Metrology is the science of measurement, and every calibration traces back to people trained to do it right. Here are the main paths into the field, from the military school that trained generations of U.S. calibration technicians to today's civilian certifications, college programs, and industry courses.
Military Training
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Where much of U.S. calibration expertise began.
USAF PMEL / Metrology School
Lowry AFB, Colorado (1959–1994) · Keesler AFB, Mississippi (today)
The Air Force's Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) school trained the backbone of U.S. calibration. More than 50,000 students from every branch of service, plus 21 allied nations, graduated from the basic PMEL/Metrology course at Lowry AFB. In 1971 the name "PMEL" was changed to "Metrology."
- Lowry closed under BRAC, and the last class graduated on March 18, 1994, 35 years after the first class started.
- Training moved to Keesler AFB, Mississippi, in 1992–1993, where Air Force metrology training continues.
- PMEL.org keeps the school's history, photos from Lowry and Keesler, and alumni stories.
Certification
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Proving your skills to employers and auditors.
ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)
American Society for Quality
A civilian certification for technicians who test, calibrate, maintain, and repair electrical, mechanical, electronic, and analytical measuring equipment.
- Requires five years of on-the-job experience; some degrees can count toward part of it.
- Written exam covers general metrology, measurement standards, and uncertainty.
- Exam fee is $460 ($100 less for ASQ members); retakes are $260.
- Renewed every three years.
College Programs
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Degrees and certificates in measurement science.
Butler County Community College
Butler, Pennsylvania
Two-year Measurement Science / Metrology Technology degree with general education, math, physics, and a metrology practicum. Graduates work as calibration lab technicians, metrology technicians, and quality inspectors.
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
Metrology associate degree and diploma, plus Calibration Technician and Electronic Metrology technical certificates. The program emphasizes physical, electrical, and dimensional metrology.
Monroe County Community College
Monroe, Michigan
Metrology and Quality Technology associate degree, with metrology and quality certificates whose courses count toward the degree. Graduates maintain calibration systems and run coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
Fullerton College
Fullerton, California
Introductory metrology certificate program focused on dimensional measurement, statistical treatment of data, and blueprint reading. Developed with Hexagon Metrology, using CMMs and portable measuring arms.
Industry Courses
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Hands-on training from instrument makers.
Fluke Calibration Training
Instructor-led and online
Paid hands-on courses taught by subject-matter experts, typically three to five days long, plus over 500 free application notes, webinars, and videos.
- MET-101 Basic Hands-On Metrology: measurement concepts, lab safety, calibration math, and working standards.
- MET-301 Advanced Hands-On Metrology: quality systems and DC and low-frequency metrology.
Calibration Software
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The tools working cal labs run every day.
Fluke MET/CAL and MET/TEAM
Fluke Calibration · commercial software
The calibration software suite many labs build their workflow around, and a skill employers look for.
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MET/CAL: Procedure Editor and Runtime for writing, testing, and running automated calibration procedures on dc/low-frequency, RF, and microwave instruments, with measurement uncertainty reporting.
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MET/TEAM: calibration workflow and asset management, tracking work-order history, traceability, customers, and locations, and printing certificates and reports. A lighter MET/TEAM Express version is also offered.
- Add-on modules include MET/TEAM Mobile, a Customer Portal, and MET/CONNECT for linking to other company systems.
- Designed to help labs meet ISO 9000, ISO/IEC 17025, and ANSI Z540.3, with Fluke's MET/SUPPORT Gold program for updates and support.
- Fluke offers training courses on MET/CAL procedure writing and MET/TEAM asset management.
Professional Organizations
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Keep learning after the classroom.
NCSL International
Boulder, Colorado
The global metrology association for calibration labs. Its local sections, technical exchanges, and annual workshop are where working metrologists keep their skills current, and it supports scholarships to encourage metrology careers.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Analyzer Repair Inc. is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, any of the schools, certifying bodies, or organizations listed. Program details, fees, and requirements change often, so confirm them directly with each provider before enrolling. Military training information is historical and general; contact a military recruiter for current eligibility and assignments. If you spot an error, or would like a listing updated or removed, please let us know and we'll take care of it promptly.
