Top 11 VP of Engineering Certifications

Certifications are important for a VP of Engineering in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has experience and knowledge in the areas necessary to perform their duties. They also show potential employers that the individual is committed to their profession and dedicated to remaining up-to-date on industry trends. Certifications can also give a VP of Engineering an edge over other candidates who may not have them, as they provide evidence of expertise and skill. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement within organizations or even new career paths, as they demonstrate proficiency in certain areas and make it easier for recruiters to identify qualified individuals.

The article reviews the top certifications for VP of Engineering and explains how they can help to further a VP of Engineering's career.

What are VP of Engineering Certifications?

VP of Engineering Certification is a professional certification designed to recognize the highest level of engineering leadership and management. It provides recognition of expertise in both technical and managerial skills related to leading and managing engineering teams. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to lead and manage complex engineering projects, develop effective strategies for organizational growth, drive innovation, mentor engineers, and promote collaboration across teams.

The VP of Engineering Certification can help by providing an independent measure of an individual’s qualifications for the position. By setting the standards for successful engineering leadership, it allows employers to identify qualified candidates quickly and accurately. Additionally, having this certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to their profession and give them a competitive edge in job searches. Finally, it provides a platform for engineers to share knowledge about best practices in engineering leadership with each other.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a VP of Engineering certification, focus on developing your leadership and management skills. This could include learning how to set goals, define objectives, delegate tasks, and manage resources effectively. Additionally, hone your technical skills so that you can provide technical guidance to the team and make more informed decisions when it comes to engineering projects.

Related: What does a VP of Engineering do?

Top 11 VP of Engineering Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to VP of Engineerings today.

1. Certified Software Engineering Professional (CSEP)

Certified Software Engineering Professional (CSEP) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional achievements of software engineers. It is offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society and administered by the International Association for Software Testing (IASQ).

The CSEP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in software engineering. The program consists of three components: an application process, a written examination, and an oral examination.

To apply for CSEP certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in software engineering or related fields. They must also have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience. Applicants must also submit a resume that outlines their professional experience and educational background.

The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as software engineering principles, processes, tools, techniques, and best practices. The exam is administered online and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The oral examination is conducted by a panel of experienced software engineers who evaluate the applicant's knowledge and expertise in software engineering. The oral exam lasts approximately one hour and covers topics such as project management, requirements analysis, design methods, coding practices, testing strategies, quality assurance procedures, and maintenance techniques.

The cost for the CSEP certification program varies depending on the country where you are located but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

2. Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)

Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) is a certification program offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). The CSEP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the practice of systems engineering. It is intended to provide assurance that an individual has acquired a certain level of knowledge and skills in the field.

The CSEP certification process involves passing an examination that covers topics such as system architecture, requirements engineering, verification and validation, project management, risk management, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CSEP certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in systems engineering or a related field. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through successful completion of an INCOSE-approved course or training program.

The cost for the CSEP exam varies depending on your geographic location; however, it typically ranges between $500 and $1,000 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from INCOSE within six weeks.

3. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized certification for project managers and demonstrates a level of competence in leading and directing projects. PMP certified professionals are able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in managing projects, leading teams, and delivering results.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the PMP exam. This includes studying for the exam, attending training courses, and taking practice tests. The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

To become a PMP certified professional, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by PMI. These include having at least three years of project management experience with 4500 hours spent leading and directing projects, or having a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of project management experience with 4500 hours spent leading and directing projects. You must also complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education before taking the exam.

The cost to take the PMP exam is $555 for members of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and $405 for non-members.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program offered by Scrum Alliance that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Scrum Master. A Certified Scrum Master is responsible for leading and facilitating the development team in their Agile/Scrum project. They help ensure that the team follows the principles of Agile/Scrum, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.

The CSM certification requires a two-day course led by an approved instructor. The course includes lectures, interactive exercises, and group discussions. After completing the course, participants must pass a multiple-choice exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1500 USD.

In order to maintain your CSM certification you must renew it every two years by earning at least 20 continuing education credits or attending another CSM training session.

5. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program that teaches individuals the principles of Lean and Six Sigma, two powerful methodologies for improving operational performance. The certification is designed to help professionals increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities in process improvement and project management.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically takes between six and nine months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience with Lean and Six Sigma. The program consists of four phases:

1. Pre-work: This phase involves completing self-study materials such as textbooks, online courses, or other resources to gain an understanding of the basic concepts of Lean and Six Sigma.

2. Classroom Training: This phase involves attending a series of classroom sessions that cover topics such as process mapping, data analysis, problem solving techniques, project management tools, and more.

3. Project Work: During this phase, participants work on a real-world project in order to apply what they have learned in the classroom training sessions.

4. Exam: After completing the project work phase, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must have at least three years of experience working with Lean or Six Sigma projects or processes. Additionally, they must have completed all four phases of the certification program mentioned above.

The cost for the entire Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program varies depending on the provider and can range from $3,000-$10,000 USD or more depending on the length of training and materials provided by the provider.

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification issued by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². CISSP is one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry and is a globally recognized standard of achievement.

The CISSP certification requires five years of experience in two or more of the eight domains of information security. The eight domains are:

1. Security and Risk Management

2. Asset Security

3. Security Engineering

4. Communications and Network Security

5. Identity and Access Management

6. Security Assessment and Testing

7. Security Operations

8. Software Development Security

To become certified, individuals must pass a rigorous exam that covers all eight domains of knowledge required for the CISSP certification, which takes approximately six hours to complete. The exam fee is $699 USD for members of (ISC)² and $999 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals must submit an application to (ISC)² to be officially certified as a CISSP professional. This process can take up to 8 weeks depending on processing times at (ISC)² headquarters in Clearwater, Florida USA.

7. Certified Agile Leadership (CAL I/II/III)

Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) is a professional certification program designed to help leaders of all levels and from all backgrounds become more effective in leading agile teams and organizations. The program is offered at three levels: CAL I, CAL II, and CAL III.

CAL I focuses on the basics of agile leadership, including understanding the principles and values of agile, learning how to lead an agile team, and developing skills for creating an environment that fosters agility. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete this level.

CAL II builds on the foundations laid in CAL I by helping participants understand how to manage multiple agile teams, develop strategies for scaling agility across an organization, and apply agile methods to organizational change initiatives. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete this level.

CAL III is the most advanced level of certification and covers topics such as developing a culture of continuous improvement, building high-performing teams, and leading successful transformations. It takes approximately 30 hours to complete this level.

To get certified at any of these levels you must take an online course through a Certified Agile Leadership provider such as Scrum Alliance or Scrum Inc., pass a certification exam, and demonstrate your knowledge through a portfolio submission. The cost of each level varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per person per level.

8. Certified DevOps Engineer

Certified DevOps Engineer is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's ability to deliver and manage software development projects using DevOps principles. It is designed to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and experience required to successfully implement and maintain DevOps practices in an organization.

The certification process typically takes around 6-8 weeks depending on the provider. The process includes completing a series of online courses, exams, and assessments. The cost of the certification varies by provider but generally ranges from $500-$2000 USD.

To get certified as a DevOps Engineer, you must first have experience in software engineering or related fields. You must also have a basic understanding of DevOps principles such as continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD), automation, containerization, and infrastructure as code (IaC). Once you have this knowledge base, you can begin studying for the certification exam. This typically involves taking online courses from providers such as Udemy or Coursera, reading books about DevOps best practices, and practicing with tools like Docker and Kubernetes. After completing the necessary coursework and passing the exam, you will be awarded your Certified DevOps Engineer credential.

9. AWS Solutions Architect Associate/Professional Certifications

AWS Solutions Architect Associate/Professional Certifications are two of the most sought-after certifications in the cloud computing industry. The AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge of designing and deploying scalable, secure, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on the AWS platform. The AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification is for experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying and preparing for the exams. Generally speaking, it takes around 4-6 months to prepare for both certifications if you are dedicating at least 10 hours per week.

To get certified, you need to pass two exams: one for each certification level (Associate or Professional). Both exams are administered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and can be taken online through their website or at a testing center near you.

The cost of the exam varies depending on which country you take it in but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD per exam.

10. Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification

Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification is a professional-level certification that validates an individual’s ability to design and implement solutions on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. It requires a deep understanding of the Azure platform, its services, and how those services can be used to build secure, reliable, and scalable cloud solutions.

The certification process includes two exams: AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. To become certified as an Azure Solutions Architect Expert, you must pass both exams.

The AZ-303 exam focuses on the implementation of cloud solutions using various services such as virtual networks, storage accounts, web apps, databases, etc. The AZ-304 exam focuses on designing and deploying applications on the Azure platform. Both exams are multiple choice with a mixture of scenario-based questions and performance-based tasks.

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for both exams but this can vary depending on your experience level with the Azure platform. It is recommended that you have at least six months of hands-on experience working with the Azure platform before attempting either exam.

To get started in preparing for the certification exams you will need to create an account with Microsoft Learning (MSL) and purchase a voucher for each exam from MSL or another authorized partner such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of each exam varies depending on where you purchase it from but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam.

11. Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect Certification

Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect Certification is a certification program offered by Google to demonstrate a professional’s ability to design, develop, and manage solutions on the Google Cloud Platform. It is designed for individuals who have experience with designing and managing cloud-based applications and services on the Google Cloud Platform.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The exam covers topics such as architecture design, security, data analysis, cost optimization, scalability and reliability, and application development.

To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. You can register for the exam online through the Google Cloud Platform website. The cost of taking the exam is $200 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Google that will be valid for three years from the date of completion. After three years, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

In addition to passing the exam, you must also complete at least one of several recommended training courses offered by Google in order to become certified as a Professional Cloud Architect. These courses include Introduction to GCP (Google Cloud Platform), GCP Solutions Architecture Design Essentials, GCP Security Essentials, GCP Data Analysis Essentials, GCP Cost Optimization Essentials, GCP Scalability and Reliability Essentials and GCP Application Development Essentials.

Do You Really Need a VP of Engineering Certificate?

The short answer is no. A VP of Engineering Certificate is not a requirement for being a successful VP of Engineering, although it can be beneficial.

Having a certificate in engineering can demonstrate to potential employers that you have knowledge and experience in the field, which may help you to stand out from other applicants. It also shows that you are committed to your career and willing to invest in yourself by obtaining additional qualifications.

However, having a certificate alone does not guarantee success as a VP of Engineering. It is important to remember that experience and knowledge are just as important if not more so than having a degree or certification. Having hands-on experience in the industry and understanding the latest trends and technologies will be invaluable when applying for any engineering position. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem solving, team building, and leadership are essential qualities for any successful leader in engineering or any other field.

In conclusion, while having a VP of Engineering Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to pursue this role or advance their career in engineering, it is by no means necessary. The most important factor for success in this role is having the necessary knowledge and experience coupled with the right attitude and aptitude for leadership.

Related: VP of Engineering Resume Examples

FAQs About VP of Engineering Certifications

Q1. What is a VP of Engineering Certification?

A1. A VP of Engineering Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of the engineering principles, processes, and practices necessary to effectively lead an engineering team. This certification provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the field of engineering management.

Q2. What are the requirements for VP of Engineering Certification?

A2. The requirements vary depending on the certifying organization but typically include at least 8 years of experience in engineering management, an advanced degree in engineering or related field, and successful completion of a comprehensive exam.

Q3. How long does it take to get a VP of Engineering Certification?

A3. It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all the requirements and obtain your certification, depending on your background and experience level.

Q4. What are the benefits of having a VP of Engineering Certification?

A4. Obtaining this certification can demonstrate expertise in the field, provide greater job opportunities and higher salaries, boost credibility with employers, and open up networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry.

Q5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my VP of Engineering Certification?

A5: Yes, most certifying organizations require ongoing professional development activities such as attending conferences or workshops or taking online courses to maintain your certification status.