Top 11 Plant Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for plant engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and show potential employers that the engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the role. Certified plant engineers have an edge over other applicants because certifications provide proof of their expertise, dedication, and dedication to staying up-to-date with industry trends. They also demonstrate that they are committed to safety and quality standards, which is essential in any engineering position. Companies prefer to hire certified plant engineers because it reduces their risk of making a hiring mistake and ensures that they have someone who understands their particular operational needs.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Plant Engineers and explain how these certifications can help advance their careers.

What are Plant Engineer Certifications?

Plant engineer certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and expertise necessary to become certified as a plant engineer. Plant engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining industrial plants, often with the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Becoming certified as a plant engineer requires an understanding of various disciplines such as engineering principles, electrical systems, safety standards, and building codes.

The benefits of obtaining plant engineer certification include gaining recognition in the industry and improved job prospects. Certified plant engineers have the skills needed to build effective plants that meet or exceed industry standards. They also have an understanding of the latest technology used in industrial plants, which can be valuable when troubleshooting problems or making design improvements. Additionally, certified plant engineers are more likely to be hired by companies looking for experienced professionals who can help them maximize their productivity and profitability. Finally, having a certification from a reputable organization may also give potential employers confidence in your abilities as an engineer.

Pro Tip: Consider obtaining a plant engineer certification to gain specialized knowledge and skills related to operating, maintaining, and designing industrial plants. A certification can help you stand out in the job market and provide valuable opportunities for career advancement.

Related: What does a Plant Engineer do?

Top 11 Plant Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who work in the field of plant engineering. The CPE program provides a comprehensive overview of plant engineering principles and practices, including safety, maintenance, operations, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance.

The CPE program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To become certified at Level I, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as power plants, process plants, instrumentation & control systems, electrical systems & components, fluid mechanics & heat transfer systems, and more. To become certified at Level II applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of professional experience in plant engineering or related fields.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the CPE program. The cost for the certification exam varies depending on the level chosen; however it typically ranges from $500-$700 USD.

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of plant maintenance, operations, and engineering. The CPMM is administered by the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE).

The CPMM program consists of three levels: Certified Plant Maintenance Technician (CPT), Certified Plant Maintenance Supervisor (CPS), and Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM). Each level requires a different set of qualifications, ranging from having a minimum amount of experience to passing an exam.

To become certified at the CPMM level, applicants must have at least five years of experience in plant maintenance management, including two years in a supervisory role. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as safety regulations, quality assurance processes, preventive maintenance techniques, and troubleshooting methods.

The CPMM exam is offered twice per year and costs $400 USD. The exam is administered over two days and consists of multiple-choice questions. To prepare for the exam, applicants can review AFE’s study guide or take one of their online courses. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CPMM certificate.

3. Certified Plant Maintenance Technician (CPT)

Certified Plant Maintenance Technician (CPT) is a certification program designed to provide recognition for individuals who demonstrate expertise in the maintenance and operation of plant equipment. The CPT certification is offered by the International Society of Certified Plant Maintenance Technicians (ISCPTM).

The CPT certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, mechanical systems, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting. The practical skills assessment tests the candidate’s ability to perform tasks related to plant maintenance, such as changing filters, checking fluid levels, and inspecting belts.

It typically takes around three months to complete the entire process of obtaining the CPT certification. To get started, interested individuals must first register online with ISCPTM and pay the application fee. After registration is complete, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online learning materials and exams. Once all materials have been reviewed and passed, applicants will be able to schedule their practical skills assessment at a local test center.

The cost of obtaining the CPT certification varies depending on which country you are applying from; however, in most cases it costs between $200-$400 USD.

4. Professional Engineer (PE)

Professional Engineer (PE) is a professional license that allows individuals to practice engineering in the United States. It is issued by individual states and territories, and requires passing an examination and meeting other requirements. The PE license demonstrates that the engineer has met the highest standards of engineering knowledge and experience.

It typically takes four years of college education in engineering to qualify for a Professional Engineer license. After graduating from an accredited engineering program, applicants must complete four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer before they can take the exam. Once they have passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will be eligible to apply for their PE license.

The cost of getting a Professional Engineer license varies depending on the state or territory where you are applying. Generally, there is an application fee as well as fees for taking and passing the exam. Additionally, most states require continuing education credits each year to maintain your PE status.

5. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional designation awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in reliability engineering principles and practices. The CRE certification is intended to provide assurance that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform reliability engineering activities.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least four years of full-time work experience in reliability engineering or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASQ that covers topics such as failure analysis, design of experiments, reliability modeling, preventive maintenance, and more.

The exam typically takes 4 hours to complete and costs $450 USD for ASQ members or $550 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CRE certificate within 8 weeks.

6. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). The CMRP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management.

The CMRP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as operations and maintenance management, asset optimization, condition monitoring and diagnostics, root cause analysis and failure prevention, lubrication practices and programs, engineering fundamentals, safety practices and procedures, environmental regulations compliance, project management principles and practices.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CMRP exam. Preparation should include studying the SMRP Body of Knowledge (BoK) which covers all of the topics on the exam. Additionally, it is recommended that candidates take an accredited course or attend a training seminar to help prepare for the exam.

To become certified as a CMRP you must pass the 150-question multiple choice exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost of taking the exam is $395 USD for SMRP members or $495 USD for non-members. There are also additional fees associated with recertification every three years.

7. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who possess the skills and knowledge required to maintain industrial equipment. The certification is offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP).

To become certified, applicants must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and demonstrate their experience in the field. The program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of specific courses and exams.

The Basic level requires applicants to complete two courses and pass an exam. The Intermediate level requires applicants to complete four additional courses and pass a second exam. The Advanced level requires applicants to complete six additional courses and pass a third exam.

It typically takes around one year for an individual to complete all three levels of the CIMM program.

To get started, interested individuals should contact AMP directly or visit their website for more information on how to apply for the program. Applicants must submit proof of their experience in industrial maintenance along with their application form.

The cost for each course varies depending on the type of course taken but typically ranges from $100-$500 per course. There is also an application fee of $50 which must be paid when applying for the program.

8. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification in Plant Engineering and Management (ASME-CPEM)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification in Plant Engineering and Management (ASME-CPEM) is a professional certification program that provides recognition for individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of plant engineering and management. This certification is aimed at those who are involved in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of industrial plants and facilities.

To be eligible for the ASME-CPEM certification, an individual must have at least 5 years of relevant experience in plant engineering or management. The applicant must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety management systems; process control; equipment selection; design principles; energy efficiency; environmental regulations; project management; and other related topics.

The exam consists of multiple choice questions that cover all aspects of plant engineering and management. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their ASME-CPEM certification within 6 weeks.

The cost to take the ASME-CPEM exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $450 USD to take the exam.

9. International Society of Automation – Certified Automation Professional (ISA-CAP)

The International Society of Automation – Certified Automation Professional (ISA-CAP) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of automation professionals. It is based on the ISA84 standard for safety instrumented systems and provides a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s knowledge in areas such as control systems engineering, process control, safety instrumented systems, and system integration.

It typically takes up to six months to complete the ISA-CAP certification process. The first step is to register for the exam online at the ISA website. After registering, applicants must purchase study materials from the ISA store and begin studying for the exam. Once they feel ready to take the exam, they can schedule it with Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of taking the ISA-CAP exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost of taking it through Pearson VUE or Prometric is $395 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees. Additionally, there are additional costs associated with purchasing study materials from the ISA store which range from $50 - $200 USD depending on which materials you choose to purchase.

Overall, becoming an ISA-CAP certified automation professional requires dedication and commitment but can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in automation technology and help advance your career in this field.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have the skills and knowledge to successfully manage projects of any size and complexity.

To be eligible for the PMP exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in four hours. The exam covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing. To pass the exam, applicants must answer correctly at least 106 questions out of 200.

The cost for the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members it costs $405 USD while for non-members it costs $555 USD. Additionally there are other fees associated with taking the exam such as application fees ($100 USD for members/$150 USD for non-members), reexamination fees ($275 USD for members/$375 USD for non-members), and retake fees ($275 USD for members/$375 USD for non-members).

In order to obtain your PMP certification you will need to take an approved course from an accredited provider such as an online course or in person training class. After completing the course you will then need to submit your application to take the PMP exam which can take up to two weeks to process. Once your application has been approved you can schedule your exam date which can take anywhere from one week up to six months depending on availability. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official PMP certificate within four weeks after passing the test.

11. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program offered to those who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and skills in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to provide individuals with the tools and techniques necessary to effectively lead or support improvement projects within their organization.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes about four weeks to complete, depending on the provider and the individual’s prior experience. The certification requires an understanding of basic Six Sigma principles, including process mapping, data collection and analysis, problem solving, and project management. It also covers topics such as Lean Manufacturing, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and Quality Function Deployment (QFD).

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by one of several organizations that offer the certification. This exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of the Six Sigma methodology. In some cases, additional training may be required in order to meet the requirements for certification.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and other factors such as location and duration of training. Generally speaking, however, it can range from $500 - $2,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Plant Engineer Certificate?

It depends on the individual's career goals and the specific requirements of their industry. For those considering a career in plant engineering, having a Plant Engineer Certificate can be beneficial. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the design, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial plants and equipment.

Having this certificate can provide a competitive edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. It also demonstrates that an individual has taken the initiative to further their knowledge and skills in this field. Additionally, it can make them more attractive to potential employers as they will have a greater understanding of the complexities involved in plant engineering.

In some cases, having a Plant Engineer Certificate may even be required for certain positions or roles within an organization. Depending on the company or industry, this certification could be necessary for those attempting to move up within the organization or take on additional responsibilities. In addition, some organizations may require applicants to have certain certifications before being considered for any position within their company.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Plant Engineer Certificate depends on their career goals and the specific requirements of their industry. While it can provide benefits such as increased competitiveness among job seekers or even specific requirements from employers, it is ultimately up to each individual to decide if they feel obtaining this certification is necessary for their success.

Related: Plant Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Plant Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Plant Engineer Certification?

A1. A Plant Engineer Certification is an industry recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s competency in the engineering of industrial plants and processes. It is designed to provide engineers with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to safely and efficiently design, install, maintain and repair plant systems.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Plant Engineer?

A2. To become certified as a Plant Engineer, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, then pass an examination administered by an accredited certifying body such as the International Society of Automation (ISA).

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Plant Engineer?

A3. Becoming a Certified Plant Engineer provides several benefits including increased job opportunities, higher wages, greater credibility within the engineering profession, enhanced career advancement potential and recognition from peers and employers alike.

Q4. What are the prerequisites for taking the Plant Engineering certification exam?

A4. In order to take the Plant Engineering certification exam, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field plus two years of work experience in plant engineering or related field. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of approved training courses or seminars as well as a letter of recommendation from an employer or supervisor who can attest to their qualifications for taking the exam.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a Plant Engineer?

A5. The length of time it takes to become certified varies depending on each individual's educational background and work experience; however, most applicants complete the process within six months to one year after meeting all requirements for eligibility to take the certification exam.