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The Coordinate Metrology Society’s (CMS) efforts to deliver an industry-recognized certification to the profession of portable 3D metrology is now a reality.
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This endeavor began with a vision and a request from industry to leverage the resources of the CMS membership to create such a program in North America. The CMS Certification Committee was formed in 2009, and the dedicated group embarked on a long journey to develop this program. Last week the organization announced that the examination for the industry’s first Level-One Certification will be held at the 29th annual Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC), July 22—26, 2013, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Randy Gruver, an employee development specialist at Boeing and the CMS Certification Committee chair, answered these questions about the new certification.
Quality Digest: Why the need for this specific certification within industry?
Randy Gruver: Portable 3D metrology is being integrated into manufacturing processes at a rapid rate. Fast-changing technologies have fueled 3D metrology evolution, and the technology is now being used as a very cost-effective measurement solution in many sectors. The proliferation of sophisticated measurement software and hardware provide an attractive means for collecting data previously unavailable, at least cost-effectively. Whereas this type of data collection was once the domain of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, metrology’s evolution has brought new data-collecting techniques to lab technicians and shop-floor personnel for applications in architectural restoration, forensics, accident investigation... even Hollywood.
Although equipment is calibrated and certified to performance standards, the personnel who operate the equipment are not. There are many variables in data collection that can be influenced by the operator.
QD: Why would an operator want to be certified?
RG: A certification credential supports a quality management system and demonstrates the certified operator’s knowledge, skill, and abilities to customers, employers, and peers. In addition, as more companies become ISO-certified, there is a need to quantify employees’ knowledge. This means providing certification exams and tracking employees’ experience and growth. Many companies organize this information into various categories and maintain a chart that tracks employees and their qualifications. During audits this information is a major criterion. Personnel certification aligns well to this ISO requirement.
QD: Describe the exam itself. Is it practical, written, proctored, or online?
RG: The certification exam is composed of two assessment levels. Level One exam is an online, proctored assessment consisting of about 200 multiple-choice questions covering foundational theory and practice common to most portable 3D metrology devices. The Level Two exam—which is being piloted for portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMM) at this year’s conference—is a practical performance assessment during which the candidate must use the device to collect a series of measurements on an artifact.
QD: How do candidates prepare for the exam? What do they study? Are there any exam-specific training materials available?
RG: The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Clemson University, and many employers offer basic foundational and practical training products.
QD: How long does the exam take?
RG: The Level One exam is limited to two hours. The Level Two exam also is targeted for two hours.
QD: Is there a cost to take the exam?
RG: The cost for a CMS member to take the Level One exam is $400 dollars. For nonmembers the cost is $425 and includes CMS membership. The fee for the Level Two exam is yet to be determined.
QD: Will the certification be recognized by others?
RG: The certification has been prepared to meet rigorous academic and industry performance standards. Feedback and inquiries to employers indicate that 84 percent of those surveyed found value and are interested in this credential.
QD: How has the CMS prepared the ground for this during the past few years?
RG: This journey began nearly five years ago. A team of CMS volunteers began the process by validating the need within industry and gathering concurrence from CMS members. We investigated existing certifications, and ultimately partnered with the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) to administer the process.
QD: How can people take the exam, and where?
RG: The CMSC 2013 will be offering the first Level One exam. An eligible candidate will have to meet requirements, submit an application, and sign the CMS code of ethics. If the candidate meets eligibility requirements, including peer review, he will be notified and scheduled for a seat at CMSC 2013. There will be other opportunities to take the exam throughout the year but have yet to be identified.
QD: Can you talk about the various measurement studies conducted at the last three CMSCs?
RG: For the last three years, the CMS has hosted measurement studies in the exhibition hall. The themes have included “How behavior influences measurement” and have emphasized, through analysis and observation, the value of instilling the right measurement strategy and core measurement principles, and avoiding operator-induced variation in the measurement process.
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