Just like with engineering degrees, there are a lot of options available when picking a certification for mechanical engineering. Which is the best one for you? Follow this guide to find out!

To begin, let’s discuss some of the potential benefits of certification courses for mechanical engineers

Why you need extra certification as a mechanical Engineer?

One of the most common questions is why take on extra studies or tests that are not required by your employer? The answer: to increase your employment opportunities.

By obtaining a certification you prove to potential employers that you have taken the time to gain more knowledge than what the minimum is for your job. This shows that you are interested in your field and want to better yourself, something employers look for in their employees.

As well, obtaining a certification can be an excellent way to add some extra credentials to boost your resume. For example, if you wish to become a licensed professional engineer (PE) or a registered engineer (RE), certification courses can be a great step towards those goals.

With that said, the choice of which certification course is best for you will depend on your personal and career aspirations. Here are some things to consider:

Certification type: there are many different certification types available for mechanical engineers, each with their own benefits and goals.

Your career and personal goals: the benefits of certification courses can easily be lost if the goal of obtaining them is not clear, so be sure that you have a clear understanding of what you are looking to achieve, both in the immediate and long term future.

Becoming a licensed PE/RE is one very clear goal for many people working towards becoming a mechanical engineer. Beyond that, is there anything else you wish to accomplish?

The following are some of the potential advantages of obtaining mechanical engineering certifications:

Confirm your knowledge and skills: Many certificates put your talents and abilities to the test, and passing such tests and receiving the credentials may validate your knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering.

Increase career opportunities: Some businesses may seek certain qualifications or favor people with certifications over those without. Including certificates on your CV might help you land a better job.

Improve your application materials: You might include certificates on your CV and discuss them in your cover letter to demonstrate your dedication to learning and growth. This might help to strengthen your application materials and impress the reader with your qualifications.

Improve your engineering reputation: If your colleagues and peers know you pursue and pass certifications, they may have a favorable opinion of you. Displaying your credentials and qualifications at meetings and conferences might help to boost your professional engineer reputation.

What do you hope to get out of certification courses?

Are you looking for something more along the lines of a self-improvement project or something that will come in handy at your job and in life? The answers to questions such as these can greatly affect both the type and number of certification courses that will be best for you.

Your employer: if your employer is able to help out, either with advice or financial support, this can make obtaining certifications significantly easier. As well, a company that values their employees will show it in many ways, including offering to help you with your studies.

How do you plan to use them?: 

be sure to consider not just the attempts at obtaining your certification but how you might use your knowledge and skills once obtained. This will help determine not only the certification course you wish to take but also the level of that course.

Becoming a licensed PE or RE is one common goal for mechanical engineers, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some other things to consider:

How valuable is certification in the field of mechanical engineering?

To many mechanical engineers, pursuing certifications can be a great way to further their knowledge and skills. However, for some people in the field, certification is not so important.

Who’s right? How can you determine if certification is right for you?

As with any question, the answer lies in looking at the facts. For example:

The engineering profession is one that is growing quickly , particularly in technology and research fields.With this growth comes more opportunities for engineers, both in terms of employment and job flexibility. The need for skilled engineers has never been greater and this trend seems to be continuing in the foreseeable future.

Top 10 Mechanical Engineering Certifications for Your Career

1. Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)

The Engineer In Training Certification, often known as the EIT Certification, is merely a document, a number, provided by the individual’s state engineering board after passing the Engineer In Training Exam. 

The Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam) is the first of two examinations you will take to get your Professional Engineering License (PE). The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying develops and administers this test, commonly known as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE Exam), in all states (and a few sites outside the United States) (NCEES). The FE Exam is available to qualified students all year long in four separate testing dates.

2. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)

A comprehensive, equipment-specific safety program designed to educate operators and their workers with a full awareness of optimum risk management techniques. Accidents in the industry, which help to draw attention to prospective problems, may frequently be prevented by employing adequate risk management strategies.

3. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

CEM, which stands for Certified Energy Manager and reg, rewards persons in the energy management field who have exhibited high levels of expertise, competence, competency, and ethical fitness. Each CEM applicant must fulfill at least one of the following requirements. A four-year engineering degree and/or a P.E., as well as at least three years of experience in energy engineering or energy management. 

A four-year business or equivalent degree is required, as well as at least five years of experience in energy engineering or energy management. A two-year technical degree and eight years of experience in energy engineering or energy management are required. Ten years of confirmed experience in energy engineering or energy management is required.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP designation after your name indicates to existing and prospective employers that you have established a sound foundation of knowledge from which to properly practice project management. 

To be qualified for the PMP Credential, you must first complete particular educational and project management experience criteria, as well as agree to follow a code of professional behavior. 

Passing a rigorous multiple-choice exam designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility is the final step toward becoming a PMP. This computer-based test is given worldwide, including translation aids in ten languages.

5. Certified Agile Developer (CAD)

Agile techniques enable teams to adjust to uncertainty by utilizing sprints, which are incremental, iterative work cadences. Agile procedures are a viable alternative to waterfall or classic sequential development methods. 

Agile is a common strategy for producing high-quality software on time using a collaborative, iterative methodology. Certification aids in the understanding of the essential concepts of Agile software development, which encourage shorter release cycles, higher quality deliverables, and the capacity to react swiftly to changing conditions. 

You will learn about rules and process enhancements that can improve interactions between developers and project and program managers. Agile software development employs iterative, feature-driven, and customer-focused Agile processes to create solutions that fulfill the needs of users. You will also receive practical experience executing each function within an Agile team as part of this certification.

6. Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)

This professional competency certification requires the successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in the following twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management.

7. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

A Certified Quality Engineer is a professional who knows the fundamentals of evaluating and controlling the quality of products and services. This body of knowledge and applied technologies includes, but is not limited to, the development and operation of quality control systems, the application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures, the ability to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices, an understanding of human factors and motivation, familiarity with quality cost concepts and techniques, and the knowledge and ability to develop and administer manage quality control systems.

8. Precision Sheet Metal Operator Certification (PSMO)

PSMO Certification is the metal fabricating industry’s first comprehensive test that evaluates a candidate’s understanding of essential precision sheet metal fabrication techniques such as shearing, sawing, press brake, turret punch press, laser cutting, and mechanical finishing. 

PSMO certification provides organizations with a tool to help them make better decisions when it comes to hiring new personnel, training current employees, and promoting and keeping experienced team members. Certification can help operators develop their careers, earn a promotion or raise, and differentiate themselves as a knowledgeable professional in their area.

9. Digital Manufacturing and Design Technology Certification

The Digital Manufacturing and Design Technology Certification is a knowledge-based qualification focusing on manufacturing fundamentals. 

This course teaches students about digital advancements and new industrial technology. 

The course includes an applied learning project in which you may devise a strategy for reaching your manufacturing objectives or aspirations.

10. Safety Certification for EPA Operators (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency’s certification assesses an engineer’s understanding of public safety and how it relates to engineering. The certification test necessitates significant knowledge of environmental legislation and which projects conform or violate rules. This accreditation is for engineers who deal with drinking water and water distribution systems, and it protects public safety and access to clean, safe drinking water.

Advice on Selecting a Mechanical Engineering Certification

Certifications, depending on the ones you pick, might help you enhance your application materials and sharpen your abilities. Here are some pointers to assist you pick the mechanical engineering certifications that are right for you:

Consider your present abilities and experience: Some certificates are designed for novices, while others are designed for individuals with extensive education, experience, and skills. Before deciding on a certification, evaluate your present mechanical engineering skills.

Create a career path plan and strategy: Knowing your dream role and profession can help you choose which certifications to pursue. For example, if you wish to specialize in mechanical engineering, you can select a certification that would help you achieve that aim.

Examine the following certificates with your manager: If you are presently employed as a mechanical engineer, try speaking with your boss and inquiring about their certifications. Examine which certificates are most likely to help you grow in your job.

Make a budget for professional certificates: Professional certifications in mechanical engineering might include fees and other charges, and making a budget for certifications will help you identify which are most essential for you.