Insights on Engineering Certifications & Tests

Gain a competitive edge in your engineering career with certifications that validate your skills and enhance your marketability. Whether pursuing licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or earning industry-recognized credentials like CMfgT or SolidWorks certifications, these opportunities can set you apart in a dynamic job market. Explore the programs, resources, and expert guidance available to support your journey toward professional excellence.

Professional Engineers

(PE) are licensed engineers who complete a four-year college degree from an accredited engineering program, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams (Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam), and earn a license from their state's licensure board. See below a list of Professional Engineers here at the Department of Engineering Technology.

Yellow safety helmet on a workplace desk with two construction worker hands shaking
Name Email
Austin Asgill aasgill@kennesaw.edu
Don Horton dhorto10@kennesaw.edu
Scott Larisch slarisc1@kennesaw.edu
Dave Stollberg dstollbe@kennesaw.edu
John Sweigart jsweiga1@kennesaw.edu

Industry Certifications

The mechanical engineering technology program provides students with the engineering skills to be successful in the engineering field. Along with the degree, students can gain industry recognized certifications giving them an advantage in today’s competitive market. Below is a list of the certifications that students can obtain within the MET program.

 

    • Validates your knowledge against industry standards and shows your skills are current.
    • Shows commitment to your field and that you have the necessary skills to excel.
    • Provides a portable, industry-recognized credential that travels with you throughout your career. Certifications can travel with you from job to job.
    • Enhances your career opportunities – certification can provide a competitive advantage in the job market. Improves your marketability by demonstrating your commitment to continuous education.
    • Separates you from your peers.
A technician smiling and holding a certificate in a modern industrial setting.

Fundamentals Exam (FE)

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, also referred to as the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, and formerly in some states as the Engineering Intern (EI) exam, is the first of two examinations that engineers must pass in order to be licensed as a Professional Engineer in the United States. The exam is open to anyone with a degree in engineering or a related field, or currently enrolled in the last year of an ABET-accredited engineering degree program. Some state licensure boards permit students to take it prior to their final year, and numerous states allow those who have never attended an approved program to take the exam if they have a state-determined number of years of work experience in engineering. Georgia allows those with ABET-accredited "Mechanical Engineering Technology" to take the examination. The exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

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Professor Don Horton provides FE exam study sessions. He can be reached at dhorto10@kennesaw.edu.

Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) Certification

Show that you have the knowledge to make a difference in manufacturing! Earning your Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) requires an investment of time and energy that will reap dividends throughout your career.

The CMfgT is an entry-level certification that benefits both new manufacturing engineers and experienced manufacturing engineers without other credentials. Pursuing a CMfgT certification requires a minimum of four years combined manufacturing-related education and/or work experience.

The CMfgT exam is a three hour, open book and open notes computer based testing, CBT exam. It consists of 130 multiple-choice questions    The exam is given at KSU in December and May each year.  It is required in MET 3331 Tool Design and Manufacturing Operations.

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Certified SolidWorks Exams

SolidWorks CAD software is one of the most popular CAD packages in the United States with approximately 64% of the market share. Industry is constantly looking for engineers who are well trained with SolidWorks. Below are the certifications that KSU offers through the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program.  

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  • As a (CSWA - Academic), students will demonstrate their expertise with SOLIDWORKS 3D solid modeling software, design concepts, and sustainable design, giving them a competitive edge in today's job market.  The CSWA exam is given in EDG 1212 Engineering Graphics II as part of the course.
  • The (CSWP - Academic) certification is intended for a student with a minimum of 1 to 2 years of SOLIDWORKS experience and advanced knowledge of engineering practices. The CSWP exam is given in EDG 3112 as part of the course.

Other Certified SolidWorks Exams

There are several other SolidWorks exams available for students at nominal fees including:

  • The (CSWA-S) certification indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of demonstrating an understanding in the principles of stress analysis and the Finite Element Method (FEM).
  • The completion of the (CSWPA-SM) exam shows that you have successfully demonstrated your ability to use SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal tools.
  • The completion of the (CSWPA-WD) exam proves that you have successfully demonstrated your ability to use the SOLIDWORKS tools for Weldments.
  • The completion of the (CSWPA-SU) exam shows that you have successfully demonstrated your ability to use SOLIDWORKS Advanced Surfacing tools.

  • The completion of the (CSWPA-DT) exam proves that you have successfully demonstrated your ability to use the tools found in the SOLIDWORKS Drawing environment.

    1. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
    2. Society of Manufacturing Engineers
    3. SolidWorks Corporation