As a new or experienced mechanical engineer, you cannot underestimate the value of professional certifications. Successful completion of certification exams can help you grow as a professional engineer, as they serve as explicit evidence of your comprehensive knowledge. Mechanical engineering certifications are the best way to give yourself a leg up in a competitive job market.
In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the different professional certifications for mechanical engineering. You’ll also get to discover the highest-paying mechanical engineering certification jobs, their salaries, as well as the certification prep courses and other professional education resources you can use to get ready for exams.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is the formal proof of a professional’s comprehensive knowledge, experience, and skills in a particular discipline. Each industry has various certifications that new and experienced professionals can earn as evidence of their skills. Each certification has its own education requirements, experience requirements, and licensure requirements applicants need to meet to qualify.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between certification and a certificate is that certification is awarded to a professional of a certain level after an assessment process and is awarded by a regulatory body in the industry, while a certificate is a diploma awarded by a college or university for the completion of an academic program at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Why Is Certification in Mechanical Engineering Important?
Certification in mechanical engineering is important because it will help you grow in the industry and achieve your career goals. Earning certifications allows you to move up from entry-level positions to mid and senior-level roles as a professional engineer. Certification proves to prospective employers that you can carry out the day-to-day tasks of a mechanical engineer.
Best Mechanical Engineering Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM) | American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) | $150,865 | $325 (nonmember); $275 (member) |
| Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) | INCOSE – International Council on Systems Engineering | $131,000 | $350 |
| Certified Associate in Engineering Management (CAEM) | American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) | $119,225 | $275 (nonmember); $175 (member) |
| Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) | INCOSE – International Council on Systems Engineering | $109,985 | $630 |
| Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) | SME | $95,407 | $520 (online exam, nonmember); $550 (paper exam, nonmember); $275 (online exam, member); $305 (paper exam, member) |
| Certified Energy Manager | Association of Energy Engineers | $89,000 | $400 (exam); $200 (retest); $300 (renewal) |
| Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) | American Society for Quality (ASQ) | $89,000 | $498 (exam); $298 (retake) |
| Certified Residential Geothermal Designer | International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) | $85,000 | $100 for one year of validity; $300 for three years of validity |
| Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor for Mechanical Design | Autodesk, Inc | $71,000 | $200 |
| Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) | ASHRAE | $61,443 | $395 (ASHRAE member); $235 (ASHRAE developing economies member); $595 (nonmember) |
Best Mechanical Engineering Certifications to Further Your Career
This certification is designed for experienced engineers and technology professionals who formally prove their knowledge, skills, and experience in management. The certification has strict experience requirements but enables professionals to stand out in a competitive job market. Candidates must submit their official transcripts and a copy of their resume when applying.
Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM) Overview
- Average Salary: $150,865
- Cost: $325 (nonmember); $275 (member)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Technology, Engineering, or a related field, official transcripts, resume, minimum four years of relevant experience
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 200 questions in four hours
- Best Suited For: Experienced professionals looking to validate their knowledge, skills, and experience in the field
Potential Careers With Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM)
This certification is designed for professional engineers with multiple years of experience. Advanced knowledge and skills in systems engineering are the certification’s main eligibility requirements. It’s particularly useful for professional engineers in military systems acquisition and development, commercial product engineering, and public infrastructure engineering.
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Overview
- Average Salary: $131,000
- Cost: $350
- Requirements: Minimum five years of relevant experience in the field, INCOSE membership, references, qualifying degree in a related field
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 120 questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Mid-level professionals looking to validate their skills and grow in the field
Potential Careers With Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
This certification is designed new professional engineers looking to establish themselves in the industry. The certification tests their technical skills in the practice of engineering and serves as evidence of their skills to prospective employers. Professional engineers can use it to become project managers or supervisors, increasing their career opportunities and earning potential.
Certified Associate in Engineering Management Overview
- Average Salary: $119,225
- Cost: $275 (nonmember); $175 (member)
- Requirements: Qualifying degree at the undergraduate or graduate level, resume.
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 100 questions in two hours
- Best Suited For: New professional engineers looking to eventually work as project managers or in other supervisory roles in the field
Potential Careers With Certified Associate in Engineering Management
This certification is designed for professionals with at least 20 years of professional engineering experience looking to progress to managerial or supervisory roles in systems engineering. This certification proves their advanced industry-standard knowledge, skills, and experience, allowing them to pursue more senior roles and earn a higher salary.
Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) Overview
- Average Salary: $109,985
- Cost: $630
- Requirements: INCOSE membership, references, minimum 20 years of experience
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: Oral interview
- Best Suited For: Experienced professionals with at least 20 years of experience in the field
Potential Careers With Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP)
Professionals with advanced manufacturing engineering experience in leadership, management, or supervisory roles can use this professional engineering certification to attain greater heights in their careers. Its eligibility requirements include a combined minimum of eight years of education and engineering work experience.
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) Overview
- Average Salary: $95,407
- Cost: $520 (online exam, nonmember); $550 (paper exam, nonmember); $275 (online exam, member); $305 (paper exam, member)
- Requirements: Minimum combine eight years of education and work experience
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 180 multi-choice questions in four hours
- Best Suited For: Seasoned professionals who want to grow in the mechanical engineering industry
Potential Careers With Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
This certification is designed for professionals of all different skill levels. Energy managers, consultants, building owners, and project managers who want to learn, grow, and validate their energy management skills are encouraged to earn this certification. The completion of courses is required before taking the exam.
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Overview
- Average Salary: $89,000
- Cost: $400 (exam); $200 (retest); $300 (renewal)
- Requirements: A qualifying degree and a varying number of years of engineering work experience depending on the kind of associate or baccalaureate degree held
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 4 hours
- Best Suited For: New and seasoned professionals who want to validate their knowledge, skills, and experience
Potential Careers With Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
This certification is designed for professionals with a significant amount of experience in the field and knowledge of manufacturing processes. It serves as a formal recognition of a professional’s mastery of the different principles of product quality control and evaluation. The certification is globally recognized and gives holders a competitive edge in the job market.
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Overview
- Average Salary: $89,000
- Cost: $498 (exam); $298 (retake)
- Requirements: Minimum of eight years of relevant work experience, three out of the eight years of work experience must be in a decision-making position, degree-holders can reduce the total number of required years with graduate-level degree holders reducing the requirement by five years
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 175 questions in five hours and 18 minutes
- Best Suited For: Experienced candidates who want to validate their skills and increase their professional career growth
Potential Careers With Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
This certification aims to train various professionals in the ground source heat pump industry such as GSHP installers and manufacturers, mechanical engineers, and architects. Earning the certification requires the completion of a course and a certification examination. Successful completion of the program allows you to pursue higher roles in the field.
Certified Residential Geothermal Designer Overview
- Average Salary: $85,000
- Cost: $100 for one year of validity; $300 for three years of validity
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: One to three years
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: Any geothermal heat pump design professional looking to formally prove their skills and knowledge
Potential Careers With Certified Residential Geothermal Designer
This certification program is for any Autodesk design professional who wants to demonstrate their skills to potential employers. Candidates have to complete a course before taking the certification to ensure that they are prepared for the exam. This certification will serve as proof that you have the relevant skills needed to carry out your day-to-day tasks with ease.
Certified Instructor Autodesk Inventor for Mechanical Design Overview
- Average Salary: $71,000
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: 1,200 of experience with Autodesk Inventor, familiarity with skills relevant to Autodesk Inventor
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 45 to 60 questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Autodesk experts who want to formally validate their skills
Potential Careers With Certified Instructor Autodesk Inventor for Mechanical Design
This certification serves as evidence of a candidate’s skills in designing HVAC systems to meet project requirements. The work experience eligibility requirements for this certification differ depending on the candidate’s education. This certification is in demand by employers in the HVAC industry, giving its holders a competitive advantage in the labor market.
Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) Overview
- Average Salary: $61,443
- Cost: $235 (ASHRAE developing economies member); $395 (ASHRAE member); $595 (nonmember)
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent with five years of experience, associate or technical degree in a relevant field with three years of experience, or baccalaureate degree in a relevant field with two years of experience
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 100 questions
- Best Suited For: Professionals in the HVAC industry who want to validate their skills and improve their professional career growth
Potential Careers With Certified HVAC Designer (CHD)
How to Choose the Best Mechanical Engineering Certification for Your Career
In order to choose the best mechanical engineering certifications for your professional career, there are certain factors that you should carefully consider such as your desired career path, the reason you want to get certified, and the value of the career paths you have available to you. The following section includes tips to help make your decision-making process easier.
Determine the Purpose of Becoming Certified
When choosing the best mechanical engineering certification for you, the first thing you should consider is your reasons for needing to be certified. This can help you determine which certifications will serve this purpose and help you achieve your goals. With the myriad of certification options available, knowing your goals will help you narrow down your options.
Consider Your Career Path
Everyone should have an idea of the career path they plan to follow to achieve their career goals. Depending on where you are along your career path, a certification designed for a mid-level mechanical engineer may be more beneficial than one designed for a senior-level project management professional and vice-versa.
Research the Value of the Different Available Certifications
Researching the value of available certifications will help you determine which one will best allow you to achieve your career goals. There is a broad range of certifications available in the engineering industry, and not all of them provide the same return on investment. Consider looking up the average salary for the holders of different certifications you are considering.
Which Mechanical Engineering Certifications Pay the Most?
The mechanical engineering certifications that pay the most are Certified Professional in Engineering Management, Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), Certified Associate in Engineering Management, Certified Energy Manager, and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
Highest-Paying Mechanical Engineering Certifications
- Certified Professional in Engineering Management: $150,865
- Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP): $131,000
- Certified Associate in Engineering Management: $119,225
- Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP): $109,985
- Certified Energy Manager: $89,000
Which Mechanical Engineering Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The mechanical engineering certifications that are best for beginners are Certified Associate in Engineering Management (CAEM), Certified Residential Geothermal Designer, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and Certified Residential Geothermal Designer certifications. This is because they are designed for entry-level professionals and have few required application materials.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Mechanical Engineering Certification Exam
You can prepare for your mechanical engineering certification exam through a number of ways. Your mechanical engineering exam prep could be in the form of online certification prep courses, books, or study guides. All of these resources can be used simultaneously to help you familiarize yourself with the basic knowledge needed to meet the examination requirements.
Best Courses to Prepare for Mechanical Engineering Certification Exams
This section includes some of the best mechanical engineering prep courses you can use to prepare for your certification exams. These online training programs are offered by a wide variety of certification organizations, MOOCs, universities, and other well-respected organizations in the engineering industry.
- Cost: $995
- Duration: 26 hours
- Best Suited For: Certified Associate in Engineering Management (CAEM), Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM)
This course is offered by The University of Alabama in partnership with ASEM to prepare candidates for their certification exam. Its flexible, fully online schedule helps candidates learn at their own convenience and is taught by industry experts to equip students with the relevant fundamental engineering knowledge needed to ace their CAEM or CPEM exam.
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- Cost: $1,995
- Duration: 5 days
- Best Suited For: Certified Energy Manager certification
This is a five-day training program offered by the Association of Energy Engineers designed to prepare candidates for their Certified Energy Manager certification exam. Completing this program awards credits toward the certification. Students get access to a course workbook, a personal instructor, and practical examples to help them integrate what they learn.
- Cost: $3,000
- Duration: 5 days
- Best Suited For: INCOSE SEP
This course, offered by Certification Training International, is designed for people looking to take any INCOSE SEP certifications like the ASEP or CSEP. The course is delivered fully online with a live instructor and encourages the visibility of participants. The program uses breakout rooms, discussions, courseware, and desktop sharing to allow for a better learning experience.
- Cost: $824 (nonmember); $724 (member)
- Duration: 30 hours
- Best Suited For: Certified Quality Engineer
This eLearning program provided by the American Society for Quality prepares candidates for the Certified Quality Engineer certification exam. The program covers everything tested by the CQE certification exam through lessons on industry-relevant topics and practice exam questions.
- Cost: $1,050
- Duration: 18 hours
- Best Suited For: Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
This is an 18-hour online interactive program that prepares candidates for the CMfgE certification examination. The program’s courses cover relevant topics in math, applied and engineering sciences, materials, production systems, and automated systems, among others.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Mechanical Engineering Certification Exams
There are many other resources you can use to prepare for your mechanical engineering certification exams. Other common mechanical engineering exam prep resources include mechanical engineering books written for a specific exam, general books, study guides, and online engineering communities.
EngineeringClicks
This is an online community for mechanical engineering professionals providing multiple resources for new and experienced mechanical engineers in the field. You can find articles that can be used as study guides as well as a page for mechanical design jobs. People can connect with other industry experts to learn and grow in the field.
EngineeringClicks Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: New and seasoned professionals looking to connect with other industry professionals
Engineering Talks (Mechanical Engineering)
This is another online community designed to connect professionals in the mechanical engineering industry. It includes forums, blogs, and other helpful resources that can help new and seasoned professionals learn and grow in the field. You could even organize study sessions with other professionals preparing for the same certification as you.
Engineering Talks (Mechanical Engineering) Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People looking to connect with other industry professionals to learn and grow
Engineer Boards
This online community is designed to connect professional engineers of all kinds together to share ideas, start conversations, learn, and grow. Membership in this community is free and allows members to share relevant and helpful resources that promote shared growth. New and experienced members can ask questions and get help from their peers.
Engineer Boards Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Engineering professionals in any industry looking to connect, learn, and grow in their respective fields
Mechanical Engineering Exam Prep: Problems and Solutions
This book by L.S Mayboudi offers is filled with 1500 questions commonly found across various types of mechanical engineering exams along with their answers. It puts emphasis on the typical engineering curriculum and covers topics like math, physics, thermodynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanical systems, engineering mechanics, and technical drawings.
Mechanical Engineering Exam Prep: Problems and Solutions Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $29.95 (Kindle); $41.68 (Paperback)
- Ideal For: New and experienced professional mechanical engineers preparing for any certification exam
Autodesk Inventor Certified User Exam Study Guide (Inventor 2022 Edition)
This is a study guide written by Thom Tremblay designed for those with Autodesk Inventor skills who are preparing for the Certified User exam. The guide covers relevant topics, tutorials, quizzes, and exam objectives in detail. It even comes with free exam software that simulates the actual exam.
Autodesk Inventor Certified User Exam Study Guide (Inventor 2022 Edition) Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $48.27 – $66.75
- Ideal For: People preparing for the Autodesk Inventor Certified User certification exam
Best Online Courses
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Mechanical Engineering Job Outlook and Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook of mechanical engineers is seven percent, which is about the same as the average for all occupations. This is a great thing, as it shows that this field is projected to keep growing at a healthy rate, leading to plenty of work for those interested in working in this field.
Additionally, the average salary for mechanical engineers sits around $95,300, which is more than twice as high as the national average. Additionally, as we have seen earlier in this article, the right certification can help you earn much more than this. The field of mechanical engineering is lucrative and presents many opportunities for professionals to increase their earning potential.
Best Mechanical Engineering Jobs After Certification
In the following section, you can find a list of some of the best mechanical engineering jobs in the industry along with details such as their job duties, average salaries, and required skills. The highest-paying mechanical engineering certification jobs all offer plenty of opportunities for growth in the field and often come with many benefits.
An operations manager is typically the head of operations in every organization. They oversee operational activities at every level and supervise other team members. They also hire, train, and manage employees and the tasks they perform. Becoming an operations manager requires analytical skills, technical skills, project management skills, and attention to detail.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM). This certification is designed to prepare professional mechanical engineers for management roles in the industry.
Industrial engineers are responsible for designing workflows and production layouts as well as analyzing operations to increase productivity, reduce inefficiency, maximize cost, and maintain standard organization quality. Problem-solving, communication, project management, and critical thinking are all skills required for industrial engineers.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE). This certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of manufacturing and industrial engineering.
Mechanical engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, install, and maintain mechanical devices and systems. They work on devices and systems to find solutions to existing problems as well as upgrades to new innovations to maximize efficiency. These professionals are skilled in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE). This certification can help mechanical engineers achieve their desired career growth.
Systems engineers are professionals who find and solve problems in systems. They also design and set up new systems, assess them, and provide solutions to any problems that arise. Experienced systems engineers manage projects carried out by a technical team. Relevant skills for this profession include decision-making, communication, and problem-solving.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP). This certification serves as proof of your experience, knowledge, and skills as a systems engineer and can help you land well-paying jobs.
Quality engineers are professionals tasked with ensuring that materials and products meet industry standards of quality. They design quality measures, develop quality control systems, and implement policies to ensure that products meet technical and public safety requirements. They have strong attention to detail as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE). This certification validates your skills, knowledge, and experience as a professional engineer to prospective employers.
Best Mechanical Engineering Associations
Like every other professional field, there are various mechanical engineering associations that students and professionals in the industry can join to improve their career prospects and opportunities. The following section includes a short list of some of the best associations for mechanical engineers.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
This is a nonprofit global engineering organization designed to allow professionals to connect and share knowledge across all engineering disciplines. You can join this association as a mechanical engineering student, entry-level professional, or experienced professional. Members of this association get access to learning resources, network building, and career resources.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
This is a global association of mechanical engineers that aims to connect professionals in the field with their peers across the globe. Home to over 100,000 members, it provides opportunities for many of them to meet, share ideas, learn, and innovate. Affiliate membership is free for students and increases depending on a member’s age, experience, and type of membership.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
This association aims to connect manufacturing engineers by giving them a platform where they can learn, innovate and grow in the industry. This nonprofit organization allows professionals, educators, and students to connect, support, and improve the manufacturing engineering industry. Different membership levels are available, each with its own benefits.
Are Mechanical Engineering Certifications Worth It?
Yes, mechanical engineering certifications are worth it because they provide the opportunity for you to improve your career growth. Certifications qualify you for more job opportunities and prove to prospective employers that have an advanced, specialized skillset. Certification also opens you up to a higher earning potential.
Additional Reading About Mechanical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering Certifications FAQ
The best certifications for mechanical engineers are the Certified Quality Engineer certification, Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), Certified Professional in Engineering Management, Certified Associate in Engineering Management, and Certified Energy Manager because they provide the highest improvement in earning potential.
The highest qualification in mechanical engineering is a doctoral degree in engineering. That being said, the vast majority of mechanical engineers stop at a master’s degree and instead earn certifications to improve their professional career growth.
The typical mechanical engineer qualifications are a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a related field, a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a related field, as well as any relevant industry certifications.
Yes, mechanical engineering is in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals have a projected job outlook of seven percent, which is just as fast as average. This means that there will be a demand for mechanical engineers in the field in the coming years.
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