Top 10 Controls Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a controls engineer’s job market success. They demonstrate to potential employers that the engineer has taken the initiative to further their knowledge and stay up-to-date on current best practices in the field. Certifications also provide evidence that the engineer is qualified to work with certain systems, protocols, and technologies, which can give them an edge over other candidates who lack such qualifications. Additionally, certifications show potential employers that the engineer is committed to continuing their education and staying informed on industry trends. Finally, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement and networking within the field of controls engineering.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Controls Engineers and explains how they can help enhance a controls engineer's career.

What are Controls Engineer Certifications?

Controls Engineer Certification is a professional certification program designed to help engineers demonstrate proficiency in the field of control systems engineering. The certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA) and is designed for those who have acquired a level of knowledge in the areas of instrumentation, automation, programming, and system design. This certification can help engineers stand out from their peers by providing proof that they are knowledgeable and experienced in the field. It also serves as a valuable asset for those looking for career advancement opportunities or higher-paying positions. Additionally, having this certification may give engineers an edge when it comes to gaining access to more advanced courses and training programs.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various controls engineer certification options available and be aware of any prerequisites or continuing education requirements associated with each. Additionally, look into potential employers’ preferences for certifications and tailor your certifications accordingly.

Related: What does a Controls Engineer do?

Top 10 Controls Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Controls Engineers today.

1. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of automation engineering and its application in industrial settings. The CAP credential is the highest level of professional certification available for automation professionals.

The CAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process control, instrumentation, systems integration, safety and security, communications, and project management. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the automation field or hold an ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification.

The cost of taking the CAP exam varies depending on your location and whether you are an ISA member or not. In general, it costs around $400 USD for non-members and $300 USD for members.

It typically takes between two to three months to prepare for the exam. During this time, applicants should review all relevant material from ISA courses and resources such as textbooks and online tutorials. Additionally, many employers offer study materials and training programs to help their employees prepare for the CAP exam.

Once applicants pass the exam they will receive their official CAP certificate from ISA. This certificate will serve as proof that they have achieved a high level of proficiency in automation engineering principles and practices.

2. Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). The CCST certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of knowledge and skills in the field of industrial automation and control systems.

The CCST certification requires passing a three-hour exam that covers topics such as instrumentation, control systems, process control, system integration, troubleshooting, and safety. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered at ISA-certified test centers.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CCST exam. During this time, individuals should study topics such as instrumentation, control systems, process control, system integration, troubleshooting, and safety. They should also become familiar with industry standards and regulations related to automation and control systems. Additionally, they should practice using software tools such as PLC programming languages and HMI software.

The cost of taking the CCST exam varies depending on where it is taken. In most cases, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam at an ISA-certified test center. This fee includes the cost of the exam itself as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exam at a test center.

In order to become certified as a CCST technician, individuals must pass the CCST exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, they will receive their official certificate from ISA within 6-8 weeks.

3. Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP)

Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) is a certification program offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The CMVP program is designed to provide professionals with an understanding of the principles, methods, and best practices for measuring and verifying energy savings in buildings.

The CMVP certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers topics such as energy auditing, energy efficiency project management, metering technologies, data collection and analysis, measurement and verification protocols, and reporting requirements. It also includes training on the use of software tools for energy analysis.

To become a Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP), applicants must meet certain prerequisites including: having a minimum of four years of experience in the field; passing an exam administered by AEE; completing a series of courses offered by AEE or other approved organizations; and submitting proof of continuing education credits.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as energy auditing principles, building systems design, data collection and analysis techniques, measurement and verification protocols, energy efficiency project management, report writing requirements, etc. The exam fee is $350 USD.

Once all prerequisites are met and the exam has been passed successfully, applicants will receive their CMVP certificate from AEE. The certification is valid for three years after which it must be renewed through continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

4. National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD)

The National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) certification is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in the use of the LabVIEW software for data acquisition, analysis, and control. It is designed for professionals who need to develop applications with LabVIEW or maintain existing ones.

It takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete the CLAD exam, depending on your experience level with LabVIEW. To get certified, you must first take an online course that covers all the topics required to pass the exam. After completing the course, you will be able to schedule and take the exam at any NI-authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the CLAD exam is $199 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at taking the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it for an additional fee of $99 USD per attempt.

Once you have passed the CLAD exam, your name will be added to a list of certified professionals maintained by National Instruments. You will also receive an official certificate from National Instruments recognizing your achievement as a Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD).

5. National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD)

The National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates proficiency in the use of LabVIEW software for data acquisition, analysis, and control. The CLD certification validates an individual’s ability to develop applications using LabVIEW and related tools.

To become a CLD, an individual must complete the requirements of the NI Certification Program. This includes passing the LabVIEW Core 1 and Core 2 exams as well as completing a project-based assessment. The Core 1 exam covers basic concepts such as data flow programming, user interface design, debugging techniques, and application development best practices. The Core 2 exam focuses on advanced topics such as data management, instrumentation control, distributed systems development, and integration with other software products.

The project-based assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to create a working application using LabVIEW. This can be done either by submitting a completed project or by participating in an online assessment hosted by NI.

The entire process typically takes between 6-12 months depending on how much time an individual has available to dedicate to studying for the exams and completing the project-based assessment.

The cost of becoming a CLD varies depending on which exams and assessments are taken but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

6. ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

The ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain and repair industrial automation systems. It is awarded by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To become certified as a CCST, applicants must pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as system architecture, programming languages, communication protocols, safety practices and regulations. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CCST exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of industrial automation or control systems technology. Applicants must also have completed at least 40 hours of approved training or education in the field.

The cost for taking the CCST exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it typically costs between $400 and $500 USD. In other countries, prices may vary.

Once you pass the exam and become certified as a CCST, your certification is valid for three years before you need to renew it. Renewal requires completion of 30 hours of continuing education credits during that time period.

7. ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

The ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of automation professionals in the field of industrial automation. This certification is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To become an ISA Certified Automation Professional, applicants must have at least five years of experience in industrial automation or control systems, and must pass an exam administered by ISA. The exam covers topics such as process control, instrumentation, programming, networking and safety.

The cost for the CAP exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $395 USD for members of ISA and $495 USD for non-members.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized testing center around the world. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official ISA Certified Automation Professional certificate in 4-6 weeks.

8. PLC Programming Certificate Program

PLC Programming Certificate Program is a program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient in programming programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The program typically consists of courses in PLC programming, electrical engineering, computer science, and industrial automation. It may also include courses in advanced topics such as robotics, motion control, and artificial intelligence.

The length of the program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, most programs take between six months to one year to complete. Some institutions offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as three months.

To get a PLC Programming Certificate Program you must first complete an application process at the institution offering the program. This may include submitting transcripts from previous education or work experience, taking placement tests or interviews, and providing proof of English proficiency if required by the institution. Once accepted into the program students will need to complete all coursework associated with it.

The cost of a PLC Programming Certificate Program varies depending on the institution offering it and whether or not financial aid is available. Generally speaking, most programs range from $2,000 - $10,000 USD for tuition and fees. Additional costs may include textbooks and other materials needed for coursework.

9. HMI/SCADA Certification Program

HMI/SCADA Certification Program is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and maintain Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. The program focuses on the fundamentals of HMI/SCADA technology, including system architecture, hardware selection, software development, network communication protocols, project management techniques, and troubleshooting strategies.

The program consists of two levels: Level 1 is an introductory course that covers the basics of HMI/SCADA systems; Level 2 is an advanced course that provides more in-depth information on topics such as system integration and programming. Both courses are offered online or in person at approved training centers.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the program depending on the level of difficulty. To get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the HMI/SCADA Certification Program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 for both levels combined.

10. Rockwell Automation System Integrator Certification

Rockwell Automation System Integrator Certification is a program designed to help system integrators demonstrate their expertise in the design, programming, commissioning, and maintenance of Rockwell Automation products. This certification program is based on a rigorous set of criteria that tests an individual’s knowledge and skills related to Rockwell Automation products.

The certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. The first step is to apply for the certification by submitting an application form along with proof of experience working with Rockwell Automation products. Once approved, applicants must attend a series of online courses or workshops covering topics such as product selection, system architecture, programming, commissioning, and maintenance. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass an exam administered by Rockwell Automation.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of training required and whether it is conducted online or in-person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 USD for online training and up to $10,000 USD for in-person workshops. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel expenses if attending an in-person workshop.

Once certified as a Rockwell Automation System Integrator, individuals gain access to exclusive resources such as technical support services and discounts on select products from Rockwell Automation.

Do You Really Need a Controls Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If an individual is looking to become a Controls Engineer, then a certificate may be beneficial in helping them to advance their career. A certificate can help demonstrate the individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of Controls Engineering, which can help them stand out among other applicants for positions in this field.

However, if an individual already has extensive experience and expertise in Controls Engineering, they may not need a certificate to prove their qualifications. In this case, it may be more beneficial for the individual to focus on gaining additional experience or learning new skills that will make them even more competitive in their chosen field.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not a Controls Engineer Certificate is necessary for them to reach their goals. It is important for individuals to consider all of their options and determine what will best suit their particular needs and situation.

Related: Controls Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Controls Engineer Certifications

Q1. What certifications are available for controls engineers?

A1. Controls engineers can obtain the Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), and International Society of Automation (ISA) certifications.

Q2. How do I become a Certified Automation Professional (CAP)?

A2. To become a CAP, you must pass an exam that covers the principles of automation engineering, including instrumentation, control systems, and programming. You must also have at least four years of experience in automation engineering or a related field prior to taking the exam.

Q3. What is the difference between CCST and ISA certifications?

A3. The Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification is focused on the maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial control systems while the International Society of Automation (ISA) certification focuses on design, installation, and management of automated processes and systems.

Q4. What are the prerequisites for obtaining an ISA certification?

A4. Prerequisites vary by level of certification but typically include experience in automation engineering or a related field as well as passing one or more exams covering topics such as project management, instrumentation, process control, safety systems, and more.

Q5. How often do I need to renew my controls engineer certification?

A5. The renewal period for most controls engineer certifications is three years from the date it was issued or last renewed.