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To become certified, an individual must meet the following 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 at least 16 hours of documented formal training in machinery lubrication.
  • Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a written, 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.


The Level I MLT Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have in order to pass the exam.


  • I. Maintenance Strategy (5%)
    • A. Why machines fail
    • B. The impact of poor maintenance on company profits
    • C. The role of effective lubrication in failure avoidance

  • II. Lubrication Theory (10%)
    • A. Fundamentals of tribology
    • B. Functions of a lubricant
    • C. Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)
    • D. Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)
    • E. Mixed-film lubrication

  • III. Lubricants (15%)
    • A. Base-oils
    • B. Additives and their functions
    • C. Oil lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications
    • D. Grease lubrication
      • 1. How grease is made
      • 2. Thickener types
      • 3. Thickener compatibility
      • 4. Grease lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications

  • IV. Lubricant Selection (15%)
    • A. Viscosity selection
    • B. Base-oil type selection
    • C. Additive system selection
    • D. Machine specific lubricant requirements
      • 1. Hydraulic systems
      • 2. Rolling element bearings
      • 3. Journal bearings
      • 4. Reciprocating engines
      • 5. Gearing and gearboxes
    • E. Application and environment related adjustments

  • V. Lubricant Application (25%)
    • A. Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume
    • B. Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies
    • C. When to select oil; when to select grease
    • D. Effective use of manual delivery techniques
    • E. Automatic delivery systems
      • 1. Automated deliver options
        • a) Automated grease systems
        • b) Oil mist systems
        • c) Drip and wick lubricators
      • 2. Deciding when to employ automated lubricators
      • 3. Maintenance of automated lubrication systems

  • VI. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (10%)
    • A. Lube routes and scheduling
    • B. Oil analysis and technologies to assure lubrication effectiveness
    • C. Equipment tagging and identification

  • VII. Lube Condition Control (10%)
    • A. Filtration and separation technologies
    • B. Filter rating
    • C. Filtration system design and filter selection

  • VIII. Lube Storage and Management (10%)
    • A. Lubricant receiving procedures
    • B. Proper storage and inventory management
    • C. Lube storage containers
    • D. Proper storage of grease-guns and other lube application devices
    • E. Maintenance of automatic grease systems
    • F. Health and safety assurance

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

  • Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have at least 12 months experience in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring.  The months of experience are based on 16 hours minimum per month of sampling and analysis experience.

  • Training - Candidate must have received 24 hours of documented formal training as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the MLA I.
  • Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a written, 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.


The Level I MLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that a candidate shall have in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-4, Category I, Annex A.

  • I. Maintenance Strategies (10%)
    • A. Why machines fail
    • B. The impact of poor maintenance on company profits
    • C. The role of effective lubrication in failure avoidance
    • D. Lube routes and scheduling
    • E. Oil analysis and technologies to assure lubrication effectiveness.
    • F. Equipment tagging and identification.

  • II. Lubrication Theory/Fundamentals (18%)
    • A. Fundamentals of tribology
    • B. Functions of a lubricant
    • C. Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)
    • D. Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)
    • E. Mixed-film lubrication
    • F. Base-oils
    • G. Additives and their functions
    • H. Oil lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.
    • I. Grease lubrication
      • 1. How grease is made
      • 2. Thickener types
      • 3. Thickener compatibility
      • 4. Grease lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.

  • III. Lubricant Selection (10%)
    • A. Viscosity selection
    • B. Base-oil type selection
    • C. Additive system selection
    • D. Machine specific lubricant requirements
      • 1. Hydraulic systems
      • 2. Rolling element bearings
      • 3. Journal bearings
      • 4. Reciprocating engines
      • 5. Gearing and gearboxes
    • E. Application and environment related adjustments.

  • IV. Lubricant Application (18%)
    • A. Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume.
    • B. Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies.
    • C. When to select oil; when to select grease.
    • D. Effective use of manual delivery techniques.
    • E. Automatic delivery systems.
      • 1. Automated deliver options.
        • a) Automated grease systems
        • b) Oil mist systems
        • c) Drip and wick lubricators
      • 2. Deciding when to employ automated lubricators.
      • 3. Maintenance of automated lubrication systems.

  • V. Lube Storage and Management (10%)
    • A. Lubricant receiving procedures.
    • B. Proper storage and inventory management.
    • C. Lube storage containers
    • D. Proper storage of grease-guns and other lube application devices.
    • E. Maintenance of automatic grease systems.
    • F. Health and safety assurance.

  • VI. Lube Condition Control (10%)
    • A. Filtration and separation technologies.
    • B. Filter rating.
    • C. Filtration system design and filter selection.

  • VII. Oil Sampling (10%)
    • A. Objectives for lube oil sampling
    • B. Sampling methods
    • C. Managing interference
      • 1. Bottle cleanliness and management
      • 2. Flushing
      • 3. Machine conditions appropriate for sampling

  • VIII. Lubricant health monitoring (10%)
    • A. Lubricant failure mechanisms
      • 1. Oxidative degradation
        • a) The oxidation process
        • b) Causes of oxidation
        • c) Effects of oxidative degradation
      • 2. Thermal degradation
        • a) The thermal failure process
        • b) Causes of thermal failure
        • c) Effects of thermal degradation
      • 3. Additive depletion/degradation
        • a) Additive depletion mechanisms
        • b) Additives at risk for depletion/degradation by the various mechanisms.
    • B. Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants
      • 1. Baselining physical and chemical properties tests
      • 2. Additive discrepancies
    • C. Fluid properties test methods and measurement units - applications and limitations.
      • 1. Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D445)
      • 2. Absolute (Dynamic) Viscosity (ASTM D2893)
      • 3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)
      • 4. Acid Number (ASTM D974 et al)
      • 5. Base Number (ASTM D974 et al)
      • 6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis
      • 7. Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (ASTMD2272)
      • 8. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

  • IX. Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis (4%)
    • A. Common machine wear mechanisms

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

  • Education and/or Experience - Candidates must have 24 months experience in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring.  The months of experience are based on 16 hours minimum per month of sampling and analysis experience. Hold Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) certification OR have a minimum of 960 hours experience and the knowledge base of the MLA I body of knowledge.
  • Training - Candidate must have received 24 hours of documented formal training in oil analysis for machine condition monitoring as outlined in the Body of Knowledge of the MLA II.
  • Examination - Each candidate must successfully pass a written, 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.


The Level II MLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that a candidate shall have in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-4, Category II, Annex A.

  • I. Lubricant roles and functions (4%)
    • A. Base oil
      • 1. Functions
      • 2. Properties
    • B. Additive functions
      • 1. Surface active additives and their functions
      • 2. Bulk oil active additives and their functions
    • C. Synthetic lubricants
      • 1. Synthetic lubricant types
      • 2. Conditions dictating their use
    • D. Lubrication regimes
      • 1. Hydrodynamic
      • 2. Elasto-hydrodynamic
      • 3. Boundary

  • II. Oil Analysis Maintenance Strategies (4%)
    • A. Fundamental aspects of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM)
    • B. Fundamental aspects of Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)
      • 1. Predictive maintenance strategies
      • 2. Proactive maintenance strategies

  • III. Oil Sampling (29%)
    • A. Objectives for lube oil sampling
    • B. Equipment specific sampling:
      • 1. Gearboxes with circulating systems
      • 2. Engines
      • 3. Single and multi-component circulating oil systems with separate reservoirs
      • 4. Hydraulic systems
      • 5. Splash, ring and collar lubricated systems
    • C. Sampling methods
      • 1. Non-pressurized systems
      • 2. Pressurized systems - Low
      • 3. Pressurized systems - High
    • D. Managing interference
      • 1. Bottle cleanliness and management
      • 2. Flushing
      • 3. Machine conditions appropriate for sampling
    • E. Sampling process management
      • 1. Sampling frequency
      • 2. Sampling procedures
      • 3. Sample processing

  • IV. Lubricant health monitoring (21%)
    • A. Lubricant failure mechanisms
      • 1. Oxidative degradation
        • a) The oxidation process
        • b) Causes of oxidation
        • c) Effects of oxidative degradation
      • 2. Thermal degradation
        • a) The thermal failure process
        • b) Causes of thermal failure
        • c) Effects of thermal degradation
      • 3. Additive depletion/degradation
        • a) Additive depletion mechanisms
        • b) Additives at risk for depletion/degradation by the various mechanisms.
    • B. Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants
      • 1. Baselining physical and chemical properties tests
      • 2. Additive discrepancies
    • C. Fluid properties test methods and measurement units
      • 1. Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D445)
      • 2. Absolute (Dynamic) Viscosity (ASTM D2983)
      • 3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)
      • 4. Acid Number (ASTM D974 et al)
      • 5. Base Number (ASTM D974 et al)
      • 6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis
      • 7. Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (ASTMD2272)
      • 8. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

  • V. Lubricant contamination measurement and control (25%)
    • A. Particle contamination
      • 1. Effects on the machine
      • 2. Effects on the lubricant
      • 3. Methods and units for measuring particle contamination
      • 4. Techniques for controlling particle contamination
    • B. Moisture contamination
      • 1. Effects on the machine
      • 2. Effects on the lubricant
      • 3. States of coexistence
      • 4. Methods and units for measuring moisture contamination
      • 5. Demulsibility measurement
      • 6. Techniques for controlling moisture contamination
    • C. Glycol coolant contamination
      • 1. Effects on the machine
      • 2. Effects on the lubricant
      • 3. Methods and units for measuring glycol contamination
      • 4. Techniques for controlling glycol contamination
    • D. Soot contamination
      • 1. Effects on the machine
      • 2. Effects on the lubricant
      • 3. Methods and units for measuring soot contamination
      • 4. Techniques for controlling soot contamination
    • E. Fuel contamination (fuel dilution in oil)
      • 1. Effects on the machine
      • 2. Effects on the lubricant
      • 3. Methods and units for measuring fuel contamination
      • 4. Techniques for controlling fuel contamination
    • F. Air contamination (air in oil)
      • 1. Effects on the machine
      • 2. Effects on the lubricant
      • 3. States of coexistence
      • 4. Methods for assessing air contamination
        • a) Air release characteristics (ASTM D3427)
        • b) Foam stability characteristics (ASTM D892)
      • 5. Techniques for controlling air contamination

  • VI. Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis (17%)
    • A. Common wear mechanisms
      • 1. Abrasive wear
        • a) Two-body
        • b) Three-body
      • 2. Surface fatigue (contact fatigue)
        • a) Two-body
        • b) Three-body
      • 3. Adhesive wear
      • 4. Corrosive wear
      • 5. Cavitation wear
    • B. Detecting abnormal wear
      • 1. Atomic emission spectroscopy methods
        • a) Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy
        • b) Arc-spark emission spectroscopy
      • 2. Wear particle density measurement
    • C. Wear debris analysis
      • 1. Ferrogram preparation
      • 2. Filtergram preparation
      • 3. Light effects
      • 4. Magnetism effects
      • 5. Heat treatment
      • 6. Basic morphological analysis

Check out some of our recommended training resources

Noria Corp's best selling book of all time.

Duncan has been using The Practical Handbook for Machinery Lubrication as a reference guide for our ICML trainees for a number of years

A free copy of this book is included for every attendee of one of our ICML courses

We stock a number of copies of this book here in NZ which are ready to ship out. They sell for $150 per copy.

Please get in touch if you'd like to procure a copy

ISBN: 978-1-5272-5386-5

This technical reference book comprises of over 19 years’ experience in the fields of Vibration Analysis, Condition Monitoring and Reliability Engineering. It is written with the technical tradesperson in mind, interpreting Vibration principles into layman’s terms.

All data is from real-life situations with over 20 case studies throughout the book. This is to be used as material to help support knowledge sharing, practical training and mentoring to enhance System Reliability though Vibration technology

This publication comes as an A4 300 page Paper Back printed in full colour on 120gsm paper.

We stock a number of copies of this book here in NZ which are ready to ship out. They sell for $200 per copy.

Please take a look at this PDF which documents the book's content in detail