Occupation Specific Certifications

ICML Career Paths

ICML certifications focus on three areas: machinery lubrication, oil analysis, and lubrication engineering.

1. The machinery lubrication track offers two levels: MLT I and MLT II. 
2. The oil analysis area has two tracks:
   • Three levels for field personnel: MLA I, MLA II and MLA III, in accordance with ISO 18436-4.
   • Two levels for laboratory personnel: LLA I and LLA II, in accordance with ISO 18436-5.
3. The engineering area offers only one level, MLE.

ICML Alternative Career Paths

ICML allows career path changes 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.

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 Badges:

• 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.