Studying for a GDTP cert.

[ModulusCT]

So I decided I wanted to get a GDTP cert., to help increase my prospects on the job market and potentially help me gain more of a voice where I'm currently working.

I've been going through the chapters from a book I picked up called, "Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for Mechanical Design - A Self-Teaching Guide to the ASME Y14.5M-1994 Standard" and so far it seems pretty good. Each chapter explains some portion of the standard, practical application and has a brief list of questions at the end of each chapter.

I've also seen however, some books on amazon that seem to be written to help you study for the GDTP certification, and I'm wondering if I should continue with my current reading, or spend $60 and get the study guide. I've heard that the test for GDTP is more concerned with Y14.5 than specific application of the theory in the real world.

Does anyone have any advice for me regarding how best to prepare for the test?

Any advise about whether I should go for the technologist or senior level exam?

If you've achieved the cert., how long did you study before taking the test?

Thanks

 

[KENAT]

Take a look at the ASME website it gives some information and directs you to the official study guide.

Also, similar has come up on this site before. Try a google search using the above box.

I got the study guide just over a year ago but then got caught up in other stuff and am not sure I'll get to certification any time soon.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484

 

[fsincox]

Funny, KENAT I have been planning to do this too, since it first came out. The upfornt large outlay of money keeps me from it, I know it will be reimbursted later, and maybe a little bit of insecurity. The other issue is where will I use it anyway. I would love to find a company that takes it seriously.

 

[CheckerRon]

fsincox and others:
We have seen that if you have the GDT certification on your resume, you get hired over others. It is a big deal to good employers, and especially if you don't have decades of engineering experience in your backround.

If I were a little younger and had a few more years to put into my profession. I would definitely go for it. The initial expense of the cert will soon be amortized.

 

[ModulusCT]

Well, I'm definitely going for it...

Fortunately, I work in an area that has a lot of companies who hire people with GDTP certifications. Boeing, Rathyon, Otis Elevator, UTC, Sikorski, Pratt & Whitney are all here in my area, and many of these companies take GD&T very seriously.

My only question is how best to prepare for it. I've read through the ASME site regarding the cert., and have several options, but I was hoping someone who had taken it before could offer some advice.

 

[PaulJackson]

ModulusCT,

I think that actually reading each paragraph of the standard and highlighting what you didn't already know or still have trouble comprehending is paramount for preparation.

Also read the "Principal changes and improvements" section and go back to the prior standard to so that you understand the change because there will be test questions that pertain to the prior standard.

Beyond that you could take a class, ask questions, and read answers and tips from GD&T web pages and discussion forums. Some spirited discussions will help to illuminate your own blind spots and/or help you to discern those of others. Be patient in your rightousness however because the more you know the more you know that you don't know.

When you are pretty good at the mechanics of it... you can readily spot mistakes which adds to your burden, especially when you cannot make changes. The bigger burden comes when you cannot change a specification that is gramatically correct but misses the boat in reflecting function, is justified by non-functional stack paths, and is aloof to problems it generates for manufacturing and/or inspection.

The standard sets the framework for defining geometry and its specified variation in a symbolic language. It does not show anyone how to apply it!!!

Paul

 

[ModulusCT]

Thanks Paul... I value your advice.

I think that it will take my a good long time to get prepared for this. I really don't think I could recite any particular passage from the spec at the moment.

I can put into practice some of the ideas in the spec, but not all of it. I certainly have a lot of work to do.