Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) Practice Exam

What does the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) determine?

1. Plant overall performance metrics

2. Financial liabilities of maintenance

3. Specific component failures leading to functional failures

4. Compliance with environmental regulations

The correct answer is: Specific component failures leading to functional failures

The failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a systematic, proactive method used to evaluate potential failures in a system, process, or product. It specifically identifies how different components may fail and assesses the impact of those failures on the overall system functionality. By focusing on specific component failures, FMEA facilitates an understanding of the consequences of failures and helps prioritize them based on their severity, occurrence, and detectability. This analysis enhances risk management and informs maintenance and reliability strategies by identifying critical points where interventions can prevent functional failures. In contrast, the other options focus on broader metrics or compliance aspects. Understanding plant overall performance metrics involves more comprehensive performance assessments rather than isolating failure modes. Financial liabilities of maintenance pertain to cost analysis rather than the identification of specific failures. Compliance with environmental regulations addresses legal and environmental standards, which are distinct from the technical evaluation of failure modes and their effects. Thus, the key focus of FMEA is on understanding specific component failures that could lead to functional failures, making it an essential tool in maintenance and reliability management.