Robotics is a fast-growing, highly lucrative, and competitive industry that is worth $43.8 billion, according to Statista. A great way to access and stand out in this growing field is to get one or more robotics certifications. Since there are so many certifications for robotics to choose from, we’ve dedicated this article to helping you find the best ones for your career.
We’ll discuss the highest-paying robotics certifications and the best training courses, materials, and resources for acing your certification exam. We’ll also explore the top jobs you can get with your certification and tips to consider when choosing your robotics certification.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a credential that proves that you have the requisite knowledge, skills, and expertise to perform a particular job or specific tasks. You earn a certification upon completing an exam administered by a third-party body whose only stake in the matter is maintaining a set professional standard.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The main difference in the certification versus certificate debate is that while certifications prove that your knowledge and skills meet industry standards, a certificate demonstrates that you have completed an education program. Additionally, while professional organizations and other third-party organizations issue certifications, colleges and schools issue certificates.
Why Is Certification in Robotics Important?
Certification in robotics is important because it offers proof of experience and showcases your capability, skills, and credibility in the industry. It also demonstrates that you meet industry best practices, and it can be a valuable tool for marketing your expert status. Certifications can also be a pathway for advancement in your job and give you an advantage over other professionals.
Best Robotics Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Vision Professional-Basic | Association for Advancing Automation | $111,859 | $295 |
| Certified Motion Control Professional | Association for Advancing Automation | $87,695 | $475 |
| Certified System Integrator | Association for Advancing Automation | $85,923 | $500 |
| Certified Robot Integrator | Association for Advancing Automation | $85,923 | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Certified Automation Professional | International Society of Automation | $85,000 | $467 |
| Certified Robotic Arc Welding Operators and Technicians | American Welding Society | $80,000 | $55 |
| Certified Robot Operator (FCR-O1 and FCR-O2) | FANUC America Corporation | $70,555 | N/A |
| Certified Robot Technician (FCR-T1 and FCR-T2) | FANUC America Corporation | $70,555 | N/A |
| Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist I | Smart Automation Certification Alliance | $68,390 | N/A |
| C-103 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate III: Robot System Operations | Smart Automation Certification Alliance | $34,896 | N/A |
Best Robotics Certifications to Further Your Career
Professionals in the vision and imaging industry can obtain the CVP-Basic certification to showcase their expertise in machine vision and quality control. The program features topics such as image processing and vision system design. Requirements include attending online or in-person courses and taking an online certification exam.
Certified Vision Professional-Basic Overview
- Average Salary: $111,859
- Cost: $295
- Requirements: Take the CVP-Basic courses or have prior machine vision experience
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 2 hours
- Best Suited For: Vision and imaging professionals looking to enhance their professional status
Potential Careers With Certified Vision Professional-Basic
The Certified Motion Control program is open to systems integrators, machine builders, manufacturers, and other professionals involved in mobile robot automation. Interested participants can enroll in basic training and take the virtual exam to join the ranks of certified motion control professionals.
Certified Motion Control Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $87,695
- Cost: $475
- Requirements: Register for the motion control courses
- Valid For: 5 years
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: System integrators, machine builders, and manufacturers in the field of automation technology
Potential Careers With Certified Motion Control Professional
The Certified System Integrator program is a company-wide certification that sets your organization apart in the vision and imaging industry. Acceptance into the program is by application, after which the Association for Advancing Automation will review it and determine whether you qualify for CSI status.
Certified System Integrator Overview
- Average Salary: $85,923
- Cost: $500
- Requirements: One in six employees must have earned their computer vision certification
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: System integrators who want to market their expertise and experience
Potential Careers With Certified System Integrator
You must be an expert and have achieved considerable success in the field of robot integration before you can join the Robot Integrator Certification program. Furthermore, you must pass the pre-qualification, on-site audit, practical assessment, robot safety risk assessment, and certification exam to earn this certification. The cost of the exam varies with the level of membership.
Certified Robot Integrator Overview
- Average Salary: $85,923
- Cost: $1,500-$2,500
- Requirements: On-site audit, robot safety risk assessment, practical assessment
- Valid For: N/A
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: Companies and professionals that want to demonstrate their proficiency
Potential Careers With Certified Robot Integrator
The CAP certification is open to automation professionals in the manufacturing and automation field who want to showcase their expertise and commitment to quality. To earn it, you must hold a technical degree from an accredited institution and have five to 10 years of work experience. Additionally, you must pass an exam and commit to the ISA’s code of conduct.
Certified Automation Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $85,000
- Cost: $467
- Requirements: You must possess a technical degree and commit to the ISA Code of Ethics
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: Professionals who want to display their expertise in automation
Potential Careers With Certified Automation Professional
Professionals in welding, robotics, or any other closely related field may participate in the Certified Robotic Arc Welding Operators and Technicians program. Completing the program demonstrates that you are abreast of current industry practices and can work in line with industry standards. The program consists of both written and practical exams.
Certified Robotic Arc Welding Operators and Technicians Overview
- Average Salary: $80,000
- Cost: $55
- Requirements: High school diploma, welding experience
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 2 hours
- Best Suited For: Welding professionals who want to measure themselves against industry standards
Potential Careers With Certified Robotic Arc Welding Operators and Technicians
The FANUC Certified Robot Operator program indicates an operator-level skill and knowledge in industrial robot operations, frame setup, programming, and simulation. The two levels of this certification, FCR-O1 and FCR-O2, require a written and performance assessment, respectively. Students and entry-level workers can get this certification from a FANUC partner high school, college, or training center.
Certified Robot Operator Overview
- Average Salary: $70,555
- Cost: N/A
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 3 hours
- Best Suited For: Students, entry-level workers, and workers looking to upskill
Potential Careers With Certified Robot Operator
This certification is for those desirous of working in technical robotics engineering positions in the manufacturing field. It has two levels of certification, FCR-T1 and FCR-T2, that allow candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and hands-on experience with single-axis mastering, program execution, and 2D integrated vision.
Certified Robot Technician Overview
- Average Salary: $70,555
- Cost: N/A
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 3 hours
- Best Suited For: Students and entry-level workers with an aptitude for engineering
Potential Careers With Certified Robot Technician
Production environments are changing due to the rise of industry 4.0 technologies, and organizations need skilled technicians who can keep up. That’s where this Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certification comes in. It proves that candidates are well versed in robot system integration, robot system operations, and other industry 4.0 technologies and can perform in modern production environments.
Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist I Overview
- Average Salary: $68,390
- Cost: N/A
- Requirements: You must be an employee or student of a SACA member
- Valid For: N/A
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: Skilled professionals
Potential Careers With Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist I
This robotics engineering associate certification covers core robot operator skills including robot setup and adjustments, robot operations and programming, and robot ethernet network communications. While it is open to general engineering students and workers, it is best suited for IT professionals and maintenance technicians seeking to become experts in robot system operations.
C-103 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate III: Robot System Operations Overview
- Average Salary: $34,896
- Cost: N/A
- Requirements: You must be an employee or student of a SACA member
- Valid For: N/A
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: Engineers in fields that use industry 4.0 automation
Potential Careers With C-103 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate III: Robot System Operations
How to Choose the Best Robotics Certification for Your Career
Certifications are time- and resource-intensive, so you need to choose certifications that are relevant to your career to get a good return on your investment. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted some tips in the section below to help you choose the best robotics certification for your career.
Align Your Certifications With Your Career Goals
The best robotics certifications are the ones that advance your career goals. Therefore, the first thing you should do when choosing a certification is to set SMART goals. Once you’ve set your goals, you can then evaluate each certification, using your goals as a benchmark. By doing this, you can quickly narrow down the list of robotics certifications that are best for your career.
Do Your Research
Once you have your list of viable robotics certifications, the next step is to research them. Some of the things you should give special attention to in your research include the reputation of the certifying body and the cost, length, duration, and demand for the certification. Also, consider things like teaching modules provided and your own personal interest.
Make sure that you have all the skills relevant to the certification, a full understanding of advanced robotics concepts, and the depth of knowledge required to pass the exam before you take it. The higher the level of skills you have in advanced topics, the more likely you are to pass the exam the first time.
Consider the Future Capabilities of Your Certification
You should consider the future value of your certification before getting it. Pay attention to things like the versatility of your robotics certifications as well as the job outlook of the industries where they apply. Also, consider whether the certification is stackable, awards continuing education credits, or paves the way to an advanced robotics certification.
Which Robotics Certifications Pay the Most?
The robotics certifications that pay the most are the Certified Vision Professional-Basic, Certified Motion Control Professional, Certified System Integrator, and Certified Robot Integrator. These certifications all come from the Association for Advancing Automation and are highly specialized and extremely lucrative in the field of robotics.
Highest-Paying Robotics Certifications
- Certified Vision Professional-Basic: $111,859
- Certified Motion Control Professional: $87,695
- Certified System Integrator: $85,923
- Certified Robot Integrator: $85,923
- Certified Automation Professional: $85,000
Which Robotics Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The best robotics certifications for beginners are the FANUC Certified Robot Operator, FANUC Certified Robot Technician, and the Certified Vision Professional-Basic. These certifications require little or no background knowledge, and you can easily prepare for them by taking an exam prep course.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Robotics Certification Exam
Practice makes perfect, and the secret to acing your certification exam in one try is preparation. There are many options to choose from when preparing for your exam. You can do robotics exam prep and learn robotics by leveraging the best online courses, training, and resources.
Best Courses to Prepare for Robotics Certification Exams
Robotics prep courses are a great way to refresh your knowledge of robotics. The best ones also include practice exams that can give you an idea of what kind of questions to expect in your certification exam. In the section below, we’ve listed some of the most popular courses to enroll in before attempting your certification exam.
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- Cost: $2,105
- Duration: 3 days
- Best Suited For: Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
The International Society of Automation specially designed this certification course program to prepare automation professionals for the Certified Automation Professional exam. Over the course of three days, students will go over key automation areas such as human-machine interface, motion control devices, and network security.
- Cost: N/A
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Best Suited For: Certified Vision Professional-Basic, Certified Motion Control Professional, Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
Whether you're an engineer, a product manager, a consultant, or a robotics professional, you can enroll in MIT's Robotics Essentials course to jumpstart or advance your career in full stack robotics. The course covers core robotics topics, including sensing and perception and robot decision-making, culminating in certification that proves that you have obtained career-ready skills.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 11 hours
- Best Suited For: Certified Motion Control Professional
The problem of motion planning involves how a robot decides what to do to achieve set goals. This course tackles that problem and highlights the most common methods for addressing it, including graph-based methods, randomized planners, and potential artificial fields. Even though the course is beginner-friendly, it still provides a challenge for advanced learners.
- Cost: $24.99
- Duration: 6 hours
- Best Suited For: FANUC Certified Robot Operator, FANUC Certified Robot Technician, Certified Robot Integrator
This industrial robotics course is for students and engineers pursuing a deeper understanding of industrial robotics and its control methods. The basis of this course is a standard six-axis anthropomorphic robot, which is one of the most common in the industry. You’ll learn how to build a kinematic model, plan geometric paths, and optimize motion trajectories.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 24 hours
- Best Suited For: Certified Vision Professional-Basic, Certified Robot Integrator, Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
This course is an introduction to robot motion. In it, you'll learn all the basic concepts of robot configuration, including configuration spaces, degrees of freedom, and holonomic and nonholonomic constraints. It is perfect for students who want to work in robotics fields or pursue advanced studies in robotics.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Robotics Certification Exams
There are other ways apart from courses to prepare for your robotics certification exam. Many of these online and offline resources for building and refreshing your skills are free. Online forums, academies, blogs, and access to experts as well as books are just some of the most popular resources. In the section below, we’ll introduce you to some of the best ones for robotics.
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
The CMRA is a branch of the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, an institute with an objective to excite, motivate, and train students in the fields of engineering, robotics, science, and technology. The academy has more than one million daily student users, taking courses in everything from VEX V5 to LEGO SPIKE Prime.
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Overview
- Type of Resource: Online academy
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Kids and robotics beginners
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control is a book by Kevin M Lynch, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Center for Robotics and Biosystems at Northwestern University, and Frank C Park, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Seoul National University and faculty member at the University of California-Irvine. It explores the mechanics, planning, and control of robots in an easy-to-understand manner and includes practice exercises for self-learning at the end of each chapter.
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $65.34
- Ideal For: Robotics beginners who want to learn about motion control
DoF Collaborative Robotics Forum
DoF is a community platform formed in 2016 and run by Robotiq, a prominent robotics company. The forum features discussions on core robotics topics, including robot safety, integration, and programming. Robotics beginners can get help from experienced professionals, and there are several discussion threads you can explore if you get stuck.
DoF Collaborative Robotics Forum Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Beginners and experts alike
Learn Robotics Programming
This book, written by Danny Staple, will teach you everything you need to know about how to build and program your own robot from scratch. Programmers, developers, and robot enthusiasts can use it to develop basic programming knowledge and write code that controls robot behavior. Additionally, you’ll learn to use Raspberry Pi and Python to program your robot to perform basic AI tasks.
Learn Robotics Programming Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $49.99
- Ideal For: Robot engineers who want step-by-step training
Robohub
Robohub is a robotics website that connects research, education, and industrial robotics experts in diverse fields around the globe. It brings you current information on the robotics industry through discussions, opinion pieces, and up-to-date reporting. It also features podcasts and tutorials through which you can learn about robotics and keep abreast of new developments.
Robohub Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Professionals who want reliable, up-to-date information
Best Online Courses
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Robotics Job Outlook and Average Salary
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals a good robotics job outlook, with the employment of robotics engineers expected to grow by eight percent through 2030. It also predicts an average of 20,200 job openings in the field every year.
In addition, robotics engineers earn an average salary of $95,300. However, this figure will vary depending on your specific industry. Engineers in the machinery manufacturing industry are among the lowest paid, with an average salary of $79,770. Engineers in the scientific research and development industry are among the highest paid, with an average salary of $102,050.
Best Robotics Jobs After Certification
There are several high-paying robotics jobs that you can apply for once you earn your robotics certification. For example, with the Certified Automation Professional credential, you can get a job as a control or industrial automation engineer. In the section below, we’ll explore some of the top jobs you can get with the best robotics certifications.
Robotics is equal parts hardware and software, and software engineers handle the design and integration of software components in robots. They constantly improve old software to maximize hardware efficiency and reconfigure robotic systems with new software. They may also be involved in customizing robot functions and performing regular updates and maintenance.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Motion Control Professional. This certification has a focus on programming languages like Python.
Robotics is one of the rapidly growing areas of mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers in this field design and create robots for a variety of industries and purposes. They sketch out designs, build prototypes, and test the results to ensure that they perform appropriately.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Robot Integrator. This certification proves that you are skilled in installing, disassembling, and integrating robots.
The design, development, and assembly of all the physical components of a robot is the purview of a hardware engineer. They develop the electronic and mechanical components of robots and may also be involved in robot design. They collaborate with software engineers to map out robot functions and jointly develop a blueprint for the robot.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Robot Integrator. This certification proves your expertise in developing and integrating robotic products.
Robotics engineers are responsible for the design and maintenance of robots. They are primarily employed in the manufacturing industry, but they may also find work in the mining and automotive industries. Professionals in this job need strong creativity and communication skills as well as an aptitude for adapting to new technology.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Automation Professional. Earning this certification is a mark of excellence and demonstrates your automation technology skills.
Robotic technicians are usually involved in the assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of robotic systems. To do this, they need basic knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and programming. They must be conversant with different types of automation systems and be capable of performing critical thinking in a fast-paced environment.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Robot Technician. This certification is the only nationwide certification in robotics. It is based on a six-axis anthropomorphic robot, which is the most common in the industry.
Best Robotics Associations
Robotics associations are a great way to connect with industry experts and other professional engineers to build your professional network. They can also be a valuable resource for robotics learning, and as a member, you get access to exclusive perks and benefits. There are several robotics associations you can join. We’ve highlighted the best ones in the section below.
Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation
REC is a non-profit robotics organization for which the goal is to spark student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by providing students with affordable and engaging robotics programs. In addition to its robotics programs, the foundation, together with VEX robotics, hosts the VEX Robotics Competition and the VEX IQ Challenge for elementary, middle, and community college students. This challenge inspires students to pursue a career in robotics engineering.
IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS)
The purpose of the RAS is to foster the growth and development of robotics and automation skills. That’s why it is committed to ensuring the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge among its members, robotics professionals, and the world. The society also acts as a gatekeeper and maintains a high professional standard among its members.
International Federation of Robotics (IFR)
The IFR is a non-profit organization established in 1987 for which the aim is to unite robotics professionals around the globe. The federation administers robotics affairs on a global scale and fosters cooperation in research, development, and training worldwide. It is also the world’s leading authority on robotics industry statistics and a prominent supporter of the adoption of robots worldwide.
Are Robotics Certifications Worth It?
Yes, robotics certifications are worth it because they prove to the world that you have the industry-standard skills and knowledge to succeed in your job. The idea of intelligent control is gaining momentum, and professionals who earn certificates in robotics engineering prove that they possess much more than just a basic understanding of robotic automation.
Your robotics certification is also a great self-promotion tool that differentiates you from other professionals in the industry. It can help you advance in your field, demonstrate your expertise, and increase your earnings.
Additional Reading About Robotics
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Robotics Certifications FAQ
The minimum educational requirement for you to become a robotics engineer is a bachelor’s degree in a robotics-related field like mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, or computer science. In addition to background knowledge, you must also have practical experience in computer-aided design, artificial intelligence, automation, and other related disciplines.
Most robotics certification programs follow a general format of training, exam, and certification. The training portion can be optional and usually consists of a short refresher course to supplement your knowledge in the fundamentals and exam areas. The exam usually lasts a few hours and culminates in certification if you pass the exam.
Yes, you can learn robotics on your own. There are several training courses, websites, blogs, and forums you can leverage to learn the basics of robotics. You also don’t need a degree to become a robotics engineer, although having one may enhance your job search.
Robotics’ five major fields are operator interface, mobility and locomotion, manipulators and effectors, programming, and sensing and perception. Each is essential to creating a functioning robot. For example, while operator interface deals with how humans and robots communicate, sensing and perception cover the robot’s ability to gather information about its environment.
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