The best certifications for an engineering manager are Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Green Belt, and Engineer In Training Certification (EIT). Engineering manager certifications demonstrate your competency as an engineering manager to employers. However, not all engineering manager certifications provide the same value. Below is a list of the best engineering manager certifications. Obtaining an engineering manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary. According to Asad Salem Ph.D, J.H. Fletcher Endowed Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Marshall University, “To optimize your engineering salary potential, meticulously delve into industry salary benchmarks. Beyond excelling in your academic pursuits, acquire hands-on experience through research, internships, or co-op opportunities. Exhibit relevant skills and project accomplishments, consider pursuing advanced areas of expertise or certifications, and approach job offers with confidence during negotiations. Moreover, augment this strategy by actively engaging in networking, staying attuned to market inclinations, and showcasing a willingness to take on demanding projects. By emphasizing your dedication and proactively contributing, you can fortify your commitment and bolster your long-term earnings prospects in the dynamic field of engineering.”
Engineering managers lead teams of engineers and technicians to execute complex projects Gaining engineering manager certification demonstrates your leadership abilities and commitment to the profession
This guide covers the key steps to earn certification and advance your engineering management career.
Overview of Engineering Manager Certification
Engineering manager certification provides third-party validation of your competencies in areas like:
- Project management
- Budgeting and resource planning
- Team leadership and motivation
- Communication and stakeholder management
- Business acumen and strategy
Certifications are available from professional engineering societies and project management institutes They require passing rigorous exams that test your functional and leadership skills
Top certifications for engineering managers include:
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Professional Manager (PM) Certification
Earning certification signals to employers that you can effectively lead engineering teams and strategy.
Key Benefits of Certification
Here are some of the major benefits of getting certified as an engineering manager:
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Validates capabilities – Confirms your project leadership competencies through examination.
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Career advancement – Certification can lead to promotions into senior management.
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Higher salary – Certified engineering managers earn 12-15% more on average.
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Job opportunities – Certification makes you more competitive and marketable to employers.
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Professional credibility – Demonstrates your dedication to engineering management excellence.
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Industry recognition – Certification is highly valued across engineering, construction and manufacturing.
Steps to Earn Engineering Manager Certification
If you’re ready to boost your engineering leadership career through certification, here are the typical steps:
1. Get an Engineering Degree
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering to access most certifications. Chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering degrees are most common.
2. Gain Professional Experience
Build up 2-5 years of experience managing engineering projects and teams before pursuing certification. This hands-on experience is key.
3. Review Certification Requirements
Research the requirements for certifications that align to your goals. Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria.
4. Enroll in Preparatory Courses
Taking exam prep courses improves your chances of passing on the first try. Many certification programs provide or recommend prep materials.
5. Register and Schedule Your Exam
When ready, register with the certifying organization and schedule an exam date at an approved testing center.
6. Take and Pass the Exam
Arrive confident and focused on exam day. Certification exams are challenging so prepare extensively and get plenty of rest.
7. Submit Your Application
Upon passing the exam, complete the certification application including fees, references, ethics agreements and supporting documents.
8. Maintain Your Certification
Recertify every 3-5 years through continuing education and reexamination to stay current.
With dedication and hard work, these steps will guide you to achieving engineering management certification.
Key Engineering Manager Certifications
Here are some of the top certifications for engineering managers to consider:
Professional Engineer (PE) License
The PE license is the gold standard for demonstrating engineering expertise. To become a licensed PE, you must:
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Pass the 8-hour Principles and Practices of Engineering exam
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Have an accredited engineering degree
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Complete 4 years of professional experience
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Meet character and ethics requirements
The PE allows the highest level of authority and responsibility as an engineer. It opens up management roles.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Managed by the Project Management Institute, the globally recognized PMP requires:
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35 hours of project management education
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3 years/7500 hours leading projects
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Passing a 4-hour, 200-question exam
The PMP is arguably the most valued PM certification for engineering managers seeking leadership roles.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Also from PMI, the CAPM is ideal for early career engineering managers looking to boost their PM skills. It requires:
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23 hours of project management education
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Passing a 3-hour, 150-question exam
Earning the CAPM sets you up to advance to the PMP down the road.
Professional Manager (PM) Certification
Offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers, the PM requires:
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Associate’s degree or 60 credit hours
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3 years of management experience
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Passing a comprehensive exam
The PM confirms well-rounded capabilities for leading and managing engineering teams.
Certification Exam Preparation
Certification exams test a broad range of engineering, project and professional management knowledge. Thorough preparation is key to pass on your first attempt.
Here are some tips for exam success:
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Review the exam blueprint – Identify areas to focus your study.
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Take practice tests – Assess your weaknesses and practice pacing.
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Study recommended materials – Leverage official prep guides and courses.
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Learn testing strategies – Hone approaches for time management and critical thinking.
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Form study groups – Discuss concepts and quiz each other.
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Get plenty of rest – Arrive well-rested and ready to focus intensely.
Investing at least 2-3 months of consistent preparation will help you ace your certification exam.
Recertifying to Maintain Currency
Recertifying every 3-5 years is required to maintain active certification status for most engineering management credentials. This ensures you stay current as practices evolve.
Typical recertification requirements include:
- Accumulating Professional Development Units (PDUs) through continuing education
- Re-taking recertification exams
- Paying recertification fees
- Meeting Code of Ethics obligations
- Demonstrating ongoing work experience
Plan for recertification requirements as part of your long-term career development.
Is Engineering Manager Certification Worth it?
While certification requires effort, the return on investment is significant:
- 12-18% higher salary potential
- Accelerated career advancement
- Enhanced professional credibility
- Increased job stability and security
- Flexibility to take on larger scope projects
- Professional peer recognition
- Personal satisfaction
For motivated engineering managers, certification delivers immense value for your career and leadership impact in your industry.
Earning engineering manager certification requires dedication but pays dividends towards becoming an effective, inspirational leader.
It enables engineering managers to validate their strategic thinking, technical know-how, and team leadership abilities through rigorous examination.
With the right combination of education, experience and preparation, engineering professionals can achieve certification to take their career potential to new heights.
The professional stamp of certification clearly signals you have the skills to successfully manage critical engineering projects that drive business results.
Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE)
The purpose of the certification program is to recognize chemists and chemical engineers who have a certain basic level of education and/or experience and who have participated in professional career development and continuing education during the immediate past one to three years.Certification Details
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Website
1 Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS)
The program candidate must have six months previous security supervisory/management experience or equivalent. Remit the certification fee to IFPO to receive the CSSM application. Candidates accepted into this portion of the program are required to address 10 simulated workplace scenarios demanding supervisory/management action.Certification Details
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
I Quit My Job As An Engineering Manager (What I Learned)
How do I become a Certified Engineering Manager?
To become a certified engineering manager with Project Management Professional (PMP), you need to pass the exam. This certificate requires more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 3 year. What are some of the most in-demand certifications for engineering managers?
What is an engineering management certification?
An initial or associate engineering management certification can allow you to become an engineering manager on certain projects or an assistant engineering manager on larger or more complex projects. It can also allow you to move from engineering into project management by showing potential employers your mastery of EMBoK principles.
Where can I get a professional engineering management certification?
If you’re interested in earning a professional engineering management certification, there are several recognized accreditation agencies, including the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
How do I get a job in engineering management?
Pursue coursework or certifications in engineering management, project management, and leadership to prepare for the managerial aspects of the role. Advanced degrees, like a Master’s in Engineering Management or an MBA with a focus on technology, can further bolster your qualifications.
