Top 11 Mechanical Project Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a mechanical project engineer in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's competency and expertise in their field. Certifications can help employers make informed decisions about hiring, as they provide evidence of an applicant's knowledge and experience. They also help to distinguish one engineer from another, as certifications can often be used to identify the level of experience and qualifications a candidate has acquired. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions or projects, so having them can open up more career opportunities and increase earning potential.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Mechanical Project Engineers and explains how they can help advance a mechanical project engineer's career.

What are Mechanical Project Engineer Certifications?

Mechanical project engineer certification is a professional certification program that enables engineers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of mechanical engineering. The certification is offered by various organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). The certification is designed to provide qualified professionals with recognition for their expertise in mechanical engineering.

The certification program consists of several levels, ranging from entry-level to advanced. Each level requires the completion of several courses, tests and assessments in order to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering principles. Upon completion of each level, individuals receive a certificate or diploma indicating their achievement.

By obtaining this certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence and increase their chances of career advancement. It also offers employers assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals who have achieved a certain level of competency in the field. In addition, certified engineers can often earn higher salaries than those without this level of qualification. Furthermore, having this certification can open up opportunities for new projects or positions within an organization as well as help individuals gain access to exclusive job postings that would otherwise be unavailable without it.

Pro tip: Make sure you understand the certification requirements for mechanical project engineer certifications before starting your application. Doing so will help you determine if the certification is right for you and if you have the necessary qualifications. Additionally, it's important to research the various certifying organizations to find out which one best meets your needs.

Related: What does a Mechanical Project Engineer do?

Top 11 Mechanical Project Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Engineer (PE)

Certified Professional Engineer (PE) is a professional license that allows an engineer to practice engineering and provide services directly to the public. It is the highest level of licensure for engineers in the United States and requires passing two exams, a Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam, and a state-specific exam.

How long does it take to get it?

The process of becoming a PE can take anywhere from one to three years depending on individual circumstances. The time frame includes completing an accredited engineering degree program, gaining work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer, and studying for and passing both the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam and the state-specific exam.

How to get it?

In order to become a PE, you must first complete an ABET-accredited engineering degree program. After graduating with your degree, you must gain four years of qualifying engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer. Once you have met these requirements, you can then apply to take both the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam as well as your state’s specific licensing exam. Upon successful completion of both exams, you will be granted your PE license.

How much does it cost?

The cost associated with obtaining your PE license varies by state but typically includes application fees for both exams as well as exam registration fees which range from $100 - $400 per exam. Additionally, some states may require additional fees such as background checks or fingerprinting fees which can add up quickly.

2. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the principles, practices, and techniques of modern manufacturing engineering. The certification process requires an individual to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of production systems, materials selection and processing, quality assurance, cost estimation and control, safety and environmental management, design for manufacturability, project management, and other related topics.

To be eligible for CMfgE certification, an individual must have at least five years of professional experience in manufacturing engineering or related fields. Candidates must also complete a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of manufacturing engineering. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that are divided into three sections: general knowledge; production systems; and materials selection and processing.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the exam. During this time candidates should review relevant textbooks and reference materials to gain a better understanding of the topics covered on the exam. Additionally, many universities offer courses that can help prepare individuals for the CMfgE certification exam.

The cost for taking the CMfgE certification exam is $500 USD plus a $50 USD application fee. Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their official certificate from ASME along with a lapel pin indicating their status as a Certified Manufacturing Engineer.

3. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who specializes in the process of improving the reliability of products and services. The CRE is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing programs that ensure the reliability of products and services throughout their life cycle.

In order to become a CRE, an individual must have at least five years of experience working in a reliability engineering role. Additionally, they must complete an accredited Certified Reliability Engineer program from an organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass a certification exam administered by ASQ.

The certification process typically takes 6-9 months to complete depending on the individual's background and experience level. The cost of obtaining the certification varies depending on the specific program chosen but generally ranges from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

4. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality engineering, including quality planning, control, assurance, and improvement.

To become a CQE, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by ASQ. These include having at least eight years of work experience in quality engineering or related fields, as well as passing an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistical process control, design of experiments, and total quality management.

The cost of taking the CQE exam varies depending on your membership status with ASQ. For non-members, the exam fee is $399 USD; for members it is $299 USD. The exam should take about four hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will be awarded your CQE certification from ASQ. This certification is valid for three years before recertification is required.

5. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s advanced knowledge and understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help professionals improve their organizations’ processes and performance by identifying, reducing, and eliminating waste and inefficiencies.

The CLSSBB certification requires the completion of a comprehensive training program that typically takes between four to six weeks to complete. The program covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, process improvement tools, data analysis techniques, project management skills, and problem-solving strategies. Upon successful completion of the coursework, participants must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) to become certified.

In order to obtain a CLSSBB certification, individuals must have at least three years of practical experience in process improvement activities or have successfully completed a Green Belt certification program. Additionally, applicants must submit evidence of their professional experience or educational background in order to be considered for the certification.

The cost of obtaining a CLSSBB certification varies depending on the provider offering the program; however, it typically ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD. This cost includes tuition fees for course materials and exams as well as any additional fees associated with becoming certified.

6. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate an understanding of maintenance, reliability and physical asset management principles. The CMRP credential is a globally recognized professional designation that validates an individual's knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of maintenance and reliability.

To obtain the CMRP credential, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of maintenance and reliability, or a combination of education and experience that totals at least five years. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, operations, planning & scheduling, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis & problem solving, equipment life cycle costs & optimization strategies.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% to pass the exam. The cost for the CMRP exam is $495 USD for members of SMRP or $595 USD for non-members.

7. 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 the knowledge and experience necessary to design, install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial automation systems. The CAP certification is the highest level of professional recognition for automation professionals.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CAP exam process. This includes studying for the exam and taking it. To become certified, applicants must pass an online multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as industrial networks, control systems, programming languages, safety standards, project management principles, and more.

To get started on the path to becoming certified as a CAP professional, applicants must first register with ISA and pay a registration fee of $150 USD. After registering with ISA, applicants will receive access to study materials and can begin preparing for the exam. Once they are ready to take the exam they can schedule their appointment at one of ISA’s testing centers located around the world. The cost of taking the exam is $395 USD.

Once an applicant has passed the exam they will be awarded their Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certificate from ISA. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

8. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification Program (ASME CP)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification Program (ASME CP) is a program designed to recognize and certify the professional qualifications of individuals who are involved in the design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems. The ASME CP is an internationally recognized certification program that demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety in the mechanical engineering profession.

The ASME CP consists of four levels: Certified Professional Engineer (CPE), Certified Senior Professional Engineer (CSPE), Certified Master Professional Engineer (CMPE), and Certified Grand Master Professional Engineer (CGMPE). Each level requires a specific number of years of experience in the field as well as successful completion of an examination. The CPE requires at least four years of experience; the CSPE requires at least eight years; the CMPE requires at least 12 years; and the CGMPE requires at least 16 years.

In order to apply for any level of certification, applicants must first submit an application packet that includes their resume, transcripts from all universities attended, proof of work experience in mechanical engineering or related fields, and a copy of their professional engineer license if applicable. Once approved by ASME’s Certification Board, applicants can then take the exam associated with their desired level.

Exams are administered twice per year on predetermined dates at designated locations around the world. Exams typically consist of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, machine design, manufacturing processes, codes and standards compliance. Exams typically last between three to five hours depending on the level being taken.

The cost for taking any level exam ranges from $450-$750 USD depending on where it is taken and which level is being attempted. In addition to this fee there may be additional costs associated with travel expenses or other miscellaneous fees.

Once certified by ASME CP applicants will receive a certificate valid for five years that can be used to demonstrate their professional qualifications when applying for jobs or promotions within their organization or industry.

9. Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing projects, and is considered the gold standard of project management certifications.

The PMP certification process typically takes between 2-6 months to complete, depending on an individual’s level of experience and preparation. To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience within the past 8 years or 7500 hours over the past 15 years. Individuals must also have 35 contact hours of project management education or training.

Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for the PMP exam online through the PMI website. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not; non-members pay $555 while members pay $405.

After passing the exam, individuals must maintain their certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every 3 years and paying an annual maintenance fee. This fee is currently $60 for members and $150 for non-members.

10. International Council on Systems Engineering Certification Program (INCOSE CP)

The International Council on Systems Engineering Certification Program (INCOSE CP) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of systems engineering. The INCOSE CP is designed to recognize professionals who have acquired and maintained a level of competency in the practice of systems engineering.

The INCOSE CP consists of two levels: Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) and Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP). To obtain either certification, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities through a combination of education, experience, and training. Applicants must also pass an exam to prove their mastery of the subject matter.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the INCOSE CP. This includes completing required coursework or self-study, gaining relevant work experience, and passing an exam. The amount of time it takes to complete all requirements will depend on an individual’s prior knowledge and experience in the field.

To get started with the INCOSE CP program, applicants must first register online at https://www.incose.org/certification/apply-for-certification . Once registered, applicants will be able to access all necessary materials including study guides and practice exams. Applicants are then responsible for completing all requirements for either ASEP or CSEP certification within 12 months from registration date.

The cost for obtaining INCOSE CP certification varies depending on which level you are applying for: ASEP or CSEP. The fee for ASEP certification is $150 USD while CSEP certification costs $400 USD. These fees cover all associated costs such as registration fees, exam fees, study materials etc.

11. American Welding Society Certification Program (AWS CP).

The American Welding Society Certification Program (AWS CP) is a comprehensive program designed to assess the skills and knowledge of welders. The AWS CP provides a standardized way for welders to demonstrate their competency in welding processes, safety, and quality control.

In order to become certified through the AWS CP, welders must pass an exam that covers topics such as welding theory, metallurgy, codes and standards, safety, inspection techniques, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and may also include practical demonstrations of welding skills. Depending on the type of certification sought, the exam can take up to 8 hours to complete.

To get started with the AWS CP process, welders must first register with the American Welding Society (AWS). Once registered, they will receive access to study materials and practice tests which can help them prepare for the certification exam. After passing the exam, welders will receive an official AWS certificate that verifies their qualification level.

The cost of the AWS CP varies depending on the type of certification sought. Generally speaking, exams range from $200-$400 USD per individual per test. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with registration or other related services such as training courses or study materials.

Do You Really Need a Mechanical Project Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a mechanical project engineer certificate to be successful in the field of engineering. There are many ways to become a successful project engineer without having a certificate.

First, having the right education is key for success as an engineer. Having an accredited degree from an engineering school is essential for any engineer in order to have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. A certificate may help provide additional knowledge and experience but it will not replace the importance of having a quality educational background.

Second, experience is also key for success as an engineer. Experience can come from internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering opportunities with companies or organizations related to engineering projects. This hands-on experience can be just as valuable as having a certificate and can give engineers a better understanding of how engineering works in practice.

Finally, networking is also important for success as an engineer. Networking allows engineers to build relationships with other professionals in their field which can help them find job opportunities and gain advice on how to succeed in their role. It also allows them to develop connections that could lead to potential collaborations and partnerships down the line that may benefit both parties involved.

In conclusion, while having a mechanical project engineer certificate may be beneficial for some engineers, it is not necessary for success in this field. Engineers should focus on building their education, gaining experience, and networking with others in order to have the best chance at finding success in their career path as a project engineer.

Related: Mechanical Project Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Mechanical Project Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Mechanical Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Mechanical Project Engineer Certification is a professional certification that shows employers you have the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful project engineer in the mechanical engineering field. It demonstrates your expertise in managing and executing complex mechanical engineering projects, as well as providing leadership and technical support.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Mechanical Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: Requirements for obtaining a Mechanical Project Engineer Certification vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include completion of an accredited college or university degree program in mechanical engineering or related field; relevant work experience; passing an examination; and meeting any other criteria set by the certifying body.

3. How long does it take to receive a Mechanical Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to receive a Mechanical Project Engineer Certification depends on the individual’s prior experience, educational background, and other factors. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements and obtain certification.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Mechanical Project Engineer?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Mechanical Project Engineer varies depending on the certifying organization and other factors such as course fees, exam fees, etc. Generally speaking, costs can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for more comprehensive certifications.

5. Are there any benefits associated with having a Mechanical Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes! Having a Mechanical Project Engineer Certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in your chosen field and allows you to showcase your specialized knowledge and skillset when applying for jobs or promotions within your industry. It also serves as proof of professional competence which can be used when negotiating higher salaries or seeking new opportunities.