Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers - Education and Certification

Education and Certification

Professional development activities are at the heart of the STLE's programs. Technical professionals working in tribology and the lubricants industry expect that organizations like the STLE will remain as their primary source of continuing education. The STLE offers educational programs in several different venues and formats, such as the annual meeting, local sections, online education, certifications, and education partners.

The Annual Meeting is a week long conference that occurs each May in various cities across the U.S., where one-day technical education courses are taught by professionals who have in-depth knowledge of current trends in their respective fields. Local Sections often conduct education days during the year, using a format similar to the Annual Meeting courses. The STLE also implementing online education in 2010 to the betterment of its members and it also works in conjunction with Education partners who have recommended training programs to further the success of the individual in the lubrication industry.

The STLE is also to offer credentialing in 3 areas of expertise with sponsored certifications exams. These certifications are designed to be consistent with the standards of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), ISO 17024, and also distinguish between a credible real professional and a “self-proclaimed” expert. These 3 exams are the Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS), Oil Monitoring Analyst (OMA I and OMA II), and Certified Metalworking Fluids Specialist (CMFS).

Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) is the only independent certification for the lubrication professional that verifies your broad lubrication engineering knowledge. Certification recognizes those individuals who possess current knowledge of lubrication fundamentals and best practices in lubrication maintenance in industrial settings. Certified individuals must have at least three years of experience in the field of lubrication.

Oil Monitoring Analyst (OMA) is the certification for the Predictive Maintenance Professional that demonstrates competence in the field of machinery oil monitoring. Oil monitoring in this context consists of sampling and analyzing the oil properties to assess whether the oil needs service and/or to assess the mechanical health of the equipment being monitored. There are two types of OMA certifications. OMA I is for the oil sampler, the individual on the shop floor with responsibility for sampling the oil and the overall care of the equipment. OMA II is for the oil analyzer, the individual in the laboratory responsible for properly running the appropriate tests, data interpretation, program management, and related activities.

Certified Metalworking Fluids Specialist (CMFS) verifies knowledge, experience and education in this specialized and growing field. The certification is intended for individuals with overall responsibility for metal removal or forming fluids management; for specialists with on-site responsibility for metal removal or forming systems, and for others involved with research, instruction, evaluation, analysis, selection, technical management, application and handling of metalworking fluids and related materials.