Top 10 Yield Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a yield engineer in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the yield engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job. Certifications also show that the yield engineer is committed to their profession and willing to invest in their own professional development. The certifications provide assurance of a certain level of competency, which can be very beneficial when competing for jobs. Additionally, certifications may give a yield engineer access to additional resources or networks that could help them advance in their career.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the top certifications for Yield Engineers and explain how they can help to enhance a yield engineer's career.

What are Yield Engineer Certifications?

Yield engineer certification is a specialized form of engineering that focuses on quality and productivity improvement. A yield engineer works in the semiconductor, electronics, and other related industries to improve the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes. They work with various tools, such as statistical process control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and more, to analyze production data and identify areas where improvements can be made.

Yield engineers use their expertise to reduce costs associated with scrap, rework, downtime, non-conformance costs, etc. They also help develop efficient processes that meet customer requirements while improving product yields. Yield engineers are trained in problem solving techniques such as root cause analysis and lean manufacturing principles. They also have experience in data collection/analysis techniques such as SPC/DOE/FMEA and can interpret results for corrective action or process improvement activities.

Having yield engineer certification demonstrates a high level of knowledge in this field and can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career or increase their marketability within the industry. Certification proves that a person has attained an advanced understanding of yield engineering principles and strategies which can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, it shows employers that they are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry which makes them more valuable employees.

Pro Tip: When considering yield engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements and expectations for the certification you are pursuing. Different certifications have different prerequisites and qualifications, so it is important to understand what is needed in order to achieve the desired certification. Additionally, many certifications require ongoing education and experience in order to maintain them.

Related: What does a Yield Engineer do?

Top 10 Yield Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Yield Engineer (CYE)

A Certified Yield Engineer (CYE) is a professional who has been trained and certified to analyze, predict, and improve the yield of manufacturing processes. The certification is offered by the International Society for Yield Engineering (ISYE).

It typically takes about six months to complete the CYE certification program. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as process analysis and optimization, statistical process control, design of experiments, and yield management.

The cost of the CYE certification program depends on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $3,000 USD.

2. Certified Reliability and Yield Engineer (CRYE)

Certified Reliability and Yield Engineer (CRYE) is a certification program designed to recognize engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the reliability and yield of their products. The CRYE certification is administered by the International Society for Quality Electronic Design (ISQED).

The CRYE certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in reliability engineering or yield management, including design, test, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as failure analysis, statistical process control, and design for manufacturability.

It typically takes about three months to complete the application process and prepare for the exam. To apply for the CRYE certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of experience. Applicants must also pay a fee of $200 USD.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will be awarded the Certified Reliability and Yield Engineer (CRYE) credential. This credential is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt in Yield Engineering (CSSBB-YE)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt in Yield Engineering (CSSBB-YE) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of yield engineering. The program is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CSSBB-YE certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of statistical process control, design of experiments, process capability analysis, problem solving and root cause analysis, and quality management systems. Candidates must also pass an examination to earn their certification.

The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as basic statistics, quality management systems, process improvement tools, and project management. The exam typically takes four hours to complete and is offered twice a year at various locations around the world.

To be eligible for the CSSBB-YE certification, candidates must have at least three years of experience working in yield engineering or a related field. They must also hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

The cost of taking the CSSBB-YE exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registration and travel expenses if applicable.

4. Certified Quality Engineer in Yield Engineering (CQE-YE)

The Certified Quality Engineer in Yield Engineering (CQE-YE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the principles and practices of yield engineering. The CQE-YE certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

It takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for the CQE-YE certification. Candidates must first pass an open book exam, which consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as quality system design, process control, and statistical methods. After successfully completing the exam, candidates must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and experience in yield engineering. This portfolio must include evidence of professional development activities, such as attending conferences or seminars, and professional publications. Finally, candidates must demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge to real world problems by completing two case studies.

The cost of obtaining the CQE-YE certification varies depending on your location and whether you are an ASQ member or not. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$800 USD.

5. Certified Professional Yield Manager (CPYM)

Certified Professional Yield Manager (CPYM) is a certification program offered by the Professional Pricing Society (PPS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in yield management and pricing.

The CPYM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as pricing strategy, demand forecasting, revenue management, and customer segmentation. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass the CPYM exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of yield management and pricing. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete the exam.

The cost for the CPYM certification program is $495 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials, a practice exam, and one attempt at the CPYM exam.

6. Certified Process Improvement Engineer in Yield Engineering (CPIE-YE)

Certified Process Improvement Engineer in Yield Engineering (CPIE-YE) is a certification program designed to help engineers and technicians improve their process improvement skills and knowledge. It is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The program consists of three levels: Certified Process Improvement Engineer (CPIE), Senior Certified Process Improvement Engineer (SCPIE) and Master Certified Process Improvement Engineer (MCPIE).

The CPIE-YE program requires a minimum of two years of experience in yield engineering, process improvement or quality engineering. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as process improvement methodology, process control, statistical analysis, problem solving, data collection and analysis, and project management.

The CPIE-YE certification exam typically takes about four hours to complete. It costs $195 for ISA members and $295 for non-members. The cost includes the exam fee and study materials.

To get started with the CPIE-YE certification program, applicants must first register with ISA and pay the required fees. Once registered, they can access the online study materials which include practice exams and other resources to help prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate in the mail within 6 weeks.

7. Certified Design of Experiments Practitioner in Yield Engineering (CDE-YE)

Certified Design of Experiments Practitioner in Yield Engineering (CDE-YE) is a certification program designed to teach and assess the skills necessary to effectively design experiments for yield engineering. It is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CDE-YE certification requires that applicants demonstrate knowledge of experimental design principles, including statistical analysis, data collection and interpretation, and process improvement. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, design of experiments, and regression modeling.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete. Applicants must register with ASQ prior to taking the exam. The cost of the exam is $399 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CDE-YE certification.

8. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt in Yield Engineering (CLSSGB-YE)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt in Yield Engineering (CLSSGB-YE) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, analyze, and improve processes within their organization. The certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an organization that provides quality assurance training and certifications.

The CLSSGB-YE certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience in yield engineering or related fields. Candidates must also pass a written exam covering topics such as process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, and yield engineering principles.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $399 USD for ASQ members or $499 USD for non-members.

Once candidates have passed the exam they will receive their CLSSGB-YE certificate from ASQ. This certification is valid for three years before it must be renewed by taking a recertification exam or completing continuing education credits.

9. Certified Statistical Process Control Practitioner in Yield Engineering (CSPCP-YE)

Certified Statistical Process Control Practitioner in Yield Engineering (CSPCP-YE) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of yield engineering.

The CSPCP-YE certification requires that applicants have at least five years of experience in yield engineering, or a related field, and have completed an approved course in statistical process control. The program also requires that applicants pass an examination, which covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control principles and practices, and yield engineering techniques.

The exam is administered online and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must score 70% or higher to pass the exam. The cost of the exam is $395 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CSPCP-YE certification from ASQ.

10. Certified Test and Measurement Engineer in Yield Engineering (CTME-YE).

Certified Test and Measurement Engineer in Yield Engineering (CTME-YE) is a certification program designed to help engineers understand the fundamentals of yield engineering, including test and measurement techniques. The CTME-YE certification is offered by the International Society for Yield Engineering (ISYE).

The CTME-YE certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in yield engineering or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as yield analysis, process optimization, failure analysis, and test and measurement methods. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get the CTME-YE certification, applicants must first apply online with ISYE. After submitting their application, they will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, candidates can take the exam at any of ISYE's authorized testing centers around the world.

The cost of the CTME-YE certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In general, it costs around $400 USD for registration and examination fees.

Do You Really Need a Yield Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on one's individual career goals and objectives. Yield engineering is a specialized field of engineering which focuses on understanding, controlling, and improving the yield of a manufacturing process. A yield engineer certificate can be beneficial to those looking to enter the field or advance their current position within it.

A yield engineer certificate can provide evidence of an individual's knowledge and experience in the field, as well as their commitment to learning more about it. It may also provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions. The certificate may also serve as evidence that the holder has completed a certain amount of coursework or training in yield engineering, which could be valuable for employers who are seeking candidates with specific qualifications and expertise.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a yield engineer certificate will depend on their own individual career goals and objectives. Those who are interested in entering the field or advancing their current position should consider obtaining this certification if they believe it will benefit their professional development.

Related: Yield Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Yield Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a yield engineer certification?

A1. A yield engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in the field of semiconductor manufacturing and engineering. It requires knowledge of process control, statistical analysis, and other related topics to maximize the production efficiency of integrated circuits.

Q2. How do I become certified as a yield engineer?

A2. To become certified as a yield engineer, you must complete an approved program from an accredited institution such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The program typically includes coursework in semiconductor manufacturing and engineering, statistics, process control, and other related topics. After completing the coursework, you must pass an exam administered by ASQ to receive your certification.

Q3. What are some benefits of becoming certified as a yield engineer?

A3. Becoming certified as a yield engineer can help open up new career opportunities in the semiconductor industry, provide recognition of your expertise in the field, and increase your earning potential due to higher job security and better wages associated with this credential. Additionally, it can give you access to information on new technologies and processes related to semiconductors that are not available through traditional sources.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a yield engineer?

A4. Depending on your educational background and experience level, it usually takes between six months and two years to become certified as a yield engineer depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam and taking courses related to this field of study. Additionally, if you choose to pursue additional certifications beyond the basic level offered by ASQ, it could take longer than two years before you are eligible for those certifications.

Q5 What types of jobs can I apply for with my yield engineer certification?

A5 With your yield engineering certification, you can apply for positions such as process engineers in semiconductor fabrication plants or research & development engineers at design firms or universities specializing in microelectronics technology development. Additionally, many companies hire qualified individuals with this credential for production management roles or quality assurance positions within their organization