Find your degree

Online College Plan is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

If you want to earn good money, consider the engineering profession. Engineers earn $91,420 in median annual wages (BLS, May 2023).

The best thing about becoming an engineer is you only need a bachelor’s degree. If you’re working in entry-level positions, you can practice as an engineer without a license.


But why stop at only a bachelor’s degree in engineering? You should consider engineering certifications for undergraduate students early on.

Near or after your graduation, you can take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. However, the FE exam is only one of many engineering certifications for undergraduate students.

You must also consider expanding your expertise through certifications like:

  • Six Sigma
  • Project Management Professional

Why go through the trouble of earning these engineering certifications? Doing so means time, energy, and money.

Then again, these certifications bring benefits that boost your career growth opportunities. Employers will recognize your competitive edge, particularly your specialized knowledge and skills. Your competitive edge over engineers without these certifications is worth it. 

Related:

Why Certifications Matter for Engineering Students

Early on in your engineering studies, you must plan on earning certifications. Here are the reasons why.

Importance of Certifications in the Job Market

In a competitive job market, an engineering degree won’t be enough to stand out. The best way to stand out: Earn engineering certifications for job readiness.

With these certifications, you can:

  • Convey to employers and clients your specialized knowledge and skills
  • Signify your readiness to add value to the organization from day one
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
  • Demonstrate your leadership and teamwork skills

Certifications are also valuable in securing internships and entry-level positions. A Six Sigma Green Belt, for one, can open opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to as an undergraduate student.

Benefits of Earning Certifications as an Undergraduate

First, you have access to a wider range of job opportunities. This is especially true in niche or specialized fields, such as MATLAB. In these fields, your specialized knowledge and skills have premium value.

Your earning potential increases, too. Since you bring in more value, your compensation will reflect your value to the company. Plus, it increases your job security.

Second, you have excellent opportunities to gain practical skills through hands-on learning. Earning certifications as an undergraduate expands your view of engineering beyond theories.

So, earn one or two engineering certifications as a student or soon after graduation. You’ll reap the benefits soon enough.

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Certification

Overview of the FE Certification

The FE certification for engineering students is the first step toward earning the Professional Engineer (PE) license. Once you earn passing scores, you can work under the supervision of a licensed engineer.

Your work experience as an engineering intern is a vital requirement to take the PE license exam. In most states, engineering interns must gain at least four years of experience. Afterwards, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

Earning the FE certification isn’t only a stepping stone to your PE licensure. Employers recognize it as evidence of your capacity for entry-level engineering roles. The FE certification is also a must in certain engineering disciplines in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Exam Content and Eligibility

The best Fundamentals of Engineering exam prep is to know its major sections first. 

  • The Fundamentals of Engineering section covers topics in general engineering, engineering sciences, and ethics and professional practice. 
  • The  Discipline-Specific Section covers topics specific to the engineering discipline, such as mechanical, industrial, or civil engineering.

Eligibility requirements and application process include:

  • Either be in your final year in an accredited bachelor’s degree program or have completed it
  • Apply either through the NCEES or  your state’s licensing board (i.e., additional requirements may apply)

The FE exam can be taken throughout the year.

Career Benefits of the FE Certification

  • Increased employability for new graduates, especially for those with little to no engineering-related work experience
  • A must for jobs that require a PE license, especially for leadership roles

If you must choose only one engineering certification, go for the FE certification.

Six Sigma Certification

What Is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma has the following main features:

  • A data-driven methodology based on these principles:
    • Definition of the problem
    • Measurement of the current performance
    • Analysis of the problem’s root causes
    • Development of solutions
    • Control the implementation and sustain the improvement
  • An intensive methodology that aims to achieve 99.99966% defect-free processes

The importance of Six Sigma for engineering students is in its emphasis on near-perfection, if not perfection. Engineering focuses on precision and Six Sigma fits perfectly into it. Six Sigma is particularly useful in manufacturing, process improvement, and management roles.

Levels of Six Sigma Certification

The Six Sigma certification has a four-tier progression system.

  • The Yellow Belt is an entry-level certification with no prerequisites. This covers introductory topics in Six Sigma.
  • The Green Belt is the mid-level certification that’s best for engineers who lead small projects and assist in larger projects. A Yellow Belt and 1-3 years of experience are recommended.
  • The Black Belt is for Six Sigma experts who mentor Green Belts and lead larger projects. A Green Belt and 3-5 years experience are recommended.
  • The Master Black Belt is the highest level suitable for senior-level engineers.

How to get certified as an engineer in Six Sigma? Start by taking Six Sigma courses, apply your knowledge through projects, and take the Yellow Belt exam.

Career Benefits of Six Sigma Certification

It adds value in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. With it, you can:

  • Reduce costs, a sought-after achievement in all industries 
  • Improve efficiency in processes, such as in streamlining production lines and supply chains
  • Enhance quality in patient care and services

You’re competitive for roles as a process improvement engineer, quality assurance manager, or operations engineer.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Introduction to PMP Certification

The PMP certification for engineers is a must when managing engineering projects. This is useful in all engineering projects, too, from construction and manufacturing to technology. The PMP certification means the capacity to finish projects within budget, on time, and within quality standards.

The PMP certification signifies skills in:

  • Project planning (i.e., creating detailed project plans)
  • Execution, including managing the daily activities of team members
  • Budgeting, including meeting funding requirements and goals
  • Managing teams, such as maintaining productivity and discipline

PMP Eligibility and Exam Structure

If you’re still an engineering student applying for a PMP certification, you must:

  • Have at least 60 months of relevant experience in leading projects
  • Complete at least 35 hours of project management education/training

But if you already have your engineering degree, you must at least have 36 months of relevant experience in leading projects. The 35-hour project management education/training requirement remains.

The PMP exam has 180 multiple-choice questions. It covers five domains in project management:

  • Initiating
  • Planning
  • Executing
  • Monitoring and Controlling
  • Closing

You have four hours to complete it. The best study material is the PMBOK Guide, but you can also read other resources and take practice exams.

Learn about the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, too. Think of it as a stepping stone to the PMP certification.

Career Benefits of PMP Certification

Earning the certification for project management for engineering undergraduates means:

  • Gaining specialized knowledge useful for engineering projects
  • Preparing for leadership roles in engineering and project management
  • Setting the stage for continuous education

Project engineers, project managers, and construction managers are common roles.

Additional Certifications to Consider

Here are more of the best certifications for engineering students.

Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)

The CMfgT certification is best for engineers in the manufacturing industry. Eligibility requirements include:

  • At least two years of manufacturing experience; OR
  • A four-year engineering degree and one year of manufacturing experience

Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

The CEM certification is suitable for engineers in the energy industry or whose jobs focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Job roles include energy engineer, environmental engineer, and sustainability consultant.

OSHA Safety Certification

The OSHA certification is best for engineers in industries where safety concerns are paramount. These include the construction, manufacturing, and nuclear industries. The certification enhances credibility as a safety-conscious engineer and increases access to leadership positions.

How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Career Path

  • Determine your personal interests and career goals.
  • Select certifications based on your interests and goals. But be sure to start with the FE certification because it’s the foundational credential for engineers.
  • Consider your engineering discipline, too. If you’re a civil engineering student, a PMP certification is highly recommended. 
  • Factor in the difficulty of the certification exam and eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consider engineering certifications for career advancement as early as your freshman year. Explore the different certifications that you can earn as an undergraduate. When you earn them, your job prospects increase, and you’re well on your way to being a successful engineer.

Spread the love