Question 1

How many CRE practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

135 questions across 1 version, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

Question 2

Are there free CRE sample questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 12 sample questions are free; 6 are open to everyone and the rest unlock with a free account.

Question 3

What does full access include?

Accepted Answer

Every CRE question in study, timed and flashcard modes, explanations for each answer, and progress that saves so you can resume.

Question 4

What topics does CRE cover?

Accepted Answer

Reliability Fundamentals (19.3%), Risk Management (16.7%), Probability and Statistics for Reliability (23.3%), Reliability Planning, Testing, and Modeling (23.3%), Lifecycle Reliability (17.3%).

Question 5

What is the ASQ CRE certification and who should pursue it?

Accepted Answer

The ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) certification is a professional credential offered by the American Society for Quality that validates expertise in improving the reliability, maintainability, and safety of products, systems, and processes. It is designed for professionals who specialize in identifying potential failures, optimizing performance, and ensuring compliance with quality and reliability standards. The CRE is ideal for engineers working in product development,…

Question 6

How much does the ASQ CRE exam cost and what is the format?

Accepted Answer

The ASQ CRE exam costs $550 for non-members and $450 for ASQ members, with retakes priced at $350. The computer-based exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 15 unscored) with a total appointment time of 4.5 hours and exam time of 4 hours and 18 minutes. The exam is open book, meaning candidates can bring bound reference materials. A paper-and-pencil version with 150 questions over 4 hours is also available in English, Korean, and Mandarin at select locations.

Question 7

What are the prerequisites and experience requirements for the CRE exam?

Accepted Answer

Candidates need 8 years of on-the-job experience in one or more areas of the CRE Body of Knowledge, with at least 3 years in a decision-making position. Education can waive part of the experience requirement: a technical diploma waives 1 year, an associate degree 2 years, a bachelor's degree 4 years, and a master's or doctorate 5 years. Only one education waiver may be claimed. Candidates who hold other ASQ certifications (CQE, CQA, CSQE, or CMQ/OE) may apply relevant experience from those…

Question 8

What topics are covered on the ASQ CRE exam?

Accepted Answer

The CRE exam covers five major domains based on the 2025 Body of Knowledge: (1) Reliability Fundamentals (29 questions) covering leadership foundations, reliability terminology, CAPA, root cause analysis, and Six Sigma methodologies; (2) Risk Management (25 questions) covering risk identification, FMEA, FTA, and risk mitigation including ALARP/ALARA; (3) Probability and Statistics for Reliability (35 questions) covering distributions, probability functions, SPC, confidence intervals, and…

Question 9

How do I recertify my ASQ CRE credential?

Accepted Answer

The CRE certification is valid for 3 years. To recertify, you can either earn 18 recertification units (RUs) through professional development activities such as attending courses, conferences, or contributing to the profession, or retake the CRE exam. You have a 60-day grace period from your recertification date to submit your journal. After the grace period, you must recertify by exam within 1 year, or your certification will expire and you will need to reapply for initial certification.

Question 10

What study materials are recommended for the CRE exam?

Accepted Answer

ASQ recommends several key resources: The Certified Reliability Engineer Handbook (3rd edition, ASQ Quality Press, 2017) by Mark Durviage is the primary companion guide and can be used during the open-book exam. The ASQ CRE Question Bank provides sample exam questions in simulated timed exam and review modes. Additional recommended references include Practical Reliability Engineering by O'Connor and Kleyner, the Handbook of Reliability Engineering by Kececioglu, Failure Mode and Effect…

Question 11

What is the passing score for the ASQ CRE exam?

Accepted Answer

The ASQ CRE exam uses a scaled scoring system with a passing score of 550 out of 750. The scaled score accounts for the difficulty level of the specific exam form administered. For computer-based testing, candidates receive their results immediately after submitting the exam, followed by a confirmation email within 3-5 business days. If a candidate does not pass, they receive a performance summary and can retake the exam at the reduced retake rate of $350 for up to 2 years from the previous…

Question 12

When are the ASQ CRE exam testing windows in 2026?

Accepted Answer

ASQ offers multiple computer-based testing windows in 2026 for the CRE exam: May 1-31 (application deadline April 13), July (application deadline June 8), and September (application deadline August 10). Exams are delivered through Prometric test centers. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Appointments can be rescheduled at least 5 days prior for a $130 fee. Paper-based translated exams have separate dates and locations.

Question 13

Is the ASQ CRE exam open book?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ASQ CRE exam is open book. Candidates may bring any reference materials including notes, handbooks, and study guides, as long as they are properly bound. Bound means permanently bound by stitching or glue, or materials fastened securely in their cover by ring binders, spiral binders, plastic snap binders, brads, or screw posts. Hand-stapled documents that are not securely fastened are not allowed. Post-it notes may be used as book tabs only and must be attached before entering the…

Question 14

How does the CRE certification compare to other ASQ certifications?

Accepted Answer

The CRE is one of ASQ's most specialized certifications, focusing specifically on reliability engineering rather than broader quality disciplines. Compared to the CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) which covers general quality engineering, the CRE goes deep into probability distributions, reliability modeling (Weibull analysis, Arrhenius models), failure analysis (FMEA, FTA), and lifecycle reliability design. It requires more experience (8 years vs. 8 years for CQE) and is particularly valued in…

CREASQ Certified Reliability Engineer practice test

Full access

Practice CRE in the simulator.

CRE, by the numbers.

Everything about CRE.

Exam information

What CRE covers

How do I earn this certification?

How to study for this exam?

What's changed on this exam?

Who should take this exam?

Three ways to practise

Study mode

Timed mode

Flashcards

CRE questions, answered

CREASQ Certified Reliability Engineer practice test

Full access

Practice CRE in the simulator.

CRE, by the numbers.

Everything about CRE.

Exam information

01Exam format258 min · 1655

02Registration$550 · Prometric, online proctoring4

03Validity3 years2

04In our question bankv1 (135)

What CRE covers

01Reliability Fundamentals19.3%2 topics

I.ALeadership FoundationsDescribe the value that reliability has on achieving company goals and objectives8 obj.

I.BReliability FoundationsClarify fundamental reliability terms and metrics including MTTF, MTBF, MTTR, availability8 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakesCalculating MTTF, MTBF, MTTR, and availability metrics · Confusing MTTF (non-repairable) with MTBF (repairable systems)

02Risk Management16.7%3 topics

03Probability and Statistics for Reliability23.3%2 topics

04Reliability Planning, Testing, and Modeling23.3%3 topics

05Lifecycle Reliability17.3%3 topics