ICML Certifications Trusted Worldwide

The purpose for the Level I Machinery Lubricant Analyst (MLA I) certification is to verify that technicians practicing in the field of machinery lubrication, as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Manage lubricant delivery, storage and dispensation
• Manage a route for machinery re-lubrication and/or inspection
• Properly change and/or top the oil in mechanical equipment found in common industrial sites
• Use simple techniques to select lubricants with the proper base oil and additive system for machinery commonly found in industrial settings
• Use simple techniques to select grease lubricants appropriate for machines commonly found in industrial settings
• Use simple techniques to select grease application methods (including automated delivery) that are least intrusive and most effective for machines commonly found in industrial settings
• Use simple techniques to estimate re-grease volume and interval for machines commonly operated in industrial settings
• Properly maintain automatic lubrication systems (auto-grease, mist systems, etc.)
• Employ basic oil analysis techniques to identify and troubleshoot abnormal lubricant degradation conditions, and use simple techniques to adjust the lubricant specification accordingly

Common job titles for the individual who would become Level I MLA certified include Lubrication Technician, PM Technician, Millwright, Mechanic, etc. Generally, this individual has regular contact with the machine and has routine influence over the condition of lubricants and hydraulic fluids in use. The individual is likely to be directly involved in the machine lubrication process.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The MLA I exam has 100 multiple-choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have three (3) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have at least 12 months experience in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring (based on 16 hours minimum per month of experience).
• Training - Candidate must have received 24 hours of documented formal training as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the MLA I. For online or recorded training, exercises, lab tasks, practice exams, and review exercises may be included in the training time total but shall not exceed four hours of the required course time. Candidate shall be able to provide a record of this training to ICML that shall include the candidate's name, the name and signature of the instructor, the dates of the training, and the number of hours spent in the training.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the MLA I Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's MLA I Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 100-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have three hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

The Level I MLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that a candidate shall have in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-4, Category I, Annex A

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge.

1. Maintenance Strategies (10%)

1. Why machines fail
2. The impact of poor maintenance on company profits
3. The role of effective lubrication in failure avoidance
4. Lube routes and scheduling
5. Oil analysis and technologies to assure lubrication effectiveness.
6. Equipment tagging and identification.

2. Lubrication Theory/Fundamentals (18%)

1. Fundamentals of tribology
2. Functions of a lubricant
3. Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)
4. Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)
5. Mixed-film lubrication
6. Base-oils
7. Additives and their functions
8. Oil lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.
9. Grease lubrication

1. How grease is made
2. Thickener types
3. Thickener compatibility
4. Grease lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.

3. Lubricant Selection (10%)

1. Viscosity selection
2. Base-oil type selection
3. Additive system selection
4. Machine specific lubricant requirements

1. Hydraulic systems
2. Rolling element bearings
3. Journal bearings
4. Reciprocating engines
5. Gearing and gearboxes
6. Application and environment related adjustments.

4. Lubricant Application (18%)

1. Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume.
2. Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies.
3. When to select oil; when to select grease.
4. Effective use of manual delivery techniques.
5. Automatic delivery systems.

1. Automated deliver options.

1. Automated grease systems
2. Oil mist systems
3. Drip and wick lubricators

2. Deciding when to employ automated lubricators.
3. Maintenance of automated lubrication systems.

5. V. Lube Storage and Management (10%)

1. Lubricant receiving procedures.
2. Proper storage and inventory management.
3. Lube storage containers
4. Proper storage of grease-guns and other lube application devices.
5. Maintenance of automatic grease systems.
6. Health and safety assurance.

6. Lube Condition Control (10%)

1. Filtration and separation technologies.
2. Filter rating.
3. Filtration system design and filter selection.

7. VII. Oil Sampling (10%)

1. Objectives for lube oil sampling
2. Sampling methods
3. Managing interference

1. Bottle cleanliness and management
2. Flushing
3. Machine conditions appropriate for sampling

8. Lubricant health monitoring (10%)

1. Lubricant failure mechanisms

1. Oxidative degradation

1. The oxidation process
2. Causes of oxidation
3. Effects of oxidative degradation

2. Thermal degradation

1. The thermal failure process
2. Causes of thermal failure
3. Effects of thermal degradation

3. Additive depletion/degradation

1. Additive depletion mechanisms
2. Additives at risk for depletion/degradation by the various mechanisms.

2. Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants

1. Baselining physical and chemical properties tests
2. Additive discrepancies

3. Fluid properties test methods and measurement units - applications and limitations.

1. Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D445)
2. Absolute (Dynamic) Viscosity (ASTM D2983)
3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)
4. Acid Number (ASTM D974 et al)
5. Base Number (ASTM D974 et al)
6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis
7. Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (ASTMD2272)
8. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

9. Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis (4%)

1. Common machine wear mechanisms

• ASTM D4378, Standard Practice of In-Service Monitoring of Mineral Turbine Oils for Steam and Gas Turbines
• ASTM D 6224, Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment
• Bannister, K. (2007) Lubrication for Industry, Industrial Press, Inc., New York, USA
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K. (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA
• Denis, J., J Briant, & J. Hipeaux (1997) Lubricant Properties Analysis & Testing. Editions TECHNIP, Paris, France
• Evans J.S., & Hunt T.M. (2008) Oil Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing Co., Longborough, England
• Hodges, P. (1996) Hydraulic Fluids, Arnold Publish, London and John Wiley & Sons, New York, USA
• Landsdown, A. (1994) High Temperature Lubrication, Mechanical Engineering Publications, Ltd., London, UK
• Landsdown, A. (2004) Lubrication and Lubricant Selection, Professional Engineering Publications, Ltd., London, UK
• Scott, R., Fitch J., & Leugner, L. (2012) The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• NLGI, (2017) Lubricating Grease Guide, 6th ed., The National Lubricating Grease Institute, Kansas City, MO USA
• Ludema, K. (1996) Friction, Wear, Lubrication: A Textbook in Tribology, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL USA
• Pirro, D. M., & Wessol, A. A. (2016) Lubrication Fundamentals, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• Roylance, B., & T. Hunt (1999) The Wear Debris Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing, Oxford, UK
• The Lubrication Engineer's Manual, (2010) Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Toms, L.A., & Toms, A.M. (2008) Machinery Oil Analysis. Co-published by STLE, Park Ridge, IL USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA

The MLA I Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Machinery Lubricant Analysts (MLAs) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the MLA I Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the same individual, provided the points are applicable to and approved for each recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Activities related to elimination and/or prevention of lubricant failure
• Development of lubricant procedures and best practices
• Development of lubricant specifications
• Development of lubricant-related work management systems
• Lubricant program auditing tasks

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Level II Machinery Lubricant Analyst (MLA) certification is to verify that technicians practicing in the field of lube oil analysis, as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Install sampling hardware such that a representative sample may be efficiently and repeatedly extracted from mechanical systems commonly found in industrial and fleet applications
• Effectively extract representative samples from typical industrial machinery, and prepare them for analysis
• Employ basic oil analysis techniques to identify and troubleshoot conditions of wrong or degraded lubricant, and devise and implement corrective actions
• Employ basic oil analysis to identify and troubleshoot contaminated lubricant conditions, and devise and implement corrective actions
• Employ basic oil analysis techniques to identify and troubleshoot abnormal machine wear conditions, and devise and implement corrective actions
• Inspect and receive new oil deliveries

Common job titles for the individual who would become Level II MLA certified include Oiler, Lube Technician, Lubricator, PM or PDM Technician, Millwright, Mechanic, Reliability Technician, etc. Generally, this individual has regular contact with the machine and has routine influence over the condition of lubricants and hydraulic fluids in use. The individual is likely to be directly involved in oil sampling and troubleshooting routine problems identified by lab test results and field lubricant inspections. As such a basic understanding of lubrication, oil analysis tests, oil analysis terminology, and data interpretation are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The MLA II exam has 100 multiple-choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have three (3) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidate must have 24 months experience in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring (based on 16 hours minimum per month of experience). This represents a minimum of 384 hours spread consistently over two years.
• Complete one of these requirements:

• Hold Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) certification

OR

• Qualify as a Mature Entry Candidate (without Level I MLA certification) by submitting documentation of:
  • At least 576 hours additional work experience in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring. This brings total work hours to 960 when combined with the 384 hours already listed above.
  • Minimum 24 hours training relevant to the MLA I Body of Knowledge, accumulated through any combination of instructor-led events (such as workshops, seminars, or classes) and/or specific hands-on practice or observation.
  • You may use this template letter to submit to ICML

• Training - Candidate must have received 24 hours of documented formal training as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the MLA II. For online or recorded training, exercises, lab tasks, practice exams, and review exercises may be included in the training time total but shall not exceed four hours of the required course time. These 24 hours are in addition to the previous 24 hours of training required for MLA I, for a total cumulative training of 48 hours. Candidate shall be able to provide a record of this training to ICML that shall include the candidate's name, the name and signature of the instructor, the dates of the training, and the number of hours spent in the training.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the MLA II Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's MLA II Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

The Level II MLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-4, Category II, Annex A.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge below.

1. Lubricant roles and functions (4%)

1. Base oil

1. Functions
2. Properties

2. Additive functions

1. Surface active additives and their functions
2. Bulk oil active additives and their functions

3. Synthetic lubricants

1. Synthetic lubricant types
2. Conditions dictating their use

4. Lubrication regimes

1. Hydrodynamic
2. Elasto-hydrodynamic
3. Boundary

2. Oil Analysis Maintenance Strategies (4%)

1. Fundamental aspects of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM)
2. Fundamental aspects of Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)

1. Predictive maintenance strategies
2. Proactive maintenance strategies

3. Oil Sampling (29%)

1. Objectives for lube oil sampling
2. Equipment specific sampling

1. Gearboxes with circulating systems
2. Engines
3. Single and multi-component circulating oil systems with separate reservoirs
4. Hydraulic systems
5. Splash, ring and collar lubricated systems

3. Sampling methods

1. Non-pressurized systems
2. Pressurized systems - Low
3. Pressurized systems - High

4. Managing interference

1. Bottle cleanliness and management
2. Flushing
3. Machine conditions appropriate for sampling

5. Sampling process management

1. Sampling frequency
2. Sampling procedures
3. Sample processing

4. Lubricant health monitoring (21%)

1. Lubricant failure mechanisms

1. Oxidative degradation

1. The oxidation process
2. Causes of oxidation
3. Effects of oxidative degradation

2. Thermal degradation

1. The thermal failure process
2. Causes of thermal failure
3. Effects of thermal degradation

3. Additive depletion/degradation

1. Additive depletion mechanisms
2. Additives at risk for depletion/degradation by the various mechanisms.

2. Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants

1. Baselining physical and chemical properties tests
2. Additive discrepancies

3. Fluid properties test methods and measurement units

1. Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D445)
2. Absolute (Dynamic) Viscosity (ASTM D2983)
3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)
4. Acid Number (ASTM D974 et al)
5. Base Number (ASTM D974 et al)
6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis
7. Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (ASTMD2272)
8. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

5. Lubricant contamination measurement and control (25%)

1. Particle contamination

1. Effects on the machine
2. Effects on the lubricant
3. Methods and units for measuring particle contamination
4. Techniques for controlling particle contamination

2. Moisture contamination

1. Effects on the machine
2. Effects on the lubricant
3. States of coexistence
4. Methods and units for measuring moisture contamination
5. Demulsibility measurement
6. Techniques for controlling moisture contamination

3. Glycol coolant contamination

1. Effects on the machine
2. Effects on the lubricant
3. Methods and units for measuring glycol contamination
4. Techniques for controlling glycol contamination

4. Soot contamination

1. Effects on the machine
2. Effects on the lubricant
3. Methods and units for measuring soot contamination
4. Techniques for controlling soot contamination

5. Fuel contamination (fuel dilution in oil)

1. Effects on the machine
2. Effects on the lubricant
3. Methods and units for measuring fuel contamination
4. Techniques for controlling fuel contamination

6. Air contamination (air in oil)

1. Effects on the machine
2. Effects on the lubricant
3. States of coexistence
4. Methods for assessing air contamination

1. Air release characteristics (ASTM D3427)
2. Foam stability characteristics (ASTM D892)

5. Techniques for controlling air contamination

6. Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis (17%)

1. Common wear mechanisms

1. Abrasive wear

1. Two-body
2. Three-body

2. Surface fatigue (contact fatigue)

1. Two-body
2. Three-body

3. Adhesive wear
4. Corrosive wear
5. Cavitation wear

2. Detecting abnormal wear

1. Atomic emission spectroscopy methods

1. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy
2. Arc-spark emission spectroscopy

2. Wear particle density measurement

3. Wear debris analysis

1. Ferrogram preparation
2. Filtergram preparation
3. Light effects
4. Magnetism effects
5. Heat treatment
6. Basic morphological analysis

• ASTM D4378, Standard Practice of In-Service Monitoring of Mineral Turbine Oils for Steam and Gas Turbines
• ASTM D6224, Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment
• Bloch, H. (2016) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• Denis, J., J. Briant, & J. Hipeaux (2000) Lubricant Properties Analysis & Testing. Editions TECHNIP, Paris, France
• Evans J.S., & Hunt T.M. (2008) Oil Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing Co., Longborough, England
• Roylance, B., & T. Hunt (1999) The Wear Debris Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing, Oxford, UK
• Toms, L.A., & Toms, A.M. (2008) Machinery Oil Analysis. Co-published by STLE, Park Ridge, Illinois, USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

The MLA II Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Machinery Lubricant Analysts (MLAs) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the MLA II Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the same individual, provided the points are applicable to and approved for each recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Activities related to elimination and/or prevention of lubricant failure
• Development of lubricant procedures and best practices
• Development of lubricant specifications
• Development of lubricant-related work management systems
• Lubricant program auditing tasks

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Level III Machinery Lubricant Analyst (MLA III) certification is to verify that technicians practicing in the field of lube oil analysis, as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Design an oil analysis program, including selecting tests, setting targets, alarms and limits, determining test frequency and assign machine-specific sampling methods
• Diagnose abnormal machine and lubricant conditions to make or advise appropriate decisions and oversee implementation
• Understand and communicate to managers, supervisors and lube technicians, the role of lubricant analysis in a Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) program
• Deploy proactive lubrication monitoring to reduce component failure rate and extend machine life.
• Manage lubricant analysis information and associated software programs
• Evaluate the performance of outside oil analysis services and make corrective changes where required.
• Use oil analysis to assure lubricant supplier quality conformance
• Develop, deploy and manage procedures for lubricant sampling and analysis
• Select on-site oil analysis instruments as required
• Work within a multi-technology machine condition-monitoring program and facilitate synergistic integration
• Financially rationalize the lubricant analysis program
• Provide training, guidance and support to the organization and to those individuals who are seeking MLA certification
• Document the contributions oil analysis makes to the organization

Common job titles for the individual who would become Level III MLA certified include Lubrication Technician or Engineer, PM or PDM Technician, Engineer or Manager, Reliability Technician Engineer or Manager, Maintenance Technician or Engineer, etc. Generally, this individual manages the lubricant analysis program and/or serves as a senior diagnostician. The individual is likely to be involved with troubleshooting tough problems identified by routine analysis and inspections. The Level III MLA certified individual is likely to supervise and/or support Level I and II MLA certified individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The MLA III exam has 100 multiple-choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have three (3) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have 36 months experience in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring (based on 16 hours minimum per month of experience).
• Hold Level II Machinery Lubricant Analyst (MLA II) certification.
• Training - Candidate must have received 32 hours of documented formal training as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the MLA III. For online or recorded training, exercises, lab tasks, practice exams, and review exercises may be included in the training time total but shall not exceed five hours of the required course time. These 32 hours are in addition to the previous 48 hours of training required for MLA I and MLA II, for a total cumulative training of 80 hours. Candidate shall be able to provide a record of this training to ICML that shall include the candidate's name, the name and signature of the instructor, the dates of the training, and the number of hours spent in the training.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the MLA III Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's MLA III Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 100-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have three hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

The Level III MLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-4, Category III, Annex A.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge below.

1. Lubrication Fundamentals (20%)

1. Lubrication Regimes

1. Hydrodynamic
2. Elasto-hydrodynamic
3. Boundary

2. Base oils

1. Common mineral oil characteristics

1. Paraffinic
2. Naphthenic

2. Common synthetic oil characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

1. Synthesized hydrocarbons
2. Phosphate esters
3. Dibasic acid esters
4. Polyglycols

3. API and other base oil classifications
4. Basic lubricant additive functions

1. Antioxidants/oxidation inhibitors
2. Rust inhibitors
3. Corrosion inhibitors
4. Demulsifying agents
5. Viscosity index (VI) improvers
6. Detergents
7. Dispersants
8. Pour-point depressants
9. Foam inhibitors
10. Anti-wear (AW) agents
11. Extreme pressure (EP) agents

2. Fundamentals of Machine Wear (15%)

1. Common Machine Wear Mechanisms

1. Abrasive wear

1. Two-body abrasive wear
2. Three-body abrasive wear

2. Adhesive wear
3. Surface fatigue
4. Corrosive wear
5. Fretting wear
6. Erosive wear
7. Electrical wear
8. Cavitation wear

1. Gaseous cavitation
2. Vaporous cavitation

2. Common Machine-specific Wear Modes

1. Gearing
2. Plain bearings
3. Rolling element bearings
4. Hydraulics

3. Wear Debris Analysis (21%)

1. Analytical ferrography

1. Wear debris analysis techniques

1. Light effects
2. Magnetism effects
3. Heat treatment
4. Chemical treatment
5. Morphology
6. Surface detail

2. Wear particle types, origins and probable causes

1. Cutting wear particles
2. Spherical particles
3. Chunky particles
4. Laminar particles
5. Red oxide particles
6. Black oxide particles
7. Corrosion particles
8. Non-ferrous particles
9. Friction polymers

2. Atomic emission elemental spectroscopy

1. Basic determination of wear particle metallurgy from elemental composition
2. Evaluating sequential trends
3. Evaluating lock-step trends
4. Particle size limitations of common atomic emission spectrometers
5. Advanced techniques

1. Acid/microwave digestion
2. Rotrode filter spectroscopy

6. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and other advanced elemental spectroscopy methods

4. Analyzing lubricant degradation (25%)

1. Oxidative base oil failure

1. Causes of oxidative base oil failure
2. Recognizing at-risk lubricants and applications
3. Strategies for deterring or mitigating base oil oxidation
4. Recognizing the effects of base oil oxidation
5. Strengths, limitations and applicability of tests used to detect and troubleshoot base oil oxidation

1. Acid number
2. Viscosity
3. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis
4. Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test
5. Sensory inspection

2. Thermal failure of base oil

1. Causes of thermal degradation

1. Hot surface degradation
2. Adiabatic compression induced degradation

2. Strengths, limitations and applicability of tests used to detect and troubleshoot thermal failure of the base oil

1. Acid number
2. Viscosity
3. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis
4. Thermal stability test (ASTM D 2070-91)
5. Ultracentrifuge detection of carbon insolubles
6. Sensory inspection

3. Additive depletion/degradation

1. Assessing risk for common additive depletion/degradation mechanisms

1. Neutralization
2. Shear down
3. Hydrolysis
4. Oxidation
5. Thermal degradation
6. Water washing
7. Particle scrubbing
8. Surface adsorption
9. Rubbing contact
10. Condensation settling
11. Filtration
12. Aggregate adsorption
13. Evaporation
14. Centrifugation

2. Strengths, limitations and applicability of methods for measuring additive depletion/degradation

1. Atomic emission spectroscopy
2. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
3. Acid number
4. Base number
5. Viscosity index (VI)
6. Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test
7. Blotter spot test

4. Detecting wrong lubricant addition

1. Viscosity
2. Neutralization number (AN/BN)
3. Elemental spectroscopy
4. Fourier Transfer Infrared Analysis
5. Other Tests

5. Oil analysis program development and program management (19%)

1. Machine-specific test slate selection
2. Optimizing frequency of analysis
3. Setting alarms and limits

1. Setting goal-based limits for contamination
2. Statistically derived level limits

1. Editing data
2. Calculating averages
3. Calculating standard deviation
4. Setting upper and lower limits using the mean and standard deviation
5. How changes in system operation or maintenance influence statistically derived inferences

3. Rate of Change Limits

1. Calculating rate of change
2. Slope-based alarms
3. Statistically derived rate of change limits

4. Setting aging limits for fluid properties

1. Physical properties
2. Chemical properties
3. Additive properties

4. Managing oil analysis information
5. Creating and managing oil analysis procedures
6. Scoping oil analysis training for reliability technician, trades people and management
7. Performing cost/benefit analysis for oil analysis and contamination control programs

1. Calculating program costs
2. Estimating program benefits
3. Calculating return on investment metrics
4. Generating an effective business proposal

8. Quality Assurance

1. Of onsite oil analysis
2. Of offsite oil analysis providers

• ASTM D4378, Standard Practice of In-Service Monitoring of Mineral Turbine Oils for Steam and Gas Turbines
• ASTM D6224, Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment
• Bloch, H. (2016) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• Denis, J., J. Briant, & J. Hipeaux (1997) Lubricant Properties Analysis & Testing. Editions TECHNIP, Paris, France
• Roylance, B., & T. Hunt (1999) The Wear Debris Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing, Oxford, UK
• Evans J.S., & Hunt T.M. (2008) Oil Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing Co., Longborough, England
• Toms, L.A., & Toms, A.M. (2008) Machinery Oil Analysis. Co-published by STLE, Park Ridge, Illinois, USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA

The MLA III Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Machinery Lubricant Analysts (MLAs) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the MLA III Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Activities related to elimination and/or prevention of lubricant failure
• Development of lubricant procedures and best practices
• Development of lubricant specifications
• Development of lubricant-related work management systems
• Lubricant program auditing tasks

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Level I Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) certification is to verify that technicians practicing in the field of machinery lubrication, as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Manage lubricant delivery, storage and dispensation
• Manage a route for machinery re-lubrication and/or inspection
• Properly change and/or top the oil in mechanical equipment found in common industrial sites
• Use simple techniques to select lubricants with the proper base oil and additive system for machinery commonly found in industrial settings
• Use simple techniques to select grease lubricants appropriate for machines commonly found in industrial settings
• Use simple techniques to select grease application methods (including automated delivery) that are least intrusive and most effective for machines commonly found in industrial settings
• Use simple techniques to estimate re-grease volume and interval for machines commonly operated in industrial settings
• Properly maintain automatic lubrication systems (auto-grease, mist systems, etc.)
• Employ basic oil analysis techniques to identify and troubleshoot abnormal lubricant degradation conditions, and use simple techniques to adjust the lubricant specification accordingly

Common job titles for the individual who would become Level I MLT certified include Lubrication Technician, PM Technician, Millwright, Mechanic, etc. Generally, this individual has regular contact with the machine and has routine influence over the condition of lubricants and hydraulic fluids in use. The individual is likely to be directly involved in the machine lubrication process.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The MLT I exam has 100 multiple choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have three (3) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have at least two years education (post-secondary) or on-the-job training in one or more of the following fields: machine lubrication, engineering, mechanical maintenance and/or maintenance trades.
• Training - Candidate must have received 16 hours of documented formal training in machinery lubrication as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the MLT I. For online or recorded training, exercises, practice exams, and review exercises may be included in the training time total but shall not exceed three hours of the required course time. Candidate shall be able to provide a record of this training to ICML that shall include the candidate's name, the name and signature of the instructor, the dates of the training, and the number of hours spent in the training.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the MLT I Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's MLT I Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 100-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have three hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

The Level I MLT Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge below.

1. Maintenance Strategy (5%)

1. Why machines fail
2. The impact of poor maintenance on company profits
3. The role of effective lubrication in failure avoidance

2. Lubrication Theory (10%)

1. Fundamentals of tribology
2. Functions of a lubricant
3. Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)
4. Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)
5. Mixed-film lubrication

3. Lubricants (15%)

1. Base-oils
2. Additives and their functions
3. Oil lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications
4. Grease lubrication

1. How grease is made
2. Thickener types
3. Thickener compatibility
4. Grease lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications

4. Lubricant Selection (15%)

1. Viscosity selection
2. Base-oil type selection
3. Additive system selection
4. Machine specific lubricant requirements

1. Hydraulic systems
2. Rolling element bearings
3. Journal bearings
4. Reciprocating engines
5. Gearing and gearboxes

5. Application and environment related adjustments

5. Lubricant Application (25%)

1. Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume
2. Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies
3. When to select oil; when to select grease
4. Effective use of manual delivery techniques
5. Automatic delivery systems

1. Automated deliver options

1. Automated grease systems
2. Oil mist systems

1. Drip and wick lubricators

2. Deciding when to employ automated lubricators
3. Maintenance of automated lubrication systems

6. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (10%)

1. Lube routes and scheduling
2. Oil analysis and technologies to assure lubrication effectiveness
3. Equipment tagging and identification

7. Lubricant Condition Control (10%)

1. Filtration and separation technologies
2. Filter rating.
3. Filtration system design and filter selection

8. Lubricant Storage and Management (10%)

1. Lubricant receiving procedures
2. Proper storage and inventory management
3. Lube storage containers
4. Proper storage of grease-guns and other lube application devices
5. Maintenance of automatic grease systems
6. Health and safety assurance

• Bannister, K. (2007) Lubrication for Industry, Industrial Press, Inc., New York, USA.
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K. (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, - 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA.
• Hodges, P. (1996) Hydraulic Fluids. Arnold Publish, London, England, UK and John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, USA.
• Landsdown, A. (1994) High Temperature Lubrication. Mechanical Engineering Publications, Ltd., London, England
• Landsdown, A. (1996) Lubrication and Lubricant Selection. Mechanical Engineering Publication, Ltd., London, England, UK.
• Scott, R., Fitch J., & Leugner, L. (2012) The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• NLGI, (2017) Lubricating Grease Guide, 6th ed., The National Lubricating Grease Institute, Kansas City, MO USA
• Ludema, K. (1996) Friction, Wear, Lubrication: A Textbook in Tribology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
• Pirro, D. M., & Wessol, A. A. (2016) Lubrication Fundamentals, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• The Lubrication Engineer's Manual, (2010) Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA

The MLT I Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Machinery Lubrication Technicians (MLTs) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the MLT I Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Activities related to elimination and/or prevention of lubricant failure
• Development of lubricant procedures and best practices
• Development of lubricant specifications
• Development of lubricant-related work management systems
• Lubricant program auditing tasks

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Level II Machinery Lubrication Technician (MLT II) certification is to verify that technicians practicing in the field of machinery lubrication, as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Manage selection, application and periodic consolidation of lubrication oils and grease lubricants, appropriate for machines commonly found in industrial settings. This should include re-greasing intervals and volume, taking into consideration environmental, health, and safety issues.
• Design and Manage a route for machinery re-lubrication and/or inspection.
• Create and manage lubrication PM's.
• Manage change and/or top of oil in mechanical equipment found in common industrial sites.
• Manage lubricant delivery, storage and dispensation, storage room design and storage time calculation, taking into consideration environmental, health, and safety issues.
• Manage lubricant testing, and quality assurance, employing proper sampling procedures to ensure representative oil samples are taken consistently.
• Employ and interpret advanced oil analysis techniques and results to identify and troubleshoot lubricant degradation and/or abnormal conditions, and recommend cost-effective corrective action(s).
• Manage proper maintenance of lubrication equipment.

Common job titles for the individual who would become Level II MLT certified include Lubrication Technician or Specialist, PM Technician or Specialist, Machinery Reliability Technician or Specialist, etc. Generally, this individual has regular contact with plant machinery operators, mechanics, and engineering and has significant influence over the selection, troubleshooting, and monitoring of the lubricants and hydraulic fluids in use. The individual is likely to be directly involved in all aspects of the machinery lubrication process.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The MLT II exam has 100 multiple choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have three (3) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have at least three years education (post-secondary) or on-the-job training in one or more of the following fields: machinery lubrication, engineering, mechanical maintenance and/or maintenance trades.
• Hold Level I Machinery Lubrication Technician (MLT) certification.
• Training - Candidate must have received 16 hours of documented formal training in machinery lubrication as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the MLT II. For online or recorded training, exercises, practice exams, and review exercises may be included in the training time total but shall not exceed three hours of the required course time. These 16 hours are in addition to the previous 16 hours of training required for MLT I, for a total cumulative training of 32 hours. Candidate shall be able to provide a record of this training to ICML that shall include the candidate's name, the name and signature of the instructor, the dates of the training, and the number of hours spent in the training.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the MLT II Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's MLT II Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 100-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have three hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

The Level II MLT Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam. References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge below.

1. Maintenance Strategy (5%)

1. The impact of lubrication on machine reliability
2. The impact of lubrication on lubricant life and consumption
3. Maintenance program strategies for achieving lubrication excellence

2. Lubrication Theory (5%)

1. Friction & Tribology

1. Types of friction and wear

1. Wear modes and influencing factors
2. Machine frictional surfaces most at risk for specific wear modes (e.g., abrasion)

2. Mechanisms of Lubrication regimes

1. Boundary
2. Mixed film
3. Hydrodynamic
4. Elastohydrodynamic

2. Lubricant categories

1. Gaseous
2. Liquid
3. Cohesive
4. Solid

3. Lubricant Formulation (10%)

1. Base-oil Refining Methods and API categories

1. Solvent-refined
2. Hydro-treated
3. Severely Hydro-treated
4. Hydrocracked

2. Mineral Base Oils

1. Naphthenic
2. Paraffinic
3. Aromatic

3. Vegetable Base Oils & Biolubes
4. Synthetic lubricant characteristics/applications/compatibility

1. Synthesized hydrocarbons (e.g., Polyalphaolifins)
2. Dibasic acid esters
3. Polyol esters
4. Phosphate esters
5. Polyalkylene glygol
6. Silicones
7. Fluorocarbons
8. Polyphenyl Ethers

5. Food Grade lubricant Classification
6. Types and Functions of additives
7. Types and Functions of solid additives
8. Modes of additive depletion

4. Grease Application and Performance (5%)

1. Grease applications requiring high consistency
2. Grease applications requiring low consistency
3. Causes of grease separation
4. Multipurpose greases
5. Performance and application of specific grease thickeners
6. High temperature greases
7. Coupling greases

5. Lubricant Selection (15%)

1. Viscosity selection/adjustments according to machinery condition/environmental conditions
2. When to use synthetic lubricants
3. When to use biodegradable lubricants
4. Lubricant consolidation
5. Select lubricating oils for:

1. Fire-resistant applications
2. Hydraulics - Mobile/industrial
3. Turbines
4. Compressors
5. Bearings
6. Chains/conveyors
7. Mist applications
8. Gears - Automotive/industrial
9. Engines - Diesel/Gas/Gasoline
10. Pneumatic tools
11. Spindles
12. Ways/slides

6. Selecting greases for:

1. Chassis
2. Couplings
3. Anti friction bearings
4. Journal bearings
5. Automotive bearings
6. Automatic Lubrication Systems

7. Lubricant Selection standards development
8. Procedures for testing and quality assurance of incoming lubricants
9. Procedures for approval of candidate lubricants

6. Lubricant Testing and Performance Analysis (10%)

1. Viscosity
2. Flash/Fire point
3. Pour ASTM D97/Cloud point ASTM D2500
4. Foam ASTM D892
5. Air release properties ASTM D3247-99
6. Neutralization number

1. Acid Number ASTM D 664/D974
2. Base Number ASTM D 974/D2896

7. Filterability ISO 13357
8. Oxidation stability

1. Turbine Oil Oxidation Test ASTM D943
2. Rotary Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test ASTM D2272

9. Rust and Corrosion tests

1. Turbine Oil Rust Test ASTM D665
2. Copper strip corrosion ASTM D130

10. Anti-wear tests

1. Four ball wear test ASTM D2266
2. Vickers wear pump test ASTM D2882
3. SRV Test

11. Extreme Pressure

1. Four ball EP test ASTM D2596
2. Timken Extreme Pressure Test ASTM D2509
3. Falex EP/Wear Test ASTM D2670
4. FZG Four Square Gear Test Rig ASTM D5182

12. Demulsibility ASTM D 1401
13. Grease consistency ASTM D217
14. Dropping point of grease ASTM D2265
15. Mechanical Stability of greases ASTM D217A
16. Rolling Stability if Greases ASTM D1831
17. Water washout test for greases ASTM D1264
18. Water spray test for greases ASTM D4049
19. Rolling bearing rust test ASTM D1743
20. Koppers Centrifugal Stability Test
21. Oil separation in grease storage ASTM D1742
22. Oxidation Stability - Greases ASTM D942

7. Lubricant Application (15%)

1. Procedures for:

1. Oil drain
2. Reservoir/system flushing
3. Disassembling/cleaning reservoirs and sumps
4. Filling
5. Top-up
6. Grease packing
7. Re-greasing
8. Grease changeout

2. Determine/calculate correct amount for re-greasing
3. Determine/calculate correct frequency interval for re-greasing
4. Select and manage optimum equipment/systems for lubricant application according to machinery requirements
5. Safety/health requirements for lubricant application
6. Manage proper maintenance of lubrication equipment
7. Manage proper maintenance of automatic lubrication systems
8. Create/update lube survey
9. Record execution of lube program
10. Proactive management and detection of leaks
11. Waste oil/filters management/disposal
12. Writing a lubrication PM

8. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (10%)

1. Creating and managing lube PMs and routes
2. Creating and manage lubrication inspection check list
3. Used oil analysis to determine optimum condition based oil changes
4. Used oil analysis to troubleshoot abnormal lubricant degradation conditions
5. Used oil analysis to troubleshoot abnormal wear related to lubricant degradation/contamination
6. Procedures and methods for identifying root cause of lubricant failure
7. Use of technology aids to determine optimum re-grease frequency/quantity (ultrasonic, temperature monitoring, shock impulse, etc.)

9. Lubricant Condition Control (20%)

1. Proper sampling procedures
2. Proper sampling locations
3. Proper selection of breathers/vents
4. Proper selection of filters according to cleanliness objectives
5. Filter rating - Beta Ratio
6. Sump/Tank Management to reduce

1. Air entrainment/foam
2. Particles
3. Water
4. Sediments
5. Heat
6. Silt/sediments
7. Unnecessary lubricant volume

7. Proper selection of reconditioning systems for

1. Water
2. Air/gas
3. Particles
4. Oxidation products
5. Additive depletion

8. Lube reclamation

1. Requirements
2. Feasibility
3. Procedures for reclaiming/reconditioning
4. Use of oil analysis to approve reclaimed/reconditioned lubricants

10. Lubricant Storage and Management (5%)

1. Design optimum storage room
2. Defining maximum storage time according to environmental conditions/lubricant type
3. Safety/Health requirements
4. Proper sampling procedures/locations for sampling stored lubricants
5. Procedures for reconditioning/filtering stored lubricants

• Bannister, K. (2007) Lubrication for Industry, Industrial Press, Inc., New York, USA.
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K. (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, - 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA.
• Hodges, P. (1996) Hydraulic Fluids. Arnold Publish, London, England, UK and John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, USA.
• Landsdown, A. (1994) High Temperature Lubrication. Mechanical Engineering Publications, Ltd., London, England
• Landsdown, A. (1996) Lubrication and Lubricant Selection. Mechanical Engineering Publication, Ltd., London, England, UK.
• Scott, R., Fitch J., & Leugner, L. (2012) The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• NLGI, (2017) Lubricating Grease Guide, 6th ed., The National Lubricating Grease Institute, Kansas City, MO USA
• Ludema, K. (1996) Friction, Wear, Lubrication: A Textbook in Tribology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
• Pirro, D. M., & Wessol, A. A. (2016) Lubrication Fundamentals, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• The Lubrication Engineer's Manual, (2010) Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA

The MLT II Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Machinery Lubrication Technicians (MLTs) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the MLT II Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Activities related to elimination and/or prevention of lubricant failure
• Development of lubricant procedures and best practices
• Development of lubricant specifications
• Development of lubricant-related work management systems
• Lubricant program auditing tasks

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Level I Laboratory Lubricant Analyst (LLA I) certification is to verify that laboratory personnel from both commercial oil analysis labs and private in-house labs practicing in the field of lube oil analysis as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform simple tasks related to the proper handling and testing, in a laboratory setting, of machinery lubricant samples according to established and recognized procedures, being able to:

• Properly and safely receive and handle lubricant samples
• Ensure laboratory testing equipment is within calibration, as per specified procedures
• Recognize sources of error
• Be capable of preventing and controlling errors related to handling, testing and data
• Perform testing using established procedures and standards, with an understanding of the common laboratory tests
• Report results as determined by established criteria, identifying whether data obtained through the testing is reasonable
• Inspect data from individual test methods only
• Demonstrate basic quality knowledge and good laboratory practices

Common job titles for the individual who would become LLA certified include, Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Assistant, Jr. Research Technologist, Jr. Data Analyst, Jr. Condition Monitoring Analyst, Jr. Lube Analyst, etc. Generally, this individual is regularly involved with receiving lube oil samples for lab analysis and running lube oil analysis tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The LLA I has 70 multiple-choice questions.
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have two (2) hours to complete the exam.
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have at least 12 months of experience in the field of laboratory-based lubricant testing and analysis for machinery condition monitoring, with a minimum of 1,200 hours of actual testing and analysis experience.

• Training - Candidate must have received 24 hours of documented formal training as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the LLA I. For online or recorded training, exercises, lab tasks, practice exams, and review exercises may be included in the training time total but shall not exceed four hours of the required course time. Candidate shall be able to provide a record of this training to ICML that shall include the candidate’s name, the name and signature of the instructor, the dates of the training, and the number of hours spent in the training.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the LLA I Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's LLA I Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 70 question, multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have two hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification. 

The Level I LLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-5, Category I, Annex A.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge below.

1. Sample handling and preparation (30%)

1. Sample cleanliness

1. Sample diluting
2. Cross-contamination

2. Contaminant re-suspension

1. Bottle Ullage
2. Sample Agitation

2. Lubricant health monitoring (30%)

1. Kinematic viscosity ((ASTM D445/ISO 3104)
2. Absolute (dynamic) viscosity (ASTM D2983/ISO 3104)
3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270/(ISO 2909)
4. Acid Number (ASTM D664, D974/ISO 6618, ISO 6619)
5. Base Number (ASTM D4739, D974/ISO 6618, ISO 3771)
6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
7. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ASTM D5185, 6595)
8. Flash point test (ASTM D92, ASTM D93/ISO 2592, ISO 2719, ISO 1523 + ISO 3679 + ISO 13736)
9. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) (ASTM D5967)
10. Schiff's reagent (ASTM D2982)
11. Crackle test
12. Co-distillation (ASTM D95/ISO 3733)
13. Karl Fischer titration (ASTM D6304/ISO 10337 +ISO 12937)
14. Cyclic voltammetry (ASTM 6971)
15. Insolubles (ASTM D893)
16. Gas chromatography (ASTM D3524, ASTM D3525)

3. Reagent Management (20%)

1. Equipment and glassware (Cleaning and preparation)
2. Chemicals

1. Preparation
2. Labeling
3. Storage
4. Safety
5. Disposal
6. Material safety data sheets

4. Instrument Calibration (20%)

1. Reference materials

1. Primary and secondary standards

2. Record keeping

1. Routine control charts

• Annual Book of ASTM Standards (Section Five) Volume 05.04 Petroleum Products and Lubricants
• ASTM D4378, Standard Practice of In-Service Monitoring of Mineral Turbine Oils for Steam and Gas Turbines
• ASTM D6224, Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA.
• Denis, J., J Briant, & J. Hipeaux (1997) Lubricant Properties Analysis & Testing. Editions TECHNIP, Paris, France.
• Fitch, J. (2001) Sourcebook of Used Oil Elements, Noria Publishing., Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
• Hunt, T.M. (1993) Handbook of Wear Debris Analysis and Particle Detection in Liquids. Springer, Netherlands
• Prichard, E. (1995) Quality in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, West Sussex, UK.
• Prichard, E., & Barwick, V. (2007) Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, LGC, Teddington, UK.
• Roylance, B., & T. Hunt (1999) The Wear Debris Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing, Oxford, UK
• Shugar, G., & Ballinger, J. (2011) Chemical Technicians' Ready Reference Handbook, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill Professional
• Toms, L.A., & Toms, A.M. (2008) Machinery Oil Analysis. Co-published by STLE, Park Ridge, Illinois, USA
• Totten, G.E., & De Negri, V.J. (Eds) (2012) Handbook of Hydraulic Fluid Technology, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York.
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

The LLA I Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Laboratory Lubricant Analysts (LLAs) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the LLA I Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Industry standard feedback/betterment activities
• Laboratory procedure and best practices (writing and/or implementing)
• Laboratory program auditing tasks (writing, implementing and/or assisting)
• Quality control activities (i.e., charting, limits, feedback, etc.)
• Test inspection procedures (writing and/or implementation)
• Testing-related failure elimination and/or prevention activities
• Training, coaching and/or mentoring of new hires

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Level II Laboratory Lubricant Analyst (LLA) certification is to verify that laboratory personnel from both commercial oil analysis labs and private in-house labs practicing in the field of lube oil analysis as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform sample analysis and interpretation, being able to:

• Set-up routine testing schedules and test slates
• Verify calibration of laboratory instruments as per specified procedures
• Recognize all forms of lubricant contamination and be able to undertake all associated test methods
• Recognize data which is a change from the norm
• Diagnose lubricant failure mechanisms and modes
• Perform wear particle testing and basic analysis
• Customize tests and perform sample analysis and interpretation
• Report results
• Demonstrate advanced quality knowledge (ISO/IEC 17025)
• Provide guidance and supervision to category I personnel

Common job titles for the individual who would become LLA II certified include Sr. Laboratory Technician, Principal Technician, Research Technologist, Research Scientist, Quality Manager, Data Analyst, Condition Monitoring Analyst, Lube Analyst, etc. The individual is likely to be directly involved in all/most aspects of running lab analysis as well as providing basic advice and recommendations to end user practitioners of oil analysis. As such, a basic understanding of machinery lubrication, contamination control and machinery maintenance are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The LLA II has 100 multiple-choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have three (3) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidate must have at least 24 months experience in the field of laboratory-based lubricant testing and analysis for machinery condition monitoring, with a minimum of 2,400 hours of actual testing and analysis experience.
• Complete one of these requirements:

• Hold Level I Laboratory Lubricant Analyst (LLA) certification.

OR

• Qualify as a Mature Entry Candidate (without Level I LLA certification) by submitting documentation of:
  • At least 12 months additional work experience in the field of laboratory-based lubricant testing and analysis for machinery condition monitoring, including a minimum of 1,200 additional hours of actual testing and analysis.
  • Minimum 24 hours training relevant to the LLA I Body of Knowledge, accumulated through any combination of instructor-led events and/or specific hands-on practice or observation.
  • You may use this template letter to submit to ICML.

• Training - Candidates must have received 24 hours of documented formal training as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the LLA II. For online or recorded training, exercises, lab tasks, practice exams, and review exercises may be included in the training time total but shall not exceed four hours of the required course time. These 24 hours are in addition to the previous 24 hours of training required for LLA I, for a total cumulative training of 48 hours. Candidate shall be able to provide a record of this training to ICML that shall include the candidate's name, the name and signature of the instructor, the dates of the training, and the number of hours spent in the training.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the LLA II Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's LLA II Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 100-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have three hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

The Level II LLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-5, Category II, Annex A.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge below.

1. Lubricant health monitoring (21%)

1. Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445/ISO 3104)
2. Absolute (dynamic) viscosity (ASTM D2983/ISO 3104)
3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270/(ISO 2909)
4. Total Acid Number (ASTM D664, ASTM D974/ISO 6618, ISO 6619)
5. Total Base Number (ASTM D4739, ASTM D2896, ASTM D974, ASTM D664/ISO 6618, ISO 3771)
6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
7. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ASTM D5185, 6595)
8. Flash point test (ASTM D92, ASTM D93/ISO 2592, ISO 2719, ISO 1523 + ISO 3679 + ISO 13736)
9. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) (ASTM D5967)
10. Schiff's reagent (ASTM D2982)
11. Crackle test
12. Co-distillation (ASTM D6304, Method B/ISO 3733)
13. Karl Fischer titration (ASTM D1744 & D6304, Method A/ISO 10337 +ISO 12937)
14. Cyclic voltammetry (ASTM 6971)
15. Insolubles (ASTM D893)
16. Rotating pressure vessel oxidation test (ASTM D2272)
17. Air release characteristics (ASTM D3427/ISO 9120)
18. Foam stability characteristics (ASTM D892 /ISO 6247)
19. Gas chromatography (ASTM D3524, ASTM D3525)
20. Water demulsibility (ASTM D1401 & 2711/ISO 6614)
21. Data correlation
22. Exception testing

2. Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants (4%)

1. Kinematic viscosity ((ASTM D445/ISO 3104)
2. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
3. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ASTM D5185, 6595)

3. Water contamination (11%)

1. Scope and significance of commonly accepted water oil analysis test methods. When to perform these and use of multiple test data to determine if results are reasonable (ASTM D1401 & 2711/ISO 6614)
2. Causes of poor water demulsibility
3. States of coexistence of water in oil
4. Methods for assessing water contamination

1. Crackle test
2. FTIR analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
3. Co-distillation (ASTM D95/ISO 3733)
4. Karl Fischer titration (ASTM D1744 & D6304/ISO 10337 + ISO 12937)

5. Effects of water contamination on the lubricant
6. Effects of water contamination on the machine

4. Glycol coolant contamination (4%)

1. Scope and significance of commonly accepted oil analysis test methods for glycol contamination. When to perform these and use of multiple test data to determine if results are reasonable
2. Elemental spectroscopy
3. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
4. Schiff's reagent (ASTM D2982)
5. GC (Gas Chromatography)
6. Effects of glycol contamination on the lubricant
7. Effects of glycol contamination on the machine

5. Soot contamination (4%)

1. Scope and significance of commonly accepted oil analysis test methods for soot contamination. When to perform these and use of multiple test data to determine if results are reasonable
2. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) - (ASTM D5967)
3. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
4. Pentane Insolubles (ASTM D893)
5. Blotter Test
6. Effects of soot contamination on the lubricant
7. Effects of soot contamination on the machine

6. Fuel contamination (8%)

1. Scope and significance of commonly accepted oil analysis test methods for fuel contamination. When to perform these and use of multiple test data to determine if results are reasonable
2. Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445/ISO 3104)
3. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
4. Flash point test (ASTM D92 D93 & D3828/ ISO 2592, ISO 2719, ISO 1523 + ISO 3679 + ISO 13736)
5. Gas chromatography (ASTM D3524)
6. Effects of fuel contamination on the lubricant
7. Effects of fuel contamination on the machine

7. Air contamination (4%)

1. Scope and significance of commonly accepted oil analysis test methods for air contamination. When to perform these and use of multiple test data to determine if results are reasonable
2. States of coexistence of air in oil
3. Methods for assessing air contamination

1. Air release characteristics (ASTM D3427/ ISO 9120)
2. Foam stability characteristics (ASTM D892/ ISO 6247)

4. Effects of air contamination on the lubricant
5. Effects of air contamination on the machine

8. Particle contamination (6%)

1. Scope and significance of commonly accepted oil analysis test methods for particle contamination. When to perform these and use of multiple test data to determine if results are reasonable
2. ISO solid contamination code (ISO 4406)
3. Optical particle counting usage and calibration (ISO 11500, ISO 11171)
4. Pore block particle counting
5. Effects on the lubricant
6. Effects on the machine

9. Wear Particle Monitoring and Analysis (13%)

1. Detecting abnormal wear

1. Atomic emission spectroscopy methods

1. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy
2. Arc-spark emission spectroscopy

2. XRF spectroscopy
3. Wear particle density measurements

2. Wear debris analysis

1. Ferrogram preparation
2. Filtergram preparation
3. Light effects
4. Magnetism effects
5. Heat treatment
6. Chemical microscopy
7. Basic morphological analysis

3. Common wear mechanisms

1. Abrasive wear

1. Two-body
2. Three-body

2. Surface fatigue (contact fatigue)

1. Two-body
2. Three-body

3. Adhesive wear
4. Corrosive wear
5. Cavitation wear

4. Size distribution of wear particles from common wear mechanisms

10. Data Interpretation (11%)

1. Limits

1. Understanding statistical limits (wear debris)
2. Understanding aging limits (acid number, viscosity)
3. Understanding targets (Water, ISO cleanliness)
4. Establishing statistical limits
5. Establishing aging limits
6. Establishing goal-based limits

2. Graphical trend analysis

1. Rate of change analysis
2. Normalization of data
3. Reference/baseline data comparison
4. Effects of make-up oil
5. Lock-step trending

11. Quality Control (6%)

1. Procedure writing
2. Record management

1. Record generation
2. Record storage

3. Quality control samples

1. Types
2. Control charts

4. Procedures editing
5. Audits

1. Internal audit
2. External audit

12. Lubricant roles and functions (8%)

1. Base oil

1. Functions
2. Properties

2. Additive types and functions

1. Surface active additives and their functions
2. Bulk oil active additives and their functions

3. Synthetic lubricants

1. Synthetic lubricant types
2. Conditions dictating their use

4. Lubrication regimes

1. Hydrodynamic
2. Elasto-hydrodynamic
3. Boundary

5. Baselining physical and chemical properties tests
6. Identifying additive discrepancies
7. Lubricant failure modes

• Annual Book of ASTM Standards (Section Five) Volume 05.04 Petroleum Products and Lubricants
• ASTM D4378, Standard Practice of In-Service Monitoring of Mineral Turbine Oils for Steam and Gas Turbines
• ASTM D6224, Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA.
• Denis, J., J Briant, & J. Hipeaux (1997) Lubricant Properties Analysis & Testing. Editions TECHNIP, Paris, France
• Fitch, J. (2001) Sourcebook of Used Oil Elements, Noria Publishing., Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
• Hunt, T.M. (1993) Handbook of Wear Debris Analysis and Particle Detection in Liquids. Springer, Netherlands
• Prichard, E. (1995) Quality in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
• Prichard, E., & Barwick, V. (2007) Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, LGC, Teddington, UK
• Roylance, B., & T. Hunt (1999) The Wear Debris Analysis Handbook. Coxmoor Publishing, Oxford, UK
• Shugar, G., & Ballinger, J. (2011) Chemical Technicians' Ready Reference Handbook, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill Professional
• Toms, L.A., & Toms, A.M. (2008) Machinery Oil Analysis. Co-published by STLE, Park Ridge, Illinois, USA
• Totten, G.E., & De Negri, V.J. (Eds) (2012) Handbook of Hydraulic Fluid Technology, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

The LLA II Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Laboratory Lubricant Analysts (LLAs) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the LLA II Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Industry standard feedback/betterment activities
• Laboratory procedure and best practices (writing and/or implementing)
• Laboratory program auditing tasks (writing, implementing and/or assisting)
• Quality control activities (i.e., charting, limits, feedback, etc.)
• Test inspection procedures (writing and/or implementation)
• Testing-related failure elimination and/or prevention activities
• Training, coaching and/or mentoring of new hires

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE), an engineering-grade certification, is to evaluate an individual's knowledge and understanding of and ability to apply the lubrication engineering skills required to effectively provide engineering support to a typical industrial plant, mill or site as a staff, contract or consulting lubrication engineer.

The certification does not address all aspects of lubrication and/or the tribological sciences. The MLE certification is a peer-review certification of the candidate's lubrication engineering skills. It does not represent licensure or registration to practice engineering as a professional or chartered engineering, which is governed by applicable laws and regulations.

The certification if designed to verify that an MLE certified professional is qualified to:

• Employ various methods applicable to the science and application of machinery lubrication so as to optimize lubrication management, lubricant selection, lubrication maintenance and related subjects as outlined in the MLE Body of Knowledge
• Systematically analyze abnormal events where lubrication is the cause or a contributing cause
• Reach diagnostic and prognostic conclusions and implement any associated action plans, including but not limited to change in machinery design, lubricant selection, lubricant application method, lubrication maintenance plans and analytical methods prescribed
• Manage the lubrication team, including lubrication technicians and lubricant analysts
• Manage key supplier relations with lubricant suppliers, lubrication accessory suppliers, lubrication service providers and oil analysis laboratories
• Manage lubricated machinery assets in the context of ICML 55.01 and ISO 55001

Common job titles for the individual who would become MLE certified include Lubrication Engineer, Plant Engineer, PdM Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Reliability Engineer or Manager, Maintenance Engineer, etc. Generally, this individual oversees the development, implementation and management of the lubrication program. The individual is likely to be involved with troubleshooting tough problems identified by routine analysis and inspections. The MLE certified individual is likely to supervise and/or support Level I MLT, Level II MLT, Level I MLA and Level II MLA certified individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The MLE exam has 150 multiple-choice questions.
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have four (4) hours to complete the exam.
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers.

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have at least 5 years' education (post-secondary) or on-the-job training in one or more of the following fields: engineering, mechanical maintenance, maintenance trades, lubrication, oil analysis and/or condition monitoring (mechanical machinery).
• No ICML certifications are pre-requisites to candidacy for the MLE certification, however, the MLAs and MLTs would support a candidate's preparation for MLE test.
• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 150-question multiple-choice examination that tests the candidate's mastery of the ICML's Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE) body of knowledge. Candidates have four hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

The MLE Body of Knowledge (BOK) is a structured delineation of the Major Subjects that one should master in order to pass the MLE certification exam. The bulleted listings under each Major Subject are examples of the subtopics that help define range and scope. However, the listed subtopics should not be assumed to be complete or comprehensive. Additionally, many subtopics relate to more than one Major Topic and are replicated accordingly.

The BOK is intended to relate to practical knowledge needed by lubrication and reliability engineers who work in user organizations with lubricated physical assets. It is not intended to be academic, scientific or theoretical. The MLE BOK was also constructed to align, at a higher level, to all major BOK subjects across MLA I, II & II and MLT I & II categories and levels. As such, training related to those certifications would support a candidate's preparation for MLE testing. Most significantly, the MLE BOK is specifically designed to align to the majority of the compliance elements of the new ICML 55 certification for asset management related to lubricated machines. ICML 55 is further aligned to all of the main and relevant subjects required for ISO 55000 certification.

1. Asset Management, ISO 55000 & ICML 55; Basic Elements (3%)

1. Definition of Asset Management in the context of the organization
2. ISO 55001 Requirements (refer also to EN 16646 for physical assets)
3. Physical asset hierarchy (ISO 14224:2016)
4. ICML 55 Attributes and Requirements in the context of machinery lubrication

References:

• Physical Asset Management Handbook, 4th Edition, John S. Mitchell, Reliability Web; chapters 1-10, chapter 18
• ISO 55000 (International Organization for Standardization)
• EN 16646
• ICML 55

2. Machine Reliability; Basic Elements (5%)

1. Reliability philosophies and strategies
2. Condition-based maintenance (see also Major Subject 4.0)
3. Reliability culture
4. Financial analysis and economic justification
5. Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA), Failure Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) (see also Major Subject 16.0)
6. Asset design change process and management of change
7. Criticality analysis and risk management
8. Metrics, KPIs, Scorecard, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
9. Asset life cycle engineering and management
10. Design for reliability, operability and maintainability
11. Managing Sources of vibration and wear, including fasteners, alignment and balance

References:

• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapter 2
• Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria - chapter 2
• An Introduction to Machinery Reliability Assessment, 2nd Edition, Heinz P. Bloch, Gulf Publishing Co.; chapters 2-10
• Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 2
• Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapters 1-8

3. Machine Maintenance; Basic Elements (5%)

1. Procedure-based maintenance and standardized work
2. PM optimization
3. Work management, planning and scheduling
4. Shutdown, turnaround and outage management
5. Operator-driven maintenance, autonomous maintenance, Total Productive Maintenance
6. Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Computerized Maintenance Management System
7. Stores, parts and inventory management
8. Workforce management, skills and training

References:

• Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapter 2
• Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapters 1-12
• Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 2
• Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 1-11
• Maintenance Work Management Processes, T. Wireman, Reliability Web; chapters 1-9
• The Handbook of Maintenance Management, 2nd Edition, Joel Levitt, Industrial Press; chapters 1 - 29
• Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook, 3rd Edition, Doc Palmer, McGraw Hill; chapters 1-12
• Results Oriented Reliability and Maintenance Management, IDCON

4. Condition-based Maintenance (CBM); Basic Elements (5%)

1. Condition-based maintenance versus breakdown maintenance
2. Predictive maintenance
3. Proactive maintenance
4. Inspection 2.0
5. CBM technologies (lubricant analysis, vibration, thermography, acoustics, motor current, etc.)
6. CBM for major machine categories: pumps, compressors, turbines, gearboxes
7. CBM integration and program management
8. CBM data management

References:

• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 1-2
• Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapters 2
• Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapters 7-9
• Results Oriented Reliability and Maintenance Management, IDCON

5. Tribology, Friction, Wear, and Lubrication Fundamentals; Basic Elements (5%)

1. Mechanical friction, fluid friction, dry friction
2. Lubrication fundamentals
3. Lubrication regimes, thick film, hydrodynamic, elastohydrodynamic, boundary
4. Film thickness, specific film thickness, mixed film
5. Film strength, additive and chemical-induced films
6. Corrosive, cavitation and erosive wear
7. Mechanical wear, abrasion, adhesion, surface fatigue

References:

• Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH, 2017; chapter 2
• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner, chapters 2 and 28
• Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria, chapter 1
• Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapter 1
• Lubrication for Industry, K. Bannister, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press, 2007; chapter 3
• Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 6

6. Lubricant Formulation for Machine Types to achieve Optimum Reliability, Energy Consumption, Safety and Environmental Protection; Basic Elements (5%)

1. Liquid and grease lubricants, formulation science, base oils, common thickeners, common additives
2. Solid-film lubrication and types
3. Physical and chemical properties of lubricating oils and grease.
4. Common lubricant laboratory test methods such as oxidation stability, viscosity index, film strength, rust suppression, air release, demulsibility, penetration number, dropping point, water washout resistance, biodegradability, etc.
5. Differences and unique physical and chemical properties of major lubricant formulation categories including: engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, turbine oil, gear oil, compressor lubricant, chain lubricant, wheel bearing grease, chassis grease, electric motor bearing grease, coupling grease, multipurpose grease, foodgrade lubricants

References:

• Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH, 2017; chapters 4-6, 9-13, 16, and 18
• Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis; chapters 1-11, 13, and 15
• Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapters 1-14
• Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009; chapters 2-3
• Fuels and Lubricants Handbook, G. Totten, ASTM International, 2003; chapters 9-17, 20, 24, 25, and 37
• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 3-8 and 12-20
• Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria, chapter 1
• Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapters 1-4 and 6
• Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapters 4-9, and 15
• A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi, ASTM International, 2009; chapters 1-5 and 7-10
• Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapters 2-6
• Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 3

7. Job- and Task-based Skills/Training related to Lubrication and Reliability by User Organizations (4%)

1. Skills possibly required for common tasks performed by lubrication technicians
2. Skills possibly required for common tasks performed by operators and inspectors
3. Skills possibly required for common tasks performed by mechanics and millwrights
4. Training and knowledge required by reliability engineers and maintenance supervision
5. Training and knowledge required by plant management
6. Standardized training, tasked-based training and competency testing for practitioners in the lubrication field, ISO 18436

References:

• Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapter 10
• Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 5-6
• Operator-Driven Reliability, T. Wireman, Reliability Web; chapter 7
• Training Programs for Maintenance Organizations, T. Wireman, Industrial Press; chapters 1-11
• Training and Skill Requirements for Lubrication Programs, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

8. Lubrication Support Facilities needed in Plants and Work Sites (3%)

1. Design and use of a lube room facility that meets reliability, safely and environment requirements
2. Design and use of lubricant storage facilities including bulk tanks, tank farms, totes, etc. that meet reliability, safety, environment and regulatory requirements
3. Standardized lubricant labeling for packaged and bulk vessels
4. Proper selection, use and care of tools for inspection and reconditioning of tank, vessel and containers related to cleanliness, cross contamination, bottom sediment and water, and leakage
5. Spill containment and leak protection practices for environmental protection and basic regulatory compliance
6. Transfer, handling, dispensing, filtration from drums, totes and day tanks.
7. Transfer, handling, dispensing, filtration from bottles, jugs, and small grease packages
8. Selection and use of workplace and lube room tools and accessories (tools, benches, rooms, lockers/cabinets, etc.) and basic care and storage
9. Safety practices related to the storage and handling of lubricants

References:

• Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis; chapter 34
• Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009; chapter 7
• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapter 24
• Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapter 8 and 10
• Lubrication for Industry, K. Bannister, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press, 2007; chapter 8
• Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 20
• Lubricant Storage and Handling, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

9. Risk Management for Lubricated Machines; Basic Elements (4%)

1. Basic elements of Reliability-centered Maintenance (RCM)
2. The Pareto Principle and its application to establish maintenance strategy and focus of resources
3. Failure patterns and Weibull Distributions basic elements
4. Ranking of lubrication-specific failure modes and causes and the use of Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA)
5. Assessment of equipment to determine failure probability along with the severity/consequence of failure
6. Basic elements in use of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) (ISO 22000) to localize and control risk in lubricant-dependent machines and systems

Reference:

• An Introduction to Machinery Reliability Assessment, 2nd Edition, Heinz P. Bloch, Gulf Publishing Co.; chapters 3-10

10. Optimum Machine Modifications and Features Needed to Achieve and Sustain Reliability Goals (5%)

1. Optimum selection, set-up and use of lubricant application devices and hardware (single-point autolubers, circulating lubrication, constant-level oilers, centralized lubrication systems, mist systems, spray, etc.)
2. Optimum selection, installation and use of contamination control devices/hardware (filters, breathers, filter cart connects, headspace management, seals, dehydrators, de-aeration devices, etc.)
3. Instrumentation requirements including selection and location of online oil analysis sensors
4. Optimum selection, location and use of sight glasses and level gauges
5. Optimum selection and use of relubrication and oil change hardware & tools
6. Optimum selection and location of sampling valves and hardware
7. Purpose and use of drip pans, grease traps, berms, purge ports, etc.
8. Optimum selection and use of tags, labels and plates for lubricant type and lubrication practices on the machine

References:

• Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis; chapter 36
• Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009; chapter 4
• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 9, 10, and 21-23
• Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapter 3
• Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapter 10
• Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 9
• Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 5
• Modifying Machinery for Proper Lubrication, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
• The Lubrication Engineers Manual, 4th Edition, AISE, 2010; chapter 12

11. Lubricant Selection for Optimum Reliability, Safety, Energy Consumption and Environmental Protection based on Machine Type and Application (4%)

1. Vendor selection based on product range, product quality, product performance, support & services
2. Elements in generic lubricant specifications for common machine types, application types, operating conditions, workplace exposures, desired machine reliability, safety requirements, energy conservation, environmental protection and price. Common machine or application types include engines, driveline components, rolling-element bearings, journal bearings, enclosed & open gears, mechanical couplings, process pumps, hydraulic systems, compressors, gearboxes, turbines, chain and wire rope, and pneumatic systems. Lubricant specification elements include base oil, additives, thickeners, performance properties, physical properties, chemical properties, and health and safety properties.
3. Food grade lubricant selection, application and regulations related to National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), ISO 22000 (HACCP), ISO 21469 and similar guidelines
4. Rationalized lubricant consolidation to optimize the number of lubricant grades and brands
5. Lubricant cross-contamination risks, compatibility testing, and risk-management practices
6. Proper labeling methods using standardized classifications and visual identification system for display on machines, containers, grease guns, lubricant transfer system, etc. Standardized classifications relate to internal and industrial standards including ISO 15380, ISO 12924/6743/12925 and many others related to engine oils, transmission fluids, axle lubricants, and brake fluids. These also include ILSAC, ACEA, API and SAE.

References:

• Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH, 2017; chapters 9-13 and 16
• Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis; chapters 1-11, 13, 15, and 25
• Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapters 8-14
• Fuels and Lubricants Handbook, G. Totten, ASTM International, 2003; chapters 12-17 and 20
• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 12-20
• Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapters 11-13, 16 and 17
• A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi, ASTM International, 2009; chapter 10
• Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapters 7-8 and 10-15, 17, and 18
• Lubricant Selection, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
• ISO 22000

12. Lubrication-related Planning, Scheduling and Work Processing (4%)

1. Routine scheduled work and PMs
2. Unplanned and condition-based work request processing
3. Work prioritization and planning
4. Work kitting, matching skill competencies to tasks, assembly of work crews
5. Work scheduling
6. Unplanned and planned work backlog management
7. Process for troubleshooting faults and anomalies (see also Major Subject 16)
8. Record keeping, documentation, CMMS

References:

• Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis; chapter 33
• Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapters 3-10
• Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 2-4 and 7-10
• The Handbook of Maintenance Management, 2nd Edition, Joel Levitt, Industrial Press; chapters 30-39
• Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook, 3rd Edition, Doc Palmer, McGraw Hill; chapters 1-12
• Maintenance Planning and Scheduling, IDCON, Rev. 2, 2008

13. Periodic Lubrication Maintenance Tasks (4%)

1. Control of correct lubricant supply: oil level, flow rate, drip rate, mist rate or grease volume
2. Regrease, oil top-up and oil change frequency and lubricant volume (amount) criteria
3. Proper oil top-up procedures for common machine types, sumps and reservoirs
4. Proper grease relubrication procedures for common machine types and grease dispensing hardware
5. Lubricant drain or purge criteria and methods for major machine types
6. Contamination control tasks including general machine cleanliness, control of contaminant ingression, filtration, dehydration and other decontamination methods
7. Machine flushing requirements, risks and benefits. Selection of flushing protocol, hardware and methodology
8. Oil reclamation need and methods (see Major Subject No. 21 below)
9. Lubricant waste handling, disposal and cleanup
10. Leak detection, management and leak cleanup
11. Safety in lubrication maintenance tasks

References:

• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 9-10 and 25
• Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapter 5-7
• The Lubrication Engineers Manual, 4th Edition, AISE, 2010; chapter 13
• Lubrication for Industry, K. Bannister, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press, 2007; chapters 5, 6 and 8
• Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 8
• Lubricant Storage and Handling, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
• Lubrication Maintenance Tasks and Tools, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

14. Inspection of Lubricated Machines for Optimum Reliability, Safety, Environmental Protection and Condition Monitoring (5%)

1. Inspection personnel and responsibility (recognizing this vary between operators, lube technicians, mechanics, and reliability engineers)
2. Inspection intervals, routes, autonomous inspection
3. Selection and installation of machine inspection windows
4. Selection, use and care of inspection tools and aids
5. Inspection protocol for common machine types related to start-up, machine-run conditions, machine-stop conditions, repair inspection
6. Inspection protocol for spare parts, stored new machines and standby machines
7. Inspection personnel skill sets and training
8. Inspection checklists, findings reports and documentation
9. Integration of inspection with other condition monitoring practices

References:

• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 21-23
• Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 4-6, 9, 18(Append. A, B, & C)
• Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapter 9
• Autonomous Maintenance for Operators, The Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance, CRC Press; chapters 1-4
• Operator-Driven Reliability, T. Wireman, Reliability Web; chapters 5-8
• Preventive Maintenance/Essential Care and Condition Monitoring, IDCON, 1992; chapter 2
• Results Oriented Reliability and Maintenance Management, IDCON
• Daily One-Minute Lubrication Inspections and Field Tests, J. Fitch & R. Scott, Noria

15. Lubricant Analysis and Condition Monitoring for Optimum Reliability Objectives (8%)

1. Selection of optimum sampling tools/devices, sample point location(s), sampling frequency, and procedure for common machines, operating conditions and reliability objectives
2. Selection of off-site laboratory requirements based on instrument/sample prep capabilities, industry orientation, quality, turnaround time, data reporting format and data interpretation capabilities
3. Selection of onsite testing tools/laboratory requirements
4. General in-service lubricant sampling and analysis program design
5. New lubricant receiving requirements: testing, inspection and quality control
6. Stored lubricant (package & bulk) sampling and analysis
7. Selection of routine lubricant test slate and standardized methods
8. Selection of exception tests, condition for use and standardized methods
9. Selection of data alarms and limits
10. General strategy for data interpretation
11. Data management and overall program management
12. Reporting and responding to non-conforming data
13. Integration with other inspection and condition monitoring methods
14. Accuracy and quality verification and accreditation (e.g., ISO 17025)

References:

• Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH, 2017, chapter 18
• Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapter 16
• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapter 27
• Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapters 4-7
• Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapters 7-11

16. Fault/Failure Troubleshooting, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Remediation (5%)

1. Basic problem troubleshooting procedures and guidelines
2. Application of failure management and processes, e.g., the use of FRACAS policies (Failure Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Action System)
3. General RCA policies and guidelines
4. RCA phases: data collection, assessment, corrective action, inform and follow-up
5. Data collection and evidence preservation policies
6. Root cause assessment methods: fault trees, cause-and-effect, sequence of events, etc.
7. Guidelines for responding to root cause conditions
8. Guidelines for responding to incipient failure/faults
9. Guidelines for responding to Impending/precipitous failure
10. Sudden-death or catastrophic failure guidelines
11. Guidelines for fault/failure findings from rebuild shops

References:

• The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapter 29
• Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapter 7
• Root Cause Analysis, R. Latino, 4th Edition, CRC Press, 2011; chapters 1-11
• Root Cause Failure Analysis, K. Mobley, Newnes, 1999; chapters 1-6 and 19-30
• Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapter 8

17. Supplier Compliance/Alignment and Procurement of Services and Products (3%)

1. Supplier and service-provider alignment/commitment to reliability, safety, energy consumption, quality and environmental protection goals
2. Incoming lubricants, parts, and machine product acceptance testing/inspection
3. Certificate-of-analysis of lubricant supplies
4. Internal/external cleanliness and packaging of new or rebuilt components/parts. Roll-off cleanliness of final machine assemblies.
5. Lubricant supply agreement terms and conditions related to quality and services provided
6. Supplier safety and lubricant quality communications and documentation
7. Services of off-site service providers and rebuild shops (quality, part cleanliness, roll-off cleanliness, documentation, findings reports, etc.)

Reference:

• Lubricant and Lubrication Product Procurement, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

18. Waste and Used Lubricant Management and Environmental Compliance (3%)

1. Disposal of lubricants, filters, rags, containers
2. Cleaning of containers, parts, hoses, components and devices
3. Labeling and documentation of hazardous waste and non-hazardous materials
4. Disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials
5. Alignment to ISO 14000

References:

• Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH, 2017; chapters 7-8
• Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapter 15
• Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009; chapters 8-10
• A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi, ASTM International, 2009; chapter 13
• Lubricant Waste and Disposal, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
• Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 21

19. Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection (3%)

1. Influence of lubricants and lubrication on energy conservation
2. Influence of lubricants on atmospheric contamination
3. Environmental-friendly lubricants (e.g., biodegradability)
4. Lubricant aqueous toxicity, risk and assessment
5. Organizational goals and policies related conservation and protection of the environment
6. Optimized and practical use of lubricants and lubrication conservation and environment protection

References:

• Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH, 2017; chapter 7
• Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer, chapter 15
• Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009; chapter 8
• A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi, ASTM International, 2009; chapter 13
• Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapter 9

20. Health and Safety (3%)

1. Disposal & waste management
2. Safety training, policies and guidelines
3. Hazardous lubricants and toxicity
4. Microbial safety risks and control of transmission (to other machines)
5. Fluid pressure and fluid injection risks (blood stream injection)
6. Lubricant mists in the work environment
7. Confined space risks
8. Fire and combustion risks
9. Electrocution risks
10. Other mechanical risks

References:

• Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH, 2017; chapter 7
• Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 20
• The Lubrication Engineers Manual, 4th Edition, AISE, 2010; chapter 11
• Lubrication Program Safety, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

21. Oil Reclamation, Decontamination, De-varnishing & Additive Reconstruction (3%)

1. Lubricant conservation strategy and practices related to extended lubricant service life
2. Selection of dehydration methods and practices
3. Additive reconstruction of aged or damaged lubricants
4. De-varnishing of fluids and machine surfaces
5. Acid scavenging methods, best applications and risks

References:

• Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapter 19
• Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapters 5, 6 and 10
• Methods for Extending Lubricant Service Life, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

22. Lubrication during Standby, Storage and Commissioning (2%)

1. Special lubrication requirements related to machine commissioning and running-in conditions
2. Special lubrication-related practices to protect machines and parts in storage or standby

Reference:

• Lubrication Requirements for Standby and Stored Machinery, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

23. Program Metrics (5%)

1. Fundamental elements in metrics and performance measures
2. Micro metrics of machines and lubricant conditions
3. Macro and big-picture metrics for overall fleet or plant machine health
4. Mapping and aligning metrics to Return on Net Assets (RONA)
5. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) (related to asset utilization)
6. Leading metrics that predict future conditions or events (what's going to happen)
7. Lagging metrics that report or summarize past conditions or events (what just happened)
8. Overall lubrication performance and compliance metrics related to cleanliness compliance, lubricant health and PM compliance
9. Lubricant consumption ratios/metrics
10. MTBF and general machine reliability metrics
11. Route compliance measurement
12. Percent planned maintenance, workforce efficiency, wrench time
13. Metric communication
14. Performance control and remediation

References:

• Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapters 6-9
• Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapter 14
• Physical Asset Management Handbook, 4th Edition, John S. Mitchell, Reliability Web; chapter 9 and (Append. E)
• Lubrication Program and Reliability Metrics, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria

24. Continuous Improvement (4%)

1. Culture of continuous improvement
2. Improved Data Analytics (to Industry 4.0)
3. Improved CBM sensor application and scope
4. Improved cost reductions
5. Improved production output
6. Improved energy consumption
7. Improved environmental protection
8. Improved safety
9. Improved product quality and timely delivery
10. Improve profitability

References:

• Physical Asset Management Handbook, 4th Edition, John S. Mitchell, Reliability Web; chapters 1-10 and 18
• ISO 55000 (International Organization for Standardization)
• EN 16646
• ICML 55

• Rizvi, S.Q.A. (2009). A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, ASTM International
• Bloch, H.P.; Geitner, F.K. (1994). An Introduction to Machinery Reliability Assessment, 2nd Edition, Gulf Publishing Co.
• The Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (1997). Autonomous Maintenance for Operators, Productivity Press
• Mortier, R.M.; Fox M.F.; Orszulik, S.T. (2010). Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, 3rd Edition, Springer
• J. Fitch, J.; Scott, R. ((2013). Daily One-Minute Lubrication Inspections and Field Tests, Noria Corporation
• Totten, G. (2003). Fuels and Lubricants Handbook, ASTM International
• Totten, G. (2006). Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis
• Drexel, W.; Mang, T. (2017). Lubricants and Lubrication, 3rd Edition, Vol. 1, Wiley-VCH
• National Lubricating Grease Institute (1996). Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition
• Gresham R.; Totten, G. (2009). Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, CRC Press
• Bannister, K. (2007). Lubrication for Industry, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press
• Pirro, D.M.; Webster, M.; Daschner, E. (2016). Lubrication Fundamentals, 3rd Edition, CRC Press
• Toms, L.A.; Toms, A.M. (2008). Machinery Oil Analysis, 3rd Edition, STLE
• Gulati, R. (2009). Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Industrial Press
• Armstrong, P., Idhammar, T (editor) (2008). Maintenance Planning and Scheduling, IDCON, Inc.
• Palmer, D. (2013). Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill
• Wireman, T. (2015). Maintenance Work Management Processes, Volume 3, Reliability Web
• Fitch, J.; Troyer, D. (2010). Oil Analysis Basics, 2nd Edition, Noria Corporation
• Wireman, T. (2014). Operator-Driven Reliability, Volume 6, Reliability Web
• Mitchell, J.S. (2012). Physical Asset Management Handbook, 4th Edition, Reliability Web
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities - 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA
• Wireman, T. (2008). Preventive Maintenance, Volume 1, Industrial Press
• Idhammar, I; Et Al. (1992), Preventive Maintenance/Essential Care and Condition Monitoring, IDCON, Inc.
• Moubray, J. (1997). Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press
• Idhammar, C. (2006). Results Oriented Reliability and Maintenance Management, IDCON, Inc.
• Latino, M.A.; Latino, R.J.; Latino, K. (2011). Root Cause Analysis, 4th Edition, CRC Press
• Mobley, R.K. (1999). Root Cause Failure Analysis, Newnes
• Joel Levitt, J. (2009). The Handbook of Maintenance Management, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press
• AISE (2010). The Lubrication Engineers Manual, 4th Edition
• Scott, R.; Fitch, J.; Luegner, L. (2012). The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Corporation
• Wireman, T. (2010). Training Programs for Maintenance Organizations, Volume 5, Industrial Press
• EN 16646
• ICML 55
• ISO 55000 and ISO 22000 (International Organization for Standardization)
• Lubricant and Lubrication Product Procurement, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• Why Lubricant Supply Contracts No Longer Go to the Lowest Bidder, Jim Fitch, Noria, July 2001
• How to Negotiate a Lubricant Supplier Agreement, Noria, July 2009
• Buyer Beware: Check New Lubricant Deliveries for Quality, Harold Matroni, Alcoa Mill Products, Sept. 2006
• How Lubricant Suppliers Impact Machine Reliability, Noria, Dec. 2013
• 40 Helpful Guidelines for Purchasing Lubricants, Ken Brown, Utility Service Associates, July 2007
• Why You Should Sample and Test New Oil, Noria, Oct. 2013
• Should New Lubricant Deliveries be Tested?, Jim Fitch, Noria, March 2003

• Lubricant Selection, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• Selecting Lubricants Based on Specifications, Alejandro Meza, Noria, Feb. 2016
• Understanding the Changing Requirements for Food-grade Lubricants, Loren Green, Noria, Oct. 2017
• Lubricant Consolidation, Jim Fitch, Noria, May 2011
• How to Determine Grease Compatibility and Why It's Important, Rich Wurzbach, MRG Labs, Feb. 2017
• Hazards of Changing Lubricant Brands, Jim Fitch, Noria, Dec. 2012
• Advantages of Using Lube Identification Tags, Wes Cash, Noria, April 2015

• Lubricant Storage and Handling, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• Lube Room Essentials and Best Practices, Noria
• Oil Storage, Handling and Decontamination Can Decide Program Fate, Stephen Sumerlin, Noria, Jan. 2011
• Designing the Optimum Lubricant Storeroom, Noria, July 2001
• 10 Ways to Improve Lubricant Storage and Handling, Stephen Sumerlin, Noria, March 2011
• Advantages of Using Lube Identification Tags, Wes Cash, Noria, April 2015
• The Ins and Outs of Lubricant Storage Regulations, Garrett Bapp, Noria, Oct. 2015
• Best Practices for Lubricant Storage and Handling, Frank Godin, EMA Canada, July 1999
• Retooling Your Lubricant Storage and Handling Equipment, Gerry Looman, IFH Group Inc., Jan. 2002
• Bulk Lubricant Storage and Handling, Jim Fitch, Noria, Sept. 2004
• Bulk Lubricant Storage, Noria, July 2006
• Prevent Additive Settling in Stored Oil, Noria
• Look Both Ways Before Lubricating That Machine!, Stephen Sumerlin, Noria, Nov. 2010
• Ban the Can: Sealable, Reusable Oil Containers Are Smarter Option, Jim Fitch, Noria, March 2010
• When and How to Clean a Sealable, Reusable Container, Noria, April 2012
• Lubricant Storage - Don't Miss Your Opportunities to Improve, Noria, May 2010
• Best Practices for Topping up Small Sumps and Reservoirs, Garrett Bapp, Noria, June 2017
• When to Use Hard-pipe Lubricant Dispensing, Wes Cash, Noria, April 2013

• Lubricant Waste and Disposal, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• How to Manage Lubricant Waste and Disposal, Wes Cash, Noria, April 2014
• The Global Impact of ISO 14001, Hugh Lundin, Noria UK, July 2003
• Managing Used Oil, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sept. 2004

• Lubrication Maintenance Tasks and Tools, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• The Dangers of Overgreasing, Noria, Nov. 2011
• Manage the Leakage or Manage the Machine, Noria, Nov. 2007
• Strategies to Achieve and Sustain Dry Oil, Jim Fitch, Noria, May 2009
• Controlling Gearbox Contamination, Martin Williamson, Jan. 2002
• Selecting the Best Strategies for a Successful Oil Flush, Jim Fitch, Noria, Sept. 2004
• 11 Tactics for a Strategic Oil Flushing Program, Jim Fitch, Noria, July 2004
• Electric Motor Bearing Greasing and Lubrication, Noria, Nov. 2007
• Anatomy of a Grease Gun, Bennett Fitch, Noria, April 2013
• Best Practices for Topping up Small Sumps and Reservoirs, Garrett Bapp, Noria, June 2017
• 10 Ways to Improve Lubricant Storage and Handling, Stephen Sumerlin, Noria, March 2011
• Ban the Can: Sealable, Reusable Oil Containers are Smarter Option, Jim Fitch, Noria, March 2010

• Lubrication Program and Reliability Metrics, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles (or from other magazines where noted):

• How to Measure Lubrication Program Success, Jeremy Wright, Noria, Oct. 2014
• Does lubrication belong in the CMMS?, Noria (in "Reliable Plant")
• Olé! Rallying for a New Lubrication Performance Metric, Drew Troyer, July 2002
• How to Measure the Effectiveness of Condition Monitoring, Jim Fitch, Noria, Aug. 2017
• Measuring the Financial Impact of a Successful Lubrication Program, Jeremy Wright, Noria, Aug. 2016
• Think of OEE as overall business effectiveness, Drew Troyer (in "Reliable Plant")
• RONA and OEE, Tom O'Reilly (in "Reliable Plant")
• Understanding overall equipment effectiveness, Carl Wright (in "Reliable Plant")
• The Power of Maintenance KPIs, Darrin Clark, ArcelorMittal USA (in "Reliable Plant")
• The what, why, how of wrench time, Doc Palmer (in "Reliable Plant")
• Planned maintenance hours: What's a good total?, Doc Palmer (in "Reliable Plant")

• Lubrication Program Safety, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• Grease Gun Safety - How to Protect Against Accidents - New Zealand Dept. of Labour, Sept. 2003
• How to Operate a Grease Gun Safely - Jerry Shew, Alemite, Feb. 2014
• Are Lubricants Hazardous to Your Health? - Noria, Oct. 2017
• Take a Plant Safety Approach to Your Lubrication Efforts - Noria, July 2010
• Microbial Contamination of Turbine Lube Oil Systems - Richard Winslow, Paciforp - Naughton Plant, Nov. 2004
• Managing the Health of Fire Resistant Steam Turbine Electrohydraulic (EHC) Control Oils - Ken Brown, Utility Service Associates, May 2001

• Lubrication Requirements for Standby and Stored Machinery, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• Protection of Equipment During Storage, Standby and Decommissioning, Heinz P. Bloch, Process Machinery Consulting, Jan. 2003
• Standby Equipment - Dealing with Oil Without Legs, Jim Fitch, Noria, July 2005
• Oil Mist Lubrication - How to Preserve Equipment, Douglas Branham, Lubrication Systems Co., Nov. 2004
• How Oil Quality Changes During Startup, Craig Jennings, TRI Transmission & Bearing Corp., Oct. 2013
• How to Combat Break-in Wear, Wes Cash, Noria, Feb. 2014
• Developing Commissioning Procedures for Hydraulic Equipment, Brendan Casey, Noria, Nov. 2005

• Methods for Extending Lubricant Service Life, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles (or from other magazines where noted):

• Options for Removing Water in Oil, Martin Williamson (in "Practicing Oil Analysis," July 2003)
• Strategies to Achieve and Sustain Dry Oil, Jim Fitch, Noria, May 2009
• Tricks and Traps of Oil Reclamation, Simon Norton, Rose Foundation, Nov. 2001
• Contamination Control for Extending Fluid Service Life, Puliyur Madhavan & Neal C. Werner, Pall Corporation (in "Practicing Oil Analysis," March 2005)
• Vacuum Distillation for the Removal of Water and Other Volatile Contaminants, Jim Fitch, Noria (in "Practicing Oil Analysis," March 2001)
• Managing Industrial Oil - Oil Life Extension and Recycling, Donald Smolenski, General Motors, Nov. 2005
• Turbine Oil Reclamation and Refortification, Robert W. Bowden & William H. Stein, Shell, July 2004
• Effective Varnish Removal from Turbine Lubrication Systems, Khalid Farooq, Pall Corporation, Aug. 2012
• The Varnish Issue: Strategies for Successful Monitoring and Acceptable Levels, Andy Sitton & Thanant Sirisithichote, Focuslab, June 2014
• Best Strategies for Managing Varnish, Bryan Johnson, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, April 2013

• Modifying Machinery for Proper Lubrication, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• Oil Mist-lubricated Pumps and Electric Motors, Chris Rehman & Heinz P. Bloch, AESSEAL Inc., May 2006
• Guidelines for Oil Mist Lubrication, Michael Khonsari, Louisiana State University, & E.R. Booser, Engineering Consultant, Sept. 2005
• Automated Lubrication - Benefits and Design Options, Wayne Mitchell, Lincoln, May 2001
• Centralized Lubrication Systems Product Guide, Steve Cartwright, LubriSource, Inc., July 2002
• Constant-level Oilers, Carolyn Boldt, Oil-Rite Corporation, Nov. 2005
• Add Oil Circulation to Gear and Bearing Sumps for Greater Reliability, Jim Fitch, Noria, Aug. 2013
• How to Spec a Filter Cart, Noria, Jan. 2009
• Tank and Reservoir Level Management, Martin Williamson, Sept. 2002
• Proper Headspace Management Starts with the Right Breather Option, Stephen Sumerlin, Noria, Sept. 2010
• Labyrinth Seals and Lip Seals: An Economic Comparison, Heinz P. Bloch, Process Machinery Consulting, Sept. 2006
• Reducing Gearbox Oil Contamination Levels, Matt Spurlock, Noria
• Strategies to Achieve and Sustain Dry Oil, Jim Fitch, Noria, May 2009
• How Desiccant Breathers Control Contamination, Wes Cash, Noria, Feb. 2012
• Anatomy of a Grease Gun, Bennett Fitch, Noria, April 2013
• The Basics of Used Oil Sampling, Jim Fitch & Drew Troyer, Noria, Sept. 2004
• Getting Machines to the Proper State of Inspection Readiness, Jim Fitch, Noria, Oct. 2016
• Advantages of Using Lube Identification Tags, Wes Cash, Noria, April 2015
• Best Practices for Oil Mist Systems, Noria

• Training and Skill Requirements for Lubrication Programs, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria. This booklet draws from these "Machinery Lubrication Magazine" articles:

• To Become World Class, Your Facility Needs a Lubrication Skill Development Program, Noria, Sept. 2010
• Lubrication as a Profession, Jim Fitch, Noria, March 2004
• Develop a Corporate Education Master Plan, Jim Fitch, Noria, Oct. 2014
• Training Strategies to Control Contamination, Loren Green, Noria, June 2017
• Elevating the Status of Lubrication Personnel, Tom Hiatt & Wayne Ferguson, Eli Lilly and Company, Sept. 2007
• Education is Key to Get the Most From a Lubrication Program, Jeremy Wright, Noria, April 2012
• The Changing Roles of Lubrication Experts, Noria, Dec. 2014

The MLE Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the MLE Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 3 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

Selection of Lubricants

• Oversees the selection and performance specifications of all lubricants for each machine, assisted by the lubrication engineer, equipment OEMs and lubricant suppliers
• Establishes grease vs. oil guidelines
• Ensures lubricants are optimally selected with respect to cost, wear control, energy conservation, safety, quality and environmental factors
• Ensures that lubricants are compatible with the machine, process fluids and work environment
• Writes lubricant standards for all lubricant products
• Implements a lubricant consolidation strategy
• Is a member of the buying team for selection of lubricant supplier(s)

Selection of Lubrication Equipment

• Selects oil mist, single-point, centralized (multipoint) and other automatic lubrication equipment for grease and oil
• Selects oil level control devices
• Selects sight glasses and BS&W bowls
• Selects top-up containers and fill port hardware
• Selects lubricant dispensing equipment
• Selects grease fittings, tags and grease guns
• Selects storage room tools and equipment

Selection of Contamination Control Products

• Defines fluid cleanliness and dryness targets
• Selects filter suppliers, filters types and performance specs
• Verifies that lubricants and additives are compatible with filters and separators
• Selects breathers and headspace management equipment
• Selects oil reclamation equipment and/or service providers
• Selects filter carts and off-line filtration equipment
• Selects lubricant heaters and coolers
• Selects sump reservoir flushing and cleaning equipment and/or service providers

Management of Lubrication Suppliers and Service Providers

• Oversees quality, service and support provided by all vendors and jobbers for lubricants, filters, lubrication hardware, lubricant disposal services, oil reclamation services, oil analysis services, software and other independent service providers
• Identifies procedures for receiving inspection of incoming products (including lubricants) and noncomplying conditions
• Establishes lubrication and contamination control guidelines associated with equipment rebuilders (engines, motors, pumps, gearboxes, etc.)
• Sets up a supplier performance tracking program
• Routinely communicates supplier performance to purchasing, engineering and management

Lubrication PMs and Work Order Management

• Oversees the writing and scheduling of routine lubrication PMs consistent with best practice for each machine including jobs pertaining to oil changes, top-ups, grease gun routes, filter changes and lubrication inspections
• Oversees staffing and performance of lubrication work orders and other related unscheduled activities

Lubrication Procedures

Writes specific lubrication procedures consistent with best practice for various tasks (scheduled PMs and routine work orders) including:

• Tank/sump flushing and cleaning
• Oil drain interval and criteria (interval-based or condition- based)
• Top-up procedures
• Grease gun calibration
• Handling and storage practices
• Machine inspections
• Contamination control
• Filter changes and used filter inspection
• Grease gun operation (including how much and how often)

Lubricant Handling, Storage, Consumption and Conservation

• Oversees all lubricant storage room activities and equipment including layout, lube container selection, transfer equipment, pumps and tools, ventilation, funnels and hoses, safety equipment and procedures, housekeeping standards, training, record keeping, etc.
• Responsible for management of lubricant inventories, reorder points, stock rotation, setting of expiration dates, product labeling and incoming delivery inspections.
• Responsible for tracking and management of lubricant consumption including leakage control
• Establishes lubricant consumption strategies
• Responsible for environmental conservation practices including best practices in waste oil and used-filter disposal

New Machinery Specifications and Commissioning

Develops lubrication-related specifications for new machinery, including:

• Identification of all lubrication points, lubricant type, procedure and frequency of relubrication
• Installation of sampling ports and procedure
• Set up of oil analysis testing requirements by machine
• Breathers and vents selection
• Filtration equipment selection
• Level gauges and sight glasses selection
• Flushing ports and quick-connects selection
• Selects specs for reservoir construction, size, baffles and diffusers
• Initial cleanliness/dryness targets
• Training of lubrication technicians on proper PMs and inspections
• Participates in the commissioning of new equipment during break-in and installation of lubrication hardware.

Outage and Shutdown Activities

• Assists in providing inspections related to lubrication (tanks, gears, bearings, etc.) during outages and shutdowns
• Participates in outage/shutdown planning and work-order scheduling activities

Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Management

• Ensures that machines are lubricated in accordance with OEM warranties
• Ensures that lubricant warranties are not violated by noncompliant maintenance practices
• Ensures that warranty claims are submitted for defective lubricants and lubrication equipment
• Ensures that all lubricants and lubrication practices (including storage, containment and disposal) are in compliance with relevant government agencies and industry and standards organizations, including ISO, EPA, API, NRC and NSF

Manpower Planning, Administration, Staff Training and Certification

• Writes job descriptions, defines job skills (skill standards) and defines certification requirements for maintenance employees or onsite contractor personnel working as lubrication technicians, lubricant analysts, lubrication engineers, etc.
• Manages all lubrication and oil analysis direct line reports and job responsibilities, including onsite contractor personnel
• Conducts quarterly skill development workshops for lubrication technicians and analysts
• Selects and schedules onsite training programs relating to oil analysis, failure analysis, troubleshooting, lubrication best practices and contamination control

Lubrication Information Management

• Supports the selection and management of lubrication software and other information technology products/ processes including data entry, oil analysis software, PdM software, lubrication scheduling software and related CMMS modules

Oil Analysis Coordination

• Selects oil analysis laboratory
• Selects onsite oil analysis instruments
• Selects oil analysis software and report format
• Identifies when, how and where samples will be obtained
• Selects routine oil analysis test slate for each machine
• Sets oil analysis alarms and condemning limits
• Defines exception tests and criteria
• Defines additive reconstruction strategies
• Performs/coordinates laboratory quality assurance tests
• Provides data integration and interface to other reliability technology activities including vibration, acoustics and thermography

Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Troubleshooting

• Participates in FMEA and reliability centered maintenance (RCM) planning initiatives
• Participates in RCFA activities relating to failures of grease or oil-lubricated machinery
• Develops troubleshooting templates and fault trees for common machine conditions. Trains maintenance staff on their use

Management Reporting and Performance Metrics

• Defines overall lubrication program goals, budgets and plans
• Evaluates proposed lubrication capital expenditures using standard economic analysis methods
• Coordinates annual lubrication audits and benchmarking services
• Implements overall lubrication effectiveness (OLE) metrics and other key performance indicators
• Makes routine progress reports to management and maintenance staff

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Varnish and Deposit Prevention and Removal (VPR) certification is to verify that practitioners in the fields of lubricant management, reliability engineering and lube oil analysis as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Understand various modes of lubricant degradation and how it is related to the formation of lube-derived deposits in machines
• Understand the different types of contamination that may enter a lube oil system and how they may interact with the in-service oil to accelerate degradation and/or increase lube oil deposits
• Understand proactive methods to reduce the degree of degradation that may occur in a lube oil system
• Understand the various technologies that may be deployed to remove oil degradation products and mitigate deposits
• Evaluate a system varnish condition and determine the best technology or combination of technologies to prevent and remove varnish
• Understand and specify the proper steps to set up and install an effective varnish removal system

Common job titles for the individual who would become Varnish and Deposit Prevention certified include Reliability Engineer, Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, Root Cause Analysis Specialist, Filtration Specialist, Lube Distributor, Lube Sales, Laboratory Technician, Research Technologist, Data Analyst, etc. Generally, this individual is involved in all aspects of either managing or advising a lubricant program and has responsibility for recommending, selling or installing appropriate deposit control equipment or other deposit mitigation strategies. As such, a basic understanding of machinery lubrication, contamination control and machinery maintenance is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The VPR has 25 multiple choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have 45 minutes to complete the exam.
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers.

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must hold either MLA I or MLT I certifications OR have a minimum of 1 year of experience with industrial lubricants and the knowledge base of the Varnish and Deposit Prevention and Removal Body of Knowledge.
• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 25-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have 45 minutes to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the VPR Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's VPR Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

The Varnish and Deposit Prevention and Removal is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Body of Knowledge below:

1. Problems Associated with Varnish and Deposits (20%)

1. Flow restriction, starvation and filter plugging
2. Restricted movement, stiction and silt lock
3. Increased friction and effect on efficiency
4. Impaired heat transfer
5. Bearing operation
6. Need to flush
7. Accelerated lubricant degradation
8. Lubricant performance properties

2. Factors Affecting Breakdown (28%)

1. Effect of base fluid on breakdown and deposit formation

1. Groups I - IV more prone to oxidation

1. Very non-polar - lower relative saturation point

2. Group V prone to hydrolysis (esters), thermal degradation (PAGs) and oxidation (limited discussion)

1. Relatively polar - higher relative saturation point

3. Additive Selection

1. Amine antioxidants, phenol antioxidants and antiwear additives
2. Additive synergy and anti-synergy

2. Contamination

1. Catalysis by acids or wear metals (cupric surfaces, babbitt etc.)
2. Impact of water
3. Process chemicals (H2S, process gases, H2, He etc.)
4. Intermixing of oils (poor maintenance, leakage etc.)

3. Temperature

1. Arrhenius law
2. High temperature excursions (microdieseling, electrostatic discharge etc.)
3. Oxidation of base-stock and additives
4. Additive drop out
5. Oil base-stock phase separation

3. Proactive Methods that can be used to Minimize Oil Breakdown (16%)

1. Keep temperature down during service and storage
2. Keep oil clean and dry
3. Use thermally/oxidatively-robust formulations
4. Use oils with high impurity-holding capacity (IHC)
5. Nitrogen blanketing (creates potential for entrained gas/nitration)
6. Antioxidant additives

1. Spent additives can actually contribute to deposits

7. Controlling aeration and foam
8. Controlling electrostatic discharge
9. Maintaining optimum fluid health

4. Methods/Technologies that can be used to Remove Oil Breakdown Products and/orPrevent Deposits (36%)

1. Particulate filtration (pros and cons)
2. Electrostatic precipitation and agglomeration. (pros and cons)
3. Centrifugal separation (pros and cons)
4. Ion exchange resins (pros and cons)
5. Oil soluble PAGs (pros and cons)
6. Chemical flush (pros and cons)
7. Detergents and solvents (pros and cons)
8. Solubility Enhancers (pros and cons)
9. Spark-free/antistatic filters

• Fuchs, G. H., Diamond, H., "Oxidation Characteristics of Lubricating Oils," Ind. Eng. Chem., 1942, 34, 927
• Fitch, J.C. "Using Oil Analysis to Control Varnish and Sludge," Machinery Lubrication magazine, http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/59/oil-analysis-varnish
• Sasaki, A. "Hydraulic Valve Problems caused by Oil Oxidation Products," Hydraulic Failure Analysis: Fluids, Components, and System Effects, ASTM STP 1339, G. E. Totten, D. K. Wills and D. Feldmann, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 2001
• Yamaguchi, T., Kawaura, S., Honda, T., Ueda, T., Iwai, Y., Sasaki, A, "Investigation of Oil Contamination by Colorimetric Analysis,", STLE 2001, San Francisco, California, USA
• Johnson, M., Livingstone, G. "Identifying varnish and oxidation precursors in lubricant sumps" Tribology & Lubrication Technology, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, April 2001, Pages 22-27
• A. Yano, S. Watanabe, Y. Miyazaki, MHI Ltd, Y. Yamamoto, Kyushu University - "Study on Sludge Formation during the Oxidation Process of Turbine oils" - Tribology Transactions, 47, 111-122, 2004, Presented at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference, October 2003, Florida
• Livingstone, G., Thompson, B., Okazaki, M. "Physical, Performance and Chemical Changes in Turbine Oils from Oxidation" Journal of ASTM International, Vol. 4, No. 1, Paper ID JAI100465, ASTM Symposium on Oxidation and Testing of Turbine Oils on 5-8 December 2005
• Fitch, J. and Gebarin, S., "Review of Degradation Mechanisms Leading to Sludge and Varnish in Modern Turbine Oil Formulations," Journal of ASTM International, Vol. 3, No. 8, 2006, pp. 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1520/JAI13504. ISSN 1546-962
• Fitch, J.C. "What is your Oil's Impurity Holding Capacity," Machinery Lubrication Magazine. http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/889/oil-impurity
• Atherton, B., "Discovering the Root Cause of Varnish Formation," Machinery Lubrication, March 2007. https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/998/varnish-formation
• Moehle, W., Gatto, V., Wooton, D., Livingstone, G., "Practical Approaches to Controlling Sludge and Varnish in Turbine Oils", Proceedings for Lubrication Excellence, May 2007
• Gato, V., Moehle, W., Schneller, E.R, Cobb, T.W., - "The Relationship Between Oxidation and Antioxidant Depletion in Turbine Oil Formulations with Group II, III and IV Base Stocks," Journal of Synthetic Lubrication, April/June 2007, Volume 24, Issue 2, Pages 75-124
• Aguilar, M., Mazzamaro, G., Rasberger, M., "Oxidative Degradation and Stabilisation of Mineral Oil-Based Lubricants," Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Mortier, R. M., Fox, M. F., Orszulik, S. T. Eds., Springer, New York, 2010
• Hannon, J., "Vanquish Varnish to Improve Gas-Turbine Reliability," 2011 Outage Handbook - Lubricating/Control Oil, Combined Cycle Journal, 2011
• Livingstone, G., Ameye, J. "Selecting the Best Varnish Mitigation Technology based on the Application" 2011 Oildoc Conference. Rosenheim, Germany. February 2011
• Dufresne, P., Hobbs, M. G., MacInnis, G. "Lubricant Varnishing and Mitigation Strategies," Combined Cycle Journal, Fourth Quarter, 2013, 34
• Johnson, B., Livingstone, G., Wooton, D., "Root Cause Determination of an Unusual Chemical Deposit on a Key Oil Wetted Component" Proceedings for OilDoc 2013, Rosenheim, Germany
• Quick, L, Ameye, A., Livingstone, G., "Turbine Oils", Encyclopedia of Lubricants and Lubrication, Springer Publishing, 2014, pp 2183-2194
• Hobbs, M. G., Dufresne, P. "Varnish Mitigation: Relative Effectiveness of Non-Deposit-Forming Next Generation Lubricants vs. the Use of Varnish-Removal Filters with their Conventional Counterparts," LUBMAT 2016, Bilbao, Spain
• Hobbs, M. G., Dufresne, P., "Why Varnish Removal Fails: The Soluble-Insoluble Varnish Equilibrium," OilDoc 2017, Rosenheim, Germany
• Behyan, S., Hobbs, M. G., Kennehpohl, P., Dufresne, P., "Mechanisms of mineral oil-based lubricant degradation and aggregation: towards an understanding of varnish formation," STLE 2017 Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Hobbs, M. G., Dufresne, P., "What EHC Fluid Analysis Misses: Improved Phosphate Ester Maintenance Through Non-Routine Testing," STLE 2017 Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Wooton, D., Livingstone, G., "Analysis, Characterization and Sources of Varnish," Proceedings for Reliability World 2007, USA
• Wooton, D., Livingstone, G., "Lubricant Deposit Characterization," Oildoc Conference. Rosenheim, Germany. January 2013

The VPR Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Varnish and Deposit Prevention and Removal must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 6 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about topics related to lubrication varnish, such as, detection, formation, control, etc. May be a co-author.
• Training or Workshop: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the VPR certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the same individual, provided the points are applicable to and approved for each recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 2 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Commissioned flushing
• Identification and prevention of varnish-producing factors
• Development of lubricant formulations
• Development of lubricant specifications
• Lubricant testing (on varnish or related issues)
• Management of varnish and deposits removal programs
• Root cause analysis or deposit failure analysis
• Varnish and deposit prevention best practices
• Varnish and deposit problems identification and measurement prevention activities
• Varnish and deposit root cause analysis
• Varnish mitigation project

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Varnish and Deposit Identification and Measurement (VIM) certification is to verify that practitioners in the fields of lubricant management, reliability engineering and lube oil analysis as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance, are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Understand various modes of lubricant degradation and how it is related to the formation of lube-derived deposits in machines
• Understand the different types of contamination that may enter a lube oil system and how they may interact with the in-service oil to accelerate degradation and/or increase lube oil deposits
• Recommend suitable oil analysis tests that can determine the deposit tendencies of a fluid and how to enhance mitigation efforts depending upon the application
• Utilize analysis results to determine the severity and priority of corrective and proactive actions to support equipment reliability
• Utilize analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation efforts, and to revise approaches to achieve success

Common job titles for the individual who would become Varnish and Deposit Prevention certified include Reliability Engineer, Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, Root Cause Analysis Specialist, Filtration Specialist, Lube Distributor, Lube Sales, Laboratory Technician, Research Technologist, Data Analyst, etc. Generally, this individual is involved in all aspects of either managing or advising a lubricant program and has responsibility for specifying appropriate lubricant analysis tests for systems that are subject to varnish and deposit generation and determining strategies for preventing their formation. As such, a basic understanding of machinery lubrication, contamination control and machinery maintenance is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The VIM has 25 multiple choice questions.
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have 45 minutes to complete the exam.
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers.

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must hold either MLA I or MLT I certifications OR have a minimum of 1 year of experience with industrial lubricants and the knowledge base of the Varnish and Deposit Identification and Measurement Body of Knowledge.
• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 25-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have 45 minutes to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the VIM Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's VIM Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

The Varnish and Deposit Identification and Measurement is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Body of Knowledge below:

1. Problems Associated with Varnish and Deposits (20%)

1. Flow restriction, starvation and filter plugging
2. Restricted movement, stiction and silt lock
3. Increased friction and effect on efficiency
4. Impaired heat transfer
5. Bearing operation
6. Need to flush
7. Accelerated lubricant degradation
8. Lubricant performance properties

2. Varnish and Deposit Composition (24%)

1. Lubricant Breakdown Products

1. Oxidation overview

1. Mechanism and breakdown products (discuss for base oils and additives)
2. Nitration

2. Hydrolysis overview

1. Mechanism and breakdown products (discuss for base oils and additives)

3. Thermolysis overview

1. Mechanism and breakdown products

• Adiabatic gas compression (including dieseling)
• Hot wall carbonization (coking and inorganic deposits)
• Electrostatic discharge (coking)
• Bulk thermal degradation
• Combustion from engines

2. Contamination

1. Coolants
2. Process chemicals
3. Combustion product/gas blow-by (soot etc.)
4. Cross-contamination (incompatible lubricants, additive precipitation)
5. Vapor phase inhibitor
6. Leached metals
7. NOX Ingression (compressor applications)

3. Radiological contamination in nuclear plants

3. How Breakdown Products/ContaminantsBecome Deposits (24%)

1. Solubility of breakdown products

1. Laws of solubility
2. Polarity.
3. Effect of temperature
4. Micelle (CMC)
5. Agglomeration
6. Soluble - insoluble equilibria, saturation and impurity-holding capacity (IHC)

4. Oil Analysis Techniques that can be used to Gauge Breakdown and Propensity Towards Deposit Formation (32%)

1. MPC Varnish Potential

1. Test description
2. Importance of sample preparation (omit light, heat 24 hours, incubate 72 hours)
3. Case Studies

2. Acid Number

1. Detects oxidation products and hydrolysis products (esters)
2. Varnish precursor and promoter of accelerated breakdown
3. Decrease may indicate additive depletion (spent additives may lead to deposits)

3. FTIR

1. Detects oxidation products (varnish precursors)
2. Soot
3. Nitration
4. Sulfation
5. Oxidation
6. Additive Depletion

4. RULER

1. Quick evaluation of remaining antioxidant package

5. TOST/RPVOT
6. ISO 4406

1. soft particle detection

7. Panel coker test
8. Ultracentrifuge
9. Blotter spot test
10. Sample physical inspection
11. Inspection methods
12. OOT/OIT (oxidation onset and induction temperature)
13. Noack volatility

• Fuchs, G. H., Diamond, H., "Oxidation Characteristics of Lubricating Oils," Ind. Eng. Chem., 1942, 34, 927
• Fitch, J.C. "Using Oil Analysis to Control Varnish and Sludge," Machinery Lubrication magazine, http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/59/oil-analysis-varnish
• Sasaki, A. "Hydraulic Valve Problems caused by Oil Oxidation Products," Hydraulic Failure Analysis: Fluids, Components, and System Effects, ASTM STP 1339, G. E. Totten, D. K. Wills and D. Feldmann, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 2001
• Yamaguchi, T., Kawaura, S., Honda, T., Ueda, T., Iwai, Y., Sasaki, A, "Investigation of Oil Contamination by Colorimetric Analysis,", STLE 2001, San Francisco, California, USA
• Johnson, M., Livingstone, G. "Identifying varnish and oxidation precursors in lubricant sumps" Tribology & Lubrication Technology, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, April 2001, Pages 22-27
• A. Yano, S. Watanabe, Y. Miyazaki, MHI Ltd, Y. Yamamoto, Kyushu University - "Study on Sludge Formation during the Oxidation Process of Turbine oils" - Tribology Transactions, 47, 111-122, 2004, Presented at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference, October 2003, Florida
• Livingstone, G., Thompson, B., Okazaki, M. "Physical, Performance and Chemical Changes in Turbine Oils from Oxidation" Journal of ASTM International, Vol. 4, No. 1, Paper ID JAI100465, ASTM Symposium on Oxidation and Testing of Turbine Oils on 5-8 December 2005
• Fitch, J. and Gebarin, S., "Review of Degradation Mechanisms Leading to Sludge and Varnish in Modern Turbine Oil Formulations," Journal of ASTM International, Vol. 3, No. 8, 2006, pp. 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1520/JAI13504. ISSN 1546-962
• Fitch, J.C. "What is your Oil's Impurity Holding Capacity," Machinery Lubrication Magazine. http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/889/oil-impurity
• Atherton, B., "Discovering the Root Cause of Varnish Formation," Machinery Lubrication, March 2007. https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/998/varnish-formation
• Moehle, W., Gatto, V., Wooton, D., Livingstone, G., "Practical Approaches to Controlling Sludge and Varnish in Turbine Oils", Proceedings for Lubrication Excellence, May 2007
• Gato, V., Moehle, W., Schneller, E.R, Cobb, T.W., - "The Relationship Between Oxidation and Antioxidant Depletion in Turbine Oil Formulations with Group II, III and IV Base Stocks," Journal of Synthetic Lubrication, April/June 2007, Volume 24, Issue 2, Pages 75-124
• Aguilar, M., Mazzamaro, G., Rasberger, M., "Oxidative Degradation and Stabilisation of Mineral Oil-Based Lubricants," Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Mortier, R. M., Fox, M. F., Orszulik, S. T. Eds., Springer, New York, 2010
• Hannon, J., "Vanquish Varnish to Improve Gas-Turbine Reliability," 2011 Outage Handbook - Lubricating/Control Oil, Combined Cycle Journal, 2011
• Livingstone, G., Ameye, J. "Selecting the Best Varnish Mitigation Technology based on the Application" 2011 Oildoc Conference. Rosenheim, Germany. February 2011
• Dufresne, P., Hobbs, M. G., MacInnis, G. "Lubricant Varnishing and Mitigation Strategies," Combined Cycle Journal, Fourth Quarter, 2013, 34
• Johnson, B., Livingstone, G., Wooton, D., "Root Cause Determination of an Unusual Chemical Deposit on a Key Oil Wetted Component" Proceedings for OilDoc 2013, Rosenheim, Germany
• Quick, L, Ameye, A., Livingstone, G., "Turbine Oils", Encyclopedia of Lubricants and Lubrication, Springer Publishing, 2014, pp 2183-2194
• Hobbs, M. G., Dufresne, P. "Varnish Mitigation: Relative Effectiveness of Non-Deposit-Forming Next Generation Lubricants vs. the Use of Varnish-Removal Filters with their Conventional Counterparts," LUBMAT 2016, Bilbao, Spain
• Hobbs, M. G., Dufresne, P., "Why Varnish Removal Fails: The Soluble-Insoluble Varnish Equilibrium," OilDoc 2017, Rosenheim, Germany
• Behyan, S., Hobbs, M. G., Kennehpohl, P., Dufresne, P., "Mechanisms of mineral oil-based lubricant degradation and aggregation: towards an understanding of varnish formation," STLE 2017 Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Hobbs, M. G., Dufresne, P., "What EHC Fluid Analysis Misses: Improved Phosphate Ester Maintenance Through Non-Routine Testing," STLE 2017 Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Wooton, D., Livingstone, G., "Analysis, Characterization and Sources of Varnish," Proceedings for Reliability World 2007, USA
• Wooton, D., Livingstone, G., "Lubricant Deposit Characterization," Oildoc Conference. Rosenheim, Germany. January 2013

The VIM Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Varnish and Deposit Identification and Measurement must recertify their competency every three years. The purpose for recertification is to ensure that certified individuals keep their skills current and up-to-date. Recertification must be achieved by a points system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 6 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about topics related to lubrication varnish, such as, detection, formation, control, etc. May be a co-author.
• Training or Workshop: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the VIM Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 2 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Commissioned flushing
• Identification and prevention of varnish-producing contamination and breakdown products
• Development of lubricant formulation
• Development of lubricant specification
• Lubricant testing (on varnish or related issues)
• Management of varnish and deposits control programs
• Root cause analysis or deposit failure analysis
• Varnish and deposit identification best practices
• Varnish and deposit identification and measurement prevention activities
• Varnish and deposit root cause analysis
• Varnish mitigation project

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for the Food Processing Lubrication (FPL) badge is to verify that lubrication practitioners in the food/Pharma industry are qualified to perform the following tasks:

• Identify common food-grade lubricants characteristics and traits
• Understand where the use of different levels of rated lubricants are required
• Apply lubricants in a manner that is conducive to food safety while maintaining and ensuring reliable operation of equipment
• Understand the regulator requirements associated with application of Food grade greases
• Understand documentation requirements associated with application of Food grade greases
• Comply with local, state, and federal (FSMA) (and international or locally applicable) regulations regarding the use and application of lubricants used in and around food processing equipment
• Select the appropriate lubricant for the environment the equipment is operating in inspection and analysis for lubrication effectiveness

Common job titles for the individual who would become Food Processing Lubrication certified include Lubrication Technician, Reliability Technician, Reliability Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Lead, Maintenance Technician, Equipment Operator, Operations Manager, Operations Supervisor, Operations Lead, Quality Assurance Technician, Reliability/Maintenance Engineer, and Maintenance Craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The FPL examination has 25 multiple choice questions.
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have 45 minutes to complete the exam.
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers.

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates must hold either MLA I or MLT I certifications OR have a minimum of 1 year of experience with industrial lubricants and the knowledge base of the Food Processing Lubrication Body of Knowledge.
• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 25-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have 45 minutes to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the FPL Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's FPL Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

The Food Processing Lubrication is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam.

References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Body of Knowledge below:

1. Food Grade Lubricants Selection (16%)

1. Base Oils
2. Additives
3. Thickeners
4. Classifications

1. H1 etc.
2. Non-Food Grade Lubricant Use

2. Food Processing Regulations (16%)

1. FSMA
2. HACCP
3. ISO
4. FDA
5. NSF
6. ELGI/EHEDG

3. Lubricant Application (24%)

1. Bearings
2. Gearing
3. Motors
4. Compressors
5. Chains
6. Hydraulics
7. Conveyors
8. Direct contact (hooks, pan release, etc.)

4. Contamination Control (24%)

1. Lubrication Degradation

1. Water contamination
2. Particle contamination
3. Microbial contamination
4. Lubricant shelf life
5. Heat related oxidation, resulting from Clean-in-place (CIP) and Steam-in-place (SIP)

2. Equipment Modifications

1. Caustic/Sanitation
2. Particle contamination

5. Equipment and Field Inspections (20%)

1. Inspections for leakage, debris
2. Lubricant analysis as an inspection tool
3. Detecting lubricant mixing
4. Detecting food in lubricant
5. Detecting lubricant in food
6. Detecting microbial contamination

• 21CFR172.878
• 21CFR172.882
• 21CFR178.3620
• 21CFR178.3570
• 21CFR182
• Bannister K., "Do lubricants have a shelf Life?" The RAM Review E-zine 2021
• Bannister K., "Eliminate Contamination: A Two-Part Strategy" The RAM Review E-zine 2021
• Bannister K., "Clean Oil: Shopping for an Environmentally Friendly Lubricant", MRO Food & Beverage Engineering and Maintenance Magazine, 2017
• Bannister K, "Keeping Hydraulic Fluids Contamination Free", Efficient Plant, 2015
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K. (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, - 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA

• Chapter 6 Food Grade and "Environment Friendly" Lubricants, pp 97 - 108
• Chapter 19 Lube Oil Contamination, Filtration and On-Stream Purification Control, pp 433 - 445

• Cash, W., "Understanding the Changing Requirements for Food-grade Lubricants", Machinery Lubrication magazine
• Gebarin, S. "The Basics of Food-grade Lubricants", Machinery Lubrication magazine
• GLOBAL STANDARD FOOD SAFETY ISSUE 7, "An Introduction to Best-Practice Lubrication Procedures in the Food Industry"
• Guenther, M. "Understanding the Basics of Food-Grade Grease Selection", Reliability Matters, Chesterton
• Housel, T., & Murphy, S. Food Grade High Temperature Grease, NLGI
• ISO 21469:2006 Safety of machinery - Lubricants with incidental product contact - Hygiene requirements
• Judge, D., "Switching to Food-grade Lubricants", Shell Lubricants
• Lawate, S., (2017) Lubricant Additives, 3rd Third Edition, Chapter "Lubricants and Fluids for the Food Industry", CRC Press
• LUBCON, "High Performance H1 Food Grade Lubricants"
• Mackwood, W., "The Next Generation Food Machinery Grease 10 Years On", NLGI
• Noria Media, "The Basics: Food Processing Lubrication" Machinery Lubrication Magazine, 2022
• NSF, "What Makes a Lubricant a Food-Grade Lubricant"
• Raab, M., & Lesinski, D., "Optimizing Food Plant Efficiency and Safety", Anderol
• Royde, R., "Kosher certification for food grade lubricants", Manchester Beis Din
• Scott, R., Fitch, J., & Leugner, L. (2012) The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• Sumerlin, S., "Food-grade Lubricants and Their Place in the HACCP Program", Machinery Lubrication magazine
• Troyer, D., & Fitch, J. (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• Tocci, L., "Rumbles in Food-grade Lubes", Lubes'n'Greases magazine
• Williamson, M. "Food-Grade Lubricants Explained", Machinery Lubrication magazine

The PFL Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Individuals certified as Food Processing Lubrication must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 6 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics involving food-grade lubricants.
• Employment: Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceedings, etc.) and presentations about topics related to food-grade lubricants. May be a co-author.
• Training or Workshop: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics involving food-grade lubricants.

All points must be earned while the FPL Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 2 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Development of lubrication procedures and best practices
• Food safety audits and compliance checks
• Lubrication-related failure elimination and/or prevention activities
• Participation in a food processing audit or "supplier verification"
• Research and development of food-grade lubrication solutions
• Washdown-related failure elimination and/or prevention activities

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose of the General Lubrication Concepts (GLC) certification is to support operational team members in acquiring lubrication and oil sampling/analysis knowledge. Non-technical team members and business leaders may not have an adequate understanding of lubrication practices and related lubricant products. ICML recognizes the value of lubrication and lubricant knowledge for team members -from C-suite executives and middle management to administrative support across functions such as Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Manufacturing Planning, Procurement, Supply Chain (Storage and Distribution), and Accounting/Finance. Formalized training provides valuable perspective and supports understanding of the GLC concepts.

The GLC certification examination assesses and validates knowledge and understanding of:

• General lubrication theories as well as related maintenance strategies
• Lubricants of various types, including the proper selection of lubricants highlighting considerations associated with base oils, the use of additives and their respective application to optimized lubrication
• Lubricant application technique best practices, as well as failure related risks/consequences
• Lubricant sampling and analysis including sampling program development, sampling execution, and various test results interpretation available to support effective lubricant condition-monitoring
• Contamination of lubricants - where and how lubricants can be contaminated and how lubricant contamination affects machines
• Means for controlling and reducing contamination levels and the profound impacts failure to act can have on machine reliability
• Proper storage and handling of lubricants to minimize environmental, health and safety risks in addition to limiting waste and expiry issues based on poor inventory management

Common job titles of individuals pursuing the GLC certification may include: President, Vice-president, General Manager, Manager, Supervisor, Buyer/Purchaser, Inventory Planner, Business Development Manager, Sales Manager, Sales Representative, Marketing Manager, Marketing Analyst, Financial Analyst, Accountant, Bookkeeper, Accounting Clerk, Warehouse Manager, Warehouseman, Logistics Analyst, Learning Support Specialists, etc.

While these individuals may not have regular contact with machinery, they actively participate in supporting maintenance and reliability value-chain elements to include the selection, purchase, storage and condition-monitoring of lubricants and machinery. These individuals are likely to be serving in non-technical roles supporting a production environment. The GLC certified individual is better positioned to support maintenance and reliability best practices across their organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The GLC exam has 70 multiple choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have two (2) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the GLC Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's GLC Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

The GLC Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the certification examination. References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge.

1. Lubrication Theory (24%)

1. Why machines need lubrication

1. What mechanical equipment need lubrication
2. Lubrication regimes

1. Hydrodynamic, Elastohydrodynamic, Boundary, Mixed

3. Understand principal functions of lubricants

1. Reduce friction, limit wear, dissipate heat, seal against ingress of contaminants, carry away debris, prevent rust and corrosion, transmit power

4. Lubricant properties

1. Considerations in choosing lubricants

2. Maintenance Protocols

1. Condition-based monitoring
2. Run-to-failure, proactive, Predictive, etc.

3. Lubricant Properties

1. Viscosity, pour point, flash point, etc.

4. Industry terms, definitions

2. Lubricants & Lubricant Selection (34%)

1. Viscosity

1. What viscosity means

1. Speed, load, and temperature considerations to viscosity

2. Lubricant Types

1. Oils - liquid lubricants

1. Base Oils

1. Mineral vs Synthetic

2. Additives and their functions

2. Greases - semi-solid lubricants

1. Grease composition, properties, and applications

3. Solid lubricants

3. Lubricant Selection

1. Oil v. Grease v. Solid
2. Specific Lubricant Requirements

4. Health, Safety & Environmental considerations for lubricants

3. Lubricant Applications (6%)

1. Lubricant Dispensing and Application Methods
2. Relubrication and lubricant change out time interval determination

4. Lubricant Sampling/Analysis (10%)

1. Oil Sampling

1. Sampling techniques, processes and tools

2. Oil Analysis

1. Lubricant testing

5. Lubricant Condition Monitoring (16%)

1. Basics of Contamination Control

1. Contamination risks and impacts to machinery
2. Preventing/removing contamination

1. Ingression, filtration

2. Major Contaminants

1. Particles, water, air, chemicals, wear debris, etc.

1. Cross-contamination

6. Lubricant Storage Best Practices (10%)

1. Lubricant storage
2. Lubricant transportation and handling

1. Tools and Techniques for Transportation

1. To facility and on facility floor/to machinery
2. Cross-contamination risk mitigation

3. Lubricant identification systems

• Bannister, K. (2007) Lubrication for Industry, Industrial Press, Inc., New York, USA.
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K. (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, - 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA.
• Landsdown, A. (1996) Lubrication and Lubricant Selection. Mechanical Engineering Publication, Ltd., London, England, UK.
• Scott, R., Fitch J., & Leugner, L. (2012) The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• NLGI, (2017) Lubricating Grease Guide, 6th ed., The National Lubricating Grease Institute, Kansas City, MO USA
• Ludema, K. (1996) Friction, Wear, Lubrication: A Textbook in Tribology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
• Pirro, D. M., & Wessol, A. A. (2016) Lubrication Fundamentals, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• The Lubrication Engineer's Manual, (2010) Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• ASTM D4378, Standard Practice of In-Service Monitoring of Mineral Turbine Oils for Steam and Gas Turbines
• ASTM D6224, Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment
• Denis, J., J. Briant, & J. Hipeaux (2000) Lubricant Properties Analysis & Testing. Editions TECHNIP, Paris, France
• Toms, L.A., & Toms, A.M. (2008) Machinery Oil Analysis. Co-published by STLE, Park Ridge, Illinois, USA

The GLC Certification is valid for three (3) years from the date of issue. Individuals certified in General Lubrication Concepts (GLC) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 10 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a role supporting industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training or Workshop: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the GLC Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 2 additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Documented participation on cross-functional teams related to lubrication program development and execution. May include business development, marketing, sales and administrative tasks.
• Development support of lubricant-related work management systems, purchasing or the like
• Lubricant program auditing task (supply chain, financial, etc.) support.

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The Advanced Lubrication Concepts (ALC) certification is designed to support the knowledge and understanding of operational staff who require deeper, more comprehensive expertise in machinery lubrication and oil sampling/analysis to serve most effectively in their roles. Business leaders and select individual contributors without technical backgrounds benefit from a greater understanding of lubricants, machinery lubrication, and best practices for lubricant sampling and analysis. ICML recognizes that lubrication knowledge training and certification opportunities have historically been limited for non-technical team members-from C-suite executives and middle management to administrative support across functions such as Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Manufacturing Planning, Procurement, Supply Chain (Storage and Distribution), and Accounting/Finance. Formalized training provides valuable perspective and supports the development of a deeper understanding of ALC concepts.

The ALC certification examination assesses and validates the knowledge and understanding of:

• Lubrication strategies; lubricant types, functions and failure considerations
• Lubricant types and properties, including viscosity and performance characteristic changes based on operating conditions, additives, etc.
• Establishing/refining lubrication intervals, automated lubrication systems
• Lubricant sampling and analysis program development and refinement to maximize data density
• Contamination identification, impacts, and testing/diagnostic techniques
• Inventory management as well as environmental, health and safety (EHS) considerations

While individuals pursing the ALC certification may not have a technical training or experiential background - and may not routinely have direct contact with machinery or participate in sampling and testing processes - they have a direct, significant influence over, and often play critical roles in, the maintenance and reliability of business-critical assets. An ALC certified individual is better positioned to lead, support, and reinforce maintenance and reliability best practices across their organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The ALC examination has 70 multiple choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have two (2) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an interested individual must meet the following requirements:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates should exercise their judgment, along with input from instructors and/or employment supervisors, as they assess their proficiency and competence with respect to the ALC Body of Knowledge from an educational and experiential point of view. There are no specific requirements for on-the-job experience.

• Training:

OR

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the ALC Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's ALC Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

The ALC Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the certification examination. References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge.

1. Lubrication Strategies (16%)

1. What lubricants do and how they do it

1. Lubrication condition types: Hydrodynamic, Elastohydrodynamic, Boundary, Mixed

1. Lubricant film conditions
2. Choosing task-specific lubricant

2. Lubricant functions

1. Oil v. Grease
2. Maintaining cleanliness

2. Maintenance strategies

1. Cost/benefits of CBM, RTF, proactive, predictive, etc. approaches

3. Friction and wear
4. Failure analysis

2. Lubricants & Lubricant Selection (24%)

1. Lubricant properties

1. Types

1. Oil, Grease, Solid
2. Grades and applications

2. Viscosity impacts and changes

2. Additives

1. Types and specific applications
2. Additive depletion and replenishment

3. Lubricant Selection

1. Operating Conditions

1. Wear
2. Temperatures
3. Contamination

2. Wear and friction considerations

4. Health, Safety & Environmental

3. Lubricant Applications (10%)

1. Tools and techniques for lubrication application

1. Limiting risks of contaminant ingression

1. Automated application systems
2. Conditions influencing lubrication intervals

4. Lubricant Sampling/Analysis (24%)

1. Adjusting sampling frequency, establishing sample locations

1. Programs, processes and tools
2. Maximizing data density

2. Analysis

1. Submission details to support the laboratory analysis
2. Contamination identification

5. Lubricant Condition Monitoring (20%)

1. Contamination

1. Contamination impacts to lubricants/lubrication
2. Contaminant testing techniques
3. Identifying contamination

6. Lubricant Storage Best Practices (6%)

1. Lubricant handling systems, transfer processes and storage requirements
2. Lubricant management systems

1. Preventing cross-contamination

3. Inventory management, shelf life and stock rotations
4. Health, Safety and environmental considerations

1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Bannister, K. (2007) Lubrication for Industry, Industrial Press, Inc., New York, USA.
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K. (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, - 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA.
• Landsdown, A. (1996) Lubrication and Lubricant Selection. Mechanical Engineering Publication, Ltd., London, England, UK.
• Scott, R., Fitch J., & Leugner, L. (2012) The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• NLGI, (2017) Lubricating Grease Guide, 6th ed., The National Lubricating Grease Institute, Kansas City, MO USA
• Ludema, K. (1996) Friction, Wear, Lubrication: A Textbook in Tribology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
• Pirro, D. M., & Wessol, A. A. (2016) Lubrication Fundamentals, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• The Lubrication Engineer's Manual, (2010) Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• ASTM D4378, Standard Practice of In-Service Monitoring of Mineral Turbine Oils for Steam and Gas Turbines
• ASTM D6224, Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment
• Denis, J., J. Briant, & J. Hipeaux (2000) Lubricant Properties Analysis & Testing. Editions TECHNIP, Paris, France
• Toms, L.A., & Toms, A.M. (2008) Machinery Oil Analysis. Co-published by STLE, Park Ridge, Illinois, USA

ALC Certification is valid for three (3) years from the date of issue. Individuals certified in Advanced Lubrication Concepts (ALC) must recertify every three years to demonstrate continued competency. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified individuals maintain current and up-to-date skills.

Recertification is achieved through a points-based system. To recertify by points, individuals must accumulate 10 recertification points during the three-year certification period and submit a completed recertification application to ICML. Points may be earned according to the following criteria:

Criteria of Acceptability

• Conference Attendance: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.
• Employment: Employment must be in a role supporting industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis.
• Publication or Presentation: Publications (articles, journals, magazines, books, proceeding, etc.) and presentations about a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. May be a co-author. Presentation may be related to a functional discipline support capacity related to maintenance and reliability tasks.
• Training or Worshop: Topics related to oil analysis, lubrication or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management.

All points must be earned while the ALC Certification is in effect. Points earned before or after the certification period will not be accepted. Points may be applied to multiple ICML certifications held by the individual, assuming that the points are applicable and approved for each individual recertification.

If a candidate’s only source of recertification points is employment, up to 2additional points may be earned by participating in any of these employment-related best practices activities, according to the criteria below:

• Documented participation on cross-functional teams related to lubrication program development and execution. May include business development, marketing, sales and administrative tasks.
• Development support of lubricant-related work management systems, purchasing or the like.
• Lubricant program auditing task (supply chain, financial, etc.) support.

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.

The purpose for offering the Lubrication Apprentice Technician (LAT) certification is to provide an entry-level apprentice certification for technicians with no prior formal education, training or experience in the field of machinery lubrication, as it is applied to machinery condition monitoring and maintenance. However, these individuals have otherwise shown aptitude and potential competency with respect to learning and performing the following tasks under the close supervision of an active ICML Credential holder (MLT I, MLA I or higher):

• Support lubricant delivery, storage and dispensation
• Support a route for machinery re-lubrication and/or inspection
• Support proper change and/or top the oil in mechanical equipment found in common industrial sites
• Use simple techniques to select grease application methods (including automated delivery) that are least intrusive and most effective for machines commonly found in industrial settings
• Use simple techniques to estimate re-grease volume and interval for machines commonly operated in industrial settings
• Support properly maintained automatic lubrication systems (auto-grease, mist systems, etc.)
• Employ basic visual oil analysis techniques to identify and troubleshoot abnormal lubricant degradation conditions, and use simple techniques to adjust the lubricant specification accordingly
• Support contamination control functions for lubricants and reservoirs.
• Support lubricant sample collection for analysis

Common job titles for these individuals may include: Lubrication Apprentice Technician, Apprentice Preventative Maintenance Technician, Apprentice Millwright, Apprentice Mechanic, Apprentice Robotics Technician, amongst others. Technical Trade School Students/Enrollees, Aspiring/Recently Enlisted Military Service Members, and Community College/Technical Program Students may also be good candidates for pursuing the LAT certification.

Generally, and under close supervision, this individual has regular contact with machinery and has influence over the condition of lubricants and hydraulic fluids used. The individual is likely to be involved in the machine lubrication process in a technical training and/or actual production environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on the examination? The LAT exam has 70 multiple choice questions
• How long do I have to complete the examination? You have two (2) hours to complete the exam
• What score is required to pass the examination? 70% correct answers

To become certified, an interested individual may consider the following:

• Education and/or Experience - Candidates are NOT required to have formal classroom training or education or any specified interval of on-the-job experience. Candidates should exercise their judgment, along with input from instructors and/or employment supervisors, as they assess their proficiency and competence with respect to the LAT Body of Knowledge from an educational and experiential point of view.
• Training - Candidates are NOT required to have documented formal training in machinery lubrication as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the LAT. However, study guides, formal in-person training, online or recorded training, exercises, practice exams, and review exercises modeled after the LAT Body of Knowledge may be helpful and are encouraged and recommended to assist in the accumulation of pertinent knowledge.

Note: ICML does not require, recommend, endorse or authorize any specific training course as official or approved. It is the responsibility of each candidate to research the training options available in his/her area and make a decision as to the training provider of his/her choice. ICML recommends the outline of any course of study be compared to the LAT Body of Knowledge. It is in the person's best interest and their responsibility as an ICML candidate to ensure they are being trained in the same subject areas in which they will be tested. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure each instructor is currently certified at the level of instruction. (Candidates can do this by checking for an instructor’s name in our real-time directory of certified professionals.) ICML's LAT Body of Knowledge is of public domain and can be utilized by companies in the development of courses, as well as by any prospective candidate for evaluating the appropriateness of chosen training.

• Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a 70-question multiple-choice examination that evaluates the candidate's knowledge of the topic. Candidates have two (2) hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.

The LAT Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the certification examination. References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge below.

1. Lubrication Theory (15%)

1. Why machines need lubrication

1. Machine types (E.g., Gearbox, pump, hydraulics)
2. Bearing construction

1. Open, shielded, and sealed
2. Roller types
3. Plain bearings

2. Understand functions of lubricants

1. Reduce friction between moving parts
2. Dissipate heat generated by friction
3. Minimize wear and extend component life
4. Seal out contaminants and moisture
5. Prevent rust and corrosion
6. Power transmission

3. Viscosity

1. Requirement changes based on speed, load, and temperature
2. Importance of viscosity index (VI)

2. Lubricants (17%)

1. Lubricant Types (Oil, Grease, and Solid Film)

1. Oils - liquid lubricants used in engines, gearboxes, and hydraulics.

1. Base Oils and Additives (mineral vs synthetic)
2. Additives and their functions (Basic Awareness)

2. Greases - semi-solid lubricants for bearings and slow-speed applications

3. Grease Composition
4. Common Thickeners

1. Compatibility/Incompatibility

5. NLGI Grades

3. Solid lubricants: Graphite, Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂), PTFE for extreme dry environments

3. Lubricant Applications (17%)

1. Lubrication Methods (Manual and Automatic)
2. Greasing Techniques and Best Practices (Quantity, Frequency, and Cleanliness)
3. Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume
4. Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies
5. Ultrasound lubrication (Basic Awareness)

4. Lubricant Sampling/Analysis Basics (20%)

1. Oil Sampling Process

1. Sample port locations
2. Sampling admin (E.g. Proper completion of the oil sample label)
3. Proper Sampling Techniques (to avoid sample contamination)

2. Oil Sampling and Visual Inspection Basics (Machine and Oil)

1. Visual Checks - color, clarity, foam, and sediment.
2. Recognizing early failure signs: discolored oil, metallic sheen, sludge, or varnish.

3. Temperature, noise, and vibration can indicate lubrication problems.

5. Lubricant Condition Control (21%)

1. Basics of Contamination Control

1. ISO Cleanliness Codes - acceptable cleanliness levels
2. Very minor contamination can reduce equipment life

2. Major Contaminants

1. Particles
2. Water
3. Air
4. Fuel
5. Process Chemicals
6. Cross-Contamination

3. Effects of Contamination

6. Lubricant Storage Management (10%)

1. Lubricant Reception Best Practice
2. Lube Storage and Handling Best Practices.

1. Store lubricants in clean, temperature-controlled areas
2. Avoid cross-contamination (storage and application)
3. Adherence to proper dispensing and transfer procedures

3. Lubricant Identification Systems
4. Health, Safety and Environment

• Bannister, K. (2007) Lubrication for Industry, Industrial Press, Inc., New York, USA.
• Bloch, H., Bannister, K. (2017) Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, - 3rd Edition. The Fairmont Press, Lilburn, Georgia, USA.
• Hodges, P. (1996) Hydraulic Fluids. Arnold Publish, London, England, UK and John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, USA.
• Landsdown, A. (1996) Lubrication and Lubricant Selection. Mechanical Engineering Publication, Ltd., London, England, UK.
• Scott, R., Fitch J., & Leugner, L. (2012) The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA
• NLGI, (2022) Lubricating Grease Guide, 7th ed., The National Lubricating Grease Institute, Kansas City, MO USA
• Pirro, D. M., & Wessol, A. A. (2016) Lubrication Fundamentals, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA
• The Lubrication Engineer's Manual, (2010) Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Troyer, D., & J. Fitch (2010) Oil Analysis Basics. Noria Publishing, Tulsa, OK USA

Prices shown here apply to both in-person and online exams. Special temporary pricing may apply in select countries to accommodate specific socio-economic conditions.

Note: Certification fees are the same for either online or in-person formats.