Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best design engineer certifications
Design engineer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an design engineer to employers. However, not all design engineer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a design engineer are Engineer In Training Certification (EIT), Certified Agile Developer (CAD), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Below is a list of the best design engineer certifications. Obtaining an design engineer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for design engineers
20 best design engineer certifications
1. Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)
The EIT Certification, which is formally known as the Engineer In Training Certification, is simply a document, a number, granted by the individual’s state engineering board after they pass the Engineer In Training Exam. The Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam) is the first of two exams you will take as you move towards obtaining your Professional Engineering License (PE). This exam, which you may also hear referred to as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE Exam), is developed and administered in all states (and a number of locations outside the US) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The FE Exam is offered to eligible students year-round in four different testing windows.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
2. Certified Agile Developer (CAD)
Agile approaches help teams respond to unpredictability through incremental, iterative work cadences, known as sprints. Agile methodologies are an alternative to waterfall, or traditional sequential development. Agile, a popular method of delivering top-quality software on schedule through a collaborative, iterative approach. Certification helps in understanding the key principles of Agile software development, which promote faster release cycles, better deliverable's and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. You’ll gain knowledge on policies and process improvements that can enhance interactions between developers and project and program managers. Agile software development, uses iterative, feature-driven, customer-focused Agile practices to develop applications that meet user requirements. In this certification, you also gain practical experience performing each role within an Agile team.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination 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. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
CEM, which stands for Certified Energy Manager®, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated high levels of experience, competence, proficiency, and ethical fitness in the energy management profession. Each CEM candidate must meet one of the following criteria. A four-year engineering degree and/or P.E., with at least three years experience in energy engineering or energy management.A four-year business or related degree, with at least five years experience in energy engineering or energy management.A two-year technical degree, with eight years experience in energy engineering or energy management.Ten years or more verified experience in energy engineering or energy management.
- 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)
5. Engineering Management Certification Fundamentals (EMCF)
The EMCF examination emphasizes fundamental aspects and principles of engineering management and is designed for early career engineers and other technical professionals. If you are an early career engineer, scientist, or other technologist intent on entering engineering management on your career path, then the EMCF credential is right for you.
- 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)
6. Structural Engineer (SE)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Software Engineering Management Associate Engineer
Software engineering management involves a number of various activities and processes. It requires an understanding of software engineering economics, software development process, software models and methods as well as traditional management functions such as planning, coordinating measuring, controlling and reporting in the context of software engineering.
- 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)
9. Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
Targeted towards systems engineers with five or more years of systems engineering work experience
- 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 5 year(s)
10. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
The Certified Quality Engineer is a professional who understands the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control. This body of knowledge and applied technologies include, but are not limited to, development and operation of quality control systems, 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, facility with quality cost concepts and techniques, and the knowledge and ability to develop and administer management information systems and to audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
11. Certified Professional Autodesk Inventor 2012
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
Professionals who earn a CMfgE demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and practices. Pursuing a CMfgE certification requires a minimum of 8 years of combined manufacturing-related education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 4 years of work experience. A CMfgT with a minimum of 7 years manufacturing-related work experience and/or education also qualifies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.
- 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)
14. Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE)
The Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE) Program is the only nationally recognized program that acknowledges individuals who possess the skills and knowledge needed to perform effectively as machine tool sales engineers.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
15. Petroleum Engineering Certification (PEC)
Associations, societies and professions offer voluntary certification programs to their members to bring increased recognition of the recipient's high professional standards and commitment to the profession. For the petroleum industry, the environmental and consumer era of the past few decades have given the public greater awareness of pollution, energy, and the need for a high level of industry professionalism. At the request of the membership, SPE has established this program to provide a Society-sponsored Petroleum Engineering Certification the Middle East, Asia Pacific, United States and other regions that express interest in the program.
- 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 1 year(s)
16. Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013
This exam is designed for people who are engaged in managing projects, programs, or portfolios in the Microsoft Project Portfolio Management (PPM) environment and have a solid understanding of key project management concepts and terminology. Candidates should also have extensive hands-on experience using Microsoft Project Professional 2013 and Project Web App 2013, including managing enterprise custom fields, views, and portfolio objects.
- 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?
17. Certified Welding Engineer
The AWS Certified Welding Engineer is for individuals who have demonstrated education, experience, and knowledge as defined by this information and who successfully passes the required examinations is considered qualified as an AWS Certified Welding Engineer ,CWEng). The CWEng is capable of directing those operations associated with weldments and other types of joints that are completed in accordance with the appropriate contract documents, codes, and other standards to produce a satisfactory product. The welding engineer-s activities begins before production or construction welding and continues through the production process then ending when the production process is complete.
- 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 5 year(s)
18. Certified Tax Specialist (CTS)
The CTS designation - you will learn how to reduce taxable income and discover the current income tax regulations and their impact on individuals, couples, families, and business owners. In addition, you'll gain sophisticated knowledge about business income, tax credits, itemized deductions, LLCs and S Corps, retirement plans, and home businesses.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
19. Certified Technical Professional (CTP)
Certified Technical Professional (CTP) program is designed to serve graduates of both 2-Year and 4-Year Programs. The exam is broad-based, geared to technical programs without a management component that result in either an associate (AS, AAS) degree or a baccalaureate (BS, BA) degree.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
20. 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.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a design engineer?
The best design engineer certification is Engineer In Training Certification (EIT). The Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) is awarded by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this design engineer certification:
- To become a certified Engineer In Training Certification (EIT), you don't need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for design engineers?
The most in-demand design engineer certification is Engineer In Training Certification based on all active job postings. Having this design engineer certification will give you access to more design engineer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a design engineer career and salary?
The Project Management Professional certification will help you to secure a mechanical engineer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A mechanical engineer's average salary is $72,056 whereas design engineers make an average salary of $77,134.
The most common combination of design engineer certifications include: Engineer In Training Certification (EIT), Certified Agile Developer (CAD), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Online courses for design engineers to earn certifications
1. Engineering and Product Design Processes
Welcome to “Engineering and Product Design Processes!” In this short course, you will learn how engineering design processes and product design processes are carried out. After the course, you will be familiar with the steps in both design processes. You will also be familiar with the main goal of each design process, as well as their similarities and differences...
2. Mechanical design and Product development process
Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...
3. Automotive product design using CATIA V5
Automotive domain design using CATIA, interior and exterior trims on CATIA, Plastic product design in Automotive sector...
4. Basics of Sheet metal design for Mechanical design engineers
Learn Sheet metal design, processes and practical design considerations along with Design projects...
5. Complete Course in CATIA
For Students, Engineers, and Designers...
6. Product Design Management for Agile Practitioners
Application of product design management principles, concepts, tools and techniques in agile product management...
7. Complete Eagle CAD PCB Design: Theory and Practical approach
Complete PCB Design Course for Freshers & Professionals...
8. Introduction to Automotive Product Design & development
Learn about the process, milestones and activities from idea to complete design of cars for Automotive engineers...
9. Master Digital Product Design: UX Research & UI Design
A complete design education for product designers: Research the user experience, then design a great user interface...
10. Basics of Material selection for mechanical design engineers
Learn about the fundamentals of materials and their selection for mechanical engineering design for design engineers...
11. Ultimate Guide to Product Design: Design Thinking Approach
Uncover the Secrets of Successful Products for Outstanding User Experience. Design unique product that your users love!...
12. Learning SOLIDWORKS: For Students, Engineers, and Designers
For Basic and Intermediate Users...
13. Product Development & Systems Engineering
The complete Product Development & Systems Engineering course! Earn 25 contact hours AND prepare to take the INCOSE Exam...
14. PCB Design using OrCAD/Allegro from Basics to Expert level
Learn Or CAD/Allegro PCB Design: Schematic (Or CAD Capture), Footprint's (Package Editor) & Board Design(PCB Editor)...
15. Crash Course Electronics and PCB Design
Learn Electronics and PCB Design from the Ground up with Altium Circuit Maker and Labcenter Proteus...
16. Pro Engineer Creo Fundamental 3D design course
Learn fundamentals of creo parametric from scratch including part design,drawing,assembly...
17. Catia V5 Electrical Harness Design - Automotive & Industrial
Learn Catia V5 from a design engineer with more la 18 years experience in automotive, racing and industrial design...
18. Manufacturing Guide for Mechanical Product Development
Learn how everyday physical products are manufactured with no prior experience in engineering...
19. Unreal Engine: Intro to Game Design
Like Fortnite? Master the tools used to build it as we build a simple shooting gallery game using the Unreal Engine!...
20. UX Fundamentals: Practical Usability for Product Design
Avoid common mistakes in product design by learning usability principles and analysing tens of real-life examples...