Not yet ISO-accredited, but held to CMVA’s rigorous standards for predictive maintenance professionals
Overview
Alignment Certification verifies your ability to perform precise shaft alignment during machinery installation, re-installation, or preventative maintenance. The program follows the ANSI/ASA S2.75-2017/Parts 1 & 2 standards and is structured by CMVA’s Technical Training Committee. While not yet ISO-accredited, this certification is rigorous and technically grounded — designed for real-world conditions across industries.
Who Should Pursue This Certification?
- Reliability and maintenance technicians
- Mechanical fitters and millwrights
- Plant engineers and installation supervisors
- Anyone responsible for machinery setup, repair, or diagnostics
Certification Scope & Standards
- Standard Basis: ANSI/ASA S2.75-2017 Part 1 & 2
- Focus: Mechanical alignment of rotating shafts, from preparation through commissioning
- Accreditation Status: Not ISO-accredited but follows ANSI-aligned methods
- Exam Format: 100 multiple choice / true-false questions
- Exam Duration: 2 hours
- Pass Mark: 70%
Performance Objectives & Certification Levels
Candidates are expected to know and demonstrate (Category I & II):
| Category | Key Topics Covered | Category I | Category II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principles & Terminology | Alignment concepts, tolerances, CML, span, offset, angle, flex plane, TIR, gap, collinearity, repeatability vs calibration, vibration interference | ✅ | ✅ |
| Four-Stage Process | Preparation, Inspection, Measurement & Correction, Commissioning | ✅ | ✅ |
| Machine Inspection | Base flatness, level, pipe/conduit strain, soft foot identification, machine history and expected conditions | ✅ | ✅ |
| Correction Techniques | Jacking bolts, shimming practices, bolt tightening sequence, machine movement procedures | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reporting & Safety | Alignment result documentation, as-left/as-found data, safety precautions, tool inspection, calibration tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Measurement Tools | Use of dial indicators, laser alignment tools, straightedges, micrometers, levels; laser 9-12-3 method; Rim & Face, Reverse Dial | ✅ | ✅ (+ advanced methods) |
| Advanced Diagnostics | OLTR movement, axial trust, graphical plotting, alignment modeling, base-bound/bolt-bound resolution | ❌ | ✅ |
| Thermal Growth | Thermal expansion calculation (T × L × C), temperature impact on alignment targets | ❌ | ✅ |
Certification Requirements
| Requirement | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Training Hours | 14 hours | 26 hours total (14 + 12) |
| On-the-Job Experience | 6 months | 12 months |
| Exam Format | 100 multiple choice / T-F | 100 multiple choice / T-F |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Pass Score | 70% | 70% |
How To Prepare
CMVA does not deliver training directly but certifies individuals who prepare through recognized third-party providers or self-directed learning.
You can:
- Take formal courses aligned with ANSI/ASA S2.75 standards
- Review performance objectives provided by CMVA
- Gain hands-on experience with alignment tools (dial, laser, shims, modeling software)
- Study root-cause failure scenarios and measurement challenges
Renewal & Validity
- Certification valid for 5 years
- Renewal does not require CMVA membership
- Can be renewed via documented experience, training hours, or exam re-take