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Certifications – Professional – CLGS Exam

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.
The certification exam covers the following topics:
Lubrication Fundamentals

• Lubrication Regimes
• Viscosity and Viscosity Index
• Tribology
• Bearings (plan and rolling element)
• Gears (enclosed and open)

Components
  • Base Oils
  • Additives (types and function)
  • 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
  • Paper Mill
  • Railroad
  • Miscellaneous
Grease Tests
  • ASTM
  • ISO
  • DIN
  • Others
Grease Trends
Problem Solving
  • Bearing Basics
  • Tribology Basics
Packaging, Storing, Handling, and Dispensing Grease
Toxicology, Regulatory Issues, Safety

EXAM DATES

The Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist (CLGS) examination will be offered by NLGI at the following location in 2018:

Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 2:00 P.M.
The Coeur D’Alene Resort in Coeur D’Alene, ID

FEE FOR THE INITIAL EXAM

$225 for Employee of NLGI Member Company
$275 for Employee of Non-Member Company

FEE FOR RE-TAKES

$125 for Employee of NLGI Member Company
$175 for Employee of Non-NLGI Member Company

APPLICATION FORM

SUGGESTED STUDY REFERENCES

  • NLGI Lubricating Grease Guide*
  • NLGI Basic Grease Course*
  • NLGI Advance Grease Course*
  • NLGI Application and 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
  • Additive literature from various additive suppliers
  • ASTM grease test methods

*The MOST important material to study is the NLGI Lubricating Grease Guide. After that, the Grease Education Course materials should be quite helpful.

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.