Top 10 Research and Development Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for research and development engineers in the job market because they help demonstrate their technical knowledge and expertise. Employers use certifications to verify that potential hires have the skills necessary to perform a particular job successfully. By having certifications, engineers can show employers that they have gone through a rigorous process of training and testing, and thus are qualified to handle complex tasks. Furthermore, certifications can lead to increased salary and career advancement opportunities as employers recognize the value of such qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Research and Development Engineers and explain how they can enhance a research and development engineer's career.

What are Research and Development Engineer Certifications?

Research and Development Engineer Certification is a professional credential offered by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), which recognizes engineers who demonstrate expertise in research, design, development, testing and evaluation of products or processes. This certification is intended to help employers identify individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in a research and development engineering role.

The certification process includes an assessment of an engineer's experience, qualifications, technical capabilities and understanding of engineering principles. The assessment covers topics such as product design, process optimization, problem solving techniques and project management. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to work independently on complex engineering tasks.

Having this certification can help engineers stand out from the competition when applying for research and development jobs. It shows potential employers that they have the necessary skills to succeed in this field. Additionally, it can open up opportunities for engineers who want to move into higher-level positions or specialize in certain areas of engineering research or development. Finally, having this certification can make it easier for engineers to find employment due to the recognition it provides within the industry.

Pro Tip: Research and Development Engineer Certification is an important step in advancing your career as a research and development engineer. It provides recognition of your expertise and knowledge, and can be a great way to show potential employers that you have the skills necessary to succeed in the field. Additionally, certification can also open up opportunities for higher salaries and better job prospects.

Related: What does a Research and Development Engineer do?

Top 10 Research and Development Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Research and Development Engineers today.

1. Certified Research and Development Professional (CRDP)

Certified Research and Development Professional (CRDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in research and development. This certification is offered by the Association for Research and Development Professionals (ARDP).

The CRDP certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in research and development, as well as successful completion of an exam. The exam covers topics such as project management, product development, market research, technology assessment, innovation management, and intellectual property.

To become certified, applicants must first submit an application to the ARDP. Once approved, applicants must then register for the exam and pay the associated fee. The fee for the CRDP exam is $395 USD. After registering for the exam, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online study materials and take their exam.

Once applicants have successfully completed the exam, they will receive their CRDP certification within two weeks via email. The certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance.

2. Certified Research and Development Engineer (CRDE)

Certified Research and Development Engineer (CRDE) is a professional certification program for engineers who are involved in research and development activities. The CRDE certification is offered by the American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES). This certification recognizes the expertise of engineers who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in research and development.

The CRDE certification requires that applicants have a minimum of five years of experience in research and development engineering. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a written examination. The exam consists of two parts: a general engineering exam and an area-specific exam. The general engineering exam covers topics such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering principles, design processes, manufacturing processes, project management, safety practices, quality assurance methods, sustainability practices, etc.

The area-specific exam focuses on the specific field or discipline that the applicant specializes in. Examples include biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, etc.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the application process for the CRDE certification. Applicants must submit their application forms along with supporting documents such as transcripts from accredited universities/colleges/institutions; proof of work experience; letters of recommendation from employers; proof of continuing education courses taken; etc. Once all documents are submitted to AAES for review and approval then applicants can take the written examination to obtain their CRDE certification.

The cost for obtaining the CRDE certification varies depending on the country you reside in but typically it ranges between $500 - $2000 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the examination.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQE certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality engineering, manufacturing, and management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months of preparation to pass the CQE exam. To get certified, you must first become an ASQ member and then register for the exam. You will need to study topics such as quality engineering principles, methods, tools, techniques, and standards; product design; process control; reliability/maintainability; and statistical analysis.

The cost of the CQE exam varies depending on your membership status with ASQ. For non-members, the cost is $549 USD. For members of ASQ, the cost is $449 USD.

4. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)

A Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in software quality engineering.

To earn the CSQE, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as software development life cycle, software quality assurance, software testing, and project management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least five years of professional experience in software quality engineering or related fields. You must also hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

The cost of taking the CSQE exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $450 USD; in Canada, it costs $500 CAD; and in other countries, it costs $550 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CSQE certification from ASQ. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam every three years.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected certification in the project management field. The PMP credential signifies that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills to successfully manage projects of any size or complexity.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your prior project management experience and education. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience and 35 contact hours of formal project management education.

To get started on the path to becoming a PMP, you must first apply to take the exam through the PMI website. After submitting your application and passing an audit process, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT). You can then register for an exam date with Pearson VUE, who administers all PMP exams worldwide.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are a member of PMI. In general, it costs around $400-$600 USD for non-members and $300-$500 USD for members.

6. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become proficient in the Six Sigma methodology. It is a comprehensive program that provides training and certification in the principles and practices of Six Sigma.

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification typically takes about four weeks to complete, depending on the level of mastery you are seeking. The coursework consists of lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises. You must pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive your certification.

To get your Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, you must first take an approved training course from an accredited provider. These courses are offered by many universities and other educational institutions around the world. Once you have completed the training course, you will need to sit for an exam administered by a certified proctor or instructor. You must pass this exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on where you take the course and who administers it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with taking the course and passing the exam.

7. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead and manage process improvement projects. The Green Belt certification is designed to equip professionals with the necessary tools to identify, analyze, and solve problems in the workplace.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes between 4-6 weeks of study time to complete. The cost of the certification can vary depending on the provider, but it generally ranges from $500-$2,000. To obtain a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, individuals must complete an approved course or training program. After completing the course or training program, individuals must pass an online exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality).

Once certified, individuals will have a better understanding of how to use Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to improve processes within their organization. They will also be able to help their organization reduce costs and increase efficiency through process improvement initiatives.

8. ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

The ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of quality improvement principles, tools, and techniques. It is offered through the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing quality throughout the world.

The CQIA certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge in four areas: Quality Concepts, Process Management, Measurement & Analysis, and Improvement Techniques. Candidates must pass an exam in order to receive the certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CQIA certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least two years of work experience in a quality-related field or completing an approved training course. Candidates must also agree to adhere to ASQ’s Code of Ethics.

The cost of obtaining the CQIA certification varies based on the country in which you are taking the exam. In the United States, it typically costs between $400 and $500 USD.

Once certified, CQIAs are required to maintain their credentials by earning continuing education credits every three years.

9. American Society for Quality – Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

The American Society for Quality – Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of quality management principles, practices, and tools. The certification is intended to enhance the individual’s ability to lead and manage organizational excellence initiatives in any industry or organization.

To become certified, individuals must pass an examination that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, organizational performance measurement and analysis, leadership and team building, project management, problem solving and decision making. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to take the CMQ/OE exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in quality management or related fields. Applicants can also substitute relevant education for some of the required experience. Once approved for the exam, candidates must register with ASQ and pay a fee of $450 USD.

Once the exam is completed successfully, candidates will receive their CMQ/OE certification from ASQ. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed by taking a recertification exam or completing continuing education credits.

Overall, obtaining the American Society for Quality – Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) certification requires passing an examination that covers various topics related to quality management principles and practices. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in quality management or related fields to qualify for the exam and pay a fee of $450 USD upon registration with ASQ. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CMQ/OE certification from ASQ which is valid for three years before needing renewal by taking a recertification exam or completing continuing education credits.

10. International Council on Systems Engineering – Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) is an internationally recognized certification program for systems engineers. CSEP is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of systems engineering. The certification provides a benchmark for employers to assess the qualifications of potential employees, and for those already employed in the field to demonstrate their mastery of the discipline.

To become a CSEP, individuals must first meet certain prerequisites including having a minimum of five years’ experience in systems engineering and passing an exam that covers topics such as system life cycle processes, requirements development, architecture design and analysis, verification and validation, risk management, configuration management and more. Those who pass this exam are then eligible to apply for the CSEP designation.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all the requirements necessary to obtain a CSEP certification. During this time period applicants must complete an application form, provide evidence of their experience in systems engineering, pass a written examination administered by INCOSE or its approved testing centers and submit letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or supervisors.

The cost for obtaining a CSEP certification varies depending on which country you are applying from. Generally speaking it can range from $500 - $1,000 USD depending on fees associated with taking the exam as well as any other applicable fees associated with obtaining your certification.

Do You Really Need a Research and Development Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is that it depends on the individual and the situation. Having a Research and Development Engineer Certificate can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but it is not necessary for everyone.

For those who are already working in the field of research and development engineering, having a certificate can help to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, as well as provide them with additional credibility. It could also open up new opportunities for promotion or even job searches. Additionally, some employers may require applicants to have a certificate before they will consider hiring them.

On the other hand, there are many people who do not need a Research and Development Engineer Certificate to be successful in their career. For example, someone with significant experience and expertise in the field may find that they are able to get ahead without one. In addition, depending on the specific industry or position they are applying for, certificates may not be required at all.

At the end of the day, whether or not you need a Research and Development Engineer Certificate really depends on your own goals and objectives. If you feel like it would give you an edge in your current or future job search or career path, then it could be worth pursuing one. However, if you feel like you have enough experience and knowledge to get by without it, then it might not be necessary for you.

Related: Research and Development Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Research and Development Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Research and Development Engineers?

Answer: Certifications available for Research and Development Engineers include Certified Professional Engineer (CPE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), and Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB).

2. How long does it take to become a certified Research and Development Engineer?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become a certified Research and Development Engineer varies depending on the certification chosen. Generally, most certifications require at least two years of relevant work experience in addition to passing an exam.

3. What is the cost of obtaining a Research and Development Engineering Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Research and Development Engineering Certification varies based on the certification chosen, but typically ranges from $200 - $1000 USD. Additional costs may apply for study materials or practice exams.

4. How often must I renew my Research and Development Engineering Certification?

Answer: Renewal requirements vary depending on the certification chosen, but generally require proof of continuing education or professional development activities every three to five years in order to maintain the certification status.

5. Is there any benefit to obtaining a Research and Development Engineering Certification?

Answer: Yes! Obtaining a Research and Development Engineering Certification can help demonstrate capabilities in specific areas, provide credibility when applying for jobs, increase chances of promotion, as well as potentially lead to salary increases or bonuses.