Top 11 Production Engineer Certifications

Certifications for production engineers are important in today's job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in specific areas. They help employers understand the qualifications of potential employees and can even be used as a benchmark to measure job performance. Certifications also provide an edge over other applicants since they show a commitment to the profession and prove that the person has met certain standards of excellence. By obtaining certifications, production engineers can increase their value in the job market, making them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Production Engineers and outlines how they can help to advance a Production Engineer's career.

What are Production Engineer Certifications?

Production engineer certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the production engineering field. This certification is typically awarded by an organization or institution that specializes in the training and certification of production engineers. It provides a way for employers to assess the abilities and qualifications of applicants for positions in this field.

The certification process typically involves taking courses, passing exams, and completing other requirements such as an internship or practicum. By obtaining this type of certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their knowledge of production engineering principles, processes, and techniques. This can be beneficial when applying for jobs as it shows employers that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to succeed in their role. Additionally, having a production engineer certification can also increase an individual’s earning potential as they may be seen as more qualified than those without it.

Pro Tip: It is important to research the various production engineer certification programs available and select one that best meets your specific needs. Consider the length of time required to complete the program, the cost associated with it, and what type of job you may be eligible for upon completion. Additionally, review any additional requirements such as internships or field experience as these may affect your ability to obtain a certification.

Related: What does a Production Engineer do?

Top 11 Production Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the production and inventory activities of a business.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course focuses on a different aspect of production and inventory management. Upon completion of all five courses, participants are eligible to take the CPIM exam. Passing the exam earns them the CPIM designation.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all five courses in order to be eligible for the CPIM exam. The cost of each course varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or not. Generally speaking, members pay less than non-members for each course. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or other incentives when taking APICS courses.

In order to get certified as a CPIM, individuals must first register for the program through APICS’ website. Once registered, they can enroll in any or all of the five courses at their own pace. After completing all five courses and passing the exam, they will receive their official certificate from APICS confirming their status as a Certified Production & Inventory Manager (CPIM).

2. Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPPIM)

Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPPIM) is a certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage production and inventory operations.

The CPPIM certification requires passing an exam which covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, production planning, quality assurance, and lean manufacturing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of work experience in production and inventory management or related fields. They must also submit an application form along with a fee of $450 USD for members of APICS or $550 USD for non-members. Once the application is approved, applicants can register for the exam at any APICS testing center.

Once an applicant passes the exam they will be officially certified as a CPPIM professional. This certification is valid for three years after which it must be renewed by retaking the exam or completing continuing education courses.

3. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise and proficiency in the field of manufacturing engineering. The CMfgE designation is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the body of knowledge required to practice as a manufacturing engineer.

To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as design, production processes, quality assurance, materials selection, cost estimation, and project management. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree in engineering or at least five years of experience in the field of manufacturing engineering. Applicants also need to be members of SME and have their application approved by the CMfgE Board before taking the exam.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an SME member or not. For non-members, it costs $400; for members, it costs $300. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with preparing for and taking the exam.

4. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of Six Sigma tools and processes. It is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The certification is intended to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to lead complex improvement projects, analyze data, and implement process improvements.

The CSSBB certification requires five years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma body of knowledge, including quality management, project management, process improvement, and statistical analysis. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, process improvement methodology, data collection and analysis techniques, and team dynamics. The exam fee is $405 for members of ASQ or $555 for non-members.

In order to maintain their certification status, CSSBB holders must earn continuing education credits every three years through activities such as attending conferences or completing online courses related to Six Sigma principles.

5. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals understand the principles of Lean Six Sigma and how to apply them in their own organizations. It is an advanced level of training that focuses on process improvement, problem-solving, and project management skills. The program covers topics such as data analysis, design of experiments, process mapping, and root cause analysis.

It typically takes about three months to complete the LSSGB program. This includes studying for the exam, completing practice exams and projects, and attending classroom or online courses. Depending on the provider, some organizations may offer accelerated programs that can be completed in less than three months.

To obtain the LSSGB certification, you must pass a written exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics from the course material. You must also complete a project demonstrating your ability to apply Lean Six Sigma principles to improve a process within your organization.

The cost of obtaining an LSSGB certification varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 - $2,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with taking the exam and completing the project.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after certifications in project management and is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence. The PMP demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects successfully and efficiently.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your background knowledge and experience. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a minimum of three years of project management experience and 4500 hours leading projects, or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience and 3500 hours leading projects.

To get the certification, you must first apply online through the PMI website. Once approved, you will be required to take an online training course and pass an exam that covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, and closing. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from PMI.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether you are already a member of PMI or not. For non-members it can range from $400 - $800 USD for the application fee plus any applicable taxes; members pay around $300 - $700 USD for the same services.

7. 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 professionals with a comprehensive understanding of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in quality engineering and their ability to effectively apply quality engineering techniques to improve products, processes, and services.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the CQE exam, depending on an individual’s experience level. To become certified, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, process capability analysis, and product/process design.

The cost of the CQE certification varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the cost is approximately $400 USD for ASQ members and $500 USD for non-members. Other countries may have different fees associated with taking the exam.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to become certified. These include having at least three years of full-time work experience in a related field or a combination of education and work experience totaling four years.

8. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional designation awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in reliability engineering. The CRE certification is designed to recognize professionals who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, implement, and manage reliability programs.

It takes approximately one year to complete all the requirements for the CRE certification. To become certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as reliability engineering fundamentals, reliability analysis methods, system design and development, maintenance strategies, and quality assurance. After passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate their proficiency in the field through a combination of education, work experience, and professional development activities.

The cost of becoming a CRE varies depending on how you choose to pursue your certification. Exam fees are typically around $400 USD; however, additional costs may be incurred if you choose to enroll in courses or workshops related to reliability engineering. Additionally, ASQ members receive discounts on exam fees and other benefits associated with pursuing certification.

Overall, becoming a CRE can be an expensive process but it is worth it for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in reliability engineering and advance their career opportunities.

9. Total Quality Management Certification (TQM)

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach to improving the quality of products and services through continuous improvement in all areas of an organization. It focuses on customer satisfaction, process improvement, employee involvement, and continuous learning.

TQM certification is offered by a variety of organizations including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The length of time needed to obtain TQM certification varies depending on the specific organization offering it. Generally, it takes between two and four weeks to complete the required training and exams.

To get certified in TQM, individuals must first complete an approved training program that covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement techniques, statistical process control, problem solving methods, and other related topics. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of TQM principles and practices.

The cost of obtaining TQM certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more for a comprehensive course with exam fees included.

10. Manufacturing Processes and Systems Certification (MPSC)

Manufacturing Processes and Systems Certification (MPSC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and systems involved in modern manufacturing. The MPSC certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and it is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of manufacturing processes and systems.

The MPSC certification process involves taking a two-part examination. The first part of the exam covers topics such as quality management, process improvement, lean manufacturing, design of experiments, statistical process control, and project management. The second part of the exam focuses on knowledge related to specific manufacturing processes and systems.

It typically takes about four months to complete the MPSC certification process. During this time period, candidates must complete an online application form and submit all required documents to ASQ. After completing the application process, candidates must register for the two-part examination. Once they have passed both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will be awarded their MPSC certification.

The cost of obtaining an MPSC certification depends on which membership option you choose from ASQ. A basic membership costs $99 per year while a professional membership costs $149 per year. In addition to these fees, there is also an additional fee for taking the two-part exam which currently stands at $400 for non-members and $350 for members.

Overall, obtaining an MPSC certification can be beneficial for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in modern manufacturing processes and systems. It can also provide individuals with valuable credentials that can help them stand out in today’s competitive job market.

11. Automation and Robotics Technologies Certification (ARTech).

ARTech is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to use automation and robotics technologies in the workplace. It is designed to help those who are interested in pursuing a career in automation, robotics, or other related fields.

The ARTech certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on lab experience. The online course covers topics such as robotics fundamentals, automation principles, and programming languages. The lab experience allows students to gain practical experience working with robots and other automated systems.

The ARTech certification program takes approximately six months to complete. Students must complete the online course before taking the lab experience. During the lab experience, students will work with real robots and automated systems under the guidance of experienced instructors.

To get certified by ARTech, you must complete both parts of the program and pass a final exam. The cost for the entire program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Production Engineer Certificate?

When considering whether or not you need a Production Engineering Certificate, it is important to consider the type of work you are looking to do and the skills required to complete that work. In many cases, having a certificate may be beneficial in helping to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in production engineering.

For example, if you are looking to become a production engineer in an industrial setting, then having a Production Engineering Certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and its processes. Such a certification can be beneficial for employers who may want to hire someone with specific qualifications and experience.

On the other hand, if you are looking for employment in a more general production engineering role, then having a certificate may not be necessary as long as you have relevant experience or skills. This is because employers will often assess potential candidates based on their background and qualifications rather than what specific certifications they have.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Production Engineering Certificate depends on the type of work you are looking to do and what qualifications and experience you already have. If you are looking for employment that requires specific knowledge and expertise in production engineering, then having a certificate could be beneficial in demonstrating your capabilities. However, if your desired role requires more general skills, then it may not be necessary depending on your background and qualifications.

Related: Production Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Production Engineer Certification?

A1. A Production Engineer Certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and experience in manufacturing and production processes. The certification may be obtained through a variety of educational programs or through direct experience in the field.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a Production Engineer Certification?

A2. Having a Production Engineer Certification can give you an edge over other job applicants, by demonstrating your knowledge and experience in the field. It also allows employers to verify your credentials, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries.

Q3. What kinds of topics are covered on the exam for Production Engineer Certifications?

A3. The topics covered on the exam for Production Engineering Certifications typically include process design, quality control, operations management, cost analysis, safety standards, environmental regulations, technology integration and project management.

Q4. How long does it take to earn a Production Engineer Certification?

A4. The amount of time required to obtain a Production Engineering Certification varies depending on the program or organization offering it; however some certifications may take up to two years of study and work experience to complete.

Q5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Production Engineer?

A5. The cost of obtaining a Production Engineering Certification varies depending on the program or organization providing it; however most certifications range from $500-$1000 USD plus any additional fees associated with testing or materials needed for completion of the certification process.