AEMP Field Tests New Certification Exam

May 7, 2008 – More than 100 equipment managers participated in a field test for the Association of Equipment Management Professionals’ (AEMP) Certified Equipment Manager (CEM) exam earlier this year at ConExpo. The AEMP has been field testing a new CEM exam that was written over the winter by a group of Certified Equipment Managers under the direction and training of Measurement Inc., a company that specializes in assessment development.

 

“The idea behind the new test is to asses the knowledge and performance of prospective CEMs rather than knowledge alone,” said Jim Phillips, director of educational services for the AEMP. “The field testing is being completed to establish the validity and reliability of the questions and appropriate responses.”

 

The AEMP said that overall feedback regarding the field test at ConExpo was positive, and participants said the test was a challenging but fair assessment of the knowledge and skills equipment manager must have. Measurement Inc. is currently evaluating the results of the field test, and Phillips said the AEMP is currently seeking additional field test sites through the month of May.

 

The field test consists of knowledge and performance-based questions about the 16 competencies expected of a CEM. Participants are given three hours to complete the exam under a proctor’s supervision. The AEMP anticipates that the new exam will be implemented in the fall at the AEMP fall conference in Phoenix, Ariz. The CEM exam is administered twice a year in the fall and spring at the AEMP conferences.

 

The 16 areas of competency tested for Certified Equipment Manager certification include benchmarking; employee training; environmental requirements as they apply to fleet management; financial management or governmental financial management; human resources; life cycle analysis; negotiations; outsourcing; parts management; preventive maintenance; risk management; safety; shop/facilities management; specifications; technology; and warranty and performance guarantees.

 

Applicants for the examination must meet certain criteria, including five years experience. For more information, visit www.aemp.org.