Introducing the Certified Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE) – A New Industry Benchmark

ICML Unveils the Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE) Certification

ICML now offers a management‑level credential that equips professionals with the skills to design, implement, and oversee world‑class lubrication programs. The MLE is built around ISO 55000 and refined through the input of 45 global subject‑matter experts.

ICML 55.1, the newly released “Requirements for the Optimized Lubrication of Mechanical Physical Assets,” outlines tactical guidelines across twelve interrelated domains that drive consistent, high‑performance lubrication management.

Designed for reliability and asset leaders—whether they hold engineering degrees or not— the MLE exam comprises 150 questions that assess technical knowledge, practical understanding, and the ability to deliver engineering support in industrial settings, whether as staff or consultants.

ICML 55: A Dedicated Standard for Lubrication Programs

Building on ISO 55000’s asset‑management framework, ICML 55 fills a critical gap with lubrication‑specific requirements. Technical contributions from over 40 experts shaped the standard, which serves as a tactical complement to ISO 55001 rather than a replacement.

Manufacturing facilities that adopt MLE personnel can rely on professionals who understand ICML 55’s framework, ensuring that all factors influencing lubricated asset decisions are considered by stakeholders.

ICML 55.1 is now available for purchase. It represents the culmination of years of collaborative effort among lubrication, oil‑analysis, and reliability specialists, offering companies a roadmap to advance their broader asset‑management strategies.

12 Core Areas of ICML 55

ICML 55.1 is part of a suite that includes ICML 55.2 (Guidelines) and ICML 55.3 (Auditor’s Manual), scheduled for release by year‑end 2019 and 2020, respectively. Together, they enable organizations to certify compliance across the following domains:

1. Skills: Job Task, Training, and Competency
2. Machine: Lubrication & Condition Monitoring Readiness
3. Lubricant: System Design and Selection
4. Lubrication: Planned & Corrective Maintenance
5. Tools: Support Facilities and Equipment
6. Inspection: Machine & Lubricant Assessment
7. Lubricant Analysis: Condition Monitoring
8. Troubleshoot: Fault & Failure Root‑Cause Analysis
9. Waste: Lubricant Disposal & Management
10. Energy: Conservation & Environmental Impact
11. Reclaim: Oil Recovery & Decontamination
12. Management: Program Oversight & Metrics

Path to Certification

No prior MLE certification is required, but completing related ICML programs—such as MLT or MLA—can strengthen your preparation. The full Body of Knowledge is freely accessible on ICML’s website. Interested candidates can review the BoK and schedule the MLE exam through ICML’s exam portal.

For further information about ICML 55 or MLE registration, contact info@lubecouncil.org.