A few weeks ago, I was discussing my observations of certification exams with a buddy. My observation is that the IT sector, in general, has too many certifications in engineering graphics that the job market can absorb them. This also leads to hiring decisions being made on the fly without having time to check out a candidate’s resume. The result? Certification exam flops.

So, how does this play out in practice? In most large corporations, engineers have to get a second certification in engineering graphics, to ensure they are “good enough” to get the job. There are two problems with this. First, it adds an unnecessary number of certifications (many of which are not necessary) to an engineer’s resume. Second, it forces an engineer to compete with hundreds or thousands of other similarly qualified candidates for a finite number of open engineer’s jobs.

This results in a situation where there is a glut of engineers with certifications but only a limited number of open engineer jobs. How to solve this? Well, first, all of the certifications in engineering graphics issued by ISO 2150 become FEL certifications. Then the next step is to issue a second FEL certification for the same or a similar field. The second certification needs to be a higher level than the one previously awarded.

It is not uncommon to see otherwise qualified candidates applying for jobs with only the first certification. So, employers may take some time looking at a potential candidate’s engineering resumes. However, once an evaluation of an engineer’s resumes shows them to be worthy of a second FEL certification, it usually seals the deal. Further, most employees who have already earned their second FEL certification will not worry about re-certification since it is generally only required for those with an FEL or equivalent certification.

Besides the obvious benefit of having more job opportunities, the second big advantage of these engineering certification exams is that it demonstrates to prospective employers that the person studied and passed the course. It also shows them that you have taken what you call “the big exam.” What is the big exam? Well, it is the certification exams for engineer’s resumes. Not only will your engineering resume to be reviewed by engineering employers, but also by recruiters from other fields, like electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and others.

Just because an engineer has several certifications does not mean that they have everything covered. The fact is, engineer’s resumes need to include not just a list of engineering certifications, but also a good number of relevant technical accomplishments. For example, an engineer must have at least three years of experience in an area of special engineering concern. The engineer’s resume must additionally show that the individual has or specializes in a specific type of engineering. And, of course, before a person can even try for a job in this field, he or she must pass the certification exams for engineer’s resumes.

With certifications in engineering graphics and other types of engineering, it opens the door to more opportunities, both in career advancement and for higher pay. For example, a mechanical engineer may become a manager of a production facility, given that he or she has many years of experience in manufacturing production systems. Likewise, an electrical engineer may become a vice president or director of a huge manufacturing corporation. Some other possibilities include becoming a product development engineer, a materials specialist, or a research engineer. A certified professional engineer can also go on to become a project manager for a huge construction project.

It is important to note that not every engineer has to have been trained in engineering graphics. An engineering firm may ask their employees to take these tests to help the firm to determine which employees are best equipped to do such work. However, many engineering firms prefer to hire someone with many years of actual work experience in this particular area, so that they know that they are getting someone with real skills and competency. Many engineering graphics certification exams focus on solving the problem after problem, while many others are hands-on training courses that teach students to create accurate blueprints and engineering drawings. This could be the perfect choice for someone who wants to advance his or her career in this field, as it would give him or her the skills to be an authority in this specific area.