Top 10 Senior Manufacturing Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a senior manufacturing engineer in the job market because they provide evidence of a high level of knowledge and expertise. Certification shows potential employers that the engineer is up to date on industry standards and trends, as well as has the skills necessary to successfully perform in their role. Certifications demonstrate that the engineer has invested time and resources into their professional development, which can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can open up new career opportunities and can lead to higher salaries or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Senior Manufacturing Engineers and explain how they can help to advance a senior manufacturing engineer's career.

What are Senior Manufacturing Engineer Certifications?

Senior Manufacturing Engineer certification is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of experienced manufacturing engineers. This certification program provides an opportunity for senior-level engineers to demonstrate their skills, abilities, and experience in the field of manufacturing engineering. It also helps to validate the knowledge and experience of certified individuals as they apply for jobs or take on new roles within their current organization.

The certification is awarded by the American Society of Manufacturing Engineers (ASME) after a successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as production planning, process control, quality assurance, cost analysis, and business operations. The exam serves as an objective measure of proficiency in the areas needed to be successful in a manufacturing engineering role. By passing this exam, an individual can demonstrate his/her knowledge and experience with manufacturing processes and techniques.

In addition to demonstrating expertise in these technical areas, having this certification can also help individuals stand out from other job applicants or when taking on a leadership role within their current organization. This is because it shows employers that you have been tested and certified at an advanced level in your area of expertise—manufacturing engineering—and are highly qualified for the position you are applying for or the role you are taking on. It also serves as a testament to your commitment to excellence in your field and can help you earn higher pay grades or promotions within your organization.

Pro Tip: To become a senior manufacturing engineer, it is important to pursue certification in the field. Many organizations offer certifications at varying levels, so it is important to research which one best suits your expertise and experience. Additionally, many professional associations provide resources and support for those pursuing certification.

Related: What does a Senior Manufacturing Engineer do?

Top 10 Senior Manufacturing Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a professional certification credential offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). The CMfgE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in manufacturing engineering, including knowledge of the principles and practices of modern manufacturing processes, materials, and systems.

To become certified as a CMfgE, an individual must pass a comprehensive written examination that covers topics such as design for manufacturability; quality control; production planning and scheduling; cost analysis; lean manufacturing; automation and robotics; materials handling; safety and environmental regulations; computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM); and other related topics.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete. It is administered twice a year at various locations throughout the United States. The cost of taking the exam is $475 for SME members or $575 for non-members.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of full-time work experience in manufacturing engineering or related fields. They must also have completed at least one year of college coursework in engineering technology or related fields.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their official CMfgE certificate from SME. This certificate signifies that they have achieved a high level of expertise in manufacturing engineering and can help them stand out among their peers when applying for jobs or promotions.

2. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and expertise in quality engineering principles, practices, and techniques. CQEs are expected to have a thorough understanding of quality assurance, control, and management systems.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified as a CQE, applicants must pass the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the applicant's knowledge of quality engineering principles, practices, and techniques. The exam is administered at various locations around the world and can be taken online or in person.

To apply for the CQE certification, applicants must have a minimum of eight years of work experience in quality engineering or related fields. They must also submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university showing completion of at least three courses in quality engineering topics such as statistics, design of experiments, sampling plans, reliability theory, etc.

The cost for taking the CQE exam varies depending on the country where it is taken but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

3. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CPIM program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities in an organization.

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 covers topics such as supply chain management principles, inventory control techniques, production planning systems, scheduling methods, performance measurement techniques, quality control procedures, and more.

It typically takes about one year to complete the CPIM program. To get certified, individuals must pass all five exams within three years. The exams are administered by APICS or its authorized partners.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on the type of membership you choose. APICS offers two types of memberships: Professional Membership ($155 per year) or Student Membership ($50 per year). The cost for each exam is $230 for Professional Members and $105 for Student Members.

4. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the Lean Six Sigma methodology and have achieved an advanced level of competency in leading improvement projects. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in process optimization, problem solving, and data-driven decision making. The CLSSBB certification requires a combination of classroom training, hands-on experience, and successful completion of an exam.

The typical length for the CLSSBB program is about four weeks of classroom instruction and two weeks of self-study. During the course, students will learn the principles of Lean Six Sigma, including its core tools and techniques such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), Kaizen events, 5S workplace organization, value stream mapping, and statistical process control. They will also gain practical experience by working on real-world projects using Lean Six Sigma methods.

To get certified as a CLSSBB, you must complete the required coursework and pass a comprehensive exam administered by an accredited certifying body such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost of the certification varies depending on which certifying body you choose to go through but typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 USD. Additionally, you may need to pay for any additional training materials or exams fees associated with your chosen certifying body.

5. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of reliability engineering. This certification is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To become a CRE, an individual must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as reliability principles, risk management, design for reliability, system performance analysis, and failure analysis.

The exam typically takes three to four hours to complete and costs $450 USD ($550 USD for non-members). To prepare for the exam, ASQ offers a variety of study materials including books, online courses, practice exams, and webinars. Additionally, there are several third-party organizations that offer training courses specifically designed to help individuals prepare for the CRE exam.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of professional experience in reliability engineering or related fields. Once these requirements are met and the exam is passed successfully, applicants will be awarded their CRE certification from ASQ.

6. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in supply management.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Executive. Each level requires the completion of an exam and the completion of an approved course or equivalent experience. The exams are offered twice a year at various locations around the world.

To get the CPSM certification, you must first pass all three levels of exams within five years from your initial registration date. You must also complete an approved course or equivalent experience for each level before taking the exam.

The cost for taking all three levels of exams is $1,795 USD for ISM members and $2,295 USD for non-members. This cost includes access to study materials and practice tests as well as the exam fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with completing an approved course or equivalent experience depending on where you take it.

7. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge, experience and skill in the maintenance and reliability field. The CMRP certification is recognized as the premier credential for professionals in maintenance, reliability and physical asset management.

The CMRP program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application. The written exam covers topics such as maintenance planning, scheduling, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, safety, quality assurance and more. The practical application requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge gained from the written exam in real-world situations.

It typically takes between six months to one year of study to prepare for the CMRP exam. To become certified, applicants must pass both the written exam and practical application components with a score of 70% or higher on each part.

The cost of obtaining the CMRP certification varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or not. For non-members, it costs $495 USD for both components of the exam; for members it costs $395 USD.

8. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQM program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality management principles and practices.

The CQM program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and statistical analysis. The oral exam focuses on the candidate's ability to apply the knowledge gained from the written exam to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CQM program. Candidates must first submit an application to ASQ and then take the written and oral exams. After passing both exams, candidates will receive their CQM certification.

The cost of the CQM program varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, it costs $395 while non-members pay $495.

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

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the areas of quality management and organizational excellence. The CMQ/OE credential is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality and their ability to lead organizations towards excellence.

To become certified, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality management principles, process improvement strategies, customer satisfaction, leadership development, and organizational change. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first meet certain prerequisites. This includes having at least five years of experience in quality or organizational excellence management or having earned a degree from an accredited institution in a related field. Applicants must also join ASQ as a member before registering for the exam.

The cost of the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, the cost is $399 USD while non-members pay $499 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and travel expenses if you choose to take the exam at an offsite location.

Overall, it typically takes between four to six months to complete all requirements for the CMQ/OE certification including studying for the exam and completing any necessary paperwork or prerequisites.

10. American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Senior Level Certification Program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Senior Level Certification Program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced manufacturing engineers. This certification is intended to provide employers with assurance that certified professionals have demonstrated their expertise in the areas of manufacturing engineering technology, including design, analysis, materials selection, production planning and control, quality control and assurance, and cost estimation.

The ASME Senior Level Certification Program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology requires applicants to pass an exam which consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section covers topics such as material properties, process selection and optimization, measurement systems analysis, product design principles and practices, production planning and control systems, quality control methods, cost estimation techniques, safety considerations for manufacturing systems, and other related topics. The essay section requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the principles of manufacturing engineering technology by writing a short essay on a given topic.

In order to be eligible for the ASME Senior Level Certification Program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology certification exam applicants must have at least five years of experience working in a manufacturing engineering role or equivalent position. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of at least one college-level course related to manufacturing engineering technology or equivalent training program.

The ASME Senior Level Certification Program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology certification exam is offered twice per year at various locations throughout the United States. The exam fee is $600 USD and includes all necessary materials for taking the exam as well as access to online resources for studying prior to taking the exam.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the ASME Senior Level Certification Program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology certification exam they will receive a certificate from ASME recognizing their achievement as well as access to additional resources such as networking opportunities with other certified professionals and discounts on future exams or courses related to manufacturing engineering technology.

Do You Really Need a Senior Manufacturing Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a senior manufacturing engineer certificate may be an important step in advancing their career prospects, while for others it may not be necessary.

For those who are seeking employment as a senior manufacturing engineer, having a certificate can demonstrate expertise and knowledge of the field to potential employers. A certificate can also be beneficial for individuals who want to specialize in certain areas within the field, such as process engineering or quality assurance.

On the other hand, if an individual already has experience in manufacturing engineering and is looking to move up in their current position or organization, they may not need a certificate. In this case, demonstrating their skills through work experience may be enough to get them promoted or hired into a new job.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a senior manufacturing engineer certificate should depend on their individual situation and career aspirations. It is important for each person to do their own research and consider what would best suit them in order to make an informed decision.

Related: Senior Manufacturing Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Manufacturing Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Senior Manufacturing Engineers?

Answer: Professional Engineer (PE) in Manufacturing Engineering, Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), and Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

2. How do I become a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer?

Answer: To become a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will need to complete the necessary training courses, gain experience in the field, and pass an exam administered by the certification organization.

3. How long does it take to become a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer?

Answer: It typically takes 4-6 years of experience and study to become a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer.

4. What is the cost of becoming a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer?

Answer: The cost of becoming a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer varies depending on the certification organization and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer?

Answer: Yes, there are online courses available for becoming a certified Senior Manufacturing Engineer such as those offered by ASME and SME.