Certification FAQ

  • What do the abbreviations CMPE, AMPE, PMPE and EMPE stand for?
    • MPE – Mass Properties Engineer.
    • CMPE – Certified Mass Properties Engineer, the whole program.
    • AMPE – Associate Mass Properties Engineer, the first and entry level of the CMPE program.
    • PMPE – Professional Mass Properties Engineer, the second and medium level of the CMPE program.
    • EMPE – Expert Mass Properties Engineer, the third and highest level of the CMPE program.
  • What is the cost of the exam?
    • Cost is $150 for a one-time application fee and $150 for the exam fee (once the applicant is ready to take the exam).
  • What is the experience needed for the AMPE level?
    • The Associate MPE level requires 2 years of related experience and a BS/BE STEM degree, or 5 years related experience in lieu of a degree. Successful completion of the AMPE exam is also required prior to consideration for the higher certification levels.  Current SAWE membership is also required.  
  • What kind of questions will be on the exam?
    • General cross-industry mass properties knowledge; some basic mass properties calculations such as C.G., moments and products of inertia, and radius of gyration; basic statistics; mass properties engineering best practices, etc.
  • How long will the exam take?
    • 2 hour time limit. No extra time for non-English speakers.
  • How often will it be administered?
    • The exam will be offered quarterly.

  • For how long is the certification valid?
    • Every 5 years, certifications will be renewed/reviewed. Currently the cost is $150 to renew as well as some continuing education, mentoring, authorship, etc.

  • Is there an In-service Requirement for renewal of the certificate?
  • Do I receive a certificate?
    • Yes, a certificate will be provided if the exam is passed successfully. In addition, your name and level will be recorded in a list linked on the SAWE Certification webpage.
  • Will I be able to have cool initials after my name?
    • Yes, in accordance with your level if the exam is passed successfully.
  • Will the test be online?
    • Yes, the test will be online only.
  • Will I be able to bring in materials to the exam (will it be open book, will I need a calculator, etc.)?
    • The exam is open book! Also there are some calculation questions, so a calculator or spreadsheet is recommended.
  • What are the requirements for a Professional and Expert MPE?
    • If experience and service to mass properties competence warrants, Professional or Expert level status may be awarded after the AMPE exam is passed.  Exact requirements will be defined in the coming months. Service to the competence includes, but is not limited to, the mentoring of MPEs, development of training courses and the authoring of papers. An additional exam may be required with no additional application fee.
    • Requirements are available on https://www.sawe.org/training/certification-levels/.
  • Do I need to be a member of the SAWE?
    • Yes, at time of application, exam and renewal you must be a member of SAWE. PMPE and EMPE candidates additionally must be a member of SAWE for 3 years and 5 years respectively before the application and continuously thereafter.
  • Can a certificate be revoked?
    • In case of fraud or serious misbehavior that reflects poorly on SAWE or our competence, an individual’s certifications.

  1. What is Systems Engineering?
    • It is an interdisciplinary field of engineering management, not a component of a vehicle driving equipment.
    • A definition can be found in Wikipedia.
    • see Reference Documents

  • Whom do I contact in case of additional questions?
    • For questions or comments on Certification
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