Top 10 Tooling Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a tooling engineer in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that they have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job. Certifications also provide assurance that the engineer has met certain standards of excellence, which can help them stand out from other candidates. Additionally, certifications may be required or preferred by certain employers, so having them can increase an engineer's chances of being hired. Finally, certifications may open up opportunities for advancement and higher pay.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Tooling Engineers and explains how they can contribute to a tooling engineer's career by providing additional knowledge, skills, and credentials.

What are Tooling Engineer Certifications?

Tooling Engineer Certification is a type of certification that demonstrates proficiency in the area of tool engineering. It is awarded by organizations such as the International Tooling and Machining Association (ITMA) and the American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers (ASTME). This certification is designed to help those who are looking to advance their career or gain recognition in the field of tool engineering.

This certification demonstrates that individuals have achieved a level of expertise in tool engineering, which can be beneficial for employers looking for qualified candidates. It also helps individuals stand out from other job seekers and can help them secure higher salaries or promotions. Additionally, this certification can be used to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to continuing education and professional development.

In order to receive this certification, applicants must complete a number of requirements including passing examinations, completing required classes, and providing proof of work experience in the field. The requirements vary depending on the organization awarding the certification but typically include coursework related to tool engineering principles, mathematics, materials science, machining processes, safety procedures, and quality assurance methods. With this certification, engineers can prove their knowledge and skill set while also demonstrating their dedication to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Pro Tip: When considering tooling engineer certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and determine which one best meets your needs. Additionally, take advantage of free online courses or workshops to gain a better understanding of the topics covered in certification exams. Finally, if possible, find a mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout the certification process.

Related: What does a Tooling Engineer do?

Top 10 Tooling Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Tooling Engineer (CTE)

Certified Tooling Engineer (CTE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers (ASTME). The CTE credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and expertise in the field of tooling engineering.

To become certified as a CTE, an individual must pass an exam administered by ASTME. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to the design, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of tooling systems. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

In order to sit for the exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience in tooling engineering or related fields; completion of an approved ASTME training program; and passing a background check.

The cost for taking the CTE exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ASTME. For members, the cost is $200; for non-members it is $250.

2. Certified Tooling and Machining Professional (CTMP)

Certified Tooling and Machining Professional (CTMP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the tooling and machining industry. The certification is offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

The CTMP certification requires that applicants demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the tooling and machining industry. This includes topics such as safety, blueprint reading, metrology, materials selection, machine setup, cutting tools, and quality control.

To obtain the CTMP certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by NIMS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to the tooling and machining industry. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to be certified.

The cost of taking the CTMP exam varies depending on where you take it. It typically costs between $100-$200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or taking preparatory courses.

It usually takes about two weeks for NIMS to process your application and issue your certificate once you have passed the exam.

3. Certified Tool Design Engineer (CTDE)

Certified Tool Design Engineer (CTDE) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of tool design engineering. This certification is offered by the American Society of Tool Engineers (ASTE).

To get certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in tool design engineering or related fields. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as CAD/CAM software, mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CTDE certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. Generally, it costs around $200 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be fees associated with obtaining study materials or taking practice tests prior to the exam.

Once an individual has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CTDE certificate and become a Certified Tool Design Engineer. This certification can help individuals stand out in their field and demonstrate their expertise in tool design engineering to potential employers or clients.

4. Certified Tool Manufacturing Engineer (CTME)

Certified Tool Manufacturing Engineer (CTME) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Tool Engineers (AITE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of tool manufacturing. The CTME certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of tool design, materials selection, machining processes, quality control, and other related topics.

In order to become certified as a CTME, applicants must pass an exam administered by the AITE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of tool engineering and manufacturing. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field.

The process for becoming certified as a CTME typically takes about six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants will need to complete an application form, pay the required fees, and prepare for the exam. Once they have passed the exam and submitted their portfolio, they will be notified if they have been approved for certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CTME varies depending on the applicant’s experience level and location. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified as a CTME.

5. Certified Plastic Injection Molding Technician (CPIMT)

Certified Plastic Injection Molding Technician (CPIMT) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in the plastic injection molding industry. The CPIMT program was developed by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) in collaboration with the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA).

The CPIMT certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, tooling, materials, processes, quality control, troubleshooting and maintenance. The exam is composed of 75 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants receive their CPIMT certification.

The cost for taking the CPIMT exam is $250 USD. The fee covers all materials needed for taking the exam as well as a one-year membership in SPE. Applicants must be 18 years or older to take the exam and must have at least two years of experience in plastic injection molding or related fields.

Applicants can apply for the CPIMT certification online through SPE's website or by mail using an application form provided by SPE. Once an applicant has applied for the certification, they will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time.

6. Certified CNC Machinist/Programmer (CCMPCP)

Certified CNC Machinist/Programmer (CCMPCP) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of machinists who are proficient in programming and operating CNC machines.

To become certified as a CCMPCP, applicants must first pass a written exam that covers topics such as CNC machine operations, programming principles, safety practices, quality control techniques, and more. After passing the written exam, applicants must then complete a hands-on evaluation of their machining skills on an actual CNC machine.

The entire process typically takes about three months to complete. The cost of the certification depends on the applicant's location and can range from $200-$500.

7. Certified Metalworking Machinist/Programmer (CMMPCP)

Certified Metalworking Machinist/Programmer (CMMPCP) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become proficient in metalworking machining and programming. The CMMPCP certification is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as meeting industry standards for quality assurance and safety.

The program consists of four levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires a minimum number of hours of study and testing to be completed before certification can be obtained.

In order to obtain the CMMPCP certification, an individual must first complete the Basic level coursework. This typically takes about 40 hours of study and includes topics such as safety, tooling, machine operations, setup procedures, programming techniques, and quality control. After completing the Basic level coursework, an individual must pass a written exam administered by ANSI in order to receive their CMMPCP certificate.

The Intermediate level coursework requires an additional 80 hours of study and focuses on more advanced topics such as CAD/CAM programming techniques, advanced machine operations, troubleshooting techniques, process optimization strategies, and statistical process control methods. Once again an individual must pass a written exam administered by ANSI in order to receive their CMMPCP certificate at this level.

The Advanced level coursework requires an additional 160 hours of study and focuses on topics such as advanced CAD/CAM programming techniques, high-speed machining processes, robotics programming techniques, metrology principles and practices for dimensional accuracy verification purposes. After completing this level of coursework an individual must pass a written exam administered by ANSI in order to receive their CMMPCP certificate at this level.

Finally the Master Level coursework requires an additional 320 hours of study which covers topics such as advanced robotics programming techniques for automated manufacturing systems; design for manufacturability principles; material selection criteria; cost estimation methods; process planning strategies; production scheduling methods; production control systems; quality assurance principles; lean manufacturing concepts; computer integrated manufacturing systems; maintenance management systems; industrial engineering principles; ergonomics principles; environmental health & safety regulations & standards; project management methodology & tools; business communication skills & strategies etc.. Once again an individual must pass a written exam administered by ANSI in order to receive their CMMPCP certificate at this level.

The cost for each level varies depending on where you take the courses from but typically ranges from $500-$1000 per level plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the courses or exams online or through your local community college or trade school.

8. Certified Quality Assurance Inspector for Tooling and Machining (CQAITM)

Certified Quality Assurance Inspector for Tooling and Machining (CQAITM) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for ensuring that tooling and machining processes meet quality standards. This certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CQAITM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in tooling or machining quality assurance, as well as a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as metrology, inspection techniques, statistical process control, and quality management systems.

It takes approximately four months to complete the CQAITM certification program. During this time, applicants must complete an online application form, submit their transcripts and other documentation, take the exam, and receive their results.

The cost of the CQAITM certification program varies depending on the applicant’s location. In general, it costs around $500-$800 to apply for the program and take the exam.

Once certified, CQAITM professionals can demonstrate their expertise in tooling and machining quality assurance processes to employers. They may also be eligible for higher salaries or promotions within their organization.

9. Certified Die Casting Technician (CDCT)

Certified Die Casting Technician (CDCT) is a certification program developed by the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency in die casting processes and procedures.

The CDCT program consists of three levels: Certified Die Casting Technician (Level I), Advanced Certified Die Casting Technician (Level II), and Master Certified Die Casting Technician (Level III). Each level requires the completion of an exam, which covers topics such as die design, material selection, process optimization, quality control, safety, and troubleshooting.

To become certified at any level, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the die casting industry. Depending on the applicant’s current level of knowledge and experience, it can take anywhere from one month to one year to complete all three levels of certification.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on the level being taken. The Level I exam costs $150 USD; Level II costs $200 USD; and Level III costs $250 USD. There are also additional fees for study materials and application processing.

Overall, becoming a CDCT can be a valuable asset to any die casting professional looking to demonstrate their expertise in the field. By obtaining this certification, individuals can increase their credibility in the industry and open up new opportunities for career advancement.

10. Certified Automated Equipment Operator/Technician (CAEOT).

Certified Automated Equipment Operator/Technician (CAEOT) is a certification program for individuals who operate and maintain automated equipment in industrial settings. This certification is designed to ensure that operators are knowledgeable and competent in the operation of automated equipment, as well as its maintenance and troubleshooting.

It typically takes around 6-8 months to complete the CAEOT program, depending on how much time the individual can dedicate to studying. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The exam covers topics such as safety, operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated systems.

The cost of the CAEOT certification varies depending on the provider. However, it typically ranges from $400-$800 USD for the exam fee alone. Additional costs may include study materials and other related expenses.

Do You Really Need a Tooling Engineer Certificate?

The answer to whether you need a tooling engineer certificate depends on your individual goals and career path. If you are already an experienced tooling engineer, the certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are just beginning a career in tooling engineering or are looking to advance within the field, a certificate could be beneficial.

A tooling engineer certificate can provide evidence of your skills and knowledge in the field, which can make you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. It can also demonstrate that you are committed to learning and growing as an engineer, which is highly valued by employers. Additionally, certain certifications may open up more job opportunities for you or allow you to work with higher-level projects than without certification.

Ultimately, it comes down to your own personal goals for your career and what you want to achieve in the industry. A tooling engineer certificate can be beneficial if it helps further those goals.

Related: Tooling Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Tooling Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is a Tooling Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Tooling Engineer Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of tooling engineering. The certification is designed to validate the skills and abilities of engineers who design, develop, and maintain tools used in manufacturing processes.

Q2: What is required to obtain a Tooling Engineer Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Tooling Engineer Certification, applicants must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in tool engineering or related fields. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Q3: How long does it take to receive a Tooling Engineer Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to receive a Tooling Engineer Certification varies depending on the organization from which you are obtaining the certification. Generally, it takes at least six months from application submission to receiving your certification.

Q4: How much does it cost to obtain a Tooling Engineer Certification?

Answer: The cost for obtaining a Tooling Engineer Certification varies depending on the organization offering the certification and any additional materials or services that may be needed during the process. Generally, certifications can range from $250-$1000 USD.

Q5: How often do I need to renew my Tooling Engineer Certification?

Answer: Most organizations offering tool engineer certifications require renewal every three years in order to maintain active status. Renewal typically requires passing recertification exams or completing continuing education credits.