Mechatronics Engineers

Certification or Licensing

Many mechatronics engineers become certified. For example, the SME offers the certified manufacturing engineering certification to mechanical engineers who work in manufacturing and who meet education and experience requirements. The IEEE Computer Society offers the certified software development associate credential (for graduating software engineers and entry-level software professionals) and the certified software development professional credential (for experienced software designers and engineers) to individuals who meet education and experience requirements and pass an examination. The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals also provides certification to computer professionals.

Engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public must be registered according to regulations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Licensing requirements vary by state. In general, however, they involve graduating from an accredited college, having four years of work experience, and passing the eight-hour Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the eight-hour Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Depending on your state, you can take the Fundamentals exam shortly before your graduation from college or after you have received your bachelor’s degree. At that point you will be an engineer-in-training. Once you have fulfilled all the licensure requirements, you receive the designation professional engineer. Visit the NCEES Web site, https://ncees.org, for more information on licensure.