Top 10 Product Engineer Certifications

Certifications for a product engineer in the job market are important for a variety of reasons. First, certifications demonstrate to employers that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the role. Additionally, certifications can help demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and willingness to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Lastly, certifications can also provide employers with assurance that individuals have achieved certain standards of excellence in their field, which is particularly important when dealing with products that require quality assurance or safety measures.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Product Engineers and explain how they can help further their career.

What are Product Engineer Certifications?

Product engineer certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in product engineering. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have acquired the knowledge and skills to develop, design, and support products throughout the entire product lifecycle. This certification demonstrates proficiency in various areas such as product design, software development, systems engineering, project management, and quality assurance. It also recognizes individuals who are able to apply their technical knowledge and experience to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions.

Having a product engineer certification can help an individual stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or seeking career advancement opportunities. With this certification, employers know that they are hiring someone with the necessary skills to handle complex projects or lead teams of engineers. Additionally, this certification proves that an individual has a broad understanding of product engineering processes and principles which can be applied to any type of project. Finally, having this certification also shows employers that an individual is committed to staying up-to-date on new technologies and trends in order to ensure successful outcomes for their projects.

Pro Tip: When considering a product engineer certification, make sure to research the curriculum and requirements of the program thoroughly. Make sure that the certification will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to help you advance in your career. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience or mentorship opportunities to ensure that you have a well-rounded understanding of product engineering.

Related: What does a Product Engineer do?

Top 10 Product Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Product Manager (CPM)

Certified Product Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program that provides product managers with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage products throughout their life cycle. It is designed to help product managers develop the skills needed to lead successful product initiatives, from concept to launch and beyond.

The CPM program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as market analysis, customer segmentation, competitive analysis, product positioning, pricing strategy, product development process, and more. The in-person exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CPM program. To get started, you must first register for the program on the Certified Product Manager website. After registering, you will receive access to the online course materials and instructions on how to complete them. Once you have completed all of the coursework and passed the in-person exam, you will be awarded your CPM certification.

The cost of the CPM program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges between $1,500 and $2,000 USD.

2. Certified Professional in Product Management (CPPM)

Certified Professional in Product Management (CPPM) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in product management. The CPPM is awarded by the Product Management Institute (PMI), an international organization that promotes the advancement of product management professionals.

The CPPM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience in product management. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as product strategy, customer analysis, market research, pricing strategies, and product development processes. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPPM certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in product management or a related field. Additionally, applicants must submit evidence of their work experience and education credentials to PMI for review. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam through PMI's website.

The cost of the CPPM certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For PMI members, the cost is $395 USD; for non-members it is $495 USD.

3. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the principles and practices of Scrum. The CSPO certification is designed to help product owners, business analysts, and other stakeholders understand how to effectively use Scrum to deliver successful products.

The CSPO certification requires completion of a two-day course on the basics of Scrum and related topics. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CSPO certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether or not you are a member of the Scrum Alliance. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for non-members and $750 USD for members.

In addition to taking the course and passing the exam, applicants must also have at least one year of experience working with Scrum teams in order to be eligible for CSPO certification.

4. Certified Agile Product Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Product Manager (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile). It is designed to provide product managers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to successfully lead and manage agile projects.

The CAPM certification consists of two courses: the ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Product Management (ICP-APM) and the ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Product Ownership (ICP-APO). The ICP-APM course focuses on product management fundamentals such as customer discovery, product strategy, and product delivery. The ICP-APO course focuses on product ownership fundamentals such as user story mapping, backlog refinement, and release planning.

It typically takes 3-4 months to complete both courses and obtain the CAPM certification. To get certified, you must attend an approved training provider's courses or take an online course that has been approved by ICAgile. You will also need to pass a final assessment in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining the CAPM certification varies depending on the training provider you choose. However, it typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD for both courses combined.

5. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in Lean Six Sigma, a business process improvement methodology. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to apply the Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques in order to improve processes and reduce costs.

The certification typically requires approximately 40 hours of training, which can be completed either online or in-person. After completing the training, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, data analysis, and problem solving.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Online courses typically range from $500-$1,000 while in-person courses may cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000. In addition to the course fee, there is also an exam fee which ranges from $200-$300.

Overall, obtaining a CLSSGB certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in process improvement or quality assurance. It demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement as well as an understanding of how Lean Six Sigma can be used to improve processes and reduce costs.

6. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize an individual’s expertise in using agile practices in their projects and organizations. The PMI-ACP certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques.

It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. To get this certification, you need to have 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. You also need to complete 21 contact hours of agile training and pass the PMI-ACP exam.

The cost of the PMI-ACP certification varies depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, it costs around $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members.

7. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certification

The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certification is an internationally recognized qualification for software testers. It provides a common basis for understanding and assessing the competence of software testers. The ISTQB certification is designed to provide a globally accepted standard for software testing qualifications, enabling employers to identify qualified testers and allowing professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field.

The ISTQB certification consists of three levels: Foundation, Advanced and Expert. Depending on the level chosen, it can take anywhere from one day to several months to complete the certification process. To get certified, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of software testing principles and techniques.

The cost of the ISTQB certification depends on which level you are taking. The Foundation level costs around $200 USD, while the Advanced level costs around $400 USD. The Expert level is more expensive, costing up to $1,000 USD or more depending on the specific exam taken.

8. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

The ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality engineering principles, practices, and tools. The CQE credential is recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence in quality engineering.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CQE exam. Preparation can include studying materials such as textbooks, attending workshops or seminars, and completing practice exams. It is also important to have experience in quality engineering principles, practices, and tools.

To become certified, applicants must pass the CQE exam administered by ASQ. The exam covers topics such as statistical methods, design of experiments, process control systems, reliability engineering principles and practices, quality system auditing techniques, and problem solving methods.

The cost for the CQE exam varies depending on the country where you are taking it. In the United States it costs $450 USD for members of ASQ and $600 USD for non-members.

9. AWS Solutions Architect – Professional Certification

AWS Solutions Architect – Professional Certification is a certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing applications and infrastructure on the AWS platform. This certification is designed for those who have experience with AWS and want to demonstrate their knowledge of the platform to employers or clients.

It typically takes around two months to prepare for the exam, depending on your existing knowledge and experience with AWS. To get the certification, you must first take an online course from an accredited provider such as A Cloud Guru or Linux Academy. After completing the course, you can then register for the exam through the AWS website. The cost of the exam varies based on your region but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be shared on social media or included in your resume or CV. You will also be listed in the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional directory so potential employers can easily find you.

10. Google Cloud Platform – Professional Cloud Developer

Google Cloud Platform – Professional Cloud Developer is a certification program designed to help developers and IT professionals demonstrate their skills in deploying, managing, and optimizing applications on Google Cloud Platform. It is offered by Google in partnership with Coursera.

The program consists of five courses over four months, covering topics such as cloud storage, networking, security, scalability, and more. The courses are self-paced and can be taken at any time. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from Google that verifies their knowledge of the Google Cloud Platform.

The cost of the program is $399 USD for all five courses. This fee does not include any additional fees associated with taking the exam or other optional services such as mentoring or coaching.

In order to get certified as a Professional Cloud Developer on Google Cloud Platform, you must pass an exam administered by Google. The exam covers topics such as architecture design and implementation, data storage solutions, security practices, scalability strategies, and more. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $200 USD. You can take the exam online or at a testing center near you.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from Google which will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Product Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking to pursue a career in product engineering, then it is likely that obtaining a product engineer certificate can help you stand out from the competition. It shows potential employers that you have invested time and effort into developing your skills and knowledge of the field.

Having a product engineering certificate can also give you access to more job opportunities, as many companies prefer candidates with specialized certifications. Additionally, having a certification can help validate your expertise in the field and make it easier for potential employers to trust that you have the necessary qualifications to do the job correctly.

Overall, whether or not you need a product engineer certificate depends largely on what type of career path you are hoping to pursue. If it is important for you to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your expertise, then obtaining a certificate may be worth considering.

Related: Product Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Product Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Product Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Product Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in the field of product engineering. It validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of product design, development, and testing.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time needed to complete a Product Engineering Certification typically depends on the specific program chosen and the individual's prior experience with product engineering. Generally, most programs require between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification.

3. What are some of the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: There are several benefits to obtaining a Product Engineering Certification including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition in the industry. Additionally, certifications can help individuals stand out from their peers when applying for jobs or promotions.

4. Is there a cost associated with getting certified?

Answer: Yes, most Product Engineering Certifications require payment of an application fee as well as any other associated costs such as books or materials needed for completion of the program.

5. Are there continuing education requirements after I get certified?

Answer: Yes, many certifying bodies require individuals to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits (CEUs) every few years in order to remain up-to-date on industry standards and best practices.