Occupation Specific Certifications

ICML Certification Overview

To support the development of a new generation of machinery lubrication and oil analysis professionals, and to meet the evolving needs of these technical disciplines, ICML offers the Lubrication Apprentice Technician (LAT) Certification Examination which may be appropriate for both the Machinery Lubrication and Oil Analysis tracks. For more experienced practitioners, the LAT may not be the most appropriate starting point. Nonetheless, ICML provides structured career tracks across multiple technical domains.

Machinery Lubrication Track

• LAT - Lubrication Apprentice Technician (Optional)
• MLT I - Machinery Lubrication Technician Level I
• MLT II - Machinery Lubrication Technician Level II

Field Personnel (ISO 18436-4):

• LAT - Lubrication Apprentice Technician (Optional)
• MLA I - Machine Lubricant Analyst Level I
• MLA II - Machine Lubricant Analyst Level II
• MLA III - Machine Lubricant Analyst Level III

Laboratory Personnel (ISO 18436-5):

• LLA I - Laboratory Lubricant Analyst Level I
• LLA II - Laboratory Lubricant Analyst Level I

• FPL - Food Processing Lubrication
• VIM - Varnish Identification and Mitigation
• VPR - Varnish Prevention and Removal

ICML Alternative Career Paths

ICML allows career path transitions between the machinery lubrication and oil analysis tracks via supplemental exams. A supplemental exam consists of 24 multiple-choice questions designed to test mastery of additionally required subject areas, i.e., the MLA I supplemental exam covers oil sampling/analysis material not covered in the original MLT I exam, while MLT I supplemental exam tests further the mastery of machinery lubrication material not covered in the original MLA I exam.

In order to qualify for supplemental exams, candidates still must meet the experience and training requirements of the regular exams. In the event a candidate chooses to initiate the credential career path with the LAT, the next most likely certification pursuit would be either the MLT I or the MLA I depending on their preference; however, it should be understood that the LAT is not a prerequisite for ANY other ICML certification.

Lubrication Apprentice Technician - LAT

• Support lubricant delivery, storage and dispensation
• Support a route for machinery re-lubrication and/or inspection
• Support proper change and/or top-up of 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

Machine Lubricant Analyst - MLA (ISO 18436-4)

These individuals must demonstrate skills in the area of used lubricant analysis for machine condition monitoring. Level I certification is oriented toward the basics of lubrication and sampling, Level II focuses on sampling, test selection and fundamental data interpretation. Level III is directed toward advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting, integration with other technologies and program management.

• Level I - Targets in-plant technicians responsible for the daily activities associated with lubrication tasks and basic lubricant analysis for machine condition monitoring, including, oil changes, top-ups, greasing bearings, lubricant receiving and proper storage and care of lubricants and dispensing devices; and basic oil sampling, contamination control and problem detection.
• Level II - Targets in-plant technicians responsible for the daily activities associated with lubricant analysis for machine condition monitoring, including sampling, sample management, performance of simple onsite tests, managing test results and performing simple diagnostics. 
• Level III - Targets in-plant technicians and engineers responsible for managing the lubricant analysis function. Tasks include team management, test slate selection, setting alarms and limits, sampling system design, instruments and software selection and advanced diagnostics.

Laboratory Lubricant Analyst - LLA (ISO 18436-5)

These individuals must demonstrate skills in the performance of oil analysis activities typically required of a laboratory technician working in the used lubricant analysis field. Level I is oriented toward the basic aspects of performing common tests in the lab and assuring data quality. Level II is directed toward advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting instrument error and managing lab processes, including testing and service quality.

• Level I - Targets laboratory technicians performing simple daily activities, according to pre-established procedures associated with testing of lubricant samples. Tasks include receiving and handling lubricant samples, performing tests, reporting results and inspecting data from individual test methods.
• Level II - Targets laboratory technicians responsible for the daily activities associated with producing lubricant analysis data for machine condition monitoring. Tasks include performing test and analysis, diagnosing lubricant failure mechanism and modes instrument calibration and SPC-based quality control.
• Level III (not yet available) - Targets laboratory technicians, chemists and engineers responsible for managing lubricant analysis activities in the laboratory. Tasks might include management of lab staff, instrument and LIMS system selection, management of calibration, maintenance of laboratory certification and diagnostic support to clients.

Machinery Lubrication Technician - MLT

These individuals must demonstrate skills in the day-to-day activities associated with proper lubrication of machinery. Level I is oriented toward lubrication basics and the proper application and storage of lubricant. Level II is directed toward advanced understanding of lubrication fundamentals, lubricant selection and lubrication schedule and program management.

• Level I - Targets in-plant technicians responsible for daily lubrication tasks, including oil changes, top-ups, greasing bearings, lubricant receiving and proper storage and care of lubricants and dispensing devices.
• Level II - Targets in-plant technicians or engineers responsible for managing the lube team, selecting lubricants, troubleshooting abnormal lubricant performance and supporting machine design activities.

Machinery Lubrication Engineer - MLE

These individuals must demonstrate development, implementation and management skills associated with providing general engineering support to a user lubrication program at a typical industrial plant. This certification emphasizes the individual’s understanding of lubricant selection, lubrication and sampling hardware selection and implementation, overall lubrication program design / machinery design / inspection design, procedure development, key supplier relations, optimizing lubricant PMs, lubricant analysis and troubleshooting, lubrication program metrics, lubrication team management, training, and communications.

• This is an engineering-level certification targeting reliability and asset management professionals with a strong emphasis in lubrication and lubricant analysis (formal engineering degree not required). The MLE Body of Knowledge is strategically mapped to the important asset management standard, ICML 55 (Management of Lubricated Mechanical Assets). As such, it is ideal for those with daily activities associated with development, implementation and management of lubrication programs. It is intentionally structured for those with responsibility to guide and facilitate organizations in achieving ICML 55 certification as a tactical step towards ISO 55001 certification. This is both an engineering and management level certification for those providing general engineering support to a user lubrication program.

Optional Specialized Certifications:

Varnish & Deposit Identification & Measurement - VIM

Varnish & Deposit Prevention & Removal - VPR

These individuals must demonstrate an understanding of how various modes of lubricant degradation and types of contamination relate to the formation of lube-derived deposits in the fields of lubrication management, reliability engineering, and lube oil analysis. ICML anticipates that VIM and VPR candidates will be those involved with all aspects of managing or advising lubricant programs with responsibility for recommending, selling, or installing appropriate deposit control equipment or other mitigation strategies. Job titles related to these functions would likely include Reliability Engineer, Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, Root Cause Analysis Specialist, Filtration Specialist, Lube Distributor, Lube Sales, Laboratory Technician, Research Technologies, Data Analyst, etc.

• VIM seeks to verify that candidates can recommend suitable oil analysis tests and mitigation efforts related to the deposit tendencies of various in-service fluids (depending on applications) and to monitor and adjust as necessary.
• VPR seeks to verify that candidates understand proactive methods and technologies that can be employed to reduce the degree of degradation, and that they can sufficiently evaluate combinations of technologies to prevent and remove varnish–including the proper steps to set up and implement an effective varnish removal system.