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CLGS Certification Information

(Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist)

Certification Name

Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist: (CLGS)

Objective of Certification

The objective is to establish a standard, which certifies that an individual possesses a defined level of expertise in the field of grease. Certification indicates that NLGI recognizes the individual as a grease expert.

Benefits of Certification

Certification is a useful tool for employers to screen potential employees and for OEMs and end users to ensure that consultants and suppliers are qualified to make grease related recommendations. Certification entitles the individual to use the CLGS designation, which can provide a professional advantage in obtaining employment, promotions, and new business opportunities. NLGI will post a list of the individuals achieving CLGS certification on the NLGI website.

The Exam

The exam consists of multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions.
There are 120 questions on the exam.
A score of 80% or higher is required for a pass.
There is a two-hour time limit for completion of the exam.
Exam participation is available for any individual who has worked in the grease industry and has attained a high level of expertise in this field.
NLGI strictly prohibits the sale or distribution of the test questions.

Fee for the initial exam.

$200 for Employee of NLGI Member Company
$250 for Employee of Non-Member Company

Fee for re-takes.

$100 for Employee of NLGI Member Company
$125 for Employee of Non-NLGI Member Company

The certification exam covers the following topics.

  • Manufacturing
    • Open Kettles
    • In-Line (Continuous Processing)
    • Autoclaves/Pressure Kettles
    • Votators
    • Milling/Homogenizing
    • Deaeration
  • Components
    • Base Oils
    • Additives
    • Thickeners
    • Dyes
  • Grease Types
    • Simple Soap Greases
    • Complex Greases
    • Inorganic Greases
    • Others
  • Grease Compatibility
  • Grease Approvals
    • NLGI Grease Certifications
    • Military/Industry/OEM
    • Miscellaneous
  • Grease Applications/Selection/Maintenance
    • Steel Mill
    • Automotive/Trucking
    • Agriculture
    • Construction
    • Mining
    • Electric Motors
    • Food Industry
    • Railroad
    • Miscellaneous
  • Grease Tests
  • Grease Trends
  • Problem Solving
    • Bearing Basics
    • Tribology Basics
  • Packaging, Storing, Handling, and Dispensing Grease
  • Toxicology, Regulatory Issues, Safety

Suggested Study References

  • NLGI Lubricating Grease Guide
  • NLGI Basic Grease Course
  • NLGI Advance Grease Course
  • NLGI Additives Course
  • NLGI Maintenance Course
  • NLGI Grease Survey
  • NLGI Spokesman Articles
  • ELGI Publications (Rheology and Oil Separation Handbooks, EUROGREASE Articles)
  • GREASETECH India Articles
  • Grease Related Books by Boner, Polishuk, and Others

Certification Renewal

Renewal Frequency:Every 3 years.

Renewal Fee:$100

Renewal Requirements:

One of the following is required during the three-year certification period in order to qualify for certification renewal.

  • Attend an NLGI annual meeting.
  • Present a paper at an NLGI annual meeting.
  • Attend an ELGI or NLGI India annual meeting.
  • Publish a grease related paper in an industry publication.
  • Present a grease related paper or training seminar at an industry meeting.

Or

  • Retake and pass the CLGS certification exam.

Exam Dates

Application for the CLGS Exam

The new Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist examination will be offered by NLGI at the following locations in 2008:

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 9:00a.m., STLE Annual Meeting, Cleveland, Ohio.
Click here for application form: CLGS Application Form/STLE

Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 2:00p.m, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
Click here for application form: CLGS Application Form/NLGI Williamsburg

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