Top 11 Professional Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for professional engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to excellence, knowledge, and experience. Certifications provide employers with assurance that an engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to handle complex tasks. They also show potential employers that an engineer has received training in the latest technologies and industry standards. Certifications may even give engineers an edge over other applicants, as they indicate a higher level of expertise than those without certifications. Additionally, certifications can help engineers stay up-to-date on industry trends and advancements, which may be beneficial when seeking employment or promotions.

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

What are Professional Engineer Certifications?

Professional engineer certification is a status granted to qualified engineers who have met the necessary requirements and demonstrated their competence in their field. It is a professional designation that indicates an engineer has met the educational and experience requirements, passed the necessary examinations, and has been found to meet or exceed the standards of practice set forth by the engineering profession.

Having professional engineer certification can help engineers demonstrate their qualifications to employers, clients, and other stakeholders. The certification may also give access to higher salaries and better job opportunities. Many states require professional engineers to be certified before they can work on certain types of projects or design public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, or buildings. Professional engineer certification can also provide assurance that an engineer is knowledgeable about current engineering practices and technologies and can offer reliable services in their chosen field.

Pro Tip: Get as much hands-on experience as you can when preparing for professional engineer certification. Many states require a certain number of hours of work experience before you can even apply to become certified, so be sure to get that out of the way early on!

Related: What does a Professional Engineer do?

Top 11 Professional Engineer Certifications

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

1. Professional Engineer (PE) Certification

Professional Engineer (PE) Certification is a professional license that allows engineers to practice engineering and offer their services to the public. It is issued by the state in which the engineer wishes to practice and requires passing an examination and meeting other requirements.

It typically takes four years of experience in engineering after graduating from an accredited engineering program, as well as passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam before one can sit for the PE exam. The PE exam is a rigorous 8-hour test that covers a wide range of topics related to engineering principles and practices.

To get your PE certification, you must first meet all eligibility requirements set by your state's licensing board. These may include completing an accredited degree program, gaining several years of experience in engineering, passing the FE exam, and submitting an application with proof of education and work history. Once you have met these criteria, you can apply to take the PE exam.

The cost of taking the PE exam varies depending on where you live, but it generally ranges from $200-$400 for registration fees alone. Additional costs may include study materials or classes, travel expenses if you are taking the exam outside your home state, or any other related expenses.

2. Certified Professional Engineer (CPE) Certification

Certified Professional Engineer (CPE) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It is designed to recognize experienced engineers who have demonstrated their commitment to maintaining a high level of professional competence. The CPE certification is awarded to engineers who have passed the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam and met other requirements established by the NCEES Board of Directors.

The PE exam is a comprehensive 8-hour exam that tests an engineer’s knowledge in a particular engineering discipline. To be eligible for the CPE certification, applicants must have at least four years of progressive engineering experience in their chosen discipline, as well as an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering. Additionally, applicants must pass the PE exam with a score of 70% or higher.

It typically takes approximately two years to complete all of the necessary steps to become certified as a CPE. This includes completing the required engineering experience and passing the PE exam. After successfully completing these steps, applicants will receive their CPE certificate from NCEES.

The cost for becoming a Certified Professional Engineer varies depending on individual circumstances, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This includes fees for taking the PE exam, applying for certification, and any additional costs associated with obtaining engineering experience or education credits needed for eligibility.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Certification

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of quality engineering. The CQE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to quality engineering principles and practices.

The CQE certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management, statistical methods, sampling plans, design of experiments, process control, auditing, and inspection. The exam is administered by ASQ and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the CQE certification, applicants must have a minimum of four years of work experience in the field of quality engineering or related fields.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CQE exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks on quality engineering topics and taking practice tests. In addition, many employers offer courses or seminars to help prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CQE certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For non-members, it costs $320 USD to take the exam while members pay $250 USD. There are also additional fees associated with re-taking the exam if necessary.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a professional certification for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought after credentials in the project management industry. The PMP certification demonstrates a project manager’s expertise and commitment to excellence in leading and managing projects.

To earn the PMP certification, an individual must have at least 4500 hours of experience leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of project management education. Once these requirements are met, an individual can apply for the PMP exam.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. The exam costs $555 for members of PMI or $405 for non-members. To maintain their certification, individuals must earn 60 professional development units every three years and pay a renewal fee of $60 per year.

In conclusion, the PMP Certification is a valuable credential that requires significant effort to obtain but offers numerous benefits to those who hold it.

5. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) Certification

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) Certification is a professional certification developed by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It is designed to recognize engineers who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the manufacturing industry. The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as manufacturing processes, product design, quality assurance, safety, and production management.

To get certified as a CMfgE, you must have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and at least four years of experience in manufacturing engineering. You can also qualify if you have an associate's degree in engineering or a related field and five years of experience in manufacturing engineering.

The exam for CMfgE certification consists of two parts: multiple-choice questions and essay questions. The multiple-choice portion covers topics such as process planning, quality control, materials selection, cost analysis, and safety management. The essay portion requires you to demonstrate your understanding of the principles of manufacturing engineering through written responses to specific questions.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exam and complete all requirements for certification. During this time you should review relevant materials such as textbooks on manufacturing engineering and practice exams available online or through SME study guides. You will also need to submit an application form with supporting documents such as transcripts from your college or university and proof of your work experience in the field.

The cost for taking the CMfgE exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges between $400-$500 USD.

6. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) Certification

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in reliability engineering. The CRE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization dedicated to advancing quality standards and practices.

The CRE certification is a two-part process that consists of passing both a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as reliability engineering principles, methods, and tools, while the oral exam focuses on applying these concepts in practice. Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in reliability engineering or related fields in order to be eligible for the CRE certification.

To obtain the CRE certification, candidates must first register with ASQ and pay a fee of $399 USD. After registering, they must then pass both the written and oral exams within one year. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete; it can be taken online or at an ASQ testing center. The oral exam is conducted by an ASQ-certified examiner and requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge through a series of questions and answers.

The cost of obtaining the CRE certification includes the registration fee as well as any fees associated with taking the exams, such as travel expenses or proctoring fees if applicable. Additionally, there may be additional fees for retaking either exam if necessary.

7. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in Six Sigma methodology. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in the principles and practices of Six Sigma.

The duration for the Black Belt Certification process typically takes up to four months, depending on the organization offering it. The process involves an initial assessment, followed by a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as project management, quality control, problem-solving techniques, and statistical analysis. After completing all the required courses and exams, candidates must pass a final exam to become certified.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first meet certain eligibility criteria set by the organization offering the certification. This usually includes having at least three years of experience in managing or leading projects related to Six Sigma methodology. You may also need to submit proof of your educational background or other relevant qualifications.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it, but typically ranges between $2,000-$5,000 USD.

8. Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Certification

A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional designation awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP certification is an internationally recognized safety credential for safety, health, and environmental practitioners. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in their field and have met rigorous academic and experience requirements.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any discipline;
• Have at least four years of professional-level safety experience;
• Pass the CSP examination; and
• Meet BCSP’s continuing education requirements.

The CSP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam covers topics such as hazard recognition and control, occupational health, safety management systems, risk assessment, emergency preparedness and response, workplace inspection techniques, legal aspects of safety management, ergonomics, industrial hygiene principles and practices, environmental protection principles and practices, fire protection principles and practices, communication skills for safety professionals, occupational health psychology principles and practice.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CSP exam depending on the individual's background knowledge. There are several resources available to help candidates study for the exam including self-study guides from BCSP as well as online courses offered by third-party providers.

The cost of obtaining a CSP certification varies depending on where you take the exam. The fee for taking the exam through BCSP is $350 USD plus applicable taxes. Additional fees may apply if you choose to take a prep course or use other study materials provided by third parties.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology and its tools. The certification is designed to help individuals improve the quality of their work, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes about two weeks to complete. During this time, individuals will learn the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma and how to apply them in a variety of business settings. They will also gain an understanding of how to use the various tools and techniques associated with the methodology.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and project management. Once the exam has been passed, individuals can then apply for their certification from either ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on which organization you choose to certify through. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD depending on the provider.

10. Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certification

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certification is a professional credential offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in energy management. The CEM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, and other related topics.

The CEM certification process typically takes about 6-12 months to complete. In order to become certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as energy auditing, building systems design, economics of energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. Applicants must also submit documentation showing their experience in the field of energy management. This includes proof of education and/or work experience in the field.

The cost for the CEM certification varies depending on the country or region where you are applying from. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for the application fee and exam fees combined. There may also be additional fees associated with submitting documentation or taking additional courses or seminars related to energy management.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the area of energy management while also helping you stand out among your peers when seeking employment opportunities or promotions within the industry.

11. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program that recognizes construction managers who have demonstrated the knowledge, experience, and commitment necessary to provide effective leadership on a construction project. The CCM certification is administered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least four years of full-time construction management experience and passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as contracts and procurement, project delivery systems, scheduling and cost control, safety and risk management, legal issues in construction management, ethics for construction managers, and other related topics.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application to CMAA along with supporting documents such as proof of work experience and education. Once the application is approved by CMAA, applicants can register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CCM certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The cost for the CCM certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of CMAA. For non-members, the cost is $495; for members it is $395.

Do You Really Need a Professional Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. Generally speaking, if you are working in a field that requires engineering knowledge and expertise, then it is likely that you will need a professional engineer certificate. This can be particularly important in areas such as civil engineering, where the safety of structures and public infrastructure can be at stake.

In addition to providing evidence that an individual has the necessary qualifications to work as an engineer, a professional engineer certificate also serves as proof that the person meets certain standards set by the relevant regulatory body. The certificate may also include details about any specializations or additional qualifications held by the holder.

Having a professional engineer certificate can open up more opportunities for employment and career progression. It is often required for positions within larger companies and organizations, in order to demonstrate that an applicant is qualified for the role they are applying for. It may also be beneficial when applying for promotion or advancement within an organization.

Finally, having a professional engineer certificate can help to provide peace of mind to clients or customers who are looking for someone with appropriate qualifications and experience to carry out engineering work on their behalf. By having such certification it can demonstrate commitment to quality assurance and professionalism which can help to build trust between parties involved in a project or contract.

Overall, whether or not you need a professional engineer certificate will depend on your specific circumstances and requirements. However, it is generally recommended if you are working in an engineering-related profession, since it demonstrates your commitment to excellence and provides evidence of your qualifications and experience in the field.

Related: Professional Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Professional Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Professional Engineer certification?

Answer: A Professional Engineer (PE) certification is a license that allows engineers to practice and provide services to the public in their area of expertise. The PE certification is granted by the state board of licensing after an engineer has passed a series of examinations and met certain requirements.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a PE certification?

Answer: Each state has its own requirements, but generally, you must have at least four years of engineering experience, pass two exams (Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering), and submit an application with supporting documents such as transcripts, references, and proof of experience.

3. How long does it take to get a PE certification?

Answer: The process typically takes 12-18 months from start to finish, depending on the state's requirements and your ability to meet them.

4. How much does it cost to get a PE certification?

Answer: The cost for the exam fees alone can range from $300-$900 depending on the state, but there may also be additional expenses associated with the application process such as transcript verification fees or background checks.

5. Is it worth getting a Professional Engineer certification?

Answer: Yes! Having a PE certificate can open up new career opportunities, help you command higher salaries, and give you more credibility when working with clients or employers.