A plant engineer can be obtained in one of two ways. The first requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and six years of experience. The second option is available only to licensed engineers. Before you can become a certified plant engineer, you must pass a final exam with over 100 questions. In order to keep your certification, you must earn a certain number of credits every three years.
Those considering a career as a plant engineer should be aware that the job necessitates a high level of expertise in a variety of engineering disciplines. A plant engineer must be educated to the point where he or she can manage an entire facility. Plant engineers are responsible for the modification, maintenance, selection, and installation of plant equipment. There are also administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting for the plant.
To become a plant engineer in the first path, you must have completed a four-year degree program in engineering or a related field. Four years of management experience should be included in the six years of total work experience required in the field. Plant engineers can work without a degree, but they must have eight years of experience, six of which must be as a manager. The second path to becoming a plant engineer is for those who have been licensed engineers for at least four years.
After meeting all of the above criteria, applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary work experience. Those who want to work as a plant engineer in the second category must show proof of their license but are not required to take the exam. This final exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions covering a variety of topics in engineering, such as electrical, civil, and mechanical. There may be several different tests, but they can all be completed in one long sitting. A plant engineer identification card will be given to those who pass the exam.
A person who has become a plant engineer has not yet completed all of his or her requirements. Re-certification requirements apply to all plant engineers, and they must be completed every three years after passing the exam. Within this time, plant engineers must earn a certain number of credits. Attendance at various seminars and workshops related to the field of plant engineering can earn you these credits.