PLANO, TX, May 30, 2025 – Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that its ‘Design for the Circular Economy (Sustainable Operations pathway)’ microcredential has been recognized by ABET, an ISO 9001 certified quality assurance agency responsible for the accreditation of STEM academic programs, recognition of credentials and assessment of student learning that supports excellence in education worldwide. This is the first industry credential to receive ABET recognition under its certificate recognition standards. Siemens supported the development of ABET’s standards by participating in its pilot study.
Siemens developed the micro-credential in collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder. The program is designed to build technical competence in sustainability-related roles and prepare professionals for leadership in the field. The nine-course program completed ABET’s quality review and earned official recognition.
“Siemens is proud to be the first industrial software company to achieve ABET recognition. Our credential program bridges the gap between academia and industry, and this is a key milestone that illustrates how rigorous quality assurance standards are being met for learning and delivery,” said Dora Smith, senior director, future workforce and academic strategy, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “ABET’s recognition demonstrates Siemens’ leadership in driving change in engineering education. We look forward to partnering with academia to integrate credentials that support industry readiness and set a new standard in learning to accelerate the development of the engineering workforce of the future.”
“As the landscape of technology and industry continues to evolve rapidly, ABET’s quality assurance of industry credentials plays a key role in enabling learners to gain essential skills and knowledge through high-quality, flexible, accessible programs that meet robust standards for learning. Siemens’ collaboration in the credential recognition pilot has allowed ABET to test its credential standards and review process with a leading industry partner,” said Jessica Silwick, CFO and COO, ABET. “The engagement and feedback from Siemens throughout the process helped to evolve both the standards and the process of review and recognition.”
“Online credentials empower learners to advance their careers by gaining valuable skills and knowledge on their own terms. Accredited certificates, like those developed by Siemens, give individuals confidence that they are staying on the leading edge of competitive fields,” said Dr. Michael Gazarik, faculty director of the Lockheed Martin Engineering Management Program at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Source: Siemens
About Siemens Digital Industries Software
Siemens Digital Industries Software delivers integrated tools and services to support digital transformation across engineering and manufacturing workflows. Its offerings help companies streamline product design, optimize manufacturing, and manage operational data more effectively. The company serves sectors such as automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, electronics, and consumer goods. Its work in areas like product lifecycle management (PLM) and manufacturing systems plays a key role in advancing digital continuity and efficiency. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, it operates as a business unit of Siemens AG.