Top 11 Materials Engineer Certifications

Certifications for materials engineers are essential for success in the job market. They demonstrate a level of competence and knowledge in their chosen field that cannot be gained through experience alone. Certifications provide employers with assurance that an engineer is qualified to handle the tasks they will be assigned and that they have the necessary skillset to perform them successfully. Additionally, certifications can help materials engineers develop professionally by providing access to additional resources, such as continuing education courses, seminars, and workshops. This can further increase their knowledge base and expand their career opportunities. Ultimately, certifications can give materials engineers a competitive edge when applying for positions within the field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Materials Engineers and explains how they can benefit a materials engineer's career.

What are Materials Engineer Certifications?

Materials engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in the field of materials engineering. This certification is offered by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and is used to demonstrate a person’s expertise in material properties, failure analysis, product design, manufacturing process optimization, and other related topics.

Having this certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the field of materials engineering. It provides employers with evidence that an individual is knowledgeable about materials engineering principles and practices. Additionally, it can also provide job seekers with an edge over other applicants who are not certified or do not have as much experience in this area. Moreover, having a materials engineer certification may increase one’s chances of being hired for higher positions within the organization due to its recognition as a measure of competency.

In addition to providing job opportunities, having this certification can help engineers stay abreast of advancements in materials technology and better understand new products or processes they may encounter on the job. This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to problem solving or troubleshooting issues related to materials engineering. Finally, having a materials engineer certification may also lead to increased salary potential as employers may be willing to pay more for someone with such expertise.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certifying body before committing to a materials engineer certification program. Look for accreditation, industry recognition, and professional development resources that will help you stay current with industry trends.

Related: What does a Materials Engineer do?

Top 11 Materials Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Materials Engineer (CME)

A Certified Materials Engineer (CME) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in the field of materials engineering. CMEs are qualified to work with and evaluate materials used in products, structures, and processes. They can assess the properties of a material, its suitability for a given application, and its performance under different conditions.

To become certified as a CME, an individual must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam is open-book and consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as metallurgy, corrosion, failure analysis, nonmetallic materials, welding and joining processes, heat treatment, mechanical testing methods, and more. Candidates must also have at least four years of experience in the field of materials engineering or related areas.

The cost for taking the CME exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For members it costs $300 USD while non-members pay $400 USD. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

2. Certified Professional Materials Engineer (CPEM)

Certified Professional Materials Engineer (CPEM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in the field of materials engineering.

The CPEM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as materials selection, testing, and analysis; failure analysis; and design of materials systems. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of ethical practices in the field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having at least four years of experience in the field or a Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering or a related field. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CPEM exam is $395 for ASQ members and $495 for non-members. Additionally, there are study materials available from ASQ that can be purchased separately.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Professional Materials Engineer (CPEM) certification requires dedication and hard work but can provide recognition and career advancement opportunities for those who successfully obtain it.

3. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and experience of individuals working in the manufacturing industry. It is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing quality assurance and improvement. The certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of core concepts related to manufacturing engineering, including process design, materials selection, production methods, quality control, and cost reduction.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for CMfgE certification. To become certified, applicants must first pass an ASQ-administered exam that covers topics such as industrial engineering principles, product design and development, production planning and control systems, quality management systems, and total quality management. Applicants must also have at least five years of work experience in manufacturing engineering or a related field.

The cost of taking the CMfgE exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the fee is $395 USD; for members it is $345 USD. In addition to this fee, there may be additional fees associated with preparing for the exam such as purchasing study materials or attending review courses.

4. Certified Metallurgist (CMtlg)

Certified Metallurgist (CMtlg) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Metals (ASM). The certification program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of metallurgy.

It takes approximately three years of study and experience to become eligible for the CMtlg certification. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having a minimum of five years of metallurgical experience, completing an approved course in metallurgy, and passing an examination.

To get the CMtlg certification, applicants must first submit an application to ASM. Once their application has been accepted, they will need to complete all required courses and pass the exam. Upon successful completion of these requirements, applicants will receive their CMtlg certificate from ASM.

The cost for the CMtlg certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to obtain this certification.

5. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality engineering.

The CQE exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, divided into two sections. The first section covers topics related to quality management and principles, while the second section focuses on quality tools and techniques. Candidates must score at least 70% on both sections to pass the exam.

To become a Certified Quality Engineer, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:

• Have a minimum of eight years of full-time work experience in one or more areas of quality control or quality assurance; OR
• Have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science, plus five years of full-time work experience in one or more areas of quality control or quality assurance; OR
• Have an associate degree in engineering technology, plus six years of full-time work experience in one or more areas of quality control or quality assurance.

The cost to take the CQE exam is $395 for ASQ members and $495 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any authorized testing center worldwide.

6. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is an organization that promotes the art, science and practice of mechanical engineering. ASME Certification is a voluntary program that provides assurance to employers, customers and other stakeholders that certified personnel have the knowledge and skills to perform specific tasks safely and competently. It is also a way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence.

To become certified by ASME, individuals must meet certain educational, experience and examination requirements. Depending on the certification level sought, these requirements may include completion of an accredited degree program in mechanical engineering or related field; a minimum number of years of professional experience; and passing a comprehensive written examination.

The process of obtaining ASME certification typically takes several months. After completing the necessary educational and experience requirements, individuals must apply for certification online through the ASME website. The application fee varies depending on the desired certification level but generally ranges from $100-$400 USD.

Once an application has been approved, individuals will be required to take a written examination which covers topics such as design principles, safety standards, codes and regulations. The exam fee varies depending on the type of certification sought but generally ranges from $200-$600 USD.

After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their official ASME Certification certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks. This certificate serves as proof that they have met all necessary qualifications for their desired level of certification.

7. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Certification

NCEES Certification is a certification program administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have met the educational requirements, passed a series of exams, and demonstrated their knowledge and skills in engineering or surveying.

The NCEES Certification process typically takes between two to four years to complete. The first step is to meet the educational requirements for either engineering or surveying. After completing an accredited degree program, applicants must then pass a series of exams administered by NCEES. These exams are divided into two parts: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles & Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

Once both exams have been passed, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in engineering or surveying through an experience requirement. This requires at least four years of professional experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer or surveyor. After meeting all these requirements, applicants can apply for NCEES Certification.

The cost for NCEES Certification varies depending on which state you are applying in and which type of license you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 to apply for certification with NCEES. This fee covers the cost of taking the FE and PE exams as well as any other fees associated with submitting your application.

8. American Welding Society (AWS) Certification

American Welding Society (AWS) Certification is a certification program that is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in welding. It is recognized as the gold standard in the welding industry and is accepted by employers, government agencies, and other organizations worldwide.

The AWS Certification Program consists of several different certifications, each with its own set of requirements for testing and renewal. The most common certifications are Certified Welder (CW), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), and Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI).

To become certified, individuals must pass a written exam that covers welding principles, safety practices, and metallurgy. Depending on the type of certification desired, additional tests may be required. For example, CWI candidates must also pass a practical test where they demonstrate their ability to inspect welds.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the AWS Certification process from start to finish. This includes studying for the exams, taking them, and receiving confirmation of your certification status.

In order to get started with AWS Certification, you will need to register with the American Welding Society website and create an account. You can then select the type of certification you wish to pursue and pay any associated fees. Once registered, you will receive study materials that will help prepare you for the written exams.

The cost of AWS Certification varies depending on which type of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for each certification exam plus any additional fees associated with registration or renewal.

9. American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Certification

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of chemical engineers. It is designed to demonstrate a commitment to the profession and to provide employers with an objective measure of an individual's qualifications.

To obtain AIChE Certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass a written examination, and adhere to the AIChE Code of Ethics. The certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish.

To get started on the path towards AIChE Certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of experience in the field. Once approved by AIChE, applicants will be invited to take the written exam which covers topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, engineering economics, safety engineering, and process design.

The cost for obtaining AIChE Certification is $500 for members or $750 for non-members. This fee includes all application fees as well as the cost of taking the written exam.

10. Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Certification

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of plastics professionals. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and to the advancement of the industry. The certification program consists of three levels: Certified Plastics Technician (CPT), Certified Plastics Professional (CPP), and Certified Plastics Engineer (CPE).

To receive certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as materials science, processing, design, manufacturing, quality control, and safety. The CPT exam requires two years of experience in the plastics field; the CPP exam requires five years; and the CPE exam requires eight years. Each level also includes additional requirements such as continuing education courses or seminars.

In order to take any of these exams, individuals must first become a member of SPE by submitting an application along with payment for dues. Once accepted as a member, they can then apply for certification. The cost varies depending on which level you are applying for but generally ranges from $100-$400 USD.

Once an individual has applied for certification and paid all applicable fees, they will be scheduled for an exam date within six months. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within four weeks.

Overall, obtaining SPE Certification is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to your profession and advance your career in the plastics industry.

11. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental, international organization that develops and publishes standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems. ISO certification is a process whereby an organization demonstrates its compliance with these standards.

ISO certification typically takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to obtain depending on the size of the organization and the complexity of their operations. The process begins with an internal audit to ensure that all required processes are in place. This is followed by an external audit conducted by a certified auditor who will assess the organization’s compliance with ISO standards. Once the external audit is complete and any necessary corrective actions have been taken, the organization can apply for ISO certification.

The cost of obtaining ISO certification varies depending on factors such as the size of the organization, the number of standards being applied for, and any additional training or consulting services needed. Generally speaking, costs range from $2,000 to $20,000 USD.

In addition to providing assurance that your products or services meet certain quality standards, ISO certification can also provide access to new markets and help you stand out from your competitors. It can also be beneficial in terms of risk management since it provides evidence that you are taking steps to improve quality control within your organization.

Do You Really Need a Materials Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. Generally speaking, a materials engineer certificate is not necessary for entry-level positions in the field of materials engineering. However, having a materials engineering certification may give an individual an edge when it comes to job opportunities, as it shows potential employers that the individual has taken the time to specialize in a certain area of materials engineering.

For those looking to advance their career in the field of materials engineering, having a materials engineering certificate can be beneficial. A certificate program can provide specialized knowledge and skills related to specific areas of material science such as metallurgy, plastics, or composites. Additionally, these programs often include hands-on experience with various types of machinery and tools used in material processing. This experience can be invaluable when applying for higher level positions within the field.

In conclusion, whether or not an individual needs a materials engineer certificate depends on their career goals and aspirations. For those looking to enter into the field of material engineering or advance their current position, having a certification can provide added value when it comes to job opportunities and salary expectations.

Related: Materials Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Materials Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Materials Engineers?

Answer: The most common certification is the Certified Materials Professional (CMP) designation offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Other certifications include the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies and the Professional Engineer (PE) designation from various state boards.

2. How do I become certified as a Materials Engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a Materials Engineer, you must first meet certain educational and experience requirements, depending on which certification you are pursuing. After meeting these requirements, you must then take and pass a qualifying exam to earn your certification.

3. How long does it take to complete a Materials Engineer Certification?

Answer: This depends on which certification you are pursuing and how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete a materials engineer certification program.

4. What are the benefits of having a Materials Engineer Certification?

Answer: Having a materials engineer certification demonstrates your knowledge and skill in this field, makes you more attractive to employers, and increases your earning potential. It also provides professional credibility that can help you stand out among other job candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

5. Is there an expiration date for my Materials Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date associated with them and will need to be renewed periodically in order to remain valid. The renewal process typically involves taking continuing education courses or retaking the initial exam after a specified period of time has passed since earning your original certification