Top 11 Plumbing Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a plumbing engineer in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a plumbing engineer. Certifications also provide evidence that a plumbing engineer has completed specific courses and training, which can give employers confidence in their abilities. Finally, certifications can make it easier for a plumbing engineer to find employment opportunities, as many employers prefer candidates who have received some type of certification or formal training.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Plumbing Engineers and how they can help advance a plumbing engineer's career.

What are Plumbing Engineer Certifications?

Plumbing engineer certification is a credential that is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of plumbing engineering. This certification is offered by organizations such as the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

Having this certification can help individuals stand out in the job market, as it verifies their expertise in plumbing engineering. It also provides employers with assurance that they are hiring a qualified individual. Having this certification may also lead to increased wages and improved career prospects, as it is highly valued by employers. In addition, having this credential may make an individual more attractive to potential clients, as it shows that they have taken the time and effort to maintain their professional skills.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different plumbing engineer certification programs available to ensure that you are getting the best training and qualifications for your career. Also, be sure to check with local plumbing organizations in your area to find out if they offer any additional certifications or courses that could help you become a more qualified plumber.

Related: What does a Plumbing Engineer do?

Top 11 Plumbing Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Plumbing Engineer (CPE)

A Certified Plumbing Engineer (CPE) is a professional who has been certified by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). This certification requires a combination of experience, education, and training in the field of plumbing engineering.

In order to become a CPE, an individual must have at least four years of experience working in the plumbing industry, as well as a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related field. Additionally, they must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ASPE. The exam covers topics such as plumbing design and installation, safety regulations, materials selection, and water supply systems.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all the requirements necessary for certification. During this time period, individuals must complete courses on plumbing engineering topics, pass the required exams, and submit relevant documentation to ASPE.

The cost for becoming a CPE varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to become certified.

2. Professional Engineer (PE)

Professional Engineer (PE) is a designation given to engineers who have met the requirements of their respective state licensing boards. To become a PE, an engineer must have a minimum of four years of engineering experience, pass two comprehensive exams, and meet other criteria set by their state board.

How long does it take to get it?

The process for becoming a PE varies from state to state, but typically takes at least three years. The first step is typically completing an accredited engineering degree program and then gaining four years of professional engineering experience in the field. After that, you must pass two comprehensive exams administered by your state board. Once you have passed these exams, you can apply for licensure as a Professional Engineer.

How to get it?

To become a Professional Engineer (PE), you must complete an accredited engineering degree program and then gain four years of professional engineering experience in the field. After that, you must pass two comprehensive exams administered by your state board. Once you have passed these exams, you can apply for licensure as a Professional Engineer with your state licensing board.

How much does it cost?

The cost of becoming a PE varies from state to state but generally includes application fees, exam fees, and other associated costs such as study materials or review courses. The total cost can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the requirements of each individual state board.

3. Certified Master Plumber (CMP)

Certified Master Plumber (CMP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Inspection, Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the plumbing industry.

To become a Certified Master Plumber, an individual must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam administered by NITC, and complete at least four years of active plumbing work experience. The exam consists of three parts: general knowledge, technical knowledge, and trade skills.

It typically takes two to three months to complete the process of becoming a Certified Master Plumber. The cost for the exam is approximately $400 USD. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with obtaining the certification such as travel expenses or fees for training courses.

Once certified, Certified Master Plumbers are required to maintain their certification through continuing education courses. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on changes in the industry and remain knowledgeable about current best practices in plumbing installation and maintenance.

4. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to individuals in the engineering technology field. It is recognized by employers, government agencies, and professional organizations as a benchmark of excellence in engineering technology.

NICET certification is available in four levels: Level I, Level II, Level III, and Level IV. Each level requires the successful completion of an exam that tests knowledge and skills related to specific areas of engineering technology. The exams are based on standards set by NICET and cover topics such as mathematics, physics, electrical theory, electronics theory, drafting/CAD principles, mechanical systems principles, and safety practices.

It typically takes between 6 months and 2 years to complete the requirements for each level of certification depending on the individual’s experience and knowledge. To get certified at any level requires passing an exam administered by NICET. The exams are offered at testing centers throughout the country or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost for taking a NICET exam varies depending on the level of certification sought but generally ranges from $100 to $400 per exam. Additionally there may be fees associated with applying for certification or renewing certifications which can range from $50 to $150 depending on the type of application or renewal being requested.

5. American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)

The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) is a professional organization that provides certification and education for professionals in the plumbing, water conditioning, and environmental health industries. This organization was founded in 1911 and has since grown to include over 40,000 members worldwide.

ASSE certification is designed to demonstrate a person’s knowledge and experience in the field of sanitary engineering. The certification process involves taking an exam that covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety regulations, water treatment systems, and more. In order to become certified, applicants must first meet certain educational requirements and have at least two years of experience in the field.

The ASSE exam takes approximately three hours to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of sanitary engineering. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification card within 10 business days.

The cost of getting ASSE certified varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for a full certification package which includes the exam fee and any additional materials needed for study or preparation.

Overall, becoming ASSE certified can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in the field of sanitary engineering and set yourself apart from other professionals in the industry.

6. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a professional organization that promotes the art, science, and practice of mechanical engineering. ASME is dedicated to advancing the technical knowledge and professional development of its members, while promoting safety and reliability in the engineering profession.

It takes approximately six weeks to become an ASME member. To become a member you must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited institution. You must also pass an exam to demonstrate your understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals and principles. Additionally, you must submit a completed application form along with the required fees.

The cost for membership depends on several factors such as your level of education and experience. The basic membership fee is $90 per year for students or $150 per year for professionals. Additional fees may apply depending on the type of membership you are applying for.

In addition to providing access to networking opportunities, ASME members can also benefit from discounts on publications, conferences, and other services provided by ASME. Members can also take advantage of continuing education programs offered by ASME as well as access to career resources and job postings.

7. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is a nonprofit organization that works to protect public health and safety by developing standards for plumbing, mechanical, and solar energy systems. IAPMO develops codes, standards, and other documents related to the installation and maintenance of these systems. It also provides educational resources to help individuals understand the requirements of these codes and standards.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to get IAPMO certification. To get certified, you must first choose a code or standard that you wish to be certified in. You will then need to submit an application form along with any required supporting documentation. Once your application is approved, you will be required to take an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of getting IAPMO certification varies depending on the specific code or standard that you are applying for. Generally speaking, however, it costs around $300-$400 for a single code or standard certification.

8. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international non-profit organization that develops, publishes and maintains more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the risk of fire and other hazards. NFPA standards are used in all 50 states in the United States, as well as countries around the world.

It typically takes several weeks to receive a copy of a NFPA standard once it has been ordered. The process begins with ordering the standard from the NFPA website or through a third-party vendor. Once payment is received, the order will be processed and shipped out within 1-2 business days.

In order to get an NFPA standard, you must first purchase it either directly from the NFPA website or through a third-party vendor. Prices vary depending on which standard you are purchasing, but most range from $50-$200 for a single copy.

Once purchased, you will receive your copy of the standard electronically or via mail depending on how you placed your order.

9. American Water Works Association (AWWA)

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is a nonprofit, scientific and educational society dedicated to providing safe and sustainable water resources. It was founded in 1881 and is the oldest and largest organization of its kind in the world. AWWA works to advance public health, safety, and welfare by advocating for effective water policy at all levels of government; promoting public education on water-related issues; developing standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water systems; providing technical training and certification; and conducting research on topics related to drinking water supply.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to become an AWWA member after submitting an application. To apply for membership, you must fill out an online application form or download a printable version from the website. The cost of membership depends on the type of membership you choose. There are several different types available including individual memberships, corporate memberships, student memberships, international memberships and more. Prices range from $50-$1125 per year depending on the type of membership chosen.

10. United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UAJPPFIUSC)

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UAJPPFIUSC) is a trade union that represents plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, steamfitters, and welders in the U.S. and Canada. It is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, which is a federation of labor unions in the U.S., and was founded in 1889.

To become a member of UAJPPFIUSC, you must be employed in one of the trades listed above or have completed an apprenticeship program in one of those trades. There are no specific requirements to join other than being employed in one of these trades or having completed an apprenticeship program.

In order to become a full member, you must complete an application process which includes providing references from current members as well as paying dues to the union. The cost for dues varies by local but generally ranges from $30-$50 per month depending on your income level.

Once you have submitted your application and paid your dues, it typically takes up to two weeks for your membership to be approved by the union's executive board. Once approved, you will receive a membership card which will allow you access to all benefits associated with being a member such as discounts on products/services related to your trade as well as access to job opportunities through the union's job bank system.

11. American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM International).

American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM International) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM International works with industry leaders, government agencies, businesses, and other organizations to develop the highest quality standards for everything from construction materials to medical devices. ASTM International is a not-for-profit organization that operates globally with more than 30,000 members in over 140 countries.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to get approved as an ASTM member and receive access to the standards. To become a member you must first fill out an application form which can be found on their website. The application requires basic contact information such as name, email address, company name (if applicable), etc. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted by ASTM staff, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log in to the ASTM website and access the standards.

The cost of joining ASTM depends on the type of membership you choose. There are three levels of membership: Individual Member ($69/year), Corporate Member ($1,500/year), or Sustaining Member ($2,500/year). Each level provides different benefits such as discounts on publications and access to exclusive resources.

In addition to membership fees, there may also be additional costs associated with accessing specific standards or documents such as PDF downloads or hard copies of documents. Prices vary depending on the document requested but typically range from $25-$50 per document.

Do You Really Need a Plumbing Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a plumbing engineer certificate to work as a plumber depends largely on your jurisdiction. In some areas, it is enough to be licensed by the state and have received appropriate training in order to practice as a plumber. However, in other states and countries, you may need to obtain a certification from an engineering organization such as the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) in order to be recognized as a qualified professional.

For those who are already working as a plumber but want to increase their qualifications, obtaining an engineer certificate can be beneficial. It can open up more job opportunities and higher pay grades, since employers often prefer certified professionals over those who do not have any certifications. Plus, having an engineer certificate shows that you have put in the extra effort and dedication required to obtain it, which can make you more attractive to potential employers.

On the other hand, if you are just starting out in your career as a plumber and don't yet have much experience under your belt, then obtaining an engineer certificate may not be necessary right away. Instead, focus on gaining experience and developing your skillset first before taking the plunge into furthering your education with an engineering certification program.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a plumbing engineer certificate depends on where you live and what level of experience you have in the field. Consider your current situation carefully before deciding if this is something that would benefit your career or not.

Related: Plumbing Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Plumbing Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for plumbing engineers?

Answer: The most common certifications for plumbing engineers include a Master Plumber license, Journeyman Plumber license, Certified Plumbing Designer (CPD) certificate, and Certified Backflow Technician (CBT) certificate.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a plumbing engineer?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified will depend on the type of certification you are pursuing and your level of experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to three years to become fully certified in the field of plumbing engineering.

3. What is involved in the certification process?

Answer: The certification process typically involves passing an exam or series of exams that test knowledge and skills related to the specific type of certification being pursued. Additionally, many certifying bodies require applicants to demonstrate practical experience in the field before they can be eligible for certification.

4. Is continuing education required after becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, many certifying bodies require continuing education credits in order to maintain active status as a certified plumbing engineer. These credits are typically earned by attending approved seminars and workshops or taking online courses related to the field of plumbing engineering.

5. Are there any other requirements for becoming certified?

Answer: Depending on the type of certification being pursued, there may be additional requirements such as having liability insurance or passing a background check prior to being eligible for certification.