Not yet ISO-accredited, but held to CMVA’s rigorous standards for predictive maintenance professionals
Overview
Ultrasound is a non-invasive, highly sensitive technique used in predictive maintenance to detect early-stage faults in bearings, valves, steam traps, electrical systems, and more. The CMVA offers Ultrasound Certification (Category I) following ISO 18436-8 and ISO 29821 guidelines — though not formally ISO-accredited, the certification is based on those standards and administered with the same level of rigor.
Who Should Pursue This Certification?
- Maintenance and reliability technicians
- Condition monitoring professionals
- Plant engineers and asset managers
- Anyone involved in machine diagnostics, especially where early failure detection is critical
Certification Scope & Standards
- Standard Basis: Based on ISO 18436-8 and 29821, as structured by CMVA’s Training and Certification Committee
- Focus: Data collection competency across key ultrasound applications
- Accreditation Status: Not yet ISO-accredited, but fully aligned with ISO standards and practices
- Exam Format: 60 multiple choice / true-false questions
- Exam Duration: 2 hours
- Pass Mark: 70%
Performance Objectives & Coverage Areas
Candidates are expected to know and demonstrate (Category I):
| Category | Key Topics Covered | % of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Ultrasound | Sound physics, dB math, signal properties, peak vs RMS, impedance, waveform/spectrum interpretation | 15% |
| Generic Equipment Knowledge | Sensor types, safety, calibration, heterodyne principle, troubleshooting | 8% |
| Data Acquisition | Measurement technique, safety in the plant, sensor positioning, repeatability, variable speed machines | 10% |
| Data Storage & Management | Backup, alarm thresholds, exception reporting, bad data identification | 5% |
| Condition Monitoring Principles | Asset failure modes, technology selection | 3% |
| Applications to Machine Systems | Leak detection, valves, bearings, gears, motors, hydraulics, lubrication, steam traps, electrical systems | 40% |
| Severity Determination | Decibel trending, time/spectrum analysis, alarms | 10% |
| Program Implementation | Routine management, inspection setup, report planning | 3% |
| Reporting & Corrective Action | Fault communication and action tracking | 3% |
| Personal Safety | Onsite hazards, access risks, chemical leaks, lockout-tagout | 3% |
Certification Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 6 months (cumulative) |
| Training Hours | 32 hours minimum |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Pass Score | 70% |
| Exam Format | 60 multiple choice / T-F questions |
How To Prepare
CMVA does not offer direct training but certifies candidates who have learned through third-party programs, industry experience, or self-study. You can:
- Use structured courses from reputable vendors (see [Course Offerings] page)
- Study with materials that cover ISO 18436-8 and 29821
- Review CMVA performance objectives and practice real-world applications
Renewal & Validity
- Certification is valid for 5 years
- Renewal does not require CMVA membership (per June 2020 policy)
- Renewal options include evidence of continued work, training hours, or retesting