Top 11 Tool Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for tool designers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. They show potential employers that the individual has gone through a certain level of training, is up-to-date on industry standards, and is knowledgeable about the specific tools they will be working with. Certifications also demonstrate to employers that the person has taken the initiative to learn more about their field and stay competitive in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Tool Designers and explains how they can help to advance a tool designer's career.

What are Tool Designer Certifications?

Tool Designer Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes and validates the skills, knowledge, and experience of tool designers. It is designed to provide employers with an objective measure of a tool designer's ability to design complex tooling systems in accordance with industry standards. Certification also provides a benchmark for evaluating the qualifications of potential job applicants, helping employers identify candidates who possess the necessary qualifications to perform effectively in their role.

By obtaining Tool Designer Certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional development and demonstrate their proficiency in the field. With this certification, tool designers can showcase their proficiency and expertise in designing tools for various applications. This can help them stand out among other applicants when applying for a job or promotion and may even lead to higher salaries. Additionally, certification can help employers verify that their tools are designed safely and meet industry standards. As Tool Designer Certification is often considered an essential qualification by many employers, obtaining certification may be essential for those seeking employment or advancement within this field.

Pro Tip: Before attempting to take a tool designer certification exam, make sure you have thoroughly studied the material and know how to use the tools that are being tested. Additionally, practice using the tools in a real-world setting prior to taking the exam so you can demonstrate your knowledge of their application.

Related: What does a Tool Designer do?

Top 11 Tool Designer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Tool Designers today.

1. Certified Tool Design Professional (CTDP)

Certified Tool Design Professional (CTDP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). The CTDP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the tool design process and can produce successful results in a timely manner.

The CTDP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as CAD/CAM, CNC programming, machining processes, tool design principles, and materials science. The exam is administered by AMT and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CTDP, applicants must have at least two years of experience in tool design or related fields. Applicants must also submit proof of their work experience and education credentials. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam online.

The cost of the CTDP certification varies depending on the applicant's location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to obtain the certification.

2. Certified Tool Designer (CTD)

Certified Tool Designer (CTD) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Tool Engineers (ASTE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the design and manufacture of tools and dies. The program consists of four levels: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Grandmaster.

The length of time it takes to complete the CTD program depends on the individual’s experience and commitment to learning. Generally, it takes at least two years to become an Apprentice CTD, three years for Journeyman CTD, five years for Master CTD, and seven years for Grandmaster CTD.

To become certified as a CTD, you must pass an exam administered by ASTE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions about tool design principles and practices. You must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge and skill in designing tools and dies.

The cost of becoming certified as a CTD varies depending on the level you are seeking certification at. Generally speaking, Apprentices pay $150 for their exam fee; Journeymen pay $200; Masters pay $250; and Grandmasters pay $300.

3. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CME)

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CME) is a professional certification issued by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). The CME certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of manufacturing engineering. The CME certification is designed to identify those who have achieved a level of mastery in the fundamentals and principles of manufacturing engineering, as well as the ability to apply them in their work.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination administered by SME. Generally, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or technology from an accredited college or university, plus three years of professional experience in manufacturing engineering. They must also demonstrate that they possess the necessary skills to perform effectively as a manufacturing engineer.

The CME exam consists of two parts: Part A focuses on general knowledge and principles related to manufacturing engineering; Part B focuses on specific topics such as quality assurance, safety, design for manufacturability, process planning, production systems, etc. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CME exam varies depending on whether you are an SME member or non-member. For members it costs $300; for non-members it costs $400.

4. 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 skills in quality engineering, management, and assurance. It is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s ability to understand and apply quality engineering principles and practices.

In order to become certified as a CQE, one must pass the CQE exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality control, quality assurance, design of experiments, statistical process control, process capability analysis, reliability engineering, and more. The exam is divided into two parts: Part A covers general concepts of quality engineering; Part B covers specific areas of expertise.

It typically takes approximately 6 months to prepare for the CQE exam. This includes studying relevant material from books or online courses, attending seminars or workshops related to quality engineering topics, and taking practice exams.

The cost of taking the CQE exam varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD for members of ASQ and $600 USD for non-members.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their ability to lead, manage, and execute projects using the Six Sigma process. It also provides recognition to those who have mastered the tools, techniques, and methods of Six Sigma.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between four and six months to complete depending on the individual's learning style and availability. To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, an individual must first complete a training program in which they learn the principles of Six Sigma, including its core concepts, methodologies, and best practices. Once they have completed the training program, they must then pass a certification exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification can vary depending on the provider you choose for your training program. Generally speaking, most providers will charge between $500 - $2,000 for their courses. Additionally, some organizations may require additional fees for exams or other materials related to earning your certification.

6. Autodesk Inventor Professional Certification

Autodesk Inventor Professional Certification is a professional certification program that provides users with the skills and knowledge to use Autodesk Inventor software. This certification is designed to help users become more proficient in creating 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and simulations. The certification also covers topics such as design optimization, motion analysis, stress analysis, and sheet metal design.

The Autodesk Inventor Professional Certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least 6 months of experience using Autodesk Inventor software or have taken an Autodesk authorized training course. You will also need to create a profile on the Autodesk website before taking the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your region but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official Autodesk Inventor Professional Certification badge which can be displayed on your resume or portfolio.

7. SolidWorks Professional Certification

SolidWorks Professional Certification is a certification program offered by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation. It is designed to validate the skills of experienced SolidWorks users and provide them with an official recognition of their proficiency in the software.

The certification process takes approximately two weeks to complete. It consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on assessment. The online exam tests the user’s knowledge of basic SolidWorks features, commands, and tools. The hands-on assessment evaluates the user’s ability to use SolidWorks effectively by completing tasks that demonstrate their proficiency in the software.

To get certified, users must first register for the certification program on the SolidWorks website. They will then be given access to a learning portal that contains all the materials they need to prepare for the exam and assessment. After studying these materials, users can take the online exam and submit their completed assessment to receive their certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which version of SolidWorks you are using (Standard or Professional). For Standard users, it costs $99 USD; for Professional users, it costs $299 USD.

8. Mastercam CAD/CAM Professional Certification

Mastercam CAD/CAM Professional Certification is a certification program offered by CNC Software, Inc., the developers of Mastercam. It is designed to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the use of Mastercam software.

The certification program consists of two tests: the Core Test and the Advanced Test. The Core Test covers basic concepts and features of Mastercam, while the Advanced Test focuses on more complex topics such as toolpaths, machining strategies, and post-processing. Each test is approximately three hours long and must be completed within one year from the start date.

To get certified, you must first complete an online application form and pay a fee of $300 (US). Once your application has been approved, you will receive instructions on how to access the online testing system. After passing both tests with a score of 80% or higher, you will become a Certified Mastercam Professional and receive a certificate from CNC Software.

The cost for becoming a Certified Mastercam Professional is $300 (US). This fee includes access to both tests as well as any additional materials needed for preparation.

9. CATIA V5 Design and Drafting Professional Certification

CATIA V5 Design and Drafting Professional Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Dassault Systèmes. It is designed to help individuals gain expertise in the use of CATIA V5 software for design and drafting. The certification covers topics such as 3D modeling, assembly design, kinematics, sheet metal design, surface modeling, and more.

The duration of the certification program depends on the individual’s background and experience with CATIA V5 software. Generally, it takes around 40 hours of study time to complete the certification.

To get certified in CATIA V5 Design and Drafting Professional Certification, individuals must pass an online exam administered by Dassault Systèmes. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess knowledge on topics related to CATIA V5 software.

The cost of the CATIA V5 Design and Drafting Professional Certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam. Generally, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam.

10. ANSYS Finite Element Analysis Professional Certification

ANSYS Finite Element Analysis Professional Certification is a certification program offered by ANSYS, Inc. to demonstrate proficiency in the use of their finite element analysis (FEA) software. This certification is designed for experienced engineers and analysts who have a working knowledge of FEA and want to prove their expertise.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of FEA theory and application, while the practical project requires them to complete an actual FEA project using ANSYS software. The total time needed to complete the certification varies depending on the individual's experience level, but typically takes between one and three months.

To get certified, candidates must first register with ANSYS, Inc., then purchase an exam voucher from the company website. After purchasing the voucher, they can schedule their online exam at any time that is convenient for them. Once they have successfully passed the online exam, they will receive instructions on how to submit their practical project for review. Upon completion of both parts of the certification process, candidates will be issued a certificate verifying their professional status as an ANSYS Finite Element Analysis Professional.

The cost of obtaining this certification depends on which version of ANSYS software you are using; however, it typically ranges from $200 - $500 USD per person for both parts of the certification process combined.

11. Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Focus on Tool Design

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Focus on Tool Design is a specialized degree program offered by many universities. It combines the traditional mechanical engineering curriculum with an emphasis on tool design and manufacturing. The program typically takes two years to complete, although some schools may offer accelerated tracks that can be completed in less time.

To get this degree, you must first have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. You will then need to take courses specifically related to tool design and manufacturing, such as CAD/CAM, metrology, and machine shop operations. Other courses may include material science, robotics, and automation. Many programs also require students to complete a thesis or research project related to tool design and manufacturing.

The cost of the degree will vary depending on the school you attend and any financial aid you receive. Generally speaking, tuition for this type of program ranges from around $15,000-$30,000 per year for public schools and up to $50,000+ per year for private institutions. Additional fees such as books and lab fees may also apply.

Once you have completed your studies, you will be qualified to work as a tool designer or engineer in the industrial sector. With this degree, you can expect to find job opportunities in various industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, medical device production, and more.

Do You Really Need a Tool Designer Certificate?

No, you do not need a tool designer certificate to be successful in the field of tool design. While having a professional certification may help demonstrate your qualifications, it is not necessary for success in the field.

In fact, many tool designers are highly successful without any formal training or education. This is because they have developed an extensive knowledge of tools and their various components through years of on-the-job experience. They understand how different tools work and can create custom solutions for specific applications.

In addition, many employers look for creative problem solvers who can think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. To be successful as a tool designer, you must be able to think critically and come up with creative ideas that will help solve customer problems.

Finally, having a good understanding of engineering principles is essential for any tool designer. You must have a good grasp of mathematics, physics, and other sciences in order to be able to create effective designs that meet customer needs.

In conclusion, while having a professional certification may be beneficial for some people looking to enter the field of tool design, it is not necessary for success in this profession. Having strong technical skills and problem solving abilities are much more important than having an official certificate or degree.

Related: Tool Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Tool Designer Certifications

1. What is a Tool Designer Certification?

Answer: A Tool Designer Certification is a professional qualification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to design, develop, and fabricate tools for use in manufacturing processes.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Tool Designer Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Tool Designer Certification include improved job prospects, increased salary potential, and enhanced credibility within the industry. Additionally, certification can provide access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

3. How do I become certified as a Tool Designer?

Answer: To become certified as a Tool Designer, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). This exam will test your knowledge of tool design principles and practices.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Tool Designer Certification?

Answer: The amount of time needed to obtain certification will vary depending on your experience level and study habits; however, most people can complete the process within 4-6 months.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Tool Designer?

Answer: Yes, some certifying organizations may require applicants to have prior experience or education in tool design before taking the certification exam. Additionally, you may be required to submit proof of completion from previous training programs or courses related to tool design principles.