Top 11 Piping Design Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a piping design engineer in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skill in the field. They attest to an engineer’s ability to design, analyze and troubleshoot complex systems. Certifications also show employers that the engineer is up-to-date on industry standards and practices. Employers often prefer to hire engineers with certifications as a way of ensuring that their projects will be successful. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.

This article reviews the top certifications for Piping Design Engineers and explains how they can benefit an engineer's career by providing valuable knowledge and skills.

What are Piping Design Engineer Certifications?

Piping design engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and engineering piping systems. It is awarded by a number of organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This type of certification is highly sought after because it validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in this field.

Having a piping design engineer certification can help individuals to get better job opportunities and higher salaries. Employers prefer to hire candidates with this type of certification as they are assured that the person has the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their job duties effectively. Furthermore, having a piping design engineer certification can help individuals to stand out from other applicants who do not have this credential.

Additionally, having a piping design engineer certification can also help individuals to stay up-to-date with industry standards, trends, and techniques. This allows them to remain competitive in the job market and acquire more advanced positions within their career path. Moreover, having this type of certification can open up new opportunities such as training courses, seminars, or conferences related to the field which may be beneficial for furthering one’s career prospects.

Pro Tip: When considering certification as a piping design engineer, ensure that the certifying body is accredited by a recognized standards organization and that the certificate meets all relevant industry requirements for the country in which you are seeking certification.

Related: What does a Piping Design Engineer do?

Top 11 Piping Design Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Piping Design Engineer (CPDE)

Certified Piping Design Engineer (CPDE) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced piping design engineers. The certification is administered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to ensure that piping design engineers have the necessary skills and knowledge to design safe, efficient, and reliable piping systems.

The CPDE certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as materials selection, stress analysis, fluid flow, pipe sizing, and more. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in piping design engineering in order to be eligible for the exam.

In order to register for the CPDE exam, candidates must submit an application form along with their resume and proof of experience. Once approved for the exam, candidates will be given a registration number which they can use to register for the test online or through mail. The cost of taking the CPDE exam is $200 USD per attempt.

Once a candidate has successfully passed the CPDE exam, they will receive their certification from ASME within two weeks after submitting all required documentation. Upon receiving their certificate, they will become officially certified as a Certified Piping Design Engineer (CPDE).

2. Certified Process Piping Designer (CPPD)

Certified Process Piping Designer (CPPD) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of process piping systems.

The CPPD certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as piping system components, codes and standards, pipe stress analysis, and welding processes. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in process piping design or related activities. They must also submit an application form with supporting documents such as proof of education and experience. Once the application is approved, applicants can register for the exam through ASME’s website.

The cost for the CPPD certification exam is $500 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining supporting documents or taking preparatory courses prior to taking the exam.

3. Certified Plant Layout Designer (CPLD)

Certified Plant Layout Designer (CPLD) is an industry-recognized certification program for plant layout professionals. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of those who design, develop, and implement plant layouts in industrial facilities. The CPLD certification is administered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

The CPLD certification process consists of a written exam that covers topics such as plant layout principles, space management, material flow analysis, equipment selection and placement, safety considerations, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

To become certified as a CPLD, applicants must have at least five years of relevant work experience in plant layout design or related fields. They must also pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CPLD certification exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, the fee is $400 USD plus applicable taxes.

4. Certified Mechanical Engineer (CME)

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

It typically takes two to four years to become a Certified Mechanical Engineer. The process involves completing an accredited bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering, gaining at least four years of professional experience in the field, and passing the ASME Certification Examination for Mechanical Engineers.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to ASME. This includes providing proof of their education and experience, as well as references from colleagues or employers who can attest to their ability and character. Once approved, applicants can take the certification exam at one of ASME's designated testing centers.

The cost for becoming a Certified Mechanical Engineer varies depending on the applicant's situation. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 to apply for certification through ASME and another $400-$600 for the exam itself.

5. Certified Piping Stress Analysis Engineer (CPSAE)

Certified Piping Stress Analysis Engineer (CPSAE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the analysis, design, and evaluation of piping systems.

It typically takes about two years to obtain the CPSAE certification. During this time, applicants must complete a minimum of two years of relevant experience in piping engineering and pass an exam administered by ASME. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ASME codes and standards related to piping stress analysis.

To obtain the CPSAE certification, applicants must submit an application to ASME along with proof of their relevant experience. They must also pay an application fee as well as a testing fee for the exam. The total cost varies depending on the country or region where you are applying, but it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will be issued a certificate that is valid for five years. To maintain their certification, they must renew it every five years by submitting evidence of continuing education or professional development activities related to piping stress analysis.

6. Certified Process Control Systems Design Engineer (CPCSDE)

Certified Process Control Systems Design Engineer (CPCSDE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and maintain process control systems.

The CPCSDE certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as system architecture, instrumentation and control systems, safety systems, and project management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPCSDE certification, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in process control system design or engineering. Applicants must also have completed at least one accredited course in process control system design or engineering.

The cost of the CPCSDE certification varies depending on the country and region where it is taken. In the United States, the cost ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate within two weeks. The certificate is valid for five years from the date it was issued. After five years, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

7. Certified Valve and Actuator Designer (CVAD)

Certified Valve and Actuator Designer (CVAD) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair valves and actuators used in industrial automation systems.

It typically takes six to twelve months to complete the CVAD program. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form along with their resume and any other required documents. Once accepted into the program, they must complete a series of courses covering topics such as valve selection criteria, maintenance practices, safety procedures, system design principles, and troubleshooting techniques. Upon successful completion of all coursework requirements and passing the final exam, applicants will receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Valve and Actuator Designer (CVAD) certification varies depending on the type of training chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars for self-study courses to several thousand dollars for instructor-led courses.

8. Certified Instrumentation & Controls Designer (CICD)

Certified Instrumentation & Controls Designer (CICD) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The CICD certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of instrumentation and control system designers. This certification is intended to demonstrate an individual's ability to design, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify instrumentation and control systems.

The CICD certification requires applicants to pass a two-part examination that covers topics such as instrumentation principles, control system components, process control theory, system integration techniques, safety practices for hazardous locations, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CICD certification program, applicants must have at least three years of experience in instrumentation and/or controls engineering or related fields. Additionally, they must have completed at least four years of college coursework in engineering technology or related fields.

The cost of the CICD certification program varies depending on the country or region where it is being taken. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$500 USD per person.

9. Certified Heat Exchanger Design Engineer (CHEDE)

Certified Heat Exchanger Design Engineer (CHEDE) is a professional certification program for those who design, analyze, and troubleshoot heat exchangers. The CHEDE is offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). To get certified, you must have at least five years of experience in heat exchanger design and analysis.

The CHEDE program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on practical exam. The online exam covers topics such as thermodynamics, heat transfer principles, fluid mechanics, numerical methods, and heat exchanger design. The practical exam includes designing a complete heat exchanger system from scratch using computer software and other tools.

To get certified, you must first register with ASME and pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you pass the online exam, you can then take the practical exam. This is usually done at an ASME-approved testing center near you.

The cost to register for the CHEDE program varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $500-$1,000 USD. It usually takes around 4-6 months to get certified after registering for the program.

10. ASME B31 Code Certification

ASME B31 Code Certification is a certification program developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that provides assurance that a product or system meets certain safety and performance requirements. It is designed to ensure that products and systems used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications are safe and reliable.

How long does it take to get ASME B31 Code Certification? The actual time frame for obtaining certification depends on the complexity of the product or system being certified. Generally, it can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to complete the process.

How to get ASME B31 Code Certification? To obtain ASME B31 Code Certification, an organization must first submit an application and provide evidence of compliance with all applicable codes and standards. Once the application has been approved, an audit will be conducted by an independent third-party auditor who will assess the organization’s processes and procedures for ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and standards. If all criteria are met, a certificate of approval will be issued.

How much does it cost? The cost of obtaining ASME B31 Code Certification varies depending on the complexity of the product or system being certified. Generally, costs range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the scope of work required.

11. API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification is a certification program designed to certify individuals who have the knowledge and experience necessary to inspect, repair, and alter pressure vessels. This certification is offered by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

To obtain API 510 certification, an individual must pass a written exam. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as pressure vessel design and construction, welding processes, nondestructive testing methods, inspection techniques, repair and alteration methods, and safety considerations. The exam has a three-hour time limit.

In order to take the API 510 exam, an individual must meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least three years of experience in pressure vessel maintenance or inspection work within the last 10 years; or having at least two years of experience in pressure vessel maintenance or inspection work within the last five years plus completion of an approved training course; or having at least one year of experience in pressure vessel maintenance or inspection work within the last five years plus completion of an approved training course plus two additional years of related experience.

The cost for taking the API 510 exam is $650 USD. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $100 USD to maintain certification.

Do You Really Need a Piping Design Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Piping Design Engineer Certificate to work in the field. However, having a certificate can be beneficial in several ways. It can provide an employer with evidence of your knowledge and experience in piping design engineering and may help you stand out from other applicants for positions. A certificate also shows that you have taken the time to learn the necessary skills and have been certified by a recognized institution or organization.

Having a certificate can also open up more opportunities for advancement within the field. Companies may prefer to hire engineers who have demonstrated their proficiency through certification, as it provides evidence of their expertise and commitment to their profession. Furthermore, having a certificate may give employers confidence that you are capable of completing tasks efficiently and effectively.

In summary, while having a Piping Design Engineer Certificate is not mandatory for working in this field, it can provide several advantages that could help you get ahead in your career.

Related: Piping Design Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Piping Design Engineer Certifications

Q1: What certifications are available for piping design engineers?

A1: Professional certifications such as Certified Piping Design Engineer (CPDE), Certified Piping Designer (CPD), and Certified Process Piping Designer (CPPD) are available for piping design engineers.

Q2: How do I become a certified piping design engineer?

A2: To become a certified piping design engineer, you must meet the educational and experience requirements set by the certifying organization, such as passing an exam or completing a course of study. You may also need to complete continuing education courses to maintain your certification.

Q3: What skills do I need to be a successful piping design engineer?

A3: Successful piping design engineers possess strong technical skills in mathematics, engineering principles, computer-aided drafting (CAD), 3D modeling software, and material selection processes. They must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with clients and colleagues.

Q4: What is the salary range for a certified piping design engineer?

A4: The average salary of a certified piping design engineer ranges from $50,000 - $90,000 per year depending on experience level and geographic location. Salaries can be higher for those with specialized knowledge or additional certifications.

Q5: How often do I need to renew my certification?

A5: Most certifying organizations require that you renew your certification every three years in order to stay current with industry standards and best practices.