What the Course Entails and Exam Details

While there is no mandatory "course" to sit for the exam, candidates must possess a fundamental understanding of the ASQ Reliability Engineer Body of Knowledge (BoK). The BoK forms the syllabus for the exam and is divided into five comprehensive main pillars.

First, Reliability Management covers strategy, policy, and the economic impact of reliability engineering. Second, Probability and Statistics for Reliability delves into advanced statistical distributions, modeling, and data analysis techniques. Third, Reliability in Design and Development focuses on design techniques such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and design for maintainability. Fourth, Reliability Modeling and Predictions addresses parametric and non-parametric modeling, accelerated testing, and system reliability assessment. Fifth, Field Data Collection and Analysis, including Reliability Testing, focuses on planning tests and analyzing data from the field to guide product improvements.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The Certified Reliability Engineer final exam is a rigorous assessment administered through a computer-based format. Candidates are presented with 165 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored and 15 are unscored pilot questions, and you are allowed four and a half hours to complete the test. It is essential to note that this is an open-book exam; however, you are only permitted to bring physical, bound reference materials, such as industry handbooks or standard textbooks.

The exam requires a high level of mathematical proficiency, specifically in statistics and probability, and you are allowed to use standard, approved scientific calculators. ASQ utilizes a scaled scoring system to maintain fairness across different versions of the test. A scaled score of 550 or higher out of a possible 750 is required to pass. Specific rules regarding proctoring and permissible materials are strictly enforced to ensure the integrity of the certification process.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation for this exam requires a combination of self-study of the Body of Knowledge and practical application. We highly recommend starting your journey by taking a comprehensive, realistic Certified Reliability Engineer practice test to assess your baseline knowledge and identify specific areas needing improvement. Consistent practice will help you build your test-taking stamina and improve your speed when performing complex statistical calculations.

Additionally, studying the official "ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer Handbook" and forming or joining a study group can provide valuable insights and keep you motivated. Regarding exam administration, ASQ has partnered with Prometric for the delivery of their computerized exams. You can register and schedule your test through the ASQ or Prometric websites. The exam can be taken at authorized physical testing centers worldwide or via secure remote online proctoring, depending on availability and your technological capabilities.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

Achieving the Certified Reliability Engineer credential significantly enhances your professional standing and opens doors to lucrative and high-impact career opportunities. Employers across high-stakes industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, medical devices, oil and gas, and consumer electronics, actively seek CREs to reduce risks and lower life-cycle costs.

The specific job titles and career paths this certification unlocks include:

• Reliability Engineer

• Design for Reliability (DfR) Engineer

• Senior Quality Engineer

• Reliability Manager

• Product Safety Engineer

• Maintainability Engineer

• Systems Engineer

• Asset Management Specialist

• Operations and Maintenance Consultant