New Certification for Laser Trackers

The Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS; Weatherford, TX), the eminent membership association for measurement professionals, announced the availability of a new Level-Two Certification program for laser trackers at their upcoming 2016 conference. This is the industry’s first hands-on performance examination for portable laser tracking systems used for large-scale, in-place measurement of aircraft, automobiles, ships, power generation systems, and more.

The device-specific assessment will be conducted by their authorized proctors at the CMSC 2016 event being held from July 25-29, 2016, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Murfreesboro, TN. Applicants for Level-Two Certifications must have a Level-One Certification, two years of experience (minimum 400 hours) using a laser tracker, and submit an application with two references who can confirm their hands-on expertise.

Level-One Certification examinations and performance assessments for the Level-Two Certification for Articulating Arms will also be conducted at CMSC 2016. All candidates must complete the application process and qualify to take either examination. Level-One Certification applicants must meet eligibility requirements, sign the CMS code of ethics, and pass a peer review. Level-Two Certification applicants must have a Level-One Certification, two years of experience (minimum 400 hours) on an articulating arm, and submit an application with two references who can attest to their hands-on expertise. All candidates are urged to start the application process in early 2016, and qualifying candidates will be notified within the specified process time.

“The rollout of the Level-Two Certification program for laser trackers at this year’s event is an important step for the organization and users of the technology,” states Randy Gruver, chair of the CMS Certification Committee. “Many advanced manufacturing companies utilize portable laser trackers for dimensional control over their large assemblies and parts. This certification adds a new step in the career ladder of metrologists who seek to verify their knowledge and ability to perform accurate measurements, and gives employers a high level of confidence in their Quality workforce.”

Certification program guidelines, fees, and assessment sites can be found in the comprehensive Certification Handbook now available online for download here. The Level-One Certification is an online, proctored exam covering foundational theory and practice common to most portable 3D Metrology devices. The examination can be taken during the CMSC event or scheduled throughout the year at an authorized CMS Assessment Facility in the United States and Canada, as outlined in the Certification Handbook.

CMS also announces a new preparatory course for their Level-One Certification that is produced and provided by ECM – Global Measurement Solutions (East Coast Metrology (Boston, MA area) in cooperation with NPL (National Physical Laboratory – UK). The course is designed to assist and inform applicants of the topics covered by the examination. The Coordinate Metrology Society is the issuing body for the certification, and has approved ECM as a certified proctor site. The two-and-a-half-day preparatory course reviews the five key knowledge areas covered in the assessment, and is conducted by a metrology expert in a structured classroom setting with formal presentations, a workbook, and study materials. The course can be taken at ECM or conducted on-site at the customer’s location. Candidates also have the option to take the examination on the third day of the course.

CMS is comprised of users, service providers, and OEM manufacturers of close-tolerance industrial coordinate measurement systems, software, and peripherals. The metrology systems represented at their annual conference include articulated arm CMMs, laser trackers, laser radar, photogrammetry/videogrammetry systems, scanners, indoor GPS and laser projection systems. Certification programs are offered for career enhancement and other ways to get involved with the metrology industry. The organization gathers each year to gain knowledge of the advancements and applications of any measurement system or software solution that produces and uses 3D coordinate data.

www.cmsc.org