ICML Certifications
Message From ICML: This is directly from Paul Hiller of ICML, OCT 1, 2020:
REVERSING CHANGES to MLA II® and LLA II® REQUIREMENTS
Earlier this year, in response to revised ISO 18436-4 and 18436-5 Standards, ICML implemented changes to MLA II and LLA II certification requirements, negating the “mature candidate” option that had previously allowed submission of work experience as a suitable alternative for their Level 1 prerequisites. After review of additional relevant ISO standards, we have reversed these changes.
Our decision to remove ICML’s mature candidate option was based on ISO’s omission of the mature candidate clause from its most recent revisions of ISO 18436-4 and 18436-5. However, subsequent review of another applicable standard, ISO 18436-1, “Requirements for assessment bodies and the assessment process,” confirmed that this clause is still available for the discretion of certifying bodies such as ICML. Upon further review of all three standards together, we have concluded that 18436-1 allows us to continue offering the mature candidate option.
Therefore, effective immediately, ICML will exercise its authority as an assessment body to reinstate the mature option as a fulfillment of MLA II and LLA II candidacy requirements, allowing work experience as an alternative to MLA I and LLA I certifications, respectively. We have reverted our MLA II and LLA II exam web pages back to their previous wording. Candidates will still be required to produce evidence of training and/or experience that satisfies the requirements of the corresponding technical parts of ISO 18436-4 and 18436-5. In order to clarify these requirements, we have also updated descriptions of the documentation of qualifying training, also found on our exam web pages.
We are glad for the opportunity to provide our candidates the mature option once again. As always, we appreciate your support as we work with all our candidates and independent training providers to ensure successful certifications that propel our industries forward.
MLA Certifications
MLA I®
ICML WebsiteExam 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 the course of choice be compared to the exam’s 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. ICML’s Bodies of Knowledge are 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. Contact ICML about the availability of the exam in other languages.Maintaining Certification Requirements
Recertification is required every 3 years. To recertify individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria: Training: 1 point per day, 10 point maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company in its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline. Training topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. Employment: 4 points per year, 12 point maximum. Requires a letter from employer, in company letterhead, with title of signer shown. Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis. Article Publication: 2 points per article, 6 points maximum. Requires a copy of the article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine, or journal in which it was published. Article Publication – Articles published in journals, magazines, books, or proceedings should be related to a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. Conference Attendance: 1 point per conference day, 6 points maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge, or letter from conference organizer in its letterhead) and copy of program. Conference topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. All points must be earned during the time the 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 re-certification. If a candidate’s only source of re-certification points is employment, the extra 3 points required may be earned via participation in employment-related best practices activities, as per each criterion. Cost of Recertification: Recertification in U.S. and Canada is US $135 for each three-year period. Please contact ICML to confirm the cost in your country.MLA II®
ICML WebsiteExam Requirements
Education and/or Experience – Candidates 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. 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.
Maintaining Certification Requirements
Recertification is required every 3 years. To recertify individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria: Training: 1 point per day, 10 point maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company in its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline. Training topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. Employment: 4 points per year, 12 point maximum. Requires a letter from employer, in company letterhead, with title of signer shown. Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis. Article Publication: 2 points per article, 6 points maximum. Requires a copy of the article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine, or journal in which it was published. Article Publication – Articles published in journals, magazines, books, or proceedings should be related to a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. Conference Attendance: 1 point per conference day, 6 points maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge, or letter from conference organizer in its letterhead) and copy of program. Conference topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. All points must be earned during the time the 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 re-certification. If a candidate’s only source of re-certification points is employment, the extra 3 points required may be earned via participation in employment-related best practices activities, as per each criterion. Cost of Recertification: Recertification in U.S. and Canada is US $135 for each three-year period. Please contact ICML to confirm the cost in your country.MLA III®
ICML WebsiteExam 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 Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) 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 the course of choice be compared to the exam’s 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. ICML’s Bodies of Knowledge are 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 tests the candidate’s mastery of the body of knowledge. Candidates have three hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification. Contact ICML about the availability of the exam in other languages.Maintaining Certification Requirements
Recertification is required every 3 years. To recertify individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria: Training: 1 point per day, 10 point maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company in its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline. Training topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. Employment: 4 points per year, 12 point maximum. Requires a letter from employer, in company letterhead, with title of signer shown. Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis. Article Publication: 2 points per article, 6 points maximum. Requires a copy of the article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine, or journal in which it was published. Article Publication – Articles published in journals, magazines, books, or proceedings should be related to a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. Conference Attendance: 1 point per conference day, 6 points maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge, or letter from conference organizer in its letterhead) and copy of program. Conference topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. All points must be earned during the time the 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 re-certification. If a candidate’s only source of re-certification points is employment, the extra 3 points required may be earned via participation in employment-related best practices activities, as per each criterion. Cost of Recertification: Recertification in U.S. and Canada is US $135 for each three-year period. Please contact ICML to confirm the cost in your country.MLT Certifications
MLT I®
ICML WebsiteExam 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 the course of choice be compared to the exam’s 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. ICML’s Bodies of Knowledge are 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. Contact ICML about the availability of the exam in other languages.Maintaining Certification Requirements
Recertification is required every 3 years. To recertify individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria: Training: 1 point per day, 10 point maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company in its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline. Training topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. Employment: 4 points per year, 12 point maximum. Requires a letter from employer, in company letterhead, with title of signer shown. Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis. Article Publication: 2 points per article, 6 points maximum. Requires a copy of the article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine, or journal in which it was published. Article Publication – Articles published in journals, magazines, books, or proceedings should be related to a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. Conference Attendance: 1 point per conference day, 6 points maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge, or letter from conference organizer in its letterhead) and copy of program. Conference topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. All points must be earned during the time the 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 re-certification. If a candidate’s only source of re-certification points is employment, the extra 3 points required may be earned via participation in employment-related best practices activities, as per each criterion. Cost of Recertification: Recertification in U.S. and Canada is US $135 for each three-year period. Please contact ICML to confirm the cost in your country.MLT II®
ICML WebsiteExam 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 the course of choice be compared to the exam’s 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. ICML’s Bodies of Knowledge are 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 tests the candidate’s mastery of the body of knowledge. Candidates have three hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification. Contact ICML about the availability of the exam in other languages.Maintaining Certification Requirements
Recertification is required every 3 years. To recertify individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria: Training: 1 point per day, 10 point maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company in its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline. Training topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. Employment: 4 points per year, 12 point maximum. Requires a letter from employer, in company letterhead, with title of signer shown. Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis. Article Publication: 2 points per article, 6 points maximum. Requires a copy of the article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine, or journal in which it was published. Article Publication – Articles published in journals, magazines, books, or proceedings should be related to a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. Conference Attendance: 1 point per conference day, 6 points maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge, or letter from conference organizer in its letterhead) and copy of program. Conference topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. All points must be earned during the time the 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 re-certification. If a candidate’s only source of re-certification points is employment, the extra 3 points required may be earned via participation in employment-related best practices activities, as per each criterion. Cost of Recertification: Recertification in U.S. and Canada is US $135 for each three-year period. Please contact ICML to confirm the cost in your country.MLE Certifications
MLE®
ICML WebsiteExam 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 engineering degree or ICML certifications are pre-requisites to candidacy for the MLE certification. However, the MLAs and MLTs would support a candidate’s preparation for the MLE test. Examination – Each candidate must successfully pass a 150 question multiple choice Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE) 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. Please Note: Due to the four-hour length of this exam, it may impact exam sessions when administered alongside our other exams. Candidates should contact ICML well in advance to ensure sufficient arrangements can be made.Maintaining Certification Requirements
Recertification is required every 3 years. To recertify individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria: Training: 1 point per day, 10 point maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company in its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline. Training topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. Employment: 4 points per year, 12 point maximum. Requires a letter from employer, in company letterhead, with title of signer shown. Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis. Article Publication: 2 points per article, 6 points maximum. Requires a copy of the article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine, or journal in which it was published. Article Publication – Articles published in journals, magazines, books, or proceedings should be related to a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. Conference Attendance: 1 point per conference day, 6 points maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge, or letter from conference organizer in its letterhead) and copy of program. Conference topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. All points must be earned during the time the 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 re-certification. If a candidate’s only source of re-certification points is employment, the extra 3 points required may be earned via participation in employment-related best practices activities, as per each criterion. Cost of Recertification: Recertification in U.S. and Canada is US $135 for each three-year period. Please contact ICML to confirm the cost in your country.LLA Certifications
LLA I®
ICML WebsiteExam 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 the course of choice be compared to the exam’s 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. ICML’s Bodies of Knowledge are 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. Candidates have two hours to complete the closed-book examination. A score of 70% is required to pass the examination and achieve certification.Maintaining Certification Requirements
Recertification is required every 3 years. To recertify individuals must accumulate 15 recertification points over the three-year period and submit a completed application to ICML. Points may be claimed using the following criteria: Training: 1 point per day, 10 point maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company in its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline. Training topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. Employment: 4 points per year, 12 point maximum. Requires a letter from employer, in company letterhead, with title of signer shown. Employment must be in a field related to industrial lubrication and/or oil analysis. Article Publication: 2 points per article, 6 points maximum. Requires a copy of the article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine, or journal in which it was published. Article Publication – Articles published in journals, magazines, books, or proceedings should be related to a topic within the body of knowledge for oil analysis, lubrication or equipment maintenance or management. Conference Attendance: 1 point per conference day, 6 points maximum. Requires proof of attendance (certificate, badge, or letter from conference organizer in its letterhead) and copy of program. Conference topics related to oil analysis, lubrication, or other topics important to effective equipment maintenance and management will be accepted. All points must be earned during the time the 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 re-certification. If a candidate’s only source of re-certification points is employment, the extra 3 points required may be earned via participation in employment-related best practices activities, as per each criterion. Cost of Recertification: Recertification in U.S. and Canada is US $135 for each three-year period. Please contact ICML to confirm the cost in your country.LLA II®
ICML WebsiteExam Requirements
Education and/or Experience – Candidates 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. 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. This brings total work experience to 36 months (and 3,600 hours) when combined with the 24 months (and 2,400 hours) already listed above.
- Minimum 24 hours training relevant to the LLA 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.