Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/655822
40 | March - April 2016 | www.machinerylubrication.com Seeking professional certification is a common practice for people in all types of industries worldwide, and for good reason. Certification signifies an individu - al's expertise and training to employers, peers and clients (where applicable), and also helps industries as a whole define and maintain standards. Certification involves much more than passing an exam and adding a line to a résumé, espe - cially in industries that rely on machinery and ever-changing tech- nologies. Because it serves as both a credibility earmark and an indus- trial standard, certification must entail careful preparation and regular updating to keep up with new developments in the industry. Why Get Certified? A major incentive for most professionals is an increase in pay. Even if individuals aren't motivated directly by their employer, Machinery Lubrication surveys have consistently found that those with International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) certifications make more money, and those who become certified are likely to receive a pay increase shortly thereafter. Of course, monetary gain is just one aspect to consider. Certifi- cation denotes training, and numerous studies show that job satisfaction and employee perfor- mance hinge on strong training and continuing education. As an effec- tive training "receipt," certification exemplifies these benefits perfectly for both the individual and the employer. Organizations that value training and certification tend to see lower personnel turnover and increased productivity, which subsequently yield greater profits. Even for the industry as a whole, certification provides valuable cohesion of practitioner standards and a path for advancement where they may not otherwise exist. A level of certification also acts as an excellent benchmark for job post- ings, industry regulations and technologies becoming the norm. Why Recertify? Because certifications are important validators for individ- uals, employers and industries, it is critical that being certified represents credible excellence, not just a passing grade on an exam. In order to reflect a profes- sional's skill set and expertise as accurately as possible, earning a certification must be a thorough, challenging process. However, without regular updates, certifi- cations would become obsolete and ultimately useless. As tech- nologies and protocol evolve, so must an individual's skills and experience. Recertification is the best method for ensuring that certified individuals are in fact proficient in the necessary aspects of their field and demon- strate it every day in their jobs. Typically, recertification is a straightforward process that is not as challenging as the initial training/exam process of becoming certified. The focus is more on the professional devel- opment of individuals. Are they continuing to learn new things? Are they effectively meeting the demands of their jobs? Are they engaged in their industry via events and conferences or making important contribu- tions by writing papers and magazine articles? How to Renew ICML Certification ICML cer tif ications expire three years from the date of an individual's exam. All cer ti- f ications are renewed via a points system. Points must be earned during the three years of valid cer tif ication. To recertify, submit a completed application to ICML with proof of any of the criteria shown below totaling 15 points. Additional require- ments may apply. Please visit ICMLonline.com for complete recertification criteria and deadlines. By caitlin schuDall a, noria corPoration TR AINING AND CER TIFICATION L u b r i c a t i o n P r o g r a m s The BENEFITS of Professional CERTIFICATION CATEGORY POINTS MAXIMUM DOCUMENTATION Training 1 point per day 10 points Proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from training company on its letterhead) and a copy of the course outline Employment 4 points per year 12 points Letter from employer (on company letterhead) with title of signer shown Article Publication 2 points per article 6 points Copy of article and table of contents of the book, proceedings, magazine or journal in which it was published Conference Attendance 1 point per conference day 6 points Proof of attendance (certificate, badge or letter from conference organizer on its letterhead) and copy of program ICML Recertification Criteria