Top 10 Planning Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for planning engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that many employers value. Certification also provides a competitive edge to those who have taken the time to pursue it. Certifications can help planning engineers stand out among other candidates and can be used as evidence of their qualifications when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications provide an opportunity to expand their skill set and knowledge base, which is beneficial in a rapidly changing industry. Finally, certifications are often required by certain employers or industries, making them essential for those seeking employment in such fields.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Planning Engineers and explain how they can help advance a Planning Engineer's career.

What are Planning Engineer Certifications?

Planning engineer certification is a professional credential designed to recognize the expertise of engineers who specialize in planning and scheduling engineering projects. It is awarded by a number of professional organizations, such as the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineers International (AACEI), and the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE). This certification demonstrates an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in project planning and scheduling activities.

The certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career in engineering management. The certification provides recognition from employers that an individual has specialized knowledge in planning and scheduling engineering projects. It also gives potential employers confidence that they are hiring someone who is well-versed in this area. Additionally, certified engineers may have access to exclusive job postings or be able to receive higher salaries than non-certified engineers. Finally, having a certification can provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, which can lead to additional job opportunities or collaborations on future projects.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for each certification and plan accordingly. Create a timeline of when you need to complete the necessary steps, such as completing courses or taking exams, to ensure that you are prepared and on track to achieving your certification in a timely manner.

Related: What does a Planning Engineer do?

Top 10 Planning Engineer Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification in the field of project management. This certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates an individual's ability to effectively manage projects. The PMP certification is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to project management.

The PMP certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. To be eligible for the PMP certification exam, individuals must have a minimum of three years of professional project management experience, with 4500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics.

To get the PMP certification, individuals must first apply for the exam through PMI’s website. After submitting their application, they will receive an authorization from PMI to take the exam at a testing center. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official PMP credential from PMI.

The cost for taking the PMP certification exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 USD while members pay $405 USD.

2. Certified Planning and Scheduling Professional (CPSP) Certification

Certified Planning and Scheduling Professional (CPSP) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM). The certification is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in project planning and scheduling.

The CPSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as project management fundamentals, planning and scheduling techniques, resource allocation, risk management, and project control. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and must be taken at a designated testing center.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the certification process. This includes studying for the exam, taking the exam, submitting all required documentation, and receiving your certificate.

To get certified as a CPSP, you must first register with AAPM and pay the registration fee. Then you must complete an application form that includes details about your education background and experience in project planning and scheduling. Once your application has been approved, you will be given access to study materials for the exam.

The cost of the CPSP certification depends on whether you are an AAPM member or non-member. For members, it costs $495; for non-members it costs $595. Additionally, there is an additional fee of $50 if you need to retake the exam.

3. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification

The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification is a professional designation offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those in the construction industry. The CCM certification is an important credential for construction professionals seeking to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field.

The CCM certification process typically takes around six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass a rigorous exam. Applicants must also have at least four years of documented experience in the construction industry.

In order to apply for the CCM certification, applicants must first submit an application form and fee to CMAA. Once accepted, applicants will be provided with study materials and access to online practice exams. After studying the material and taking practice tests, applicants will sit for the final exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, contracts & procurement, planning & scheduling, cost control & estimating, safety & risk management, legal issues & ethics in construction management.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on where you live and what type of membership you have with CMAA. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 USD to become certified.

4. American Institute of Constructors (AIC) Certification

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is a professional organization that provides certification to construction professionals. The AIC Certification Program is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professionalism among constructors, and to provide employers with a reliable way to identify qualified individuals in the field.

The AIC Certification Program consists of three levels: Associate Constructor (AC), Certified Professional Constructor (CPC), and Master Constructor (MC). To become certified, applicants must meet specific education and experience requirements, pass an examination, and agree to abide by the AIC Code of Ethics.

It typically takes two or more years for an individual to complete the requirements for certification. The amount of time it takes depends on the individual's prior education and experience in construction management.

To get started, interested individuals should visit the AIC website. Here they can find information about the certification process, including eligibility requirements and application forms.

The cost of obtaining AIC Certification varies depending on which level you are seeking. For example, Associate Constructor certification costs $100 for members ($150 for non-members), while Certified Professional Constructor certification costs $200 for members ($300 for non-members). The cost of Master Constructor certification is $400 for members ($500 for non-members).

5. Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI) Certification

The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of cost engineering and cost management. AACEI offers several certification programs designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of professionals in the fields of cost engineering and cost management.

AACEI’s Certified Cost Engineer (CCE) certification is designed for individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in cost engineering. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, demonstrate a minimum number of years of relevant work experience, pass an examination, and adhere to the AACEI Code of Ethics. The CCE examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as project planning and scheduling, risk management, estimating techniques, budgeting principles, and contract administration.

The process of becoming a CCE typically takes around six months to complete. Applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or proof of education, letters from employers verifying work experience, and references from colleagues or supervisors. Once all required documents are received by AACEI, applicants will be notified if they are eligible to take the exam. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their CCE certificate within four weeks.

The fee for taking the CCE exam is $400 USD for members ($450 USD for non-members). Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee of $50 USD for members ($75 USD for non-members). This fee covers access to online resources such as webinars and newsletters as well as discounts on AACEI conferences and other products.

6. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Certification

Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and experience of construction professionals. It is awarded by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and is one of the most respected credentials in the industry.

The CPC certification process includes an application, a written exam, and an oral exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as construction law, contracts, safety, project management, and ethics. The oral exam focuses on problem solving and leadership skills.

It typically takes six months to complete all three requirements for CPC certification. During this time, applicants must complete an online application form and submit their resume for review by AIC staff. They must also register for and pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. Finally, they must attend a one-day oral examination at an AIC office in order to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you are already a member of AIC or not. For non-members, it costs $400 to apply plus $500 for each part of the examination ($1000 total). For members, it costs $250 to apply plus $250 for each part of the examination ($500 total).

7. Certified Professional in Project Management (CPPM) Certification

Certified Professional in Project Management (CPPM) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and experience of experienced project managers. The CPPM certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the areas of project management, including planning, scheduling, controlling, budgeting, risk management, quality assurance, and communication.

The CPPM certification requires a minimum of three years of professional project management experience. Candidates must also pass an examination that covers topics such as project scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, human resource management, communications management, risk management and procurement.

To obtain the CPPM certification you must first register for the exam with PMI. Once registered you will be required to complete an application form which includes providing evidence of your professional experience and references from employers or other professionals who can attest to your abilities as a project manager.

Once your application has been approved you can then take the exam at any one of PMI’s authorized testing centers. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. After passing the exam you will receive your CPPM certification within six weeks.

The cost for taking the CPPM exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members.

8. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Certification

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a professional organization that provides certification to civil engineers who demonstrate expertise in the field. The ASCE Certification Program is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional practice and ethical conduct among civil engineers.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the certification process, depending on the individual's experience and qualifications. To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as engineering principles, codes of ethics, project management, and other related areas. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work and provide references from employers or colleagues who can attest to their knowledge and experience.

The cost for obtaining ASCE Certification varies depending on the type of certification desired. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for each exam taken. Additionally, there are fees associated with submitting applications and portfolios for review.

Overall, obtaining ASCE Certification requires a significant amount of time and effort but can be beneficial for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in the field of civil engineering. It can also help open doors to new job opportunities or promotions within existing positions.

9. Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Certification

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is a professional organization that provides certification for construction management professionals. The CMAA Certification Program is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional practice in the construction management industry.

In order to become certified, an individual must meet certain requirements, including having at least five years of experience in the construction management field and passing a comprehensive examination. The exam covers topics such as project cost estimating, scheduling, contract administration, quality assurance/control, safety and risk management, and project delivery systems. Once these requirements are met, an individual can apply for certification with CMAA.

It typically takes about six months from the time an individual applies for certification until they receive their certificate. During this time period, applicants must complete all required coursework and pass the examination.

The cost to apply for CMAA Certification varies depending on how many courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 to become certified through CMAA. This includes fees for application processing, course materials and exams.

Overall, becoming certified through CMAA is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the construction management field and enhance your career prospects. It also provides recognition from peers in the industry who understand the value of having a credentialed professional on their team.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certifications are professional certifications that demonstrate a mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The Lean Six Sigma methodology is a process improvement system used to improve business processes and reduce waste.

A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification requires a minimum of 8-10 hours of training and 2-3 weeks of project work, while a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification requires a minimum of 40 hours of training and 4-6 weeks of project work. Both certifications require passing an exam in order to receive the certification.

In order to get either certification, individuals must attend an accredited program offered by an organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). An individual can also become certified through self-study or online courses, although these are not usually recommended for those seeking professional certification.

The cost for either certification varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen. Generally, the cost ranges from $500-$2,000 USD for Green Belts and $1,000-$4,000 USD for Black Belts.

Do You Really Need a Planning Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific career aspirations of the individual. For some jobs, a Planning Engineer Certificate may be a requirement, while for others it may not be necessary.

For those seeking a career in engineering or construction, a Planning Engineer Certificate is often beneficial as it demonstrates an understanding of project planning and scheduling techniques. This can help to make someone more competitive in the job market and can also increase their earning potential. With this certificate, employers know that the individual is knowledgeable and experienced in the field, which can be an advantage when applying for jobs.

On the other hand, if someone is looking to enter into a different field such as finance or marketing, then a Planning Engineer Certificate may not be necessary. In these cases, other qualifications or certifications may be more important for demonstrating knowledge and experience relevant to these fields.

Ultimately, whether or not one needs a Planning Engineer Certificate depends on their career goals and the requirements of their desired industry. It is important to research what qualifications are required for each position before making any decisions about pursuing certification.

Related: Planning Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Planning Engineer Certifications

Q1: What are the requirements for becoming a certified Planning Engineer?

A1: To become a certified Planning Engineer, you must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture or related fields and at least three years of professional experience in planning engineering. You must also pass an exam administered by the American Society of Planning Engineers (ASPE).

Q2: How long does it take to become a certified Planning Engineer?

A2: The process usually takes around six months from the time you submit your application to the time you receive your certification. You will need to complete an approved course of study, pass a comprehensive exam and submit all required documents.

Q3: Is there any continuing education requirement for maintaining my certification?

A3: Yes, all certified planners must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every three years in order to maintain their certification. These courses can be taken online or through traditional classroom instruction.

Q4: What is the cost associated with becoming a certified Planning Engineer?

A4: The total cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other fees associated with the certification process. Generally speaking, applicants should expect to pay between $500-$1000 for their training and exam fees.

Q5: Are there any job opportunities available for certified Planning Engineers?

A5: Yes, there are many job opportunities available for those who hold a certification in planning engineering. These jobs typically involve working with local governments on projects such as urban planning, transportation systems and land use management.