Top 11 Technical Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for technical engineers in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that an engineer has a certain level of knowledge and experience in their field. By obtaining certifications, engineers can prove their expertise and show that they have taken the time to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices. Certifications also provide credibility to potential employers, which can help engineers stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can give engineers access to career opportunities that may not be available otherwise.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Technical Engineers and explains how they can contribute to a technical engineer's career.

What are Technical Engineer Certifications?

Technical engineer certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professionals in engineering-related fields. It is usually awarded after successful completion of an assessment or examination, which is designed to measure an individual’s technical aptitude and competence in a specific area.

Having a technical engineer certification can provide many benefits for professionals looking to advance their career. It can give employers assurance that candidates have the necessary know-how and experience to take on the complex tasks associated with engineering roles. Additionally, it can help demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, as well as a dedication to keeping up with industry best practices. Having this certification may also open up more job opportunities and provide access to specialized training programs or seminars. Furthermore, it can be beneficial in terms of salary negotiation, as having this credential may make candidates more competitive in the job market.

In conclusion, technical engineer certification is an important asset for any professional looking to build their career in the field of engineering. It can provide assurance to employers that candidates possess the required knowledge and skillset, while at the same time demonstrating commitment to continuous learning and development.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the technical engineer certification you are considering to ensure that it is well-recognized by employers in your field. Additionally, look for certifications that offer continuing education and online resources to help you stay up to date on the latest industry trends.

Related: What does a Technical Engineer do?

Top 11 Technical Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of a comprehensive body of knowledge in the field of information security and assurance. The CISSP certification validates a professional’s experience and competency in designing, implementing, and managing an organization’s overall security posture.

To obtain the CISSP certification, one must pass a rigorous exam that covers 8 domains of knowledge related to information security. These domains include Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Security Architecture and Design, Business Continuity Planning/Disaster Recovery Planning, Law Regulations & Compliance, and Operations Security.

The exam takes approximately 6 hours to complete and consists of 250 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least 5 years of cumulative paid full-time work experience in two or more of the 8 domains listed above. Candidates may also substitute one year of higher education for one year of work experience if they hold a 4-year college degree or regional equivalent or higher.

The cost for the CISSP exam is $699 USD when taken through ISC2 directly or through their approved test centers. There are additional fees associated with recertification every three years which includes continuing professional education credits as well as an annual membership fee.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to help IT professionals understand and identify potential security risks within their networks and systems. The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking techniques.

The CEH certification takes approximately five days to complete. During this time, students will learn how to use various tools and techniques for penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and social engineering. They will also be taught about different types of malware, methods for detecting malicious activity, and countermeasures for preventing future attacks.

To get the CEH certification, individuals must first pass the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker exam. This exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions that must be completed in four hours or less. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in information security or related fields in order to qualify for the CEH certification. Once they have met these requirements, they can apply for their certificate through the EC-Council’s website.

3. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for entry-level IT professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to perform foundational IT support tasks, such as setting up hardware and software, troubleshooting basic problems, and providing customer service.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the exam and pass it. The exam consists of two parts: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Each part has 90 questions that must be completed in 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 675 out of 900 possible points.

To get CompTIA A+, you will need to purchase a voucher from CompTIA or its authorized partners. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location but generally ranges between $200-$300 USD. You can then register for the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you. Once you have passed both parts of the exam, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certification.

4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification that validates an individual's ability to design and deploy applications on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. It is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of designing, deploying, and operating applications on the AWS platform.

The exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions designed to test an individual’s understanding of the AWS platform. The exam takes approximately 80 minutes to complete and costs $150 USD.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam through the AWS Certification Portal. You will then need to take a practice exam before taking the actual exam. Once you have completed the practice exam, you can then schedule your actual exam by selecting a date and time that works best for you.

Once you have taken and passed the exam, you will receive your certification within 5 business days via email from Amazon Web Services. The cost of the certification is $150 USD, which is nonrefundable once you have registered for it.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in designing, implementing, and managing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. It is the highest level of Microsoft certification for IT professionals who work with Microsoft products and services.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete all of the necessary requirements for an MCSE certification. To become certified, you must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as Windows Server, Azure, Office 365, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, and System Center. The cost of each exam varies depending on the type of exam and the number of exams required. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per exam.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

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

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the PMP exam. To be eligible for the exam, individuals must have at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, or a four-year degree plus three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

To get certified as a PMP, individuals must first apply for the certification through PMI’s website. Once approved, they will receive an authorization to test letter from PMI which will provide instructions on how to register for the exam. The cost of taking the exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals must complete 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in networking. It is the entry-level certification for network professionals, and it covers a wide range of topics related to networking, including routing, switching, wireless access, security, and more.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CCNA exam. To get started, you'll need to take an approved training course or self-study using official Cisco materials. Once you've completed your preparation, you can register for the exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally ranges from $300-$400 USD.

The CCNA certification is valid for three years after which time you must recertify by either taking another CCNA exam or passing any other current Cisco professional-level exam such as a CCNP or CCIE.

8. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

The Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program offered by Oracle that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering Oracle databases. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the field of database administration and covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, tuning, backup and recovery, troubleshooting and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete the OCP certification process. First, you must pass the 1Z0-071: Oracle Database 12c SQL exam. This exam tests your knowledge of SQL language fundamentals and database administration tasks. After passing this exam, you must then pass the 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration exam. This exam tests your understanding of database architecture, installation procedures, configuration options, security management and more.

Once you have passed both exams with a minimum score of 70%, you will be awarded the OCP certification. You can then apply for jobs or promotions that require an OCP certification or use it to validate your expertise in database administration.

The cost of taking the two required exams varies depending on where you take them. The 1Z0-071: Oracle Database 12c SQL exam costs $245 USD while the 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration exam costs $245 USD as well.

9. Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) is a professional certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, secure, and manage wireless networks. It is administered by the CWNP Program, an independent organization that provides vendor-neutral certifications for wireless networking professionals.

The CWNP program consists of four levels of certification: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS), Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP), and Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP). Each level requires passing an exam that tests your knowledge in a specific area of wireless networking.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all four levels of certification. The amount of time it takes depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying for each exam and how quickly you can master the material.

To get certified, you must first register with the CWNP Program and purchase a study guide or course materials for each exam. You then need to pass each exam with a minimum score of 70%. After completing all four exams, you will receive your official CWNP certificate from the CWNP Program.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which study materials you choose and where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD to become fully certified in all four levels of the program.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of mastery in Six Sigma methodology. Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools used to improve business processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. The Green Belt certification indicates that an individual has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage projects using the Six Sigma methodologies.

The Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes between three months to one year to complete. It involves completing an approved course or program, passing an exam, and having at least three years of work experience in a related field. The course or program must be approved by ASQ or another recognized certifying body.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete the required training program or course. This can be done online or in-person depending on your preference. After completing the training program, you will need to pass an exam administered by ASQ or another certifying body. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from ASQ or another certifying body.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on where you take your courses and which certifying body administers your exam. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for both the training program and exam fees combined.

11. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source software and services. The RHCE certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the field of Linux system administration.

The RHCE exam consists of two parts: a performance-based exam and a written exam. The performance-based exam requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of general Linux concepts as well as specific topics related to Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the RHCE exam. During this time, candidates should study materials provided by Red Hat such as books, online courses, and practice exams. Candidates can also take advantage of resources such as forums and blogs dedicated to helping those preparing for the RHCE exam.

In order to take the RHCE exam, candidates must first purchase an Exam Preparation Kit from Red Hat which includes access to online course material and practice exams. After purchasing the kit, candidates can register for an available testing date at one of Red Hat's authorized testing centers located around the world.

The cost of taking the RHCE exam varies depending on where you are taking it but generally ranges from $400 - $600 USD.

Do You Really Need a Technical Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a technical engineer certificate to pursue a career in engineering. Although having one can be beneficial, it is not necessary for someone to become an engineer.

Engineering is a field that requires an understanding of many different topics and skills. Depending on the type of engineering one wants to pursue, they may need to acquire certain certifications or licenses in order to practice professionally. For example, many engineers must have a Professional Engineer (PE) license before they can work in certain areas such as mechanical or electrical engineering. However, this requirement varies from state to state.

Though having a technical engineer certificate may make it easier for employers to recognize your skills and abilities, it is not necessarily required for all types of engineering jobs. Many engineers start out with just an undergraduate degree in the specific field of engineering they want to pursue and further their education through on-the-job training or by attending professional development courses offered by their employer. This allows them to gain experience and knowledge without having to invest heavily into obtaining a certification or license.

In conclusion, although having a technical engineer certificate may provide some benefits when pursuing a career in engineering, it is not essential for getting started in the field. With dedication and hard work, anyone can become an engineer without needing any additional credentials beyond those required by law in their jurisdiction.

Related: Technical Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Engineer Certifications

1. How do I get a Technical Engineer Certification?

Answer: You can obtain a Technical Engineer Certification by passing an exam administered by a professional engineering organization or by completing a technical engineering program at an accredited college or university.

2. What are the benefits of having a Technical Engineer Certification?

Answer: Having a Technical Engineer Certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field of technical engineering. It can also open up career advancement opportunities, as well as higher salaries for those with certifications.

3. What is the difference between a certification and a degree?

Answer: A certification is typically awarded after passing an exam or completing an educational program, while degrees are earned after completing an extended course of study at an accredited college or university. Certifications often focus on specific areas of expertise, while degrees provide more general knowledge and skills.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Technical Engineer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a certification depends on the type of certification you are seeking, as well as your level of experience in the field. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified in technical engineering depending on your background and the requirements of the certification program you choose to pursue.

5. Are there any costs associated with obtaining a Technical Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be costs associated with obtaining a Technical Engineer Certification, such as exam fees and tuition for courses or programs related to technical engineering that may be required for certification eligibility.