STLE Updates Name for Oil Monitoring Certification
The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is updating the name of its oil monitoring certification to better reflect the expertise required of professionals holding this certification.
Previously known as Certified Oil Monitoring Analyst II (OMA II), this program now designates the Certified Oil Monitoring Expert (OMX) credential. STLE said the standard remains the same despite the name change. The newly named OMX Certification is applicable for anyone working with oils, such as hydraulic fluids, or lubricants used in motion control or other systems.
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Per STLE, the OMX Certification recognizes professionals who demonstrate advanced proficiency in lubricants, lubrication, and comprehensive oil analysis. Individuals who receive the certification are those with expertise in selecting and applying appropriate testing methods, understanding advanced instrumentation, and evaluating results.
In addition, those who have received the certification are capable of interpreting complex data, diagnosing equipment issues, performing root cause analysis, and recommending effective corrective actions — all within the context of real-world operating conditions.
The OMX Certification is geared towards professionals working in the following areas:
- Oil analysis and condition monitoring
- Equipment reliability and maintenance
- Lubrication engineering and program management
- Laboratory investigation and quality control.
Oil analysis diagnosticians, lubricant professionals, technicians in commercial laboratories and those responsible for the overall management of an oil analysis program are among those for which this certification would be applicable.
Reliability is a critical design factor for mobile and industrial applications, which is aided in part by optimal use and performance of lubricants and oils.
For instance, if the oil running through a hydraulic system becomes contaminated in some manner, it can lead to system failure and costly downtime for machine owners.
But those with the expertise to analyze and make informed decisions about the oil used in a system can help ensure such downtime issues are minimized, and thus the long-term performance of components and systems is achieved.
Those interested in being certified as an Oil Monitoring Expert can learn more about taking the certification test on STLE’s website. Prerequisites for the certification include an individual having 5+ years of practical experience utilizing oil analysis in the field of lubrication and 24 hours of training in oil analysis-related courses, which may include company training programs.
About the Author
Sara Jensen
Executive Editor, Power & Motion
Sara Jensen is executive editor of Power & Motion, directing expanded coverage into the modern fluid power space, as well as mechatronic and smart technologies. She has over 15 years of publishing experience. Prior to Power & Motion she spent 11 years with a trade publication for engineers of heavy-duty equipment, the last 3 of which were as the editor and brand lead. Over the course of her time in the B2B industry, Sara has gained an extensive knowledge of various heavy-duty equipment industries — including construction, agriculture, mining and on-road trucks —along with the systems and market trends which impact them such as fluid power and electronic motion control technologies.
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