Which Certification is Right for Me?
Both STLE and ICML offer a variety of certifications, and this brief overview of each certification is aimed at helping candidates choose which certification offers the best fit for their role. It should be noted that no certification is a prerequisite for another, meaning anyone can challenge any listed exam provided they meet the training and experience requirements.
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ICML Certifications
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Level I Machine Lubricant Technician (MLT I) |
Level II Machine Lubricant Technician (MLT II) |
Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA I) |
Level II Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA II) |
| Which fields? |
Machinery lubrication, engineering, mechanical maintenance and/or maintenance trades |
Machinery lubrication, engineering, mechanical maintenance and/or maintenance trades |
Lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring |
Lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring |
| Required Experience |
2 years |
3 years |
1 year |
2 years |
| Required Training |
16 hours |
32 hours |
16 hours |
24 hours |
| Exam Topics |
- Maintenance Strategy
- Lubrication Theory
- Lubricants
- Lubricant Selection
- Lubricant Application
- Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
- Lube Condition Control
- Lube Storage and Management
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- Maintenance Strategy
- Lubrication Theory
- Lubricant Formulation
- Grease Application and Performance
- Lubricant Selection
- Lubricant Testing and Performance Analysis
- Lubricant Application
- Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
- Lube Condition Control
- Lube Storage and Management
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- Maintenance Strategies
- Lubrication Theory/Fundamentals
- Lubricant Selection
- Lubrication Application
- Lube Storage and Management
- Lube Condition Control
- Oil Sampling
- Lubricant Health Monitoring
- Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis
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- Lubricant roles and functions
- Oil Analysis Maintenance Strategies
- Oil Sampling
- Lubricant Health Monitoring
- Lubricant Contamination Measurement and Control
- Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis
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STLE Certifications
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Oil Monitoring Analyst I (OMA I) |
Oil Monitoring Analyst II (OMA II) |
Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) |
| Who is it for? |
Predictive maintenance professionals who oversee the oil analysis program for a shop/plant |
Professionals working at the supervisory level |
An individual who might be designated a "Lubrication Engineer" by their employer |
| What roles? |
Mechanics, engineers, operators, tradesmen, chemical managers or on-site lab personnel |
Reliability engineers, lubrication engineers, tribologists, maintenance supervisors or onsite/commercial lab management |
Individuals from varied backgrounds, including sales and management |
| Core Responsibilities |
- Responsible for oil sampling.
- Reviews oil analysis reports and performs the correct tests.
- Maintains overall care of equipment and maintenance actions.
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- Runs all appropriate tests and interprets the data.
- Responsible for overall management of the oil analysis program.
- Supervises personnel and maintains quality control.
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- Evaluates and selects lubricants to use and their purchases.
- Conducts lube surveys.
- Trains lubricators and assembles work list.
- Develops quality assurance and used lubricant analysis programs.
- Troubleshoots and problem solves lubrication issues.
- Maintains records of all application, as well as waste collection or disposal.
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| Required Experience |
1 year |
1 year |
3 years |
| Required Training |
16 hours |
16 hours |
n/a |
| Exam Topics |
- Lubrication Fundamentals
- Sampling
- Application/Test Method
- Data Interpretation
- Troubleshooting
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- Lubricant Selection
- System Configuration
- Sampling and Analytical Methods
- Sampling Intervals
- Suppliers
- Program Logistics
- Training
- Baseline Data
- Limits and Alarms
- Test Validation
- Data Interpretation
- Actions
- Maintenance
- Analysis
- Quality
- Safety
- Documentation
- Failure Analysis
- Tribological Factors Affecting Design
- Program Management
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- Lubrication Fundamentals
- Fluid Conditioning
- Storage, Handling and Application of Lubricants
- Monitoring and Reducing Consumption of Lubricants
- Gears
- Bearings
- Seals
- Fluid Power
- Lubricant Manufacturing
- Pneumatics
- Transportation Lubricants
- Metalworking
- Solvents and Cleaners
- Problem Solving
- Lubricant Analysis
- Lubrication Programs
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