Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The 10% rule of Preventive Maintenance (PM) states that PM must occur within 10% of the scheduled time frame. This guideline emphasizes the importance of adhering to maintenance schedules to optimize equipment reliability and performance. By allowing a 10% flexibility in the timing of maintenance tasks, organizations can accommodate unforeseen circumstances such as operational changes, resource availability, or equipment issues that might prevent the strict adherence to the predefined schedule. This approach helps ensure that maintenance is performed regularly while also promoting a practical and responsive adjustment strategy to maintenance planning.

The concept is significant in maintaining equipment efficiency and preventing unexpected failures. If PM activities are delayed too much or constantly rescheduled beyond this 10% threshold, it may lead to increased wear and tear on equipment, resulting in higher repair costs and downtime. Therefore, adhering to this rule supports a balanced and effective maintenance strategy that can adapt to the operational realities of a facility.