A Lubrication Specialist (CLS) is a professional integral to ensuring the effective and efficient lubrication of machinery and systems within an organization. While the title of “Lubrication Engineer” is sometimes used, the CLS designation is not exclusive to engineers. Professionals from diverse backgrounds, including sales and management, often pursue certification to increase their credibility and align with industry standards. The CLS certification demonstrates a commitment to mastering the complex science of lubrication and advancing operational efficiency.

Why should you support your people to take CLS training and the exam as well as why individuals can also benefit.

• Studies have shown that the majority of rolling element bearings do not reach their design life. The reason is often one or more of improper lubrication as to wrong type, wrong viscosity, contamination, and too little or even too much. Most can be preventable with the right knowledge.
• A study on the causes of failures of pumps in the petrochemical industry were because inadequate maintenance plus improper operation. The design was seldom at fault. Most failures could have been prevented with the right knowledge.
• Per volume, getting right of waste lubricants can often cost almost 50X the cost of new oil. Proper condition monitoring can let you know when changes are required.
• The cheapest product is seldom the most cost effective. Proper knowledge can help make the right choice when you consider life cycle costs and friction/energy reduction.
• As with electronics, software and energy sources, there are also numerous changes in tribology such as some or all of the following; lubricants, condition monitoring, practices, tools, bearings, seals, filters, varnish prevention, recycling, and environmental protection. Staying current requires an investment.
• While having good contact with your lube or bearing supplier, their training is normally limited to their specific products. This is seldom enough.
• it has been shown that knowledge training by verbal instructions, classrooms, written material, and the like is not always retained. Plus, if relaying on the past how do you know if it is current. CLS certification provides such evidence.

Investing a couple of thousand dollars plus a few days of their time should pay back many times in reduced costs, less waste, reduced downtime, energy savings and safety.

This exam covers areas like: Bearings, Fluid Conditioning, Fluid Power, Gears, Lubricant Analysis, Lubricant Manufacturing, Lubrication Fundamentals, Lubrication Programs, Metalworking, Monitoring and Reducing Consumption of Lubricants, Pneumatics, Problem Solving, Seals, Solvents and Cleaners, Storage, Handling and Application of Lubricants, and Transportation Lubricants.