For starters, the real short answer is to contact the folks below and discuss this option -

 http://www.ets-test-equipments.com/tensile-testing-machine.html

http://www.tiniusolsen.com/

 

The only real requirements are those defined in E 8 and E 4.  Other things to consider are sample preparation, technician availability, training, and data capture/storage/analysis.  In addition to the vendors listed above, I highly recommend contacting Instron: they have excellent equipment, good customer service, and very reasonable prices.

http://www.instron.us/wa/product/Tension-Testers.aspx
 

thanks for your suggestions! those certainly were helpful.
it just seems intuitive to have some form of personnel qualification requirement to run the machines - any that you know of?

I am not aware of any certification for mechanical testing, but there are training courses offered, such as the following from ASM International:

http://asmcommunity.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/AsmStore/ProductDetails/?vgnextoid=88c2b0c926374210VgnVCM100000621e010aRCRD&catalog=


My best advice is the following:

1. Read, interrogate, eat, breathe, snuggle, massage, etc. ASTM E 8 (or E 8M if you work with SI units).  This really tells you what you need to know.

2. Work with one of the leaders in test equipment technology, meaning Instron, MTS, or Tinius Olsen (if you live in North America) and demand that they fully train you on how to operate the equipment.  I strongly recommend obtaining modern, computer-controlled machines with capable software if you really want to understand details like strain hardening, yield point elongation, etc.  Those old, dial-based indicators may deliver accurate results, but they are hard to use, inflexible, no post-processing, etc.

3. Have the equipment calibrated on a routine basis.  This is an absolute must.  Look into A2LA accreditation if it makes sense for your business.