Top 11 Water Resource Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for water resource engineers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. Having certifications can give them an edge over other job applicants, as it shows that they have a higher level of understanding of the principles and practices related to water resource engineering. Furthermore, certifications can open up opportunities for engineers to work on more complex projects or gain access to new technologies or resources not available without certification. Certifications also help employers assess the qualifications of a potential employee, providing assurance that they have the skills necessary to do the job effectively.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Water Resource Engineers and explain how they can help advance a water resource engineer's career.

What are Water Resource Engineer Certifications?

Water resource engineer certification is a professional credential awarded to individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to work as an engineer in the field of water resources. This certification is designed to provide assurance that a water resource engineer has the necessary qualifications to effectively manage and design projects related to water resources. It provides evidence that a professional has received specialized training in this area, which can be beneficial when looking for a job or advancing one’s career.

The certification process typically involves passing an exam that tests knowledge and understanding of topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater management, wastewater treatment and reuse, surface water management, floodplain management, groundwater management, and other related topics. This exam is often administered by the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE), which was established in 1998 by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

By earning this certification, engineers demonstrate their commitment to their profession and ability to work with complex systems involving multiple stakeholders. Certified professionals are better equipped to develop solutions for issues related to water resources in an efficient manner. They also tend to be more highly sought after by employers due to their expertise in this specific field. Furthermore, having this certification can help professionals stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations related to water resources engineering.

Pro Tip: When pursuing water resource engineer certification, it is important to research the requirements and qualifications in your specific state or region. Each area may have different regulations and certifications that must be met before an individual can become certified. Additionally, it is beneficial to review the standards of practice for water resource engineers in your area, as well as any continuing education requirements for maintaining certification.

Related: What does a Water Resource Engineer do?

Top 11 Water Resource Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Water Resources Engineering (CPWRE)

Certified Professional in Water Resources Engineering (CPWRE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE). This certification program recognizes professionals who have demonstrated a high level of competency and expertise in the field of water resources engineering.

The CPWRE certification is designed to provide an objective measure of professional achievement and competence in the field of water resources engineering. It is intended to identify individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and technical proficiency in their chosen field.

In order to qualify for the CPWRE certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, environmental engineering, hydrology, or related fields; they must also have at least four years of full-time professional experience in water resources engineering. In addition, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through successful completion of an examination administered by AAWRE.

The CPWRE certification process typically takes six months to one year to complete. The cost for the application fee and examination fee varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of a group. Generally speaking, the total cost can range from $500-$1,000 USD.

2. Certified Water Resources Engineer (CWRE)

Certified Water Resources Engineer (CWRE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and experience in water resources engineering.

The CWRE certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of water resources engineering through an extensive application process. This includes providing evidence of at least five years of relevant work experience, passing a written exam, and completing continuing education requirements.

To obtain the CWRE certification, applicants must first submit an application that includes their resume, transcripts, and other supporting documents. Once approved by AAWRE, applicants will be scheduled for the written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, water resources planning and management, and environmental engineering. Applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70% to be certified.

Once certified, applicants must complete continuing education requirements every three years to maintain their status as a Certified Water Resources Engineer. These requirements include attending seminars or workshops related to water resources engineering or completing online courses related to the field.

The cost for obtaining the CWRE certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through an organization. For individuals, there is an initial application fee of $200 plus a $100 fee for each additional year of work experience beyond five years. The cost for taking the written exam is $150 per attempt. There are also annual renewal fees ranging from $50-$100 depending on your membership type with AAWRE.

3. Certified Water Resources Manager (CWRM)

Certified Water Resources Manager (CWRM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The CWRM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in water resources management. It is intended to promote professional excellence and enhance the quality of water resource management.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of five years of experience in the field of water resources management. They must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the principles and practices of water resources management. The exam consists of two parts: a written examination and an oral examination.

The written exam covers topics such as hydrology, surface water, groundwater, water quality, watersheds and stormwater management, among others. The oral exam focuses on questions related to the applicant's specific experience in managing water resources.

The cost for the CWRM certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with AWWA. For non-members it costs $400; for members it costs $250; and for student members it costs $100. It typically takes about three months to complete the application process and receive your certification once you have passed both parts of the examination.

4. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Water Resources Certification

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Water Resources Certification is a professional certification program for civil engineers that focuses on water resources engineering. This certification provides a way for civil engineers to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of water resources engineering, including topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, water resource planning and management, and environmental engineering.

To obtain the ASCE Water Resources Certification, applicants must have at least four years of professional experience in the field of water resources engineering and must pass an examination administered by ASCE. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion covers topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, water resource planning and management, and environmental engineering; while the oral portion tests applicants' ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The cost of the ASCE Water Resources Certification exam varies depending on the applicant's location; however, it typically costs between $400-$600 USD. The entire process typically takes around six months from start to finish.

In order to apply for the ASCE Water Resources Certification exam, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of their professional experience in the field of water resources engineering. After submitting their application form and supporting documents, applicants will be notified by email when they are eligible to take the exam.

5. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Water Resource Engineering

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Water Resource Engineering is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of water resource engineering. The program is offered through NICET and administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

The NICET Water Resource Engineering certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, water resources planning, design, management, and operation. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $250. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification within eight weeks.

To maintain certification status, engineers must complete continuing education units every two years. In addition, they must pay an annual fee of $50 to retain their certification status.

6. Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)

A Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the management of floodplains. The CFM program was developed by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) and is recognized as the premier certification for those working in the field of floodplain management.

The CFM program consists of three components: a comprehensive exam, continuing education requirements, and experience requirements. To become certified, an individual must pass the CFM exam, maintain their certification through continuing education credits, and demonstrate at least three years of responsible floodplain management experience.

The CFM exam is offered twice a year at various locations throughout the United States. The cost to take the exam is $400 for ASFPM members and $500 for non-members. The exam covers topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, mapping, regulations, engineering principles, and risk assessment. It typically takes 4-6 hours to complete the exam.

In order to maintain their certification status, CFMs must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Continuing education credits can be obtained through attending conferences or workshops related to floodplain management or other related disciplines such as engineering or environmental science.

The cost to become a Certified Floodplain Manager varies depending on how long it takes an individual to meet all of the requirements and obtain their certification status. Generally speaking however, it will cost between $600-$800 including fees for taking the exam and obtaining continuing education credits over time.

7. Certified Groundwater Professional (CGP)

Certified Groundwater Professional (CGP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Groundwater Association (NGWA). The CGP designation is intended to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience and expertise in groundwater science, technology, and management.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete the requirements for the CGP designation. To become certified, an individual must meet certain eligibility criteria and pass an exam that covers topics such as hydrogeology, water quality, groundwater monitoring and remediation, well construction and maintenance, and groundwater law.

To get Certified Groundwater Professional (CGP), you must first submit an application to NGWA. After your application is approved, you will be required to pay a registration fee of $395 USD. Once your payment has been received, you will be able to register for the exam which costs $375 USD. Upon passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CGP certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Groundwater Professional (CGP) is approximately $770 USD in total.

8. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in the management of hazardous materials. The CHMM certification is awarded by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

The CHMM certification requires a minimum of four years of hazardous materials management experience, which must include two years in a supervisory capacity. The applicant must also pass an examination administered by the IHMM. The exam consists of 200 questions covering topics such as environmental regulations, safety practices, risk assessment, and emergency response.

It typically takes four to six months to prepare for the CHMM exam. To get started, applicants should review IHMM’s eligibility requirements and study materials. Once they have met the eligibility requirements and feel prepared to take the exam, they can register online with IHMM to schedule their test date.

The cost to obtain the CHMM certification varies depending on whether you are an IHMM member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 for the application fee plus $250 for each exam attempt; for non-members it costs $595 for the application fee plus $400 for each exam attempt.

9. National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Professional Certification Program for Water Resource Management

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Professional Certification Program for Water Resource Management is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of water resource management. The program is administered by the NEBB, which is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and responsible water use.

The program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Water Resource Manager (CWRM), Certified Water Resource Technician (CWRT), and Certified Water Resource Specialist (CWRS). Each level requires a different level of knowledge, experience, and education. To become certified at any level, applicants must pass a written exam and meet other requirements as outlined by the NEBB.

To become certified as a CWRM, applicants must have at least five years of experience in water resource management or related fields; hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field; and complete an approved training course. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam covering topics such as hydrology, geology, engineering principles, environmental law, and public policy; and an oral exam covering topics such as project management, communication skills, and professional ethics. The cost for the CWRM certification is $450.

To become certified as a CWRT, applicants must have at least two years of experience in water resource management or related fields; hold an associate’s degree or higher in a related field; and complete an approved training course. The exam consists of one part: a written exam covering topics such as hydrology, geology, engineering principles, environmental law, public policy, project management skills and professional ethics. The cost for the CWRT certification is $350.

To become certified as a CWRS applicants must have at least one year of experience in water resource management or related fields; hold an associate’s degree or higher in a related field; and complete an approved training course. The exam consists of one part: a written exam covering topics such as hydrology, geology, engineering principles, environmental law, public policy and professional ethics. The cost for the CWRS certification is $250.

In general it takes approximately six months to obtain any level of certification from NEBB's Professional Certification Program for Water Resource Management once all requirements are met.

10. Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) Dam Safety Professional Certificate Program

The Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) Dam Safety Professional Certificate Program is an online certification program designed to provide dam safety professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and protect dams. The program is offered in two levels: Professional Level I and Professional Level II.

Level I focuses on the fundamentals of dam safety, including basic engineering principles, hydrology, geology, risk assessment, emergency action planning, and more. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete Level I and requires a passing score on the final exam.

Level II builds upon the knowledge gained in Level I by focusing on advanced topics such as failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), instrumentation systems, hazard classification systems, inspection techniques, and more. It takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete Level II and requires a passing score on the final exam.

The cost of the ASDSO Dam Safety Professional Certificate Program depends on whether you are an ASDSO member or non-member. For members, it costs $150 for Level I and $200 for Level II; for non-members it costs $200 for Level I and $250 for Level II.

To get started in the program you must register through ASDSO’s website. Upon registration you will receive access to course materials which include videos, slideshows, quizzes, practice exams, etc., as well as instructions on how to take the final exam when you are ready. Once you have successfully completed both levels of the program you will be awarded your certificate from ASDSO.

11. American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) Professional Engineer License in Environmental Engineering

The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) Professional Engineer License in Environmental Engineering is a professional engineering license that is recognized by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). This license allows an individual to practice environmental engineering in the United States.

It typically takes about two years to obtain the AAEES Professional Engineer License in Environmental Engineering. The process begins with completing an accredited environmental engineering degree program from an ABET-accredited institution, followed by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. After passing the FE exam, applicants must complete four years of professional experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer before taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Once both exams are passed, applicants must submit their application to AAEES for review and approval.

The cost for obtaining the AAEES Professional Engineer License in Environmental Engineering varies depending on each individual’s situation. Generally speaking, it can cost up to $1,000 or more to take both exams and apply for licensure. Additionally, there may be fees associated with any continuing education requirements needed to maintain licensure over time.

Do You Really Need a Water Resource Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are interested in a career as a water resource engineer, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate in water resource engineering can help demonstrate competency and knowledge in the field, which can make employers more likely to hire you for positions that require such expertise. Additionally, it can open up opportunities for advancement as well as provide access to specialized information and resources that can help you excel in your career.

On the other hand, if you are already employed as a water resource engineer or have extensive experience working in the field, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. You may already have all the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform your job effectively and thus would not benefit from obtaining a certification. In addition, depending on the cost of obtaining the certification, it may not be worth investing money into something that is not necessary.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a water resource engineer certificate is something that only you can decide based on your own particular situation and goals.

Related: Water Resource Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Water Resource Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is a Water Resource Engineer Certification?

A1: A Water Resource Engineer Certification is a professional certification program that provides engineers with the knowledge and skills to plan, design, develop, and manage water resources systems. The certification involves a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, environmental engineering, water quality management, and resource management.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Water Resource Engineer?

A2: To become certified as a Water Resource Engineer you must complete an accredited education program in civil or environmental engineering and pass the Professional Engineering exam. Additionally, you must meet experience requirements and pass the Water Resources Engineering Certification exam.

Q3: What are the requirements for maintaining my certification?

A3: To maintain your certification as a Water Resource Engineer, you must participate in continuing education courses related to water resource engineering every two years. Additionally, you will be required to pay an annual renewal fee.

Q4: What types of jobs can I get with a Water Resource Engineer Certification?

A4: With a Water Resource Engineer Certification you can pursue various career opportunities including working as a consultant for public agencies or private companies designing water supply systems; consulting on projects related to flood control; managing stormwater runoff; or developing strategies for improving water quality.

Q5: Is there any other type of certification available for water resource engineers?

A5: Yes, there are other certifications available such as the Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) or the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM). These certifications focus on different aspects of water resource engineering such as stormwater management or floodplain management respectively.