The Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals Certifying Organization (SMRPCO) is updating the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT) exam, with the modified exam effective August 5, 2021. The exam changes mirror how the jobs of maintenance and reliability technicians have changed in recent years and predictions for future advancements.
“As the maintenance and reliability profession progresses, our exams must adjust accordingly,” says Jane Robles, SMRPCO Executive Director. “The CMRT is currently the top credential for validating the knowledge, skills and abilities of maintenance and reliability technicians, and we strive to keep that place of honor and trust. To do so, the exam will now more accurately reflect what technicians need to know today and in the future.”
SMRPCO is seeking ANAB 17024 accreditation for the CMRT, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining exam material relevance. Updating the CMRT exam ensures that it is a fair, valid and reliable assessment, which can be recognized by a third party with accreditation.
In addition to advancing the CMRT exam along with the maintenance and reliability profession, these changes also contribute to a key goal of SMRP and SMRPCO: workforce development. Education programs and students in the maintenance and reliability field can have the assurance of exam relevance and potential accreditation, both reinforced by these upcoming exam changes.
The updates to the CMRT exam do not affect the exam’s difficulty, nor do they influence the status of current CMRTs. As of August 5, 2021, candidates for CMRT certification will be allowed 2.5 hours to complete the closed-book exam’s 110 multiple choice questions.
The Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals Certifying Organization (SMRPCO) serves to promote and advance the knowledge and application of maintenance, reliability and physical asset management while identifying those individuals who voluntarily seek to obtain higher education and certification amongst their peers. SMRPCO establishes and enforces examination, experience and ethics requirements to strengthen the interests of practitioners and protect venues where they are employed. For more information, go to https://smrp.org.