Top 10 Process Improvement Engineer Certifications

Certifications for a process improvement engineer are important for several reasons. First, certifications demonstrate to employers and customers that an individual has the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the tasks required of them. Second, certifications provide a way for individuals to show their commitment to their profession and prove their worth in the job market. Third, certifications can help individuals stay up-to-date on industry developments, which is essential in a fast-paced field like process improvement engineering. Finally, some employers may require specific certifications for certain positions or promotions, so having them can give candidates an edge over those without them.

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

What are Process Improvement Engineer Certifications?

Process Improvement Engineer Certification is a professional certification designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of process improvement. This certification is offered by organizations such as the Institute for Process Improvement (IPI). The certification focuses on core competencies necessary for successful process improvement, including Lean Six Sigma, problem solving and analytics, change management, and project management.

The purpose of this certification is to give professionals the credentials they need to demonstrate their expertise in process improvement. With this certification, individuals can show employers that they have a solid understanding of the principles and practices of process improvement, which can help them stand out as qualified job candidates. Additionally, having this certification may also provide access to higher-level positions or promotions within an organization.

Having Process Improvement Engineer Certification can help professionals become more marketable in their fields by demonstrating their commitment to excellence and providing evidence that they are knowledgeable about current best practices in process improvement. This certification will also enable them to develop their skills further and stay up to date with industry trends and changes. Finally, it will provide them with an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

Pro Tip: When considering process improvement engineer certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and determine which one best meets your needs. Also, be sure to compare different certifications in terms of cost, time commitment, and accreditation. Finally, look for a certification program that includes mentorship or an apprenticeship program to help you gain valuable experience in the field.

Related: What does a Process Improvement Engineer do?

Top 10 Process Improvement Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is awarded to those who have completed a course of study and passed an exam.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification focuses on the core concepts of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which includes process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and project management. The certification also covers topics such as waste reduction, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and more.

It typically takes about two to three months to complete the coursework for a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. The exact amount of time will depend on the program you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete an approved training program from an accredited institution or provider. Once you have completed your training program and passed the exam, you will be awarded your certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on where you take your training program and whether or not it is online or in-person. Generally speaking, online courses tend to be less expensive than in-person courses due to their convenience factor. On average, expect to pay around $1,500 - $2,000 for a quality online course with all materials included (eBooks/PDFs). In-person courses can range anywhere from $3,000 - $5,000 depending on the length of the course and other factors such as location and instructor experience.

2. Certified Process Improvement Engineer (CPIE)

Certified Process Improvement Engineer (CPIE) 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 process improvement engineering. The CPIE certification requires passing an exam, which covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma, process improvement methodologies, and problem-solving techniques.

The CPIE exam typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. You can register for the exam online through ASQ’s website. The cost of the exam is $449 for ASQ members and $549 for non-members.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also have at least three years of experience in process improvement engineering or a related field.

Once you have passed the exam and met all of the educational requirements, you will be awarded your CPIE certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or attending conferences related to process improvement engineering.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

A Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional designation given by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality engineering, management, and assurance.

It typically takes around six months to a year to prepare for the CQE exam. The preparation process includes studying textbooks, attending seminars, and completing practice exams.

In order to become certified, an individual must pass the CQE exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality principles, quality tools and techniques, statistical methods, problem solving and decision making.

The cost of taking the CQE exam varies depending on the country or region where it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $399 for members of ASQ and $499 for non-members.

4. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who has demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the field of reliability engineering. Reliability engineering is a specialized field that focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining products and systems to ensure they are reliable and meet customer requirements. The CRE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time work experience in reliability engineering or quality assurance, or three years with an advanced degree in a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as reliability principles, design for reliability, predictive maintenance techniques, and failure analysis.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on the country where you are taking it. In the United States, the exam fee is $450 USD plus applicable taxes. The cost of study materials can range from $50-$200 USD depending on what you choose to purchase.

It typically takes 4-6 months to prepare for the CRE certification exam if you are studying independently. However, if you choose to attend an ASQ-accredited course or use other study materials provided by ASQ, it may take less time to prepare for the exam.

5. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality improvement principles and practices. The CQIA certification is intended for professionals who are involved in the implementation and management of quality improvement initiatives, including process improvement, Six Sigma, Lean, and Total Quality Management.

The CQIA exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. To be eligible for the CQIA certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a quality-related field.

To obtain the CQIA certification, applicants must submit an application to ASQ and pay an examination fee of $399 USD. After submitting the application, applicants will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam date with Pearson VUE testing centers. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants must pay an additional fee of $100 USD for their official certificate.

6. Certified Kaizen Facilitator

Certified Kaizen Facilitator is a certification program that enables individuals to become certified in the practice of Kaizen, which is a Japanese term for continuous improvement. The program is designed to help individuals learn the fundamentals of Kaizen and how to apply it in their own organization or business. It teaches participants how to identify areas where improvement can be made, create plans for implementing changes, and measure the impact of those changes.

The Certified Kaizen Facilitator program typically takes around three days to complete and includes lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities. Participants are taught about the history of Kaizen, its principles and practices, as well as how to apply them in their own organizations. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate from the International Association for Kaizen Professionals (IAKP).

The cost of becoming a Certified Kaizen Facilitator varies depending on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on length and content covered. It is important to research different providers before enrolling in any course as some may offer additional benefits such as mentorship or access to resources beyond what is included in the course itself.

7. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional designation awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is an internationally recognized certification that validates a quality manager’s knowledge and experience in managing quality systems, processes, and projects.

The CQM program requires applicants to have at least five years of full-time work experience in a quality-related field, with at least three years of managerial experience. Candidates must also pass an examination administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management principles, tools and techniques, customer satisfaction, and process improvement.

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the CQM program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. The cost of the program varies depending on your membership status with ASQ but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

8. Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE)

Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of experienced process design engineers. The CPDE certification indicates that the engineer has achieved a level of expertise in process design engineering that is recognized by their peers and employers.

The CPDE certification requires an applicant to pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam covers basic engineering principles, while the PE exam focuses on more specific areas related to process design engineering. Both exams must be passed within five years before an individual can become certified as a CPDE.

To get started, applicants must first apply to take the FE exam through their local state board of engineering or through AIChE’s online application system. Once they have passed this exam, they may then proceed to apply for the PE exam. After passing both exams, applicants must submit additional documentation such as transcripts, work experience letters, and references in order to complete their application for CPDE certification.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$800 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for certification which range from $75-$200 USD depending on how quickly one wishes to receive their certificate.

9. ASQ Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

ASQ Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage complex improvement projects. It is designed to help organizations achieve their goals by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

The ASQ Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification program consists of two parts: classroom training and an exam. The classroom training typically takes about four weeks to complete, depending on the provider. During the training, participants learn the principles of Lean Six Sigma, including project management, process improvement methods, data analysis techniques, and problem-solving strategies.

In order to obtain the ASQ Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by ASQ (American Society for Quality). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as project management, process improvement methods, data analysis techniques, problem-solving strategies, and other related topics.

The cost of obtaining the ASQ Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,500 to $5,000 USD for both the classroom training and the exam.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification for project managers that is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate a project manager’s ability to apply the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques of project management to successfully lead and direct projects. The PMP credential is globally recognized and highly sought after by employers.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time you will need to study for the exam, become familiar with the PMBOK Guide and other materials, complete an application process, and pass the exam.

To get your PMP certification you must first meet certain eligibility requirements set by PMI. These include having at least three years of experience in leading projects (or four years if you do not have a degree), as well as 7500 hours of leading and directing projects. You will also need 35 contact hours of project management education before applying for the exam.

The cost for taking the PMP 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. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with preparing for the exam such as purchasing study materials or attending classes or seminars.

Do You Really Need a Process Improvement Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a Process Improvement Engineer Certificate to be successful in the field. While a certificate may be beneficial for some jobs, it is not strictly necessary for success. A degree in engineering or an engineering-related field is typically required, and many employers prefer candidates with experience in process improvement as well as qualifications from a credible institution.

If you are looking to enter the field of process improvement engineering and want to stand out from other applicants, then earning a certificate could be beneficial. The certificate will demonstrate your knowledge of process improvement concepts, techniques and technologies. It can also give you an edge over those who lack such certification when applying for positions. However, if you already have a degree in engineering or related field and have significant experience in the field of process improvement, then you may not need to earn a certificate at all.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a Process Improvement Engineer Certificate depends on your individual career goals and interests. If you feel that having this certificate could help make your resume more attractive to potential employers, then it may be worth considering. However, if you already have the skills and experience necessary for success in the field without certification, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue one.

Related: Process Improvement Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Process Improvement Engineer Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Process Improvement Engineer?

Answer: The requirements for becoming a Process Improvement Engineer vary by organization and industry, but typically include a bachelor's degree in engineering, experience in process improvement or industrial engineering, and certifications from recognized organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

2. What type of certifications do Process Improvement Engineers need?

Answer: Process Improvement Engineers typically need certifications in topics related to quality management, process improvement and industrial engineering. Popular certifications include Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (LSSMBB).

3. How much does it cost to become certified as a Process Improvement Engineer?

Answer: Certification costs vary depending on the certification and organization, but can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Additionally, some organizations may require continuing education credits or other additional fees to maintain active certification status.

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

Answer: The time it takes to become certified as a Process Improvement Engineer varies widely depending on the certification chosen and your prior background knowledge and experience in process improvement or industrial engineering. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months up to one year or more to prepare for and pass certification examinations.

5. Are there any online resources available to help with studying for Process Improvement Engineering certifications?

Answer: Yes! There are many online resources available that provide study materials, practice tests, tips and advice on preparing for various types of process improvement engineer certifications. Popular websites include ASQ’s Study Guide Center and Exam Prep Books’ website which offers sample questions and simulated exams.