In the role of a Certified Reliability Engineer, what do you expect? How much does it cost to become a Reliable Engineering Technologist? What about the benefits and salary? The role of an engineer in a Company or Organization is critical but in essence, not being an engineer means lack of practical experience. So, what are the requirements for becoming a Reliability Engineer, and what are the potential career prospects?

The National Council for Construction Education (NCCEE) offers many courses related to reliability engineering. Taking these engineering related courses will help students prepare for certification as an engineer-related specialist or as a certified reliability engineer. Cost of education: $197 -$320.

Most professionals have experienced working with diagnostics equipment suppliers such as pressure monitors and instrumentation, and the tools and diagnostic techniques used by those suppliers to test equipment reliability and efficiency. Thus, an understanding of diagnostic tools and techniques is necessary in order to obtain a Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE). Some of these basic tools and techniques include: diagnostic machine maintenance; analysis of operation and maintenance records; measuring performance parameters of parts, systems and testing equipment; and diagnostic Testing of mechanical and electronic equipment, which include: dynamic testing of components, equipment and systems; and non-dynamic testing of components and systems. Some companies offer their employees a chance to earn a CRE or CQE certification by taking an approved Medical Gas Technician (M GT) exam. However, medical gasses and equipment suppliers do not offer certification exams.

Candidates wishing to pursue careers in this field should take the time to investigate their training options and find out what the cost of getting a Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) or a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification will be. There are currently four nationally recognized certifications that people can earn. These include: Professional Engineers (PE), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Process Improvement (CPI) and Certified Qualified Specialist (CQS). Each of these certifications requires an application fee and may take up to 12 months to receive.

In addition to the nationwide certifications, there are also regional accreditation programs. The most popular of these programs are located in the United States, and many engineering firms choose to hire from these programs instead of hiring local workers who lack the proper training. An example of a certification offered by an accrediting agency is the Asq Review, which are offered by the Society of New Engineers (USA), and is achieved by taking an Asq Examination. This examination is broken down into five sections and is scored on a particular format, including comprehension of the technical points, practical application of engineering principles and engineering analysis.

The most recognized and nationally recognized certifications in the engineering field are the Asq Maintenance Certification, Professional Engineering & Industrial Testing (PEIT), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IETE) and National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE). Among these certifications, the CQS is the most difficult and is only available to those who have four or more years of experience in the field. These examiners carefully review each candidate’s curriculum vitae, including their professional experience, work history and any engineering design or analysis experience they may have under their belt. Upon reviewing the curriculum vitae, the examiners make sure the candidate has what it takes to pass the exam and determine whether or not the candidate possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the exam and be certified as a CRED. Once a candidate passes this exam, he or she will receive a certification card that contains his or her official registration number.

Because of the ongoing needs for reliable equipment and other equipment in the industrial, commercial and service industries, many engineers have begun to specialize in specific areas of reliability engineering. For instance, some specialize in electro-mechanical design while others focus on electrical equipment or energy management. Some engineers choose to specialize in one particular industry while others continue to pursue a general engineering degree and learn the many different aspects of the various industries they serve. This allows them to develop expertise in certain areas and then specialize in their particular area of expertise.

Candidates wishing to become certified dependable engineers must undergo an eighteen-month examination administered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEE) and National Institute of Standards (NIST). Once the candidates have passed this examination, they will be able to apply for certification. The three different certifications that are offered are: Professional Practice, Contractor’s Qualification and Certified Reliability Engineer (CRED).