CRE (ASQ) study plan

Define reliability, maintainability, and availability and distinguish them with original examples

Compute series, parallel, and k-out-of-n system reliability by hand for at least five configurations

Derive and apply the exponential, Weibull, and normal reliability functions to sample problems

Interpret hazard rate shapes and map them to bathtub-curve phases

Build a reliability block diagram for a multi-subsystem product and reduce it to an equivalent single block

Apply parts-count and stress-strength prediction methods to estimate subsystem MTBF

Construct a Weibull probability plot from a small failure dataset and estimate beta and eta

Calculate confidence intervals for MTBF using time-terminated and failure-terminated test data

Design a reliability demonstration test and compute the required sample size and test time

Distinguish and apply sequential, fixed-duration, and accelerated life test approaches

Perform degradation analysis on a simulated wear dataset and extrapolate a failure threshold

Select an acceleration model and justify the stress levels chosen

Apply FMEA to a chosen subsystem, ranking at least ten failure modes by RPN and severity

Build a fault tree for a top event and compute its probability from basic-event estimates

Map reliability requirements into design specifications and allocate them across subsystems

Identify safety-critical failure modes and propose design mitigations for each

Compute MTTR, inherent availability, and operational availability from given maintenance data

Distinguish preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance and select the right strategy per failure mode

Perform a risk assessment using a hazard matrix and rank hazards by severity and likelihood

Analyze a standby redundant system's availability with repair and switchover considerations

Draft reliability program tasks mapped to product lifecycle phases

Define reliability metrics and acceptance thresholds for a program and justify each

Explain how reliability growth management and FRACAS support program decisions

Compare cost-of-reliability tradeoffs across design, test, and warranty scenarios

Analyze a mixed dataset to separate early-life, random, and wear-out failure populations

Apply root cause analysis tools to a recurring field failure scenario

Evaluate maintenance data to determine whether a preventive replacement interval is justified

Reconcile conflicting reliability, maintainability, and safety findings into one recommendation

Complete two timed full-length practice exams under test conditions

Review every missed item and write a corrected explanation for each

Re-derive the ten formulas you missed most often from memory

Build a final weak-area checklist and schedule targeted review before exam day