MLA-1 / MLT-1 Certification Course

Become an ICML-Certified Machinery Lubrication Technician in 3 Days

A foundational, ISO 18436-4–aligned course that takes your team from reactive lube routes to a proactive, audit-ready lubrication program — and prepares them for the MLT-1, MLA-1, or combined MLT-1/MLA-1 ICML exam.

3Days

ISO 18436-4Aligned

ICMLApproved Partner

2 + OnlineLocations

Day 4Optional Exam

What You'll Walk Away With

Specify the right lubricant for any machine in your plant
Build a contamination control and storage program
Design effective lube routes and re-lube intervals
Read and act on basic oil analysis reports
Identify the gaps in your current lubrication program
Sit the MLT-1 / MLA-1 ICML exam with confidence

Course Pricing

Who Should Attend

Lube Technicians
Mechanics
Maintenance Technicians
Millwrights
Oilers
Operators
PdM Technicians
Reliability Engineers
Reliability Technicians

Day-by-Day Outline

I. Maintenance Strategies

Common reasons for machinery failure
The costs of poor maintenance practices
Importance of proper lubrication practices
Concept of lube routes
Oil analysis: a critical tool for effective lubrication practices
Properly tagging and identifying equipment for lubrication

II. Lubrication Theory & Fundamentals

Fundamentals of tribology
Functions of a lubricant
Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)
Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)
Mixed-film lubrication
Base oils, additives and their functions
Oil physical, chemical and performance properties
Grease lubrication

III. Lubricant Selection

Viscosity selection
Base-oil and additive system selection
Machine-specific lubricant requirements
Application and environment adjustments

IV. Lubricant Application

Calculating required lubricant volume
Re-lube and change frequencies
When to use oil vs. grease
Manual delivery techniques
Automatic delivery systems

V. Storage & Management

Lubricant receiving procedures and inventory management
Storage containers and grease-gun storage
Maintenance of automatic grease systems
Health and safety

VI. Lube Condition Control

Filtration and separation technologies
Filter rating and selection
Filtration system design

VII. Oil Sampling

Objectives for lube oil sampling
Sampling methods
Managing interference

VIII. Lubricant Health Monitoring

Lubricant failure mechanisms
Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants
Fluid properties test methods, applications and limitations

IX. Wear Debris Monitoring & Analysis

Common machine wear modes
Wear debris analysis techniques

Ready to register? Class sizes are limited. Confirm your seat.

Register for Online Register for In-Person

ICML Certification

Lubrigard / WearCheck is an ICML Approved Training Partner & Exam Location

ICML is a global non-profit dedicated to helping lubrication practitioners succeed. Exams are administered in accordance with ISO 18436 and are available worldwide in multiple languages, in both paper and online formats. On Day 4 you may schedule your MLT-1 certification exam. Read more or apply at lubecouncil.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between MLT-1 and MLA-1?

MLT-1 (Machinery Lubrication Technician) focuses on the hands-on practitioner side — selection, application, storage. MLA-1 (Machine Lubricant Analyst) leans into oil analysis interpretation. This 3-day course covers both bodies of knowledge, so you can sit MLT-1, MLA-1, or the combined MLT-1/MLA-1 exam.

Can I take the exam without the course?

No, the course is a pre-requisite for first time exam takers.

Is online as effective as in-person?

The body of knowledge covered is identical. In-person students benefit from hands-on demos, live Q&A and the day-4 exam slot; online is the right pick for distributed teams or those who prefer to learn from their own facility.

Do you offer group or in-house rates?

Yes. We routinely deliver this course on-site for plants training 6+ technicians at once. Talk to Paul Dumont for a group quote.

What are the certification requirements?

ICML requires at least two years of post-secondary education or on-the-job training in machine lubrication, oil analysis, machinery maintenance or a related field, plus a passing score on the MLT-1 exam.

Your Instructor

Lead Instructor · OMA I, MLA I, MLT I Certified

Paul Dumont, VP of Sales — Lubrigard Ltd.

Paul started his career running his own business in the proactive lubrication industry providing lubrication solutions to his clients. Since joining Lubrigard, he has developed strong relationships with both distributors and major clients, and is the source of technical knowledge for Lubrigard services.

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