International Council for Machinery Lubrication

ICML offers online and paper exams. They are all closed-book exams presented in multiple-choice format.

Not all of our certifications require formal, documented training. Those that do require such training include GLC, ALC, and all levels of LLA, MLA, and MLT. Certifications that do not require such training include LAT, MLE and the FPL, VIM, and VPR specialty certifications. Review all the requirements for each certification level on our certifications page.

When necessary, you can find suitable formal training classes using our searchable directory of independent training partners.

Some certification exams cost more than others. Additionally, prices can also vary to accommodate socio-economic status of different countries.

You can quickly determine your exam price by looking up your specific certification and country on our Costs page.

Please note that first-time exam fees may differ from fees charged for retake exams. Also, there is no cost difference between online and in-person exams.

Every certification exam requires 70% correct answers to pass. This passing rate is simply calculated based on total number of exam questions.

If you choose to retake an exam after failing to earn a passing score, you must submit a new exam application. You may retake the exam no more than twice after a thirty-day waiting period between attempts. A candidate who fails three consecutive attempts shall wait 12 months before trying again, at which time he would be required to reapply as a new candidate.

Every ICML certification is valid for a period of three years, with the exception of the LAT. Recertification is attained by a points system. See details on the Recertifications pages.

Yes, this is true for most certification candidates. However, when pursuing LLA II or MLA II certification, you may be able to test directly for Level 2 if you qualify as a Mature Entry Candidate. For more information, see the Requirements tab on our LLA II or MLA II pages.