Last updated: November 4, 2026
This Certification Policy sets out the requirements and procedures governing the award, maintenance, renewal, suspension and withdrawal of personnel certifications issued by the International Institute of Mechanical Engineering ("IIME"). It applies to all candidates and certificate holders across every IIME certification scheme, including inspection and non-destructive testing, maintenance and reliability, welding and piping, corrosion and protective coatings, health, safety and environment, oil and gas operations, and engineering design.
1. Purpose and Principles
IIME certification provides independent confirmation that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and competence defined for a specific scheme. Our certification process is designed to be fair, valid, reliable and impartial, and it is aligned with the principles of ISO/IEC 17024 for bodies certifying persons.
2. Eligibility
Each certification scheme publishes its own prerequisites. Depending on the scheme, these may include:
- completion of the relevant IIME course delivered directly by IIME or by an accredited training center;
- minimum educational qualifications;
- documented work experience in the relevant discipline;
- a valid vision acuity test for inspection and NDT schemes; and
- acceptance of the Code of Professional Conduct & Ethics.
Candidates must provide truthful information and supporting evidence. IIME may verify submitted documents with issuing institutions or employers.
3. Examinations
Examinations are conducted under controlled conditions by IIME or by approved invigilators at accredited training centers, in accordance with the Examination Integrity & Anti-Fraud Policy. Candidates must present valid government-issued photo identification before the examination begins.
Pass Marks
Pass marks are established for each scheme through a documented standard-setting process that reflects the level of competence required for safe and effective practice. The applicable pass mark is published to candidates before the examination. Where a scheme includes multiple components, such as written and practical examinations, candidates must meet the required standard in each component. Results are not adjusted to meet quotas or to favor any training center.
Re-examination
Candidates who do not pass may re-sit the examination in accordance with the re-examination rules of the relevant scheme, which may include waiting periods and a limit on the number of attempts within a given period.
4. Certificate Issuance
Successful candidates receive a certificate bearing their name, the certification title, scope, issue date, expiry date and a unique certificate number. Each certificate also includes a QR code and verification code linked to the IIME verification service. Certificates remain the property of IIME.
5. Validity and Recertification
Unless a scheme specifies otherwise, IIME certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain certification, holders must apply for recertification before the expiry date. Recertification requirements may include:
- evidence of continued professional activity in the certified discipline;
- continuing professional development or refresher training;
- a recertification examination where required by the scheme; and
- payment of the applicable recertification fee.
Certificates that are not renewed before expiry will be shown as expired on the verification service. Holders whose certificates have expired may be required to complete the full certification process again.
6. Suspension and Withdrawal
IIME may suspend or withdraw a certificate where, for example:
- the certificate was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation or examination misconduct;
- the holder no longer meets the requirements of the scheme;
- the holder breaches the Code of Professional Conduct & Ethics;
- the holder misuses the certificate or IIME marks; or
- fees owed to IIME remain unpaid after reasonable notice.
During suspension, the holder must not claim certification, and the verification service will show the certificate as suspended. Withdrawn certificates must not be used, and the verification service will show them as withdrawn. Decisions may be challenged under our Appeals & Complaints Policy.
7. Use of Certificates and Marks
Certificate holders may refer to their certification and use the IIME certification mark only:
- while the certificate is valid and not suspended;
- in relation to the scope for which they are certified; and
- in a manner that does not bring IIME into disrepute or imply that IIME certifies an organization, product or service.
Altering, reproducing or presenting a certificate in a misleading way is prohibited and may result in withdrawal and legal action.
8. Verification
Anyone may confirm the status of an IIME certificate by entering its certificate number or verification code at cert.ii-me.us, or by scanning the QR code printed on the certificate. The verification service displays the holder's name, certification title, status and validity dates. Employers should rely on the online verification result rather than on a paper or electronic copy alone.
9. Contact
Questions about certification requirements may be directed to us using the contact details published on our Contact page.