Top 11 Project Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a project engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge. They show that the project engineer has met certain standards to prove their skill level, and they provide employers with an understanding of what the project engineer is capable of doing. Additionally, certifications can give potential employers peace of mind that the project engineer is qualified to work on their projects, as well as confidence that the project engineer will be able to complete tasks in a timely manner. Certifications also help differentiate qualified candidates from those who may not have any experience or credentials in the field.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Project Engineers and explain how they can help advance a Project Engineer's career.

What are Project Engineer Certifications?

Project engineer certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to manage complex engineering projects. It is designed for professionals with experience in managing engineering projects, such as industrial engineers, project managers, and systems engineers. This certification provides proof of an individual’s ability to lead engineering projects and demonstrates a commitment to the profession of project engineering.

The certification can help individuals advance their career by providing them with recognition from employers, peers and potential customers. By obtaining the certification, it showcases the individual’s expertise in applying project management principles to engineering projects. This can help them stand out when applying for jobs or negotiating higher salaries. The certification also serves as proof of their commitment to staying up-to-date on best practices and current trends in the field of project engineering. Finally, it may provide access to exclusive networking opportunities with other certified professionals which can be beneficial for career growth.

Pro Tip: If you are considering pursuing a project engineer certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and select one that aligns with your career goals. Additionally, be sure to understand the requirements for each certification and ensure you meet them before applying.

Related: What does a Project Engineer do?

Top 11 Project Engineer Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the world’s most recognized and respected project management credential. The PMP certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, experience, and competency in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. This includes studying material, attending classes or workshops, taking practice exams, and gaining experience in project management.

To get the PMP certification you must meet certain eligibility criteria including having a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience in the last 8 years or a bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of project management experience in the last 8 years. You must also pass a 200-question multiple choice exam which covers topics such as project integration management, cost management, quality management, risk management, and more.

The cost for the PMP exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $405-$555 USD.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to provide project practitioners with an understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes of effective project management. The CAPM exam tests an individual's ability to apply project management knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CAPM exam. During this time, individuals should become familiar with the PMBOK Guide and other related materials, as well as practice using online resources such as practice exams or study groups.

To get CAPM certified, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) and at least 1,500 hours of project experience OR 23 hours of formal education in project management topics. Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for the exam through PMI’s website.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam is $225 for members of PMI and $300 for non-members. This fee covers all associated costs including registration, scheduling, and exam fees.

3. Professional Engineer (PE)

Professional Engineer (PE) is a designation given to engineers who have met the requirements of a state licensing board and have been granted the privilege to practice engineering in that state. In order to become a PE, an engineer must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

The FE exam is generally taken during or immediately after college, while the PE exam can be taken anytime after passing the FE exam. The amount of time it takes to get your PE license depends on how quickly you can complete all of the necessary requirements. Generally, it takes about two to three years from when you take your FE exam until you receive your PE license.

In order to get your PE license, you must first meet all of the educational requirements for licensure set by your state’s licensing board. This includes completing an accredited engineering degree program, gaining work experience as an engineer in a related field, and completing any additional required courses or exams. After meeting these requirements, you must then submit an application for licensure with your state’s licensing board and pay any applicable fees. Once approved, you will then be eligible to take the FE and PE exams.

The cost of getting a PE license varies depending on which state you are applying in and what fees they require for licensure. Generally speaking, most states charge several hundred dollars in application fees alone before taking into account additional costs such as study materials or test fees associated with taking the FE and/or PE exams.

4. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The CCM certification is designed to recognize construction management professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. It is a mark of distinction that shows employers and clients that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to successfully manage complex construction projects.

The CCM certification process involves completing an application, passing an exam, and meeting certain educational and experience requirements. The application must be completed online and submitted with the appropriate fee. Once approved, applicants must pass a three-hour multiple choice exam which covers topics such as project management, risk management, contracts, cost estimating, scheduling, safety management, quality control/assurance and legal issues related to construction projects.

To qualify for the CCM certification, applicants must have at least four years of experience in construction project management or related fields. They must also have either a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture from an accredited institution or five years of equivalent experience in construction project management or related fields.

The cost for the CCM certification varies depending on whether you are a CMAA member or non-member. For members it costs $450 for the initial application fee plus $300 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $600 for the initial application fee plus $400 for the exam fee.

Once certified as a CCM professional, individuals can maintain their certification by earning continuing education units (CEUs) every two years through CMAA’s Continuing Education Program (CEP). CEUs can be earned through attending conferences and seminars or participating in webinars and other activities related to construction project management.

5. Six Sigma Black Belt

Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program designed to improve the quality and efficiency of business processes. It is based on the Six Sigma methodology, which uses data-driven decision making to reduce process variation and eliminate defects. The Black Belt certification is the highest level of Six Sigma certification, and it requires a significant amount of time and effort to achieve.

To become a Six Sigma Black Belt, you must have at least three years of work experience in a leadership role in an organization that implements or uses Six Sigma principles. You must also complete an approved training program that covers topics such as project management, process improvement, problem solving, statistical analysis, and design of experiments. The training typically takes between two weeks and four months to complete depending on the provider.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt can vary greatly depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$5,000 for the training course itself plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or obtaining other certifications related to Six Sigma.

In addition to completing the training course and passing the exam, you must also demonstrate your knowledge by completing several projects related to Six Sigma principles in order to receive your certification. Once certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, you will be qualified to lead projects within your organization using the Six Sigma methodology.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program designed to teach professionals the skills needed to lead and manage improvement projects. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is the second level of Six Sigma certification and focuses on teaching participants how to use the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) problem-solving methodology. This methodology can be used to identify and eliminate sources of waste in any process or system.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete and requires participants to pass an exam at the end of the course. Participants must also have completed a Yellow Belt training course prior to enrolling in a Green Belt program.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must attend an accredited training course, complete all required coursework, and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher. After successful completion of the program, participants will receive their Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification from their chosen provider.

The cost for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on the provider you choose and may include additional fees for materials or study aids. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$4,000 for your training and certification.

7. Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skills and experience in agile project management. The PMI-ACP is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in using agile principles, tools and techniques to successfully deliver projects.

To get the PMI-ACP certification, you must have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the past five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the past three years. You must also complete 21 contact hours of formal training specific to agile practices.

You can apply for the PMI-ACP exam online through the Project Management Institute's website. The exam fee is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your PMI-ACP certification.

The cost of getting a PMI-ACP certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on what type of preparation materials or courses you use.

8. PRINCE2 Foundation Certification

PRINCE2 Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and understanding of the PRINCE2 project management methodology. It is based on the principles of the PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) methodology, which is widely used in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world. The certification provides an individual with the skills to successfully manage projects and lead teams within a PRINCE2 environment.

The PRINCE2 Foundation Certification requires individuals to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the PRINCE2 methodologies. The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 1 hour and 45 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 55% or higher.

The cost for taking the PRINCE2 Foundation Certification exam varies depending on where you take it. In some countries, such as the UK, it can cost between £300 and £400; in other countries such as Australia, it can cost up to $800 AUD.

To get your PRINCE2 Foundation Certification you need to first complete a course that covers all aspects of the PRINCE2 methodologies. You will then be required to sit for an exam which will test your knowledge and understanding of these topics. After passing this exam you will receive your certificate from APMG International (the accredited body). This process usually takes 4-6 weeks but can vary depending on availability of courses and exams in your area.

9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program offered by Scrum Alliance, an organization that provides training and resources to help organizations adopt and implement Scrum. The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the principles, values, and practices of the Agile framework known as Scrum. It is intended for professionals who are already working in or transitioning into roles related to Agile product delivery.

The CSM certification requires successful completion of a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). This course covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including its history, principles, roles, artifacts, and events. After completing the course, participants must pass an online assessment to become certified.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000 and $2,000 USD for the two-day course plus exam fees.

Once certified as a CSM, individuals can maintain their status through continuing education activities such as attending conferences or taking additional courses offered by Scrum Alliance.

10. Agile Project Management Certification

Agile Project Management Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the principles of agile project management. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their ability to lead and manage agile projects, as well as to help organizations identify qualified individuals who can effectively apply agile methods and practices.

The Agile Project Management Certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). To become certified, applicants must pass a written examination which tests their knowledge of the Agile Manifesto, agile values and principles, and the 12 core competencies outlined by PMI. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within three hours.

To obtain the certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites. They must have at least two years of experience working on an agile project or leading an agile team, as well as 21 contact hours of formal training in agile project management techniques. Applicants may also need to provide evidence of their work experience in order to qualify for the certification.

The cost for obtaining the Agile Project Management Certification varies depending on where you take the exam and whether or not you are a member of PMI. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for non-members and $400 for members.

11. Engineering Technician Certification

Engineering Technician Certification (ETC) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the engineering field. The ETC is offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in their chosen field of engineering.

The duration of the certification process depends on the level of certification sought. Generally, it takes between three months and one year to complete all requirements for Level I certification, while higher levels may take up to two years or more. To obtain ETC certification, individuals must demonstrate knowledge and skills through a combination of education, work experience, and/or exams.

To get started on the path to obtaining an ETC, individuals must first register with NICET and pay the applicable fees. Fees vary depending on the level of certification being sought; however, Level I typically costs approximately $200 USD. After registration is complete, applicants must then submit their application materials which include proof of educational background, work experience, and any additional certifications they may have earned. Once these materials are reviewed by NICET staff members, applicants will be notified if they have been approved to take the required exams. Upon successful completion of these exams, applicants will receive their official ETC certificate from NICET.

Overall, obtaining an Engineering Technician Certification can be a lengthy process but it is worth it for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in engineering technology fields.

Do You Really Need a Project Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a project engineer certificate to be successful in the field of engineering. While having a certification may be beneficial for certain employers, it is not always required. Additionally, many employers are more interested in a candidate's experience and expertise than any kind of certification.

In order to make yourself stand out from other candidates, having a project engineer certificate can certainly help. It shows that you have taken the time to gain additional knowledge and skills related to engineering projects and that you are dedicated to your career. However, it is important to remember that certifications do not guarantee success in the workforce. Employers value experience, education, and skill set much more than any type of certification.

It is also important to consider the cost associated with obtaining a project engineer certificate before deciding if it is right for you. Depending on the institution offering the course and its length, this could become quite expensive. Therefore, it is important to weigh all of your options before making this decision.

In conclusion, while having a project engineer certificate can be beneficial for certain employers, it is not always required nor does it guarantee success in the field of engineering. Ultimately, employers are more interested in a candidate's experience and expertise rather than any type of certification they may possess.

Related: Project Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a project engineer certification?

A1. A project engineer certification is an industry recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the areas of project engineering, management, and leadership. It demonstrates a commitment to best practices and an understanding of the principles of successful project delivery.

Q2. How do I become certified as a project engineer?

A2. To become certified as a project engineer, you must pass an exam offered by a professional organization such as the Project Management Institute (PMI). You can also complete accredited courses or earn qualifications through online programs such as Udemy or Coursera.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a project engineer certification?

A3. Having a project engineer certification can help you stand out from other job applicants in the competitive job market, increase your salary potential, and give you access to more career opportunities in the field. It also helps demonstrate your expertise to employers, clients, and other stakeholders who may be involved with your projects.

Q4. Is there any continuing education required to maintain my certification?

A4. Yes, many certifications require continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their validity over time. The specific requirements for CEUs vary depending on the organization offering the certification and should be reviewed prior to taking any courses or exams for certifications renewal purposes.

Q5. How long does it take to obtain a project engineer certification?

A5. The amount of time it takes to obtain a project engineer certification varies depending on experience levels and preparation for exams or courses taken for certifications purposes. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months up to two years or more depending on individual circumstances and dedication towards completing all necessary coursework and exams required for obtaining certifications credentials