Top 10 Manufacturing Process Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for manufacturing process engineers in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in their field. Employers look for certifications when recruiting process engineers to ensure they have the necessary skills to handle complex tasks and understand the latest industry best practices. Certifications also provide a way for employers to verify that a candidate has the appropriate qualifications for an engineering role, as well as provide assurance that the engineer is up-to-date on changes in technology and processes. Certifications also give process engineers the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to professional development and stay ahead of competitors in the job market.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Manufacturing Process Engineers and explains how they can help to enhance a manufacturing process engineer's career.

What are Manufacturing Process Engineer Certifications?

Manufacturing process engineer certification is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field of manufacturing engineering. This type of certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the areas of industrial production, design and development, product quality assurance, cost analysis, process optimization and automation. It also indicates a commitment to continuous improvement in the manufacturing industry.

Having this certification can help individuals advance their careers by showing employers that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field. The certification can also provide those looking to enter into a career in manufacturing engineering with an edge over other non-certified applicants. Additionally, it can be used as evidence of continued learning and growth within the field, which employers may value when considering candidates for positions.

For those already working in the field or looking to break into it, having a manufacturing process engineer certification can open up new opportunities for advancement or entry into higher levels of management roles. It is also helpful for those interested in consulting or teaching roles within the industry since it provides an indication of expertise that will be valued by potential employers or students. Finally, having this credential may make it easier for individuals to gain access to resources such as seminars and conferences related to their area of expertise which can help them stay up-to-date on advances in technology and trends within the industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the different certification programs available for manufacturing process engineers. Different certifications may have specific requirements for experience, coursework, or other qualifications that you must meet in order to be eligible. Additionally, consider the cost of the certification program and any associated fees before committing to a program.

Related: What does a Manufacturing Process Engineer do?

Top 10 Manufacturing Process Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Manufacturing Process Engineer (CMfPE)

Certified Manufacturing Process Engineer (CMfPE) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of manufacturing process engineers. It is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To become certified as a CMfPE, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality management systems, production processes, statistical process control, design of experiments, and lean manufacturing principles.

The exam can be taken either online or at a proctored location. To qualify for the certification program, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in a manufacturing engineering role or equivalent education/training.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you take it online or at a proctored location. The online version costs $399 USD while the proctored version costs $499 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD to maintain your certification status.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the exam and receive your results. Once you have passed the exam and met all eligibility requirements, you will receive your official CMfPE certificate from ASQ within six weeks.

2. 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). The CPIM program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the production and inventory processes of an organization. It is designed to help organizations improve their operational performance and reduce costs by improving their supply chain operations.

The CPIM program consists of five modules: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. To obtain the CPIM certification, individuals must complete all five modules within two years.

To get started with the CPIM program, individuals must first register with APICS. After registering, they will be required to pay an exam fee for each module they wish to take. The cost for each module varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member. The total cost for all five modules can range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD depending on your membership status.

Once registered and fees have been paid, individuals can begin studying for their exams using textbooks provided by APICS or online resources such as webinars or practice tests. Upon completion of all five modules, individuals will be eligible to take the CPIM Certification Exam which is administered by APICS. Once certified, individuals will receive a certificate from APICS that verifies their mastery in production and inventory management principles.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality engineering, which involves applying principles of quality assurance and control to the design, development, production, and installation of products or services. The CQE certification is highly sought after by employers in many industries, as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality assurance and control.

The CQE exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality control methods, statistical process control, design of experiments, sampling techniques, reliability engineering, and total quality management. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of eight years of experience in a quality-related field.

To get certified as a CQE, individuals must pass the exam with a score of at least 75%. The exam costs $395 USD and can be taken at any ASQ-approved testing center. It typically takes two to three months to prepare for the CQE exam.

4. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to help individuals become more effective in leading and managing process improvement initiatives.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the CLSSBB training program, depending on the provider and the type of program chosen. Most programs include both online and in-person components, such as classroom instruction, webinars, self-study materials, and hands-on projects.

To get certified, individuals must pass a written exam administered by an accredited organization. The exam covers topics such as project management, data analysis, process mapping, problem solving techniques, and statistical methods.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,500 - $3,000 USD for most programs.

5. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

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

To become a CRE, applicants must have at least five years of full-time work experience in reliability engineering or related fields. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as reliability engineering principles and practices, system design, reliability testing and analysis, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), preventive maintenance planning, life cycle cost analysis, and quality assurance.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CRE exam. Applicants should use study materials provided by ASQ or other sources to prepare for the exam. Additionally, applicants can take advantage of online courses or seminars offered by ASQ to help them prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CRE exam depends on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members it is $395 USD.

6. Professional Engineer License (PE)

A Professional Engineer License (PE) is a license granted by a state board of engineering to an engineer who meets the qualifications for professional practice. The PE license is required in order to practice engineering independently and is typically obtained after completing a degree from an accredited engineering program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and obtaining four or more years of professional experience.

The process to obtain a PE license varies by state but generally requires the following steps:

1. Earn an engineering degree from an accredited program.

2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

3. Gain at least four years of professional experience in the field of engineering under the supervision of a licensed engineer.

4. Submit an application to the state board of engineering along with all necessary paperwork and fees.

5. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam in your respective discipline area(s).

6. Receive your PE license from your state board of engineering upon successful completion of all requirements.

The cost for taking the FE and PE exams vary by state but can range from $100 - $400 per exam, depending on where you live, plus any additional fees associated with submitting your application to your state board of engineering for licensure consideration.

7. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification in Manufacturing Process Engineering (ASME-CMPE)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification in Manufacturing Process Engineering (ASME-CMPE) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the manufacturing process engineering field. The ASME-CMPE certification is based on an individual's knowledge, experience, and abilities as they relate to the field of manufacturing process engineering.

To be eligible for the ASME-CMPE certification, an individual must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least five years of professional experience in the field of manufacturing process engineering, with at least three years of that time being spent in a leadership role. Additionally, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the area of mechanical engineering or related fields.

The ASME-CMPE certification program consists of two parts: an examination and a portfolio review. The examination is comprised of multiple choice questions and covers topics such as quality control systems, product design and development, production planning and scheduling, cost analysis and optimization techniques, and safety management systems. The portfolio review consists of submitting evidence that demonstrates the applicant’s knowledge and experience in the field through activities such as publications, presentations, projects completed during their professional career, etc.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the entire certification process from start to finish. During this time period applicants will need to prepare for and take the exam as well as compile their portfolio submission materials.

The cost for obtaining ASME-CMPE certification varies depending on whether you are an ASME member or nonmember. For members it costs $500 while nonmembers pay $750 plus applicable taxes if any.

8. International Society of Automation Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

The International Society of Automation Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the principles and practices of automation. CAPs are recognized as having the knowledge and skills to design, implement, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize automation systems.

To obtain the CAP certification, applicants must pass a rigorous exam that covers topics related to automation systems such as process control, instrumentation, data acquisition, programming languages, networking protocols, system integration, and safety. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the applicant’s knowledge in these areas. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world.

In order to be eligible for the CAP exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in an automation-related field or two years of experience with a degree from an accredited college or university in engineering technology or computer science. Applicants may also qualify if they have completed a course approved by ISA in Industrial Automation.

The cost for taking the CAP exam is $395 USD for ISA members and $495 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as one attempt at taking the actual certification exam.

9. American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

The American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a certification program designed to recognize welding professionals who demonstrate a high level of competency in the inspection of welded products. The CWI is a comprehensive certification that requires extensive knowledge and experience in welding technology, metallurgy, non-destructive testing (NDT), and welding inspection.

It typically takes between two to three years of experience in welding inspection before an individual can qualify for the CWI exam. In order to become certified, applicants must pass both a written and practical exam administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). The written exam covers topics such as welding processes, materials, fabrication techniques, codes and standards, safety, and other related topics. The practical exam tests the applicant’s ability to inspect welds using visual techniques and NDT methods.

In order to take the CWI exam, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts or certificates from welding-related courses they have taken. Additionally, applicants must pay an examination fee which varies depending on their country of residence.

In the United States, the cost for taking the CWI examination is $750 USD plus any applicable taxes. After passing both exams, applicants will receive their official AWS Certified Welding Inspector certificate.

10. Institute of Industrial Engineers Certification in Industrial Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (IET-MSCE).

The Institute of Industrial Engineers Certification in Industrial Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (IET-MSCE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of industrial engineers. It is offered by the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), a global non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice, science, and profession of industrial engineering.

The IET-MSCE certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as manufacturing systems engineering, industrial engineering technology, operations research, quality control, project management, and safety management. To earn this certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as safety regulations, production processes, materials handling systems, inventory control systems, quality assurance practices, cost analysis techniques, and project management fundamentals.

The IET-MSCE certification process typically takes about four months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application and fee to IIE. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive a study guide with information on how to prepare for the exam. After studying for the exam and passing it successfully with a score of 70% or higher on each section of the exam, applicants will be awarded their IET-MSCE certificate.

The cost for taking the IET-MSCE exam is $395 USD for IIE members or $495 USD for non-members. In addition to this fee there may also be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or other resources needed to prepare for the exam.

Overall earning your IET-MSCE certification can open up many career opportunities within industrial engineering technology and manufacturing systems engineering fields. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence in these areas and provides employers with evidence that you are qualified for positions requiring this level of expertise.

Do You Really Need a Manufacturing Process Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation, career goals, and the level of expertise you wish to acquire in the area of manufacturing process engineering. If you are looking to gain valuable knowledge and skills related to the field, a Manufacturing Process Engineer Certificate can be beneficial. It can provide you with an understanding of how manufacturing processes work and how to design efficient solutions that meet customer requirements.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in the field or have a degree in engineering, then obtaining a certification may not be necessary. In addition, some employers may not require it for certain positions. It is important to do your research and find out what employers in your area are looking for when hiring for manufacturing process engineers before deciding whether or not obtaining a certificate is right for you.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Manufacturing Process Engineer Certificate depends on your individual situation and career goals. It is best to research the job market and talk to potential employers before making a decision as this will help ensure that you make an informed choice that best meets your needs.

Related: Manufacturing Process Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Manufacturing Process Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is a Manufacturing Process Engineer Certification?

A1: A Manufacturing Process Engineer Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of manufacturing process engineering. It is typically awarded by a technical institute or professional association.

Q2: What are the benefits of obtaining a Manufacturing Process Engineer Certification?

A2: Obtaining a Manufacturing Process Engineer Certification can help manufacturing professionals demonstrate their expertise in the field, increase their job prospects, and provide them with additional career opportunities. It also enables employers to identify qualified candidates for positions.

Q3: What are the requirements for obtaining a Manufacturing Process Engineer Certification?

A3: Requirements vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include educational qualifications such as an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; work experience in a relevant industry; and passing an examination administered by the certifying organization.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a Manufacturing Process Engineer?

A4: The time required to obtain certification depends on various factors such as educational qualifications, experience, and test preparation. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to become certified.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for taking the certification exam?

A5: Yes, most certifying organizations have certain prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam such as education qualifications and/or work experience. Additionally, many organizations require applicants to pay an application fee before taking the exam.