Top 10 Manufacturing Engineer Certifications

Certifications for a manufacturing engineer are important in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to be successful in their role. Certifications can provide employers with assurance that the individual is qualified to work in their field and can help them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can give individuals an edge when negotiating salaries or promotions. By having a certification, individuals will have more confidence in their abilities and be able to demonstrate their expertise to employers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Manufacturing Engineers and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Manufacturing Engineer Certifications?

Manufacturing engineer certification is a type of certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge, skills and abilities related to the field of manufacturing engineering. It is awarded by professional organizations or educational institutions, and requires the successful completion of a comprehensive exam.

By obtaining a manufacturing engineer certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in the field to employers and potential clients. The certification also serves as proof that they have met certain standards of excellence in their profession. This can help them stand out from other job candidates and make them more attractive to employers. Additionally, individuals with this certification may qualify for higher salaries or promotions due to their increased knowledge and skill set.

The certification also provides access to industry-specific resources, such as research papers, conferences and workshops which can help enhance an individual's career development opportunities. Furthermore, it allows individuals to stay current on trends and developments in the field of manufacturing engineering so they can better serve their clients or employers. Finally, having a certified manufacturing engineer on staff can be beneficial for an organization since it shows that the company values quality assurance and has taken steps to ensure its employees are up-to-date with the latest advancements in the industry.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a certification in manufacturing engineering, take advantage of online courses and workshops to gain experience in the field. This will help you better understand the requirements for certification and make sure you have the right skillset to pass the exam.

Related: What does a Manufacturing Engineer do?

Top 10 Manufacturing Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of manufacturing engineering. The certification is awarded to those who have met certain education and experience requirements, as well as passed a comprehensive examination.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an accredited Bachelor's degree in engineering or technology, with at least two years of full-time professional experience in manufacturing engineering. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by SME that covers topics such as design for manufacturability, quality control, process optimization, and cost reduction.

The certification process typically takes between one and two years to complete. The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $400 for the application fee alone, plus additional fees for the exam and any other associated costs.

2. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to quality engineering and their ability to apply the principles of quality management.

It typically takes between one and two years to obtain the CQE certification. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice exams, and completing any other requirements such as work experience or training courses.

To get the CQE certification, you must first pass the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer Exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality assurance, statistics, problem solving, design of experiments, process improvement, measurement systems analysis, and reliability methods. You must also have at least eight years of relevant work experience in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CQE certification varies depending on where you take the exam and any additional materials you may need to purchase. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $400-$600 USD for all associated fees.

3. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the Lean Six Sigma process improvement methodology. It is a globally recognized certification for professionals who have achieved mastery in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The CLSSBB certification validates an individual’s ability to lead projects, manage teams, and implement process improvements within their organization.

In order to become certified as a CLSSBB, an individual must complete a minimum of two weeks of formal training and pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body such as ASQ or IASSC. The training typically covers topics such as Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC), Lean tools, statistics, project management, and more. After passing the exam, the individual will receive their CLSSBB certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CLSSBB can vary depending on the certifying body and type of training chosen. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD for the training course and exam fee combined.

Overall, becoming certified as a CLSSBB is an excellent way to demonstrate one’s knowledge of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and gain recognition within their industry or organization.

4. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage production and inventory activities in a manufacturing or service environment. CPIM certification demonstrates an individual's mastery of the principles of production and inventory management, as well as their ability to apply them in real-world situations.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course must be completed within 12 months. In order to obtain the CPIM designation, individuals must pass all five exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on how you choose to complete it. The full cost for all five courses is $1,795 USD if taken online through APICS' eLearning platform. If you choose to take the courses in person at an APICS training center, then the cost will be $2,095 USD. Additionally, there are exam fees associated with each course that range from $95-$125 per exam.

Overall, obtaining your CPIM certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in production and inventory management. It can also open up new career opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in this field.

5. ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively manage quality and organizational excellence initiatives within their organizations. The CMQ/OE certification demonstrates a commitment to quality management and organizational excellence, as well as an understanding of how these concepts can be applied in a variety of industries.

The certification process consists of two parts: an application process and an exam. To apply for the CMQ/OE certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in quality management or organizational excellence, including three years in a leadership role. Applicants must also submit proof of their education and experience, as well as references from current or former employers. Once the application has been approved, applicants must pass the CMQ/OE exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management principles, systems thinking, customer focus, process improvement methods and more.

The entire process typically takes between six to eight weeks to complete. The cost for the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the cost is $399 USD; for non-members it is $499 USD.

6. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification in Manufacturing Engineering Technology

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification in Manufacturing Engineering Technology is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of manufacturing engineering technology. This certification is designed to provide employers with an assurance that those they hire have demonstrated proficiency in their respective fields.

To obtain ASME Certification in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, applicants must pass an exam administered by the ASME Certification Board. The exam covers topics such as materials science, production processes, quality control, safety and environmental management, product design, and process improvement. Applicants must also possess a minimum of two years of experience in the field or have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of college coursework related to manufacturing engineering technology.

The cost for taking the ASME Certification Exam varies depending on your location and can range from $300 to $600 USD. The exam typically takes around four hours to complete.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from ASME indicating your certification status. This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by retaking the exam or completing continuing education courses approved by ASME.

7. International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Automation Professional

The International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a certification program for automation professionals. The CAP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of industrial automation. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that those certified possess the necessary skills and abilities to perform their job effectively.

To obtain the CAP certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by ISA. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as industrial automation principles, system design and implementation, programming languages, networking protocols, and safety practices. The exam typically takes three hours to complete and can be taken at an approved testing center or online.

The cost of the CAP certification varies depending on the type of exam taken and if any additional study materials are purchased. Typically, the cost ranges from $350 - $450 USD for the written exam and $200 - $400 USD for the online version.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate two years of professional experience in industrial automation or a related field before they can receive their certification. This experience must be verified by a current supervisor or other qualified professional who can attest to your proficiency in this field.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your CAP certificate from ISA within 6-8 weeks of completing your application process.

8. Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional Certification

Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. It is the most sought-after certification for project managers and is considered the gold standard for the profession. The PMP certification validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to manage projects of any size or complexity.

To become certified as a PMP, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. You must have either a high school diploma, associate's degree, or equivalent global education; at least three years of project management experience leading and directing projects; and at least 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects within the last eight years.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in four hours. It covers five domains: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing. To pass the exam, you must earn a minimum score of 61%.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 USD while for members it costs $405 USD. Additionally, there are other fees associated with applying for the exam such as application processing fees ($100 USD) and annual maintenance fees ($60 USD).

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, your name will be added to the official list of PMPs maintained by PMI. Your certification will remain valid for three years after which time you will need to complete 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) every three years in order to maintain your credential.

9. Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ (SME) Certified Manufacturing Technologist

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ (SME) Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform in today's manufacturing environment. The CMfgT designation is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required for professional success in the field of manufacturing technology.

It typically takes three years to obtain this certification. During this time, applicants must complete a minimum of 300 hours of approved training, including both classroom and hands-on instruction. The curriculum covers topics such as quality control, production planning and scheduling, safety and health regulations, computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM), robotics, materials selection and processing, machining processes and operations, and lean manufacturing principles.

To apply for the CMfgT certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the manufacturing industry or two years of experience plus an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from all educational institutions attended, as well as a completed application form with letters of recommendation from two current or former employers attesting to their work experience and qualifications.

The cost for the CMfgT certification is $395 USD for SME members ($495 USD for non-members). This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and one year's membership dues in SME.

10. International Standards Organization’s (ISO) Quality Management System Certification

The International Standards Organization (ISO) Quality Management System Certification is a certification that demonstrates an organization’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. It is a set of standards that organizations must meet in order to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

It typically takes between six months and one year to get ISO certification, depending on the size of the organization. The process begins with an internal audit of the organization’s existing quality management system. Once any gaps are identified, they must be addressed before the organization can apply for certification.

Once the application process is complete, an external auditor will visit the organization to assess its compliance with ISO standards. This assessment includes interviews with staff, reviews of documents, and observations of processes in action. If all criteria are met, then the auditor will issue a certificate of compliance.

The cost of getting ISO certification varies depending on several factors such as the size of the organization, complexity of its operations, and number of sites involved in the certification process. Generally speaking, it can range from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars for larger organizations.

Do You Really Need a Manufacturing Engineer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a manufacturing engineer certificate. However, having one can be beneficial depending on your career goals and the industry in which you wish to work.

A manufacturing engineer certificate is an educational credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in manufacturing engineering. This type of certification may be offered by educational institutions or professional organizations. It is designed to give individuals the necessary skills and knowledge they need to become successful manufacturing engineers.

Having a manufacturing engineer certificate can open doors to more career opportunities and higher salaries within the field of manufacturing engineering. With this certification, employers will recognize your expertise and may offer you a higher salary than if you did not have it. Additionally, having a certification can provide increased job security as employers are more likely to hire certified professionals over those without one. Furthermore, it may also give you an edge over other applicants when competing for positions in the field of manufacturing engineering.

In conclusion, while having a manufacturing engineer certificate is not essential for working in the field of manufacturing engineering, it can be beneficial depending on your career goals and the industry in which you wish to work. It can provide increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and job security that would otherwise not be available without having this certification.

Related: Manufacturing Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Manufacturing Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Manufacturing Engineer Certification?

A1. A Manufacturing Engineer Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of manufacturing engineering. It demonstrates that the individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in this field, and can apply it in their professional practice.

Q2. What types of Manufacturing Engineer Certifications are available?

A2. The most common certifications include Certified Professional Manufacturers (CPM), Certified Industrial Engineering Technician (CIET), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPICM).

Q3. How can I obtain a Manufacturing Engineer Certification?

A3. To obtain any of these certifications, you must meet specific requirements set by the respective certification boards, such as completing coursework, passing an exam, and having a certain amount of relevant work experience or training.

Q4. What are the benefits of obtaining a Manufacturing Engineer Certification?

A4. Obtaining a Manufacturing Engineer Certification can provide recognition for your expertise in this field, help you advance your career opportunities, and increase your earning potential by distinguishing you from other professionals with similar qualifications.

Q5. How much does it cost to obtain a Manufacturing Engineer Certification?

A5. Costs vary depending on the type of certification you pursue; however, most require some form of payment for application fees or exam fees which may range from $50 to $500 USD depending on the board providing the certification.