The best certifications for mechanical engineers will add significant value to your resume. One notable benefit of mechanical engineer certifications is that they provide proof of your extensive knowledge and skills development to make you more appealing to potential employers. They can also help you earn a higher annual salary. If you want to start a mechanical engineering career, certification programs are essential.
This article will review some of the best certifications for mechanical engineers to help streamline your search so you can reach your career goals quickly. It will also cover some of the best free mechanical engineering certifications for those who have budget restraints.
What Is a Mechanical Engineering Certification?
A mechanical engineering certification is a formal attestation of the skills and abilities of a professional in the field. The role of this certification is validation of your core skills, practical experience, and comprehensive knowledge, making it different from a mechanical engineering certificate program. Certification generally requires that you pass an exam, while a certificate can be awarded after completion of a training program.
A mechanical engineering certification helps validate your skills and knowledge to potential employers to improve your candidacy chances for various mechanical engineering jobs. If you learn mechanical engineering and advance your skills through professional certifications, you can have access to exciting career paths in the field that come with high salaries.
How Much Can You Earn With a Mechanical Engineer Certification?
Mechanical engineers that also possess a certification in a relevant field earn an average of $76,000 per year, according to PayScale. Their earnings often range from $53k – $101k per year. Mechanical engineers are well paid, but a certification can positively impact your earnings as well as employment opportunities.
Why Is Mechanical Engineer Certification Important?
A mechanical engineer certification is important because it shows potential employers that you are willing to study to expand your technical skills and body of knowledge in the industry. It showcases your expertise during job interviews and can help you stand out among other candidates.
It will also take you less time to complete mechanical engineer certifications compared to a mechanical engineering degree that lasts for four years. Engineering programs at a university can also set you back financially. Below you will find some of the benefits of mechanical engineer certifications.
Give You an Edge
A mechanical engineer certification gives you an edge over other candidates when you’re being considered for a job opportunity. It enhances your resume and cover letter and makes you eligible for certain positions that may require specific skills. If it comes down to picking an ideal candidate, employers will often choose those with the extra certification, as they will also have an additional skillset.
Help You Keep Your Job and Advance Your Career
If businesses need to cut costs, even experienced engineers may lose their jobs. However, a mechanical engineer certification can help you keep your job and give you a higher chance of securing another one as well.
This is mostly because a certification proves that you want to enhance your knowledge and skill to your employer’s benefit. With some of the best certifications for mechanical engineers, you can have the chance to work at some of the top companies for mechanical engineers.
Offer Access to Networking Opportunities
As a mechanical engineer, a certification can give you an opportunity to network with others in your field. It allows you to expand your professional network. A professional network is helpful for sharing solutions and ideas, as well as career opportunities.
An engineering resource group can also help guide you when you require specific technical knowledge to tackle challenges in your job. Keep in mind that great networking skills are essential when socializing with professionals in your field.
Best Certifications for Mechanical Engineers at a Glance
| Certification | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) | $175 | To be a part of this program, you need to be a qualified mechanical engineering student |
| Certified Energy Manager (CEM) | $400 | To be accepted into this program, you need a four-year engineering/architectural college degree, or you must be a professional engineer or registered architect |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | $405 | To be eligible for the program, you need to have an associate degree or a high school diploma |
| Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) | $520 | To be a part of this program, you need a minimum of eight combined years of manufacturing-related education, or engineering work experience |
| Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) | $498 | To qualify for the program, you must have worked in a full-time or paid role. This does not apply to an internship |
| Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) | $350 | To be accepted into the program, you need to have five years of experience as a mechanical systems engineer or have a graduate or undergraduate degree in engineering |
| Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) | $75 | To participate in the program, you need six hours experience in mechanical engineering |
| Certified Agile Developer (CAD) | $128 | To qualify for the program, you do not need any qualifications |
| Precision Sheet Metal Operator Certification (PSMO) | $245 | To be eligible for the program, you need some experience in the sheet metal fabrication field |
| Six Sigma Certification | $99 | To be part of the program, you need three years of experience in a full-time job |
Top Mechanical Engineer Certifications: A Closer Look
Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)
This certification exam is required for candidates who want to get their professional engineering license. It is the first exam out of the two required ones. It is offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The EIT exam is often known as the FE Exam or NCEES. Most professional engineers include this certification in their career path plan.
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
This CEM certification is for experts in the energy management field. This certification shows that you have the necessary expertise and competency for this field. However, you need to fulfill certain requirements to take the exam. You need to have an engineering degree and three years of experience in energy engineering and management.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
This PMP certification is popular among project managers. It is a strong option for mechanical engineers who want to pursue leadership positions in their field. It will help you show prospective employers your skills and foundation of knowledge in project management. To qualify for this exam, you need to fulfill certain criteria, such as having an associate degree and following a code of conduct.
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
The CMfgE certification is one of the best certifications for mechanical engineers as it focuses on advanced manufacturing and engineering. It is not an entry-level certification and requires expert knowledge. This means that you need to have at least eight years of experience in mechanical engineering with adequate knowledge of manufacturing processes.
However, if you are dedicated to working in the manufacturing industry, you may still be able to take the exam without the necessary experience if you have other relevant certifications that prove you have the skills and foundational knowledge required.
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
The CQE certification is ideal for mechanical engineers who want to develop a strong understanding of product quality and service basics. This is an entry-level certification. However, you must show that you have comprehensive knowledge of quality control principles and quality evaluation practices.
Passing the exam will show the extent of your key knowledge in quality costs, quality control systems, and techniques for quality management. This certification mostly focuses on industrial engineering.
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
The CSEP certification shows that you understand engineering functions and concepts. It is offered by INCOSE, and it evaluates whether you have a deep understanding of technical challenges and engine systems, as well as how you can use your knowledge to solve problems.
The focus of the certification is systems engineering, engineering mechanics, and technical knowledge. The certification exam lasts for two hours, and you must have strong analytical skills. The education requirements state that you will need an engineering degree to be eligible to enroll.
Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
The CETma certification is offered by ETAI, and it is ideal for those who have six years of electrical engineering experience or more. This comprehensive exam requires a passing score of 85 percent. It is used to assess the skills and knowledge of the candidate in fiber optics, telecommunications, information technology, and radiofrequency work.
Certified Agile Developer (CAD)
The CAD certification is required for engineers in digital manufacturing. The exam covers Agile software development and the processes required to fulfill customer needs. Before taking the exam, you will learn how to execute functions with an Agile team.
Precision Sheet Metal Operator Certification (PSMO)
This certification is suited to mechanical engineers in the metal fabrication industry. The exam evaluates the candidate’s understanding of precision sheet metal fabrication and its techniques. You need to comprehend concepts such as press brakes, sawing, shearing, laser cutting, turret punch pressing, and mechanical finishing. This is a good certification because it saves companies money on extra training.
Six Sigma Certification
The Six Sigma certification allows employers to validate professionals who identify errors, risks, and defects in business processes. It can come in handy for mechanical engineers in managerial positions. It is offered by the Council for Sigma Certification. It also offers a flexible schedule with two paths to earning the certification to ease the entire process.
Free Mechanical Engineering Certifications Worth Your Time
- Structural Mechanics by MIT OpenCourseWare. This online program focuses on the basics of structural mechanics and how it is applied to mechanical, civil, and marine structures. It also covers a lot of topics that could come in handy in your role as a mechanical engineer.
- Autodesk CAD/CAM/CAE for Mechanical Engineering Specialization. This program is offered by Coursera, and it teaches computer-aided manufacturing skills to help you prepare designs and also covers manufacturing principles. It comes with a certificate upon successful completion of the program.
- Autodesk certified professional: Revit for architectural design. This is one of the most popular online courses in the field. It is offered by Autodesk and is important for mechanical engineering professionals who want to learn to use Revit and other programs in engineering. You need to have some experience with this tool before taking the course. It provides a certificate of completion.
Are Mechanical Engineer Certifications Worth It?
Mechanical engineer certifications are worth it if you want to access great job opportunities and professional career growth. Like every other certification, this credential can bump your value to engineering firms and even give you an edge over other candidates during a job interview. It can also help you develop valuable technical and communication skills.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Some of the best certifications for mechanical engineers may also provide a community to help you grow your professional network and assist you in your career advancement journey. Even if you have a degree in mechanical engineering, the additional skills you get through extra certification courses can make you an essential part of a top organization.
Best Certifications for Mechanical Engineers FAQ
The Engineer In Training certification is one of the best certifications for mechanical engineers. This is mainly because it offers a professional engineering license. However, there is a wide range of mechanical engineer certifications out there, such as the EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification and those offered by the Green Building Certification Institute and the American Society Of Mechanical Engineers.
Yes, you can get a job after completing your certification in the mechanical engineering field. In most cases, however, you may need a four-year engineering degree. In the absence of this degree, online certification courses are necessary. Certifications are highly regarded by employers and could increase your chances of securing a job in this industry.
While some of the best certifications for mechanical engineers require previous experience, others do not. Some require up to three years of experience, while others only require a degree in mechanical engineering. To be sure, you can check the individual certification specifications for the program you wish to pursue.
A mechanical engineer makes a median salary of $95,300, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. They also have a projected job outlook of seven percent over the next ten years. In general, mechanical engineering graduates have strong job security.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
