In a recent LinkedIn post a fellow Reliability Engineer is asking the Reliability Engineering community in how to prepare for the CRE exam. Rapidly everyone is recommending books, study groups, and training courses. My recommendation to anyone taking the CRE exam is to be very familiar with your approved ASQ calculator. Here is a link that I found in the ASQ website that lists what types of calculators they allow you to use during the exam: http://prdweb.asq.org/certification/control/faq/calculator
In today’s workplace we all use powerful statistical software and spreadsheets to calculate all types of reliability engineering calculations, we less rely on pocket calculators.
I have talked to many Reliability Engineers that made the mistake in buying their calculator at the last minute and they “assume” they know how to operate it…..
Do you know how to calculate the following with your pocket calculator? One-Variable Statistics, Probability, or Logarithmic Functions. If not, you need to get very comfortable in solving these problems with your calculator before the CRE exam.
Absolutely great advice based on my experience with the CRE and CQE exams! Thanks for sharing.
i’ll be taking the CQE exam in a month and they updated the “no alpha key” requirements when they sent my proctor location email. I have been using a Casio with alpha key (but no alphabetic keyboard) now I don’t’ think it is allowed. I have to get familiar with a new calculator. Any suggestions on a user friendly one from someone who took the CQE test? Much appreciated!
Hi Lori,
Haven’t heard about the ‘no alpha key’ and this is what is on the ASQ FAQ
http://asq.org/cert/faq/calculator
Cheers,
Fred
Yes, I read that. The email included the new alpha key reference. I just bought a Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro. thanks
Hopefully you can master the new calculator quickly and ‘enjoy’ the exam. Good luck. cheers, Fred
Is this calculator Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro allowed for ASQ CRE exam ?
I’m not the one to ask, yet ASQ does have a calculator FAQ on their site
http://asq.org/cert/faq/calculator
Cheers,
Fred
are there any Hewlett packard calculators that are allowed like the 12c?
HI Karl,
Here’s what ASQ says on the topic, as of today.
All computer-based exams feature a basic scientific calculator on-screen in the exam. Prometric Test Center Administrators can provide you with a hand-held basic calculator upon request.
With the introduction of tablets and palmtop computers and the increasing sophistication of scientific calculators, ASQ has become increasingly aware of the need to limit the types of calculators permitted for use during the examinations. Any silent, hand-held, battery-operated calculator with no programmable memory will be permitted. Programmable calculators tend to have graphing capabilities, the ability to store text/alphanumeric data by the input of the user, and a function (fn, F1, F2, etc.) button.
Calculators such as the Texas Instruments TI-89 or similar are absolutely not allowed because they are programmable. The examination is written so that a simple calculator will be sufficient to perform all calculations. Examinees are allowed to have a backup calculator if necessary.
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you’re best bet to get an answer is to ask ASQ and/or the folks at your test center or your proctor.
cheers,
Fred