focus on improving their skillset and knowledge base through other means.

Related: Maintenance Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Maintenance Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is a Maintenance Engineer Certification?

A1: A Maintenance Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in maintenance engineering. It certifies that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, design, and implement maintenance strategies.

Q2: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Maintenance Engineer?

A2: Becoming certified as a Maintenance Engineer can help you stand out in the job market and open up new career opportunities. It also demonstrates your commitment to professional development and can help you stay up-to-date on current trends and technologies in the field.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Maintenance Engineer?

A3: To become certified as a Maintenance Engineer, you must first meet certain requirements, such as having at least three years of experience in maintenance engineering or related fields. You must then pass an exam administered by an accredited organization.

Q4: What topics are covered on the Maintenance Engineer Certification Exam?

A4: The topics covered on the exam include safety practices, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, preventive maintenance procedures, and other related topics.

Q5: How often do I need to renew my Maintenance Engineer Certification?

A5: Generally speaking, most certifications require renewal every three years. However, this may vary depending on the specific certification program you have chosen.