Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

Body of Knowledge Map 2018 - 2025

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The Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) Body of Knowledge (BoK) for 2025 has been meticulously updated to reflect the most up-
to-date practices within the field of reliability engineering, as assessed in the CRE examination. For insights into the BoK updating
process, you can find a detailed description at Exam Development Process.

The BoK encapsulates essential skills and knowledge crucial for CREs, identified as specific pieces of knowledge. The update
involved a comprehensive job analysis study, where subject matter experts (SMEs) pinpointed new tasks being performed in the field,
along with the necessary knowledge and competencies for their effective implementation. This resulted in the integration of new and
existing pieces of knowledge from the 2018 CRE BoK into a Job Analysis Survey, which was then distributed among active Certified
Reliability Engineers. The objective was to assess the importance and frequency of these pieces of knowledge in current practice.
Findings confirmed the continued relevance of the 2018 BoK content, with the addition of three new subtopics in the 2025 BoK, as
detailed in Table 1.

The updated 2025 CRE BoK will be officially introduced in the January 2025 examination administration. Both the 2018 and 2025
CRE BoKs will remain accessible online until March 1, 2025, after which the 2018 CRE BoK will be archived.

General Insights on ASQ Body of Knowledge Updates

ASQ BoK updates typically maintain the majority of the content, reflecting the enduring nature of the practices over 5- to 7-year spans.
A key principle conveyed to exam development committees is the importance of exams reflecting the "state of practice" rather than
the "state of the art." This approach ensures exams remain relevant to current professional practices, rather than being swayed by
fleeting trends. Often, the most significant updates involve reorganizing content for improved clarity and logical flow. Upon the
release of a new BoK, ASQ provides a "BoK Map" that outlines changes from the old to the new, highlighting any new additions or
omissions.

For exam preparation, candidates can continue to rely on reference materials listed in the exam's bibliography, which serve as the
foundation for question development and answer verification.
High-Level Summary of 2025 CRE BoK Updates
1. Reorganization: The 2025 CRE BoK has been restructured to enhance logical progression and coherence, ensuring related
pieces of knowledge are more intuitively grouped.
2. Updates: To ensure the curriculum remains current with the advancements in reliability engineering, various topics and
subtopics have been revised to incorporate new tasks, along with the supporting knowledge and skills, that have surfaced since
2018.
3. Expansion: The BoK now includes additional subtopics and pieces of knowledge, broadening its scope to cover significant
advancements and deepening explorations into the tasks, along with supporting knowledge and skills.
4. Clarification and Refinement: Efforts were made to make the content more accessible and understandable, enhancing clarity
for exam candidates.
5. Alignment with Current Practices: The BoK has been adjusted to mirror shifts in the role of reliability engineers.

Table 1 organizes the primary knowledge areas of reliability engineering into major categories and specific topics, including the new
additions for 2025.

Table 2 offers a detailed comparison between the 2018 and 2025 CRE BoKs, facilitating a clear understanding of the updates and
expansions.

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 Table 1. 2025 CRE BoK mapped to the 2018 CRE BoK
New Elements
2018 BoK Code 2025 BoK Details in 2025 BoK
I. Reliability Fundamentals [29 test questions] Added four test questions.

A. Leadership Foundations
1. Benefits of reliability engineering
Describe the value that reliability has on achieving company goals and objectives, and how
I.A.1
reliability engineering techniques and methods improve programs, processes, products,
systems, and services. (Understand)
2. Interrelationship of safety, quality, and reliability
Describe the relationship of and distinguish between reliability and quality. Describe the
I.A.2
importance of safety in reliability engineering and how reliability impacts safety.
(Understand)
3. Reliability engineer leadership responsibilities
Describe how to be a reliability champion by influencing program decisions and Added reliability strategy, including its
I.A.3
facilitating cross-functional communication. Understand the fundamentals of reliability mission, vision, objectives, and requirements.
strategy, including its mission, vision, objectives, and requirements. (Understand)
4. Reliability engineer role and responsibilities in the product lifecycle
Describe how the reliability engineer influences the product lifecycle, including their role
I.A.4
in anticipating the impact of reliability on risk and costs in the design review process and
ensuring performance over time. (Understand)
5. Project management in reliability engineering
NEW! Apply key practices in requirements management, use Gantt charts, and understand the New subtopic!
critical path method (CPM). (Apply)
6. Function of reliability in engineering
Describe how reliability techniques can be used to apply best practices in engineering (e.g.,
I.A.5
measuring reliability early), how industry standards can impact reliability, and how
reliability can inform the decision analysis process. (Analyze)
7. Ethics in reliability engineering
I.A.6 Identify appropriate ethical behaviors for a reliability engineer in various situations.
(Evaluate)
8. Supplier reliability assessments
Explain how supplier reliability impacts the overall reliability program. Describe key
Added continuously assess supplier
I.A.7 reliability concepts that should be included in supplier reliability assessments.
reliability.
Continuously assess supplier reliability to ensure they meet established reliability
standards. (Analyze)

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9. Performance monitoring
Describe the importance of performance monitoring in maintaining compliance with
product reliability and safety standards. Identify key points in the product lifecycle where Added key performance indicators [KPIs],
both process and product reliability data are collected and evaluated. Integrate essential overall equipment effectiveness [OEE],
I.A.8
reliability elements like defect tracking and reliability growth monitoring (e.g., key Duane growth model, and Crow-AMSAA
performance indicators [KPIs], overall equipment effectiveness [OEE], Duane growth Model.
model, and Crow-AMSAA Model) to ensure continuous adherence to these requirements.
(Understand)
B. Reliability Foundations
1. Basic reliability terminology
Clarify fundamental reliability terms and the corresponding metrics, including concepts Added durability, mean time between critical
related to system reliability (e.g., durability, failure rate, mean time to failure [MTTF], failure [MTBCF], mean time between
I.B.1 mean time between failures [MTBF], mean time between critical failure [MTBCF], and the maintenance [MTBM], mean downtime
bathtub curve), maintainability (e.g., service interval, mean time to repair [MTTR], mean [MDT]), operational availability, achieved
time between maintenance [MTBM], and mean downtime [MDT]), and availability (e.g., availability, and inherent availability.
operational availability, achieved availability, and inherent availability). (Apply)
2. Drivers of reliability requirements and targets
Describe how customer expectations, industry standards, safety considerations, liability Added expected use conditions or use cases,
I.B.2 issues, and regulatory concerns drive reliability requirements. Assess expected use environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
conditions or use cases, align reliability requirements with environmental, social, and policies, and lessons learned.
governance (ESG) policies, and draw valuable insights from lessons learned. (Understand)
3. Corrective and preventive action (CAPA)
Evaluate specific situations that call for corrective and preventive actions. Explore the
I.B.3
implementation of these actions and assess the effectiveness of the measures taken.
(Evaluate)
4. Root cause analysis
I.B.4 Assess root cause analysis by using specialized tools, such as fishbone diagrams, 5 whys, Added fishbone diagrams, 5 whys, and 8D.
and 8D to investigate the causes of degradation and failure. (Evaluate)
5. Product lifecycle engineering stages
Examine how different lifecycle stages—concept / design, development / test, introduction,
Added scheduled and unscheduled
I.B.5 growth, maturity, and decline—affect reliability. Inspect the cost issues related to each of
maintenance.
those stages, including aspects like product maintenance (both scheduled and
unscheduled), life expectancy, and software defect phase containment. (Understand)
6. Economics of product maintainability and availability
I.B.6 Describe the cost tradeoffs associated with product maintainability strategies and
availability. (Understand)

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7. Cost of poor reliability Added and non-financial expenses (e.g.,
I.B.7 Describe the financial and non-financial expenses (e.g., availability, credibility, business availability, credibility, business operations,
operations, and reputation) incurred because of poor reliability. (Understand) and reputation).

8. Quality triangle
NEW! Describe the relationship between cost, time, and quality with respect to reliability. New subtopic!
(Understand)
9. Six sigma methodologies
Added principles of the DMAIC (Define,
Describe how six sigma principles serve as a supportive framework for enhancing
Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)
I.B.8 reliability engineering practices. Explain how reliability engineering aligns with the
process, continuous improvement, and lean
principles of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process,
methodologies.
continuous improvement, and lean methodologies. (Understand)
10. Systems engineering and integration
Comprehend the relationship between reliability engineering and systems engineering,
I.B.9
with a focus on integrating components and their interactions within a system.
(Understand)
II. Risk Management [25 test questions]
A. Identification
1. Risk management techniques
Use risk management tools and processes to identify, document, and monitor
Added environmental, liability, and security
environmental, liability, and security concerns. Incorporate methodologies such as p-
concerns, p-diagrams, and use cases.
II.A.1 diagrams to discern potential failure modes and use cases to conceptualize different real-
world scenarios and interactions. Evaluate and prioritize risks related to safety, economics,
Increased cognitive level.
performance, and customer satisfaction. Address these risks within an appropriate risk
management framework. (Evaluate)
2. Risk assessment
Employ different techniques for assessing and prioritizing risks including qualitative,
quantitative, and semi-quantitative methods. Apply risk ranking methods to ascertain the
NEW! potential impacts, considering likelihood and prioritization factors. Use probabilistic risk New subtopic!
assessment (PRA) to categorize risk events and to understand the potential impacts.
Perform vulnerability and threat-based assessments to analyze and gauge the susceptibility
of the system to various threats. (Analyze)
3. Types of risk Added environmental risks, strategic risks
Examine the various types of operational risks (e.g., technical, scheduling, safety, and (e.g., brand, reputation, stakeholder, and
II.A.2 environmental), strategic risks (e.g., brand, reputation, stakeholder, and regulatory regulatory compliance), cybersecurity risks,
compliance), financial risks, cybersecurity risks, and analytical risks (e.g., informed and and analytical risks (e.g., informed and
inherent) and their relationship to reliability. (Analyze) inherent)
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B. Analysis
1. Fault tree analysis (FTA)
Use fault tree analysis (FTA) to evaluate the potential failures within a product or process.
II.B.1 Added action priority.
Employ action priority to categorize and prioritize the necessary corrective actions.
(Analyze)
2. Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
Define and distinguish between failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), failure mode, Added functional failure mode and effects
II.B.2 effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA), functional failure mode and effects analysis analysis (FFMEA) and use failure mode and
(FFMEA), and use failure mode and effects analysis (UFMEA). Evaluate these techniques effects analysis (UFMEA).
for use on systems, products, processes, and designs. (Evaluate)
3. Common mode failure analysis
II.B.3 Describe common mode failure (also known as common cause failure) and how it affects
risk. (Understand)
4. Hazard analysis
II.B.4 Explain how hazard analysis informs the development process and how the information
obtained from it is used by reliability engineers. (Understand)
5. Risk matrix
Explain the application of risk matrices in evaluating risk, focusing on how they aid in
II.B.5
assessing the likelihood and the severity of potential adverse events or outcomes.
(Understand)
6. System safety
Identify safety-related issues by analyzing multiple sources including customer feedback,
design data, field data, and other pertinent information. Prioritize safety concerns, focusing
II.B.6 on those that possess the highest risk of occurrence and impact. Determine steps to Added safety system and tradeoff analysis.
minimize the improper or unintended use of equipment, products, or processes, aligning
with safety system. Employ tradeoff analysis to determine the optimal risk control
measures. (Evaluate)
C. Mitigation
Identify appropriate risk mitigation plans by integrating the guidelines and principles Added ISO 31000, ISO 55000, As Low As
outlined in standards such as ISO 31000 and ISO 55000. Assess risk control plans that Reasonably Practical (ALARP), As Low As
II.C incorporate effective controls, aiming to minimize both inherent risks and their subsequent Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), and As
impacts, focusing on safety, liability, and regulatory compliance. Distinguish between the Low As Possible (ALAP).
reliability goals of As Low As Reasonably Practical (ALARP), As Low As Reasonably
Achievable (ALARA), and As Low As Possible (ALAP). (Evaluate)
III. Probability and Statistics for Reliability [35 test questions]
A. Basic Concepts

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1. Basic statistics
Define basic statistical terms such as population, parameter, sample, and statistic.
Understand statistical concepts such as sampling and the central limit theorem.
III.A.1 Added Kaplan-Meier Analysis.
Differentiate between parametric and non-parametric (e.g., Kaplan-Meier Analysis)
statistical methods. Use appropriate methods to estimate and interpret statistical values.
(Analyze)
2. Basic probability concepts
Apply basic probability concepts such as independence, mutually exclusive events, and Added probability trees and expected
III.A.2
conditional probability. Calculate probabilities using tools and techniques (e.g., probability frequency trees.
trees and expected frequency trees) and interpret their meaning. (Analyze)
3. Probability distributions
Analyze reliability data using appropriate statistical distributions such as binomial,
Added chi-square , Student’s t distribution,
III.A.3 Poisson, exponential, Weibull, normal, log-normal, chi-square, and Student’s t distribution.
and goodness of fit.
Interpret the associated probability plots for each continuous distribution. Assess goodness
of fit to a distribution. (Analyze)
4. Probability functions
Assess various probability functions (e.g., cumulative distribution functions [CDFs],
III.A.4 Increased cognitive level.
probability density functions [PDFs], and hazard functions) and recognize their application
in various situations. (Evaluate)
5. Sampling plans for statistics and reliability testing
Use various theories, tables, and formulas to determine appropriate sample sizes or testing Added representative and randomized
III.A.5
time needed for statistical and reliability testing. Incorporate representative and sampling techniques.
randomized sampling techniques. (Apply)
6. Statistical process control (SPC) and capability studies (Cp, Cpk, P, and Ppk)
Added P, and Ppk
Apply statistical process control (SPC), capability studies, and their associated indices
III.A.6
(e.g., Cp, Cpk, P, and Ppk) and describe how they relate to reliability. Considering differing
Increased cognitive level.
sample sizes, select control charts to represent variability over time. (Apply)
7. Confidence and tolerance intervals Added analyze reliability with chosen
Compute confidence intervals and tolerance intervals to analyze reliability with chosen confidence, assess the use of confidence and
III.A.7 confidence. Assess the use of confidence and tolerance intervals for reliability analysis tolerance intervals for reliability analysis
using Weibull, normal, and lognormal distributions. Describe how point estimates are used using Weibull, normal, and lognormal
to determine the interval. (Evaluate) distributions.
B. Data Management
1. Sources and uses of reliability data
Analyze the sources of reliability data (e.g., prototype, development, test, field, warranty,
Added big data, internet of things [IoT],
III.B.1 published data, big data, and the internet of things [IoT]). Recognize the unique advantages
normalizing datasets, and transformations.
and limitations of each for measuring and enhancing product reliability. Consider the
importance of normalizing datasets and transformations. (Analyze)

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2. Types of data
Evaluate and distinguish among diverse data types, including attributes versus variables
and discrete versus continuous. Determine whether the data is censored or complete and Added parametric and nonparametric
whether it is univariate or multivariate. Describe the implications of deploying parametric statistical methods, scales of measurement
III.B.2 and nonparametric statistical methods, identifying the underlying assumptions and including nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio,
applicable conditions of each. Recognize the different scales of measurement, including Nevada chart analysis, survival analysis, and
nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Align analysis tools—such as Nevada chart analysis, the cox proportional hazard model.
survival analysis, and the cox proportional hazard model—with the inherent characteristics
and requirements of the respective data types. (Evaluate)
3. Data collection methods
Identify and select appropriate data collection methods (e.g., surveys, automated tests,
III.B.3
automated monitoring, and reporting tools) to meet various data analysis objectives and
data quality needs. (Evaluate)
4. Data summary and reporting
Analyze the collected data and assess its accuracy, precision, usefulness, and integrity.
Employ analytical techniques, such as bad actor analysis. Use artificial intelligence (AI) to Added precision, integrity, bad actor analysis,
III.B.4 delve deeper into the analysis. Select appropriate graphical representations, such as Pareto artificial intelligence (AI), Pareto charts,
charts, scatter plots, and box and whisker plots. Summarize, interpret, and present the scatter plots, and box and whisker plots.
analyzed data, choosing methods aligned with the varying data types, originating sources,
and the specified output requirements. (Create)
5. Failure analysis methods Added scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM),
Diagnose failures by using a diverse array of failure analysis tools and techniques. infrared inspection, radiography analysis,
Implement physics of failure-based analyses, including methods such as scanning electron material testing and measurement techniques
microscopy (SEM), scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), infrared inspection, and like tensile testing, shear testing, viscosity
radiography analysis. Conduct mechanical and materials analysis, applying specific measurement, and vibration testing, visual,
III.B.5
material testing and measurement techniques like tensile testing, shear testing, viscosity ultrasonic, and electrical analysis, cycle
measurement, and vibration testing. Incorporate physical analysis methods including visual, testing, non-destructive testing (NDT), and
ultrasonic, and electrical analysis. Engage in verification like cycle testing and non- predictive technologies.
destructive testing (NDT) and employ advanced predictive technologies to anticipate and
mitigate potential failures. (Understand)
6. Failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action system (FRACAS)
III.B.6 Identify elements necessary for FRACAS and demonstrate the importance of a closed-loop
process. (Evaluate)
IV. Reliability Planning, Testing, and Modeling [35 test questions]
A. Planning

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1. Reliability test strategies
Added customer profiles, including those
Evaluate and develop suitable test strategies, such as truncation, test-to-failure, degradation,
IV.A.1 reflecting normal and heavy usage, and ‘zero
growth plan, and Test, Analyze, and Fix (TAAF), for various phases of product
failure’ test.
development. Consider customer profiles, including those reflecting normal and heavy
usage. Implement a ‘zero failure’ test to assess reliability. (Evaluate)
2. Environmental factors and use conditions
Analyze various environmental factors and use conditions such as temperature, humidity,
and vibration, along with stresses like severity of service, electrostatic discharge (ESD), Added multiple stress factors (e.g., highly
IV.A.2
throughput, and duty cycle, to which a product may be exposed. Incorporate the application accelerated life testing [HALT]).
of multiple stress factors (e.g., highly accelerated life testing [HALT]) to assess their
simultaneous impact on a product. (Analyze)
3. Failure consequence
Describe the importance of recognizing the consequences linked to different failure modes, Added severity and occurrence of such failure
IV.A.3
including the severity and occurrence of such failure modes, when establishing reliability modes.
acceptance criteria. (Understand)
4. Failure criteria
Added customer requirements, user needs,
IV.A.4 Establish failure criteria by considering customer requirements, user needs, system
and system functions.
functions, system requirements, and warranty terms and conditions. (Understand)
5. Test environment
Evaluate the test environment by considering the system location and operational
conditions and incorporate these into the test plan to ensure the implementation of an Added validate test capability and providing
IV.A.5
appropriate test strategy. Validate test capability and conduct the tests following the rationale and support for each decision made.
verified methods. Evaluate and formulate decisions based on the test results, providing
rationale and support for each decision made. (Evaluate)
B. Testing
Describe the purpose, advantages, and limitations of various hardware and software / Removed the overarching cognitive level.
IV.B firmware tests, emphasizing the different approaches and methodologies required for each.
Use common models to develop test plans, evaluate risks, and interpret test results,
ensuring comprehensive reliability and functionality assessment.
1. Accelerated life tests (e.g., single-stress, multiple-stress, sequential stress, step-stress,
IV.B.1 Added cognitive level.
HALT, and margin tests) (Evaluate)
IV.B.2 2. Stress screening (e.g., ESS, HASS, and burn-in tests) (Evaluate) Added cognitive level.
3. Qualification / demonstration testing (e.g., sequential tests and fixed-length
IV.B.3 Added cognitive level.
tests) (Evaluate)
IV.B.4 4. Degradation (wear-to-failure) testing (Evaluate) Added cognitive level.

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5. Software / firmware reliability (e.g., software design reliability, software reliability
NEW! prediction, software design and development models, and software reliability allocation) New subtopic!
(Understand)
Added software validation and quality
assurance, software verification, qualitative
6. Software testing (e.g., white-box, black-box, operational profile, fault-injection, software
versus quantitative reliability testing, built-in
validation and quality assurance, software verification, qualitative versus quantitative
IV.B.5 testing [BIT], and regression testing to verify
reliability testing, built-in testing [BIT], and regression testing to verify code
code integrity.
integrity) (Understand)
Reduced cognitive level.
C. Modeling
1. Reliability block diagrams and models
IV.C.1 Generate and analyze various types of block diagrams and models, including series, Added K out of N and shared load.
parallel, partial redundancy, time dependent, K out of N, and shared load. (Evaluate)
2. Physics of failure and failure mechanisms
Identify various potential failure mechanisms including fracture, corrosion, memory Added excessive deformation, creep, and
IV.C.2
corruption, excessive deformation, creep, and delamination, and their underlying physical delamination.
processes. (Apply)
3. Failure models
Added Coffin-Manson model for temperature
IV.C.3 Select appropriate theoretical models to assess or predict failure rates, such as Arrhenius,
cyclic stress.
S-N curve, and Coffin-Manson model for temperature cyclic stress. (Analyze)
4. Reliability prediction methods
Added Markov analysis, neural networks, and
Explain various reliability prediction methods—including Monte Carlo Simulation, part
machine learning.
IV.C.4 stress analysis, parts count prediction, Markov analysis, neural networks, and machine
learning—to assess both repairable and non-repairable components and systems and
Reduced cognitive level.
describe the inputs into the model. (Understand)
Added rapid prototyping technologies, phase
5. Design prototyping
diagrams to model various equipment
Describe the advantages and limitations of prototyping and rapid prototyping technologies
scenarios across different mission profiles,
IV.C.5 to enhance product reliability. Employ phase diagrams to model various equipment
and correlation of prototype results to
scenarios across different mission profiles. Determine the correlation of prototype results
simulated results (e.g., digital twins and
to simulated results (e.g., digital twins and damage modeling). (Understand)
damage modeling).

V. Lifecycle Reliability [26 test questions] Subtracted four test questions.

A. Reliability Design Techniques

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1. Design evaluation techniques (validation and verification)
V.A.1 Explain how validation, verification, and other review techniques are used to assess the
reliability of a product’s design at various lifecycle stages. (Apply)
2. Stress-strength analysis
V.A.2 Apply the stress-strength analysis method of calculating probability of failure and interpret
the results. (Analyze)
3. Design of experiments (DOE)
Develop and interpret the results of a standard design of experiments (DOE), including Added analysis of variance (ANOVA),
both full-factorial and fractional factorial designs, integrating methodologies such as blocking for hard to control factors (e.g.,
V.A.3
analysis of variance (ANOVA) and blocking for hard to control factors (e.g., planned planned grouping), replication, and
grouping). Use replication and randomization to optimize the robustness and validity of the randomization
experimental findings. (Analyze)
4. Reliability optimization
Employ a diverse range of strategies to enhance reliability, considering user needs while
V.A.4 Added user needs.
balancing constraints such as cost, schedule, and weight along with other design
requirements. (Apply)
5. Human factors
Describe the relationship between human factors and reliability engineering, considering
V.A.5
user safety, understanding user and usage profiles, and analyzing associated failure modes
and mechanisms. (Understand)
6. Design for X (DFX)
V.A.6 Apply DFX techniques such as design for manufacturability, testability, and
maintainability. (Apply)
7. Design for Reliability (DfR)
Apply DfR to meet reliability requirements throughout the product or system lifecycle.
Added finite element analysis (FEA).
Integrate tools such as finite element analysis (FEA) to assess and optimize design
V.A.7
robustness and to forecast potential areas of failure or stress within the system or product.
Reduced cognitive level.
Make design decisions emphasizing the achievement of built-in reliability and fault
tolerance / avoidance as fundamental goals. (Analyze)
B. Parts and Systems Development
1. Materials, components, equipment, and software selection techniques
Added safe operating area [SOA] criteria and
Apply techniques (e.g., derating and commercial off-the-shelf [COTS], safe operating area
select software for product and evaluation
V.B.1 [SOA] criteria) for selecting materials and components to meet reliability goals and
equipment functionality (e.g., vibration stand
requirements. Select software for product and evaluation equipment functionality (e.g.,
and thermal chambers).
vibration stand and thermal chambers). (Analyze)

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2. Parts standardization and system simplification
Describe the importance of standardization, simplification, and parts re-use to meet
Added reliability-centered maintenance
V.B.2 reliability goals and requirements. Incorporate reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) to
(RCM).
maintain the inherent reliability of system components while ensuring optimal
performance and longevity. (Apply)
C. Maintainability
1. Maintenance strategies
Develop a maintenance plan incorporating various strategies (e.g., predictive maintenance,
V.C.1
repair or replace decision-making, spare parts analysis / forecasting, and equipment
warranties). (Apply)
2. Preventive maintenance (PM) analysis
V.C.2 Define and use PM tasks, optimum PM intervals, and other elements of this analysis.
Identify situations when PM is not effective. (Apply)
3. Corrective maintenance analysis
V.C.3 Describe and apply the elements of corrective maintenance analysis (e.g., fault-isolation
time, repair / replace time, skill level, and crew hours). (Apply)

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 Table 2. 2018 CRE BOK mapped to the 2025 CRE BOK
2018 BoK 2025 BoK
Notes
Number Label Number Label
I.A.1 Benefits of reliability engineering I.A.1 Benefits of reliability engineering
Interrelationship of safety, quality, Interrelationship of safety, quality, and
I.A.2 I.A.2
and reliability reliability
Reliability engineer leadership Reliability engineer leadership
I.A.3 I.A.3
responsibilities responsibilities
Reliability engineer role and
Reliability engineer role and
I.A.4 responsibilities in the product I.A.4
responsibilities in the product lifecycle
lifecycle
Project management in reliability
NEW! I.A.5
engineering
New subtopic!
Function of reliability in
I.A.5 I.A.6 Function of reliability in engineering
engineering
I.A.6 Ethics in reliability engineering I.A.7 Ethics in reliability engineering

I.A.7 Supplier reliability assessments I.A.8 Supplier reliability assessments

I.A.8 Performance monitoring I.A.9 Performance monitoring

I.B.1 Basic reliability terminology I.B.1 Basic reliability terminology

Drivers of reliability requirements Drivers of reliability requirements and
I.B.2 I.B.2
and targets targets
Corrective and preventive action
I.B.3 I.B.3 Corrective and preventive action (CAPA)
(CAPA)
I.B.4 Root cause analysis I.B.4 Root cause analysis
Product lifecycle engineering
I.B.5 I.B.5 Product lifecycle engineering stages
stages
Economics of product Economics of product maintainability and
I.B.6 I.B.6
maintainability and availability availability
I.B.7 Cost of poor reliability I.B.7 Cost of poor reliability

I.B.8 Quality triangle I.B.8 Quality triangle

I.B.9 Six sigma methodologies I.B.9 Six sigma methodologies

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Notes
Number Label Number Label
Systems engineering and
I.B.10 I.B.10 Systems engineering and integration
integration
Risk management techniques Risk management techniques
II.A.1 II.A.1

NEW! II.A.2
Risk assessment New subtopic!
Types of risk
Types of risk
II.A.2 II.A.3
Fault tree analysis (FTA)
Fault tree analysis (FTA)
II.B.1 II.B.1
Failure mode and effects analysis
Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
II.B.2 (FMEA) II.B.2
Common mode failure analysis Common mode failure analysis
II.B.3 II.B.3
Hazard analysis Hazard analysis
II.B.4 II.B.4
Risk matrix Risk matrix
II.B.5 II.B.5
System safety System safety
II.B.6 II.B.6
Mitigation Mitigation
II.C II.C
Basic statistics Basic statistics
III.A.1 III.A.1
Basic probability concepts Basic probability concepts
III.A.2 III.A.2
Probability distributions Probability distributions
III.A.3 III.A.3
Probability functions Probability functions
III.A.4 III.A.4
Sampling plans for statistics and Sampling plans for statistics and reliability
III.A.5 reliability testing III.A.5 testing
Statistical process control (SPC) Statistical process control (SPC) and
III.A.6 and capability studies (Cp, Cpk). III.A.6 capability studies (Cp, Cpk, P, and Ppk).
Added P and Ppk to the title.

Confidence and tolerance intervals Confidence and tolerance intervals

III.A.7 III.A.7
Sources and uses of reliability data Sources and uses of reliability data
III.B.1 III.B.1
Types of data Types of data
III.B.2 III.B.2
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Notes
Number Label Number Label
Data collection methods Data collection methods
III.B.3 III.B.3
Data summary and reporting Data summary and reporting
III.B.4 III.B.4
Failure analysis methods Failure analysis methods
III.B.5 III.B.5
Failure reporting, analysis, and
Failure reporting, analysis, and corrective
corrective action system
action system (FRACAS)
III.B.6 (FRACAS) III.B.6
Reliability test strategies Reliability test strategies
IV.A.1 IV.A.1
Environmental and conditions of
IV.A.2 use factors IV.A.2
Environmental factors and use conditions Revised title for clarity.

Failure consequence Failure consequence

IV.A.3 IV.A.3
Failure criteria Failure criteria
IV.A.4 IV.A.4
Test environment Test environment
IV.A.5 IV.A.5
Accelerated life tests Accelerated life tests
IV.B.1 IV.B.1
Stress screening Stress screening
IV.B.2 IV.B.2
Qualification / demonstration
Qualification / demonstration testing
IV.B.3 testing IV.B.3
Degradation (wear-to-failure)
Degradation (wear-to-failure) testing
IV.B.4 testing IV.B.4

NEW! IV.B.5
Software / firmware reliability New subtopic!
Software testing Software testing
IV.B.5 IV.B.6
Reliability block diagrams and
Reliability block diagrams and models
IV.C.1 models IV.C.1
Physics of failure and failure
Physics of failure and failure mechanisms
IV.C.2 mechanisms IV.C.2
Failure models Failure models
IV.C.3 IV.C.3
Reliability prediction methods Reliability prediction methods
IV.C.4 IV.C.4

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Notes
Number Label Number Label
Design prototyping Design prototyping
IV.C.5 IV.C.5
Design evaluation techniques Design evaluation techniques (validation
V.A.1 (validation and verification) V.A.1 and verification)
Stress-strength analysis Stress-strength analysis
V.A.2 V.A.2
Design of experiments (DOE) Design of experiments (DOE)
V.A.3 V.A.3
Reliability optimization Reliability optimization
V.A.4 V.A.4
Human factors Human factors
V.A.5 V.A.5
Design for X (DFX) Design for X (DFX)
V.A.6 V.A.6

V.A.7
Design for Reliability
V.A.7
Design for Reliability (DfR) Added (DfR) to the title.
Materials and components selection Materials, components, equipment, and
V.B.1 techniques V.B.1 software selection techniques
Added equipment and software to the title.
Parts standardization and system Parts standardization and system
V.B.2 simplification V.B.2 simplification
Maintenance strategies Maintenance strategies
V.C.1 V.C.1
Preventive maintenance (PM)
Preventive maintenance (PM) analysis
V.C.2 analysis V.C.2
Corrective maintenance analysis Corrective maintenance analysis
V.C.3 V.C.3

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