The Benefits of Professional Certification
Seeking professional certification is a common practice for people in all types of industries worldwide, and for good reason. Certification signifies an individual’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, especially in industries that rely on machinery and ever-changing technologies. Because it serves as both a credibility earmark and an industrial 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. Certification denotes training, and numerous studies show that job satisfaction and employee performance hinge on strong training and continuing education. As an effective 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 postings, industry regulations and technologies becoming the norm.
| 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 |
Why Recertify?
Because certifications are important validators for individuals, 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 professional’s skill set and expertise as accurately as possible, earning a certification must be a thorough, challenging process. However, without regular updates, certifications would become obsolete and ultimately useless. As technologies 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 demonstrate 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 development 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 contributions by writing papers and magazine articles?
How to Renew ICML Certification
ICML certifications expire three years from the date of an individual’s exam. All certifications are renewed via a points system. Points must be earned during the three years of valid certification.
To recertify, submit a completed application to ICML with proof of any of the criteria shown above totaling 15 points. Additional requirements may apply. Please visit ICMLonline.com for complete recertification criteria and deadlines.
