There are two main certification bodies for oil analysis, ICML (International Council for Machinery Lubrication) and STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). Following is a breakdown of certifications.
ICML Certifications
- Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA I) is for anyone in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring field. It requires one year of experience and 16 hours of training. Exam topics include:, Lubrication Theory/Fundamentals, Lubricant Selection, Lubrication Application, Lube Storage and Management, Lube Condition Control, Oil Sampling, Lubricant Health Monitoring, Maintenance Strategies and Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis.
- Level II Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA II) is for the lubricant analysis-based machinery condition monitoring field. It requires two years of experience and 24 hours of training. Exam topics include: Lubricant roles and functions, Oil Analysis Maintenance Strategies, Oil Sampling, Lubricant Health Monitoring, Lubricant Contamination Measurement and Control and Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis.
- Level I Machine Lubricant Technician (MLT I) is for fields that include: machinery lubrication, engineering, mechanical maintenance and/or maintenance trades. It requires two years of experience and 16 hours of training. Exam topics include: Maintenance Strategy, Lubrication Theory, Lubricants, Lubricant Selection, Lubricant Application, Preventive and Predictive Maintenance, Lube Condition Control and Lube Storage and Management.
- Level II Machine Lubricant Technician (MLT II) is for fields that include: machinery lubrication, engineering, mechanical maintenance and/or maintenance trades. It requires three years of experience and 32 hours of training. Exam topics include: 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 and Lube Storage and Management.
STLE Certifications
- Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) is for anyone that could be designated a “lubrication engineer” by their employer. This includes people from a variety of background including sales and management. It requires three years of experience. Exam topics include 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 and Lubrication Programs.
- Oil Monitoring Analyst I (OMA I) is for predictive maintenance professionals who oversee the oil analysis program for a shop/plant with roles that include: mechanics, engineers, operators, tradesmen, chemical managers or on-site lab personnel. It requires one year of experience and 16 hours of training. Exam topics include: Lubrication Fundamentals, Sampling, Application/Test Method, Data Interpretation and Troubleshooting.
- Oil Monitoring Analyst II (OMA II) is for professionals working at the supervisory level. This includes reliability engineers, lubrication engineers, tribologists, maintenance supervisors or onsite/commercial lab management. It requires one year of experience and 16 hours of training. Exam topics include: 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 and Program Management.
