Certifications for mechanical engineers can add significant value to your resume. These certifications often provide proof of extensive knowledge and skills to increase appeal to potential employers. They can also offer candidates higher earning potential, according to Blue Signal.1 If you want to start a mechanical engineering career, certification programs can be especially supportive in your professional career.
This article will review some of the certifications for mechanical engineers to help streamline your search so you can reach your career goals quickly.
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.
How Much Can You Earn With a Mechanical Engineer Certification?
Mechanical engineers with a certification in a relevant field earn an average of $85,000 per year, according to PayScale as of October 2025.2
Why Is Mechanical Engineer Certification Important?
A mechanical engineer certification can show potential employers that you are willing to study and expand your technical skills. It can be used to showcase your expertise during job interviews and can help you stand out among other candidates.
It typically takes less time to complete mechanical engineering certifications compared to a four-year mechanical engineering degree. Below you will find some of the benefits of mechanical engineer certifications.
Give You an Edge
A mechanical engineer certification can give you an edge over other candidates when you’re being considered for a job opportunity. It can enhance your resume and cover letter, sometimes offering you eligibility for certain positions that may require related 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 skill set.
Offer Access to Networking Opportunities
As a mechanical engineer, a certification can allow you to network with others in your field and expand your professional network. Having this network is helpful for sharing solutions and ideas, as well as potential 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
Certifications for Mechanical Engineers: At a Glance
| Certification | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Engineer-in-Training Certification (EIT) | Must have completed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and earned a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program. |
| Certified Energy Manager (CEM) | A four-year engineering/architectural college degree, or you must be a professional engineer or registered architect. (Alternate requirements may apply.) |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | A high school or secondary school diploma, a minimum of 60 months of experience leading and managing projects in the last eight years, and 35 hours of project management education/training. (Alternate requirements may apply.) |
| Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) | A minimum of eight combined years of manufacturing-related education or engineering work experience. |
| Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) | Eight years of experience in one or more CQE Body of Knowledge areas, including three years in a decision-making role. |
| Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) | Must pass the INCOSE knowledge exam or equivalent and submit required professional references. |
| Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) | Six or more years of electronics training and/or work experience, and completion of the Associate CET (CETa) certification. |
| Certified Agile Developer (CAD) | No requirements. |
Certifications for Mechanical Engineers: 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 offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The EIT exam is taken with the FE Exam. Many professional engineers include this license in their career path plan.3
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
This CEM certification is for experts in the energy management field.4 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 a number of years of experience in energy engineering and management.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
This PMP certification, offered by Project Management Institute (PMI), is popular among project managers.5 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.
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
The CMfgE certification focuses on advanced manufacturing and engineering.6 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 for mechanical engineers who want to develop a strong understanding of product quality and service basics.7 Passing the exam will show the extent of your key knowledge in quality control, statistical analysis, product and process design, and regulations and techniques for quality management.
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
The CSEP certification shows that you understand engineering functions and concepts.8 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 is ideal for those who have six or more years of electrical engineering experience.9 This comprehensive exam requires a minimum passing score of 75 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.10 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.
Are Mechanical Engineer Certifications Worth It?
Mechanical engineer certifications are worth it if you want to access further job opportunities and professional career growth. 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.
Some 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 an organization.
Certifications for Mechanical Engineers FAQ
The engineer-in-training certification is a preliminary certification 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. It’s important to note that certifications may improve candidacy but do not guarantee job placement.
While some 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.
As of 2024, a mechanical engineer makes a median salary of $102,320, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.11 They also have a projected job outlook of nine percent through 2034.11
Sources:
"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
2 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Mechanical_Engineering_Certification/Salary
4 https://www.aeecenter.org/certified-energy-manager/becoming-a-cem/
5 https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
8 https://www.incose.org/certification/becoming-certified/applying-for-csep
9 https://www.etai.org/senior_master.html
10 https://gaqm.org/certifications/scrum_agile/cad
11 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
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.
