Top 10 Mechanical Field Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a mechanical field engineer’s job market. Certifications demonstrate that an engineer is qualified to work in the field and has the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job. These certifications also signal to employers that an engineer is committed to professional development, which can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Additionally, many certifications provide access to exclusive opportunities such as internships, research projects, or career fairs. Lastly, having a certification may make it easier for engineers to find employment with certain companies as some employers prefer candidates who have certifications related to their industry.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how some of the top certifications for Mechanical Field Engineers can help advance a mechanical field engineer's career.

What are Mechanical Field Engineer Certifications?

Mechanical field engineer certification is a type of professional certification for mechanical engineers who specialize in the design, installation and maintenance of industrial machinery. This type of certification demonstrates that an engineer has a thorough understanding of the principles and practices associated with mechanical engineering. It also indicates that they have the necessary skills to safely and effectively install, maintain, diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical systems.

Having a mechanical field engineer certification can provide many benefits for those who hold it. It can help employers to identify qualified candidates for job postings. It can also serve as evidence of an engineer's knowledge, which may be beneficial when applying for promotions or other career advancements. Additionally, having this type of certification may make engineers more attractive to potential employers as they will be viewed as reliable and knowledgeable workers. Finally, it can also help engineers to increase their earning potential by demonstrating their expertise in the field.

Pro Tip: When pursuing mechanical field engineer certification, it is important to research the certifying body and ensure that their program meets the standards of your industry. Additionally, make sure to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates in the certification process to ensure that you are staying ahead of the curve and maximizing your chances of success.

Related: What does a Mechanical Field Engineer do?

Top 10 Mechanical Field Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Mechanical Engineer (CME)

Certified Mechanical Engineer (CME) is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s expertise in the field of mechanical engineering. It is awarded by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and requires applicants to meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements.

To become certified, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution, at least four years of relevant work experience, and must pass an exam administered by ASME. The exam covers topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, materials science, and design principles.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete all the requirements for CME certification. During this time, applicants should take courses related to their profession and gain relevant work experience that will help them pass the exam. Additionally, they should study for the exam and prepare themselves for the written portion of it.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on factors such as location and whether or not you are a member of ASME. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD to become certified. This includes fees for membership with ASME, registration fees for the exam itself and any additional costs associated with taking courses or studying materials related to mechanical engineering.

2. Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE). The CPE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in plant engineering and operations. It is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage, operate, maintain, and improve industrial plants.

The CPE certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in plant engineering or operations. Candidates must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as safety, maintenance, energy efficiency, and process control. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of experience and payment for the exam fee. The fee for the CPE exam is $450 USD. Once approved, applicants have one year to take the exam at an AFE-approved testing center. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CPE certificate within four weeks.

The CPE certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued. After five years, recertification can be obtained by submitting proof of continuing education credits or retaking the written exam.

3. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of industrial maintenance mechanics. The certification is administered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

To become certified, an individual must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the areas of electrical systems, mechanical systems, fluid power systems, welding, machine tool operations, safety practices, quality assurance processes and more. To be eligible for CIMM certification an individual must have at least two years of experience in industrial maintenance mechanic work or have completed a NIMS accredited training program.

The CIMM exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess an individual’s knowledge of industrial maintenance topics. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and costs $250. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their CIMM certificate which is valid for three years.

4. Professional Engineer (PE)

Professional Engineer (PE) is a professional license granted by the state to individuals who have met specific educational, experience and examination requirements. The PE license is the highest standard of competence for engineers in the United States. It signifies that an engineer has the knowledge, skills and experience to practice engineering at a professional level.

It typically takes four or more years of education, work experience and passing a licensing exam to become a Professional Engineer. Most states require you to have a degree from an accredited college or university in engineering with an emphasis on your chosen field (mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.). You must also complete several years of supervised work experience in your field before you can take the licensing exam.

To get your PE license, you must first pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and then the Principles & Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam is typically taken during or shortly after college while the PE exam is taken after completing several years of supervised work experience.

The cost to take each exam varies by state but typically ranges from $100-$200 per exam plus any applicable taxes and fees. Additionally, most states require that you pay an annual fee to maintain your license once it’s been issued. This fee also varies by state but usually ranges from $50-$100 per year.

5. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who has been certified by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) to demonstrate knowledge and skills in reliability engineering. Reliability engineering is the practice of designing, developing, and maintaining systems that are reliable and cost effective. A CRE must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of reliability engineering.

To become a CRE, an individual must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as reliability principles and practices, system design, failure analysis, maintenance planning, and quality control. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on your country/region but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there may also be additional fees associated with becoming certified such as application fees or membership fees for ASQ.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification after this period, you must complete continuing education activities every three years to demonstrate that you are keeping up with current trends in reliability engineering.

6. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced manufacturing engineers. The CMfgE certification is offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). The program was created to provide a means for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in manufacturing engineering and to promote the value of professional development and continuing education.

To become a Certified Manufacturing Engineer, an individual must have at least five years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related fields, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as materials science, process planning, quality control, cost analysis, safety management, and more.

The exam can be taken online or at an SME-accredited testing center. It typically takes two to three hours to complete the exam. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether it is taken online or in-person; however, it typically costs around $400 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will receive their official CMfgE certification from SME. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education activities and/or retaking the exam.

7. NACE International Corrosion Specialist Certification

NACE International Corrosion Specialist Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize corrosion professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of corrosion. The certification is offered by NACE International, the world’s leading professional organization for corrosion engineers, scientists and technicians.

In order to become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of corrosion engineering or science through a combination of education, work experience and/or training. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as corrosion principles, materials selection and protection, inspection techniques and corrosion control strategies.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between six months to one year depending on the applicant’s background and experience. To get started, applicants should first review the eligibility requirements for certification on NACE International’s website. Once they meet those requirements they can apply online or submit a paper application with all required documentation.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an individual or an employer seeking to certify multiple employees at once. For individuals, the cost is $495 USD plus any applicable taxes. For employers seeking to certify multiple employees at once, the cost is $395 USD per employee plus any applicable taxes.

8. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in mechanical engineering. It is an internationally recognized accreditation that confirms the individual’s qualifications and capabilities as a mechanical engineer.

To obtain ASME Certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as design, materials, manufacturing processes, testing, safety, and more. The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements and have at least four years of relevant work experience.

The cost of obtaining ASME Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and the country in which the applicant resides. Generally speaking, costs range from $200-$400 USD for domestic applicants and $400-$600 USD for international applicants.

Once an individual has successfully passed the ASME Certification exam and met all other requirements, they will receive their official certificate from ASME within 6-8 weeks. This certificate will serve as proof of their professional qualifications as a mechanical engineer and can be used to apply for jobs or advance their career opportunities.

9. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Certification

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is an international professional organization for automotive engineers. It provides a certification program for automotive engineers who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. The SAE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of technical proficiency in the automotive engineering field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least five years of experience in the automotive engineering field or having a degree from an accredited university or college with a major in automotive engineering or a related discipline. Applicants must also pass two exams administered by the SAE: one on general automotive engineering principles and one on specific areas of specialization within the field.

The process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on how quickly applicants can complete all necessary requirements. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with all required documents and fees to the SAE Certification Office. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be assigned an individual advisor who will guide them through each step of the process.

The cost of obtaining SAE certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of a company’s team. For individuals, there is an initial application fee plus additional fees for each exam taken, which range from $100-$200 per exam. For companies, there is an annual fee that covers all employees seeking certification within that year; this fee ranges from $500-$1,000 depending on the size of the company.

Overall, obtaining SAE certification is beneficial for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in automotive engineering and advance their career opportunities within the industry.

10. American Welding Society (AWS) Certification

American Welding Society (AWS) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of welders. AWS Certification is designed to ensure that welders have the qualifications and experience necessary to produce quality welds. The certification process includes an examination, which tests the welder’s knowledge of welding fundamentals, safety practices, and welding processes.

The amount of time it takes to get AWS Certification depends on the type of certification sought. For example, if a welder is seeking a Certified Welder (CW) credential, they will need to complete an exam with a passing score in order to become certified. This exam typically takes around two hours.

In order to get AWS Certification, welders must first meet certain requirements such as having at least three years of welding experience or completing a welding training program approved by AWS. Once these requirements are met, the welder can then register for the appropriate exam and take it when ready.

The cost of AWS Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and whether or not the welder is already a member of AWS. Generally speaking, exams range from $50-$400 USD depending on the type of certification sought.

Do You Really Need a Mechanical Field Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the career path you have chosen. If you are looking to become a mechanical field engineer, then having a certificate can be very beneficial in terms of your job prospects and salary. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills for the position, as well as prove your commitment to the profession.

Having a certificate also makes it easier for employers to verify your qualifications, which is especially important if you are applying for jobs in other countries. Additionally, some employers may require applicants to hold certain certifications before they will consider them for employment.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working as a mechanical field engineer or are confident that you possess all of the necessary qualifications without a certificate, then it might not be necessary for you to obtain one. However, if you are just starting out in the field or want to increase your chances of landing a job with better pay and benefits, then obtaining a certificate may be worth considering.

Related: Mechanical Field Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Mechanical Field Engineer Certifications

Q1: What are the requirements for becoming a mechanical field engineer?

A1: Generally, you will need a bachelor's degree in engineering and experience working as a mechanical or related engineer. You may also need to obtain certifications or licenses specific to your state or industry.

Q2: How much do mechanical field engineers earn?

A2: Mechanical field engineers typically earn an average salary of around $80,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Q3: What types of certifications are available for mechanical field engineers?

A3: There are many certifications available for mechanical field engineers, such as Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Certified Plant Engineer (CPE), Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM), and more.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified as a mechanical field engineer?

A4: Depending on the certification you choose, it could take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified as a mechanical field engineer. The time frame depends on the type of certification you pursue and your current level of knowledge.

Q5: What benefits come with being certified as a mechanical field engineer?

A5: Being certified as a mechanical field engineer can open up opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential. It also provides validation of your knowledge and expertise in the industry. Additionally, some employers may require certification before hiring or promoting employees in this field.