Certifications, i.e. SME 3

[jh]

How do you guys feel about certifications other than the P.E, i.e.; SME, Cmfg. Tech, eng; ASQ, certifications, and other trade certifications. Are they worth the time and effort or not worth the paper they are written on?

I am working on my bachelor's at this time, but looking for some other certifications to spice up the resume, in my job hunt and desire for learning.

 

[Adrian2]

Dear jh;

I think certifications can be useful. But perhaps you should hang on untill you are working and then persue certification in your specific field.

At your stage I think membership would be more important than certification. That would get you a chance to attend association meetings and meet with other members. You could ask them about certification issues. You would discover things about your intended career and hear about potential jobs in your industry of interest.

You could probably attend many different association meetings as a guest without having to join. Also see if your local library has copies of association magazines and journals. Try before you buy!

Regards Adrian

 

[Rich2001]

I am a firm believer in Professional Certification as such I hold two (AWS Certified Welding Engineer and AFE Certified Plant Engineer), however the Professional Engineering license is more important (I hold a PE licensed in 9 states).

Following your licensure as a professional engineer, you may voluntarily have their expertise in a specified field of engineering recognized through an appropriate specialty certification program. Note that such certification does not imply that other licensed professional engineers are less qualified for practice in a particular field of specialty.

Remember in the US Professional Engineering licensure is the only qualification for engineering practice. (Check your state to find out what the definition of engineering practice is and what if any exemption may apply. I know this sounds legalese… I am sorry for that, I am not practicing law.) A couple of helpful websites

http://www.nspe.org

http://www.ncees.org

There are some exemptions in the hazardous material sector. Lead and asbestos removal and abatement require that the personnel performing this work be certified. ( Note: each state and the Federal EPA have there own rules, fees are generally excessive.)

If you desire to spice up the resume I would suggest taking the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, in lieu of certifications. However, several schools that I know sponsor the SME Cmfg. Tech exam, take the exam it is good practice for the FE exam.

Once you get out into industry, and find your niche you can then look seriously at certification.

I agree with Adrian on associations, attend many different association meetings. There is good networking potential. Attending them puts you in front of the engineers you will be working with or may be hiring you. It also gives you a chance to look at them.