Packaging Engineers

Certification or Licensing

The Institute of Packaging Professionals, a professional society, offers two levels of certification: certified professional in training (CPIT) and certified packaging professional (CPP). The CPIT is available to college students, recent graduates, and professionals who have less than six years of experience in the field. Requirements for this certification include passing a multiple-choice test. The CPP can be earned by those with at least six years of experience in the field. In addition to the experience requirement, candidates must pass a multiple choice test and fulfill one of the following additional requirements: answer three narrative/essay questions, complete a detailed resume form, write a paper, or submit proof of a patent granted. Although certification is not required, many professional engineers obtain it to show that they have mastered specified requirements and have reached a certain level of expertise.

For those interested in working with the specialized field of military packaging technology, the Defense Logistics Agency offers a list of training resources on its Web site, https://www.dla.mil/LandandMaritime/Offers/Services/TechnicalSupport/Logistics/Packaging/PackTrainResource.aspx.

Special licensing is required for engineers whose work affects the safety of the public. Much of the work of packaging engineers, however, does not require a license even though their work affects such factors as food and drug spoilage, protection from hazardous materials, and protection from damage. Licensing laws vary from state to state, but, in general, states have similar requirements. They require that an engineer must be a graduate of an approved engineering school, have four years of engineering experience, and pass the state licensing examination. A state board of engineering examiners administers the licensing and registration of engineers.