Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page presents answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the way the Certified Reliability Professional (CRP) program is administered. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us.

Is it possible to substitute one of the "core curriculum" requirements?

Yes, with specific approval. The CRP "core curriculum" has been designed to ensure that all CRP recipients possess the minimum required skills for performing reliability-related work and in most cases, the minimum course requirements will be strictly adhered to. However, if a participant is unable to get company approval to attend a training course in a subject area in which he/she already has demonstrated expertise, substitutions can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact CRPAdmin@ReliaSoft.com to discuss your specific circumstances.

May I earn credit for training courses that are not included on the eligible courses list?

No. In order to ensure the integrity and value of the certification, the CRP program can only grant credit for training courses that have been evaluated and approved by the CRP Board. The most up-to-date list of approved training courses is posted on the Web at http://www.ReliabilityProfessional.org/courses/eligible_courses.htm.

Could a project that was completed before I began working toward CRP certification be counted toward the CRP Project requirement ?

No. The CRP Board will not accept a project proposal for a project that has already been completed. However, you may submit a proposal for a project that is already in progress. If the proposal demonstrates that the project meets the established criteria for CRP certification (sufficient to demonstrate Reliability Engineering knowledge, convincing business case, valid analysis approach, realistic timeline/goals, etc.) then the CRP Board will accept the proposal and assign a Project Mentor. For more information (and the required project forms), see http://www.ReliabilityProfessional.org/project/index.htm.

Could a paper or presentation that was published before I began working toward CRP certification be counted toward the CRP Presentation requirement?

No. In order to satisfy the CRP Presentation requirement, the paper or presentation must be used to communicate some or all of the results of your CRP Project (which must be based on new work performed while working toward CRP certification).

Can I earn CRP credit by participating in a group project or co-authoring a paper/presentation?

No, unless specific conditions are met. In order to earn CRP Project and/or Presentation credit, it must be clearly demonstrated that the participant's individual work is sufficient to meet the requirements for CRP certification. If a group of CRP participants choose to work together on a project, each participant must submit a separate project proposal that clearly identifies the aspect of the project that he/she will be individually responsible for (and that aspect by itself must be sufficient to meet the requirements of a CRP project). Likewise, the CRP Presentation credit can only be granted to the individual who is identified as the principal author for any given paper or presentation.

Can I earn CRP credit for any reliability-related paper or presentation?

No. In order to satisfy the CRP Presentation requirement, the paper or presentation must be used to communicate some or all of the results of your CRP Project.

What is the role of the CRP Project Mentor?

At the time that your project proposal is accepted by the CRP Board, a Project Mentor will be assigned. The Project Mentor will review the technical aspects of your project prior to project initiation, midway through the project and at the completion of the project. When appropriate, the Project Mentor may provide feedback based on his/her experience with the subject, including suggestions for improvement and issues that need to be addressed before moving forward.

It is important to note that a CRP Project Mentor is not a consultant or coach. In other words, the Project Mentor will not tell you how to design and carry out your project and he/she will not initiate reminders about specific tasks that may need to be completed. It will be your responsibility to compile and submit materials for review at each stage of the project and to find ways to address any concerns or issues identified by the Project Mentor.