Top 11 Process Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for process engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that employers value. Certifications provide employers with assurance that a process engineer is qualified to complete tasks and has the necessary skillset to do so. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities to new job markets or roles. They also provide employers with an indication of an individual’s commitment to their profession, as certifications require dedication and hard work to obtain. Finally, certifications can help increase an individual’s earning potential by providing them with a competitive edge when searching for employment.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Process Engineers and explains how they can contribute to a process engineer's career growth.

What are Process Engineer Certifications?

Process engineer certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the field of process engineering. This certification is offered by several organizations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the International Society of Automation (ISA) and the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE).

The primary goal of process engineer certification is to ensure that those who hold it have mastered the fundamental principles and practices associated with process engineering. This includes topics such as designing efficient processes, analyzing current processes, improving existing processes and developing new ones. By obtaining this certification, employers can be assured that their employees are knowledgeable in all aspects related to process engineering.

In addition to providing employers with assurance that their employees are well-versed in their profession, this type of certification can also help individuals enhance their career prospects by demonstrating their mastery of the specific skills needed for success in the field. Those who possess process engineer certifications can often find higher-paying positions or more managerial roles within companies due to their specialized skill set. Furthermore, many companies look favorably upon individuals who have obtained this type of certification when considering them for promotions or other leadership positions.

Overall, obtaining a process engineer certification is an excellent way for professionals in this field to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence in the workplace. Additionally, it can provide those who earn it with greater opportunities for career advancement and personal growth within their organization.

Pro Tip: Before applying for a process engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements for the particular certification you are interested in. Many certifications require specific educational qualifications and/or experience in the field, so it's important to be aware of any prerequisites before beginning the application process.

Related: What does a Process Engineer do?

Top 11 Process Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Engineer (CPE)

Certified Professional Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification program for engineers that demonstrates their commitment to the engineering profession and their ability to practice engineering in a safe and ethical manner. To become a Certified Professional Engineer, an individual must pass an examination administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

The CPE exam is typically taken after completing a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited college or university. It typically takes between two and four years of full-time work experience in the field of engineering before taking the exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering ethics, and professional practice. The practical portion tests the applicant’s knowledge of specific areas of engineering such as electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering.

To get your CPE certification you must first complete an application with NCEES and pay the required fee which is currently $250 USD. Once approved you can then register for the exam which costs $225 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. After registering for the exam you will need to study for it using review materials provided by NCEES or other sources such as textbooks or online courses. Once you have passed both portions of the exam you will be awarded your CPE certification which is valid for five years from date of issue.

2. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification for manufacturing engineers. It is offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in the field of manufacturing engineering.

The CMfgE certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in manufacturing engineering, as well as a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as materials science, process control, and quality assurance.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the exam. Preparation can include studying on your own or taking courses through ASME or other organizations.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are an ASME member or not. For non-members, the fee is $1,100; for members, it is $900.

3. 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, assurance, and control. The CQE certification is designed to measure an individual’s ability to understand and apply quality engineering principles in order to improve product and process performance.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CQE certification process. To get started, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of eight years of quality-related experience or a combination of education and experience. After meeting the eligibility requirements, you must then pass the CQE exam which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical methods, design of experiments, sampling plans, reliability analysis, and more.

The cost for taking the CQE exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with study materials or prep courses that you choose to take in order to prepare for the exam.

4. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, analyze, and manage the reliability of products and systems. The CRE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CRE certification requires that you have at least five years of experience in reliability engineering or quality engineering, with at least three years in a management role. In addition, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as reliability principles and practices, failure analysis techniques, design for reliability, and reliability testing.

To get your CRE certification, you must first become a member of ASQ. Once you are a member, you can register for the exam online or by mail. You will then be sent study materials to help you prepare for the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification card from ASQ.

The cost of becoming a CRE varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member. If you are not an ASQ member, it will cost $299 to take the exam plus $50 for each additional year of membership up to five years ($349 total). If you are already an ASQ member when registering for the exam, it will cost $249 plus $50 per additional year of membership up to five years ($299 total).

5. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification for individuals who have mastered the Lean Six Sigma methodology and are capable of leading and managing improvement projects in any organization. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of the tools, techniques, and principles of Lean Six Sigma.

The CSSBB requires candidates to have at least three years of professional experience in a full-time role related to Lean Six Sigma, or four years of professional experience in a full-time role related to quality management. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as process analysis, data collection, project management, and problem solving. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and requires a passing score of at least 70%.

The cost of the CSSBB certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$800 USD.

6. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification (ASME)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a professional organization that provides certification for engineers and other professionals in the mechanical engineering field. ASME certification is recognized as an international standard of excellence, and it demonstrates that the individual has met a certain level of knowledge and skill in their field.

ASME certification involves taking an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering. The exam covers topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, design, and manufacturing. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

To get ASME certification, you must first meet certain requirements such as having a degree from an accredited engineering program or having at least four years of relevant experience. You also need to have completed any required continuing education courses. Once you have met these requirements, you can then apply for the exam by submitting an application form with supporting documents.

The cost of getting ASME certification varies depending on the type of exam you are taking and the country where you are taking it. Generally speaking, exams range from $200-$600 USD depending on your location. You may also need to pay additional fees for study materials or other services related to your application process.

7. International Council on Systems Engineering Certification (INCOSE)

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of systems engineering principles and practices. INCOSE provides certification for professionals who demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of systems engineering.

The INCOSE Certification Program offers two levels of certification: Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) and Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP). The CSEP is intended for those with at least three years of experience in systems engineering, while the ESEP is meant for those with at least five years of experience. To obtain either certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as system life cycle processes, requirements management, model-based systems engineering, and verification & validation.

To become certified, applicants must first register with INCOSE and pay the applicable fee. After registration, they will be given access to study materials and practice exams that can help them prepare for the exam. Once they are ready to take the exam, they must schedule a time slot through Pearson VUE. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400 USD for CSEP or $600 USD for ESEP. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from INCOSE.

8. Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Certification (IISE)

The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge, experience, and commitment to the industrial engineering profession. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of industrial engineering and systems engineering.

To obtain IISE Certification, applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience in industrial engineering or systems engineering. They must also pass two exams: the Certified Industrial Engineer (CIE) exam and the Certified Systems Engineer (CSE) exam. The CIE exam covers topics such as production planning, process design, operations management, and cost analysis; while the CSE exam focuses on topics such as systems analysis and design, project management, and quality control.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for both exams. During this time, applicants should become familiar with the IISE Certification Program requirements and study materials. Additionally, they should consider taking practice tests or attending review courses to help them prepare for the exams.

The cost of obtaining IISE Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought after. For example, the fee for CIE certification is $395 USD while CSE certification costs $495 USD.

9. Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a professional credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is the most sought-after and recognized project management certification in the world. It demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully manage projects.

To become certified as a PMP, you must meet certain requirements set forth by PMI. These include having at least four years of project management experience, with 7500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education. You must also pass an exam administered by PMI.

The process of getting certified can take anywhere from one to six months depending on your level of preparation for the exam. To get started, you will need to register with PMI and pay the application fee. Once your application is approved, you will be able to schedule your exam date. You should then begin studying for the exam using resources such as online courses or books provided by PMI or other sources.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your country of residence and whether or not you are a member of PMI. In general, it costs around $400-$600 USD to apply for certification and take the exam. This does not include any additional fees associated with study materials or membership in PMI.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (LSSGB) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals and organizations improve their business processes. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines the principles of Lean and Six Sigma to reduce waste and increase efficiency. The program focuses on developing problem-solving skills, data analysis techniques, process improvement strategies, and project management skills.

The LSSGB certification typically takes about two weeks to complete. It consists of two components: classroom training and an online exam. During the classroom portion, participants learn how to use Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques to identify areas for improvement in their organization’s processes. They also learn how to create a successful project plan and how to lead teams through various stages of a project.

In order to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, participants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as process mapping, data analysis, statistical methods, problem solving, project management, and more. The exam is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The cost of the LSSGB certification varies depending on the provider; however, it generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This includes tuition fees for both the classroom training portion and the online exam fee.

11. Total Quality Management Certification (TQM).

Total Quality Management (TQM) certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the area of Total Quality Management. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes, products, and services by emphasizing quality control and continuous improvement.

The TQM certification program typically takes between six and nine months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience with quality management systems. During this time, individuals learn about the principles of Total Quality Management and how they can be applied in a variety of settings. They also gain an understanding of how to use quality tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and ISO 9001.

To get certified in TQM, individuals must first complete a training program from an accredited provider. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The cost of the training program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 USD. The cost of the exam is approximately $400 USD.

Once certified in TQM, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in managing quality systems and processes within their organization or industry. This can lead to increased job opportunities or promotions within their current role. Additionally, certifications are often required for certain positions or industries so having a TQM certification may be necessary for certain roles or positions.

Do You Really Need a Process Engineer Certificate?

Deciding whether or not to pursue a Process Engineer Certificate is an important decision that requires careful consideration. The certificate provides an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of process engineering, which can be beneficial for career advancement. It also serves as a form of recognition from professional organizations and employers.

The answer to this question depends on what you hope to gain from the experience. If you are looking for a way to distinguish yourself in the job market, then a Process Engineer Certificate may be worth pursuing. It provides evidence of specific knowledge and skills that employers may value when hiring new employees or promoting existing ones. Additionally, obtaining the certification could open up new opportunities in different areas of process engineering that you might not have had access to otherwise.

On the other hand, if you are already well-established in your current position and do not anticipate any changes in your career path, then it may be unnecessary for you to obtain the certificate. It is important to note that there is no guarantee that having this certification will result in better job prospects or higher pay; it merely serves as documentation of your level of expertise. Ultimately, it is up to you to make the decision about whether or not it is worth investing time and money into achieving this certification.

Related: Process Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Process Engineer Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Process Engineer?

Answer: To become a Process Engineer, you must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, such as chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. In addition, some employers may require certifications in specific areas of process engineering.

2. How do I get certified as a Process Engineer?

Answer: There are several certifying bodies that offer certification programs in process engineering. These include the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the International Society of Automation (ISA), and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). Each organization has its own requirements for certification which you can find on their websites.

3. What is the difference between an AIChE Certification and an ISA Certification?

Answer: The AIChE certification focuses on chemical engineering principles and practices related to process engineering while the ISA certification focuses mainly on automation processes and technologies used in process engineering.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Process Engineer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified will depend on the certifying organization you choose and your individual experience level with process engineering concepts and practices. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within one year if you are able to dedicate enough time to studying for it.

5. Are there any online courses available for Process Engineer Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are several online courses available from various organizations that can help you prepare for your certification exam. Many of these courses cover topics such as process design, safety procedures, quality control systems, project management techniques, and more.