OilDoc FAQ
Your questions – our answers:
Interesting facts about seminars, certificate courses and video training at OilDoc
Whether oil analysis, lubrication, basic knowledge or a certificate course – at OilDoc you will find the right training programme for your individual needs. Our practice-orientated events are very popular with specialists and managers from a wide range of industries.
As the number of participants grows, we continually receive valuable feedback that helps us to constantly expand our programme and tailor it even better to your requirements. Many mineral oil companies are reducing their own training programmes – this is where OilDoc comes in as a reliable partner that provides you with competent support.
The wide variety of seminars and training courses sometimes makes it difficult to choose. We have therefore compiled the most frequently asked questions to make it easier for you to find your way around.

1. General information about the OilDoc Academy
Question: What is the OilDoc Academy and what topics are covered?
Answer: The OilDoc Academy is a leading training platform for experts from industry and research. We offer practice-orientated seminars, in-house training courses and video training on all aspects of lubricants, tribology and lubricant analysis.
Question: Other associations and companies also offer training courses on lubricants. How does the OilDoc Academy differ from these?
Answer: Three things make us special: we are independent, our work is absolutely practice-orientated and we have professional, certified trainers. Our lecturers impart knowledge sustainably and create a pleasant learning atmosphere, as numerous participant feedbacks confirm.
Question: Who are the seminars and training courses suitable for?
Answer: Our courses are aimed at specialists and managers from the fields of maintenance, mechanical engineering, quality management, research and development as well as anyone who would like to deepen their knowledge of lubricants and tribology.
Question: The OilDoc Academy is located in beautiful Upper Bavaria, but it’s a very long journey for me. Are there alternatives?
Answer: Yes, of course! In addition to our location in Brannenburg, we offer you the opportunity to conveniently follow many seminars via live video stream from anywhere – without having to travel. You can also book a customised company seminar directly at your location. This allows us to customise the training precisely to your needs, saving you and your team time and travel costs.
Question: Who are the speakers and experts?
Answer: Our speakers are experienced industry experts and scientists with many years of practical experience and in-depth expertise.
Question: Are there any materials or documents for the seminar?
Answer: Yes, all participants receive comprehensive seminar documentation which they can also use as a reference work after the training.
2. Seminars, In-house training and Video training
Question: What seminar formats does OilDoc offer?
Answer: We offer face-to-face seminars at our academy in Brannenburg (participation also possible via live video stream), flexible video training and customised in-house training courses directly at your premises.
Question: What topics are covered in the seminars?
Answer: Our seminars cover a broad spectrum, including the basics of tribology, lubricant selection, lubricant analysis, condition monitoring and fault diagnosis.
Question: How do I find the right training course at OilDoc and what filter options are there?
Answer: On our overview page ‘Find your suitable OilDoc training course’ you will find a complete overview of all upcoming seminars, certificate courses, intensive training courses and video training courses. You can use the practical filter function to narrow down your search – for example by type of training, subject specialisation (industry or topic-specific), participation requirements (with or without prior knowledge) or by available dates.
This allows you to quickly and easily find the seminar that exactly matches your requirements and level of knowledge. Our team will also be happy to provide you with personalised advice by telephone on +49 8034 9047-700.
Question: What is the difference between live participation and live video streaming?
Answer: Face-to-face seminars enable a direct exchange with speakers and other participants on site. The live video streams offer maximum flexibility and can be viewed conveniently from the workplace or home office – both formats are designed to be practical and interactive.
Question: Can I book an in-house training course for my company?
Answer: Yes, we would be happy to work with you to develop a customised training concept that is tailored specifically to the requirements and challenges of your company.
Question: When does it make sense to organise an individual company seminar?
Answer: An in-house seminar is particularly worthwhile financially and in terms of content for five to six participants or more. The content is tailored precisely to your needs and systems, and it is possible to address individual issues in a targeted manner.
Question: What is video training at OilDoc and how can I benefit from it?
Answer: Our video training courses offer you the opportunity to learn high-quality specialist knowledge about lubricants, maintenance and oil analyses in a flexible and practical way. The recorded training courses are specially designed for maintenance, service and repair specialists and cover both basic and specialised topics.
After ordering online, you get immediate access to the content and can learn at your own pace – when and where it suits you best. This allows you to expand your knowledge conveniently and without time pressure and always remain at the cutting edge of technology. Our range is constantly growing so that you can regularly discover new and exciting topics.
Question: Are seminars at OilDoc also offered in English?
Answer: Most of our seminars are currently held in German. The preparation course for the CLS exam and the video certificate course (MLA/MLT I) are currently offered in English. Individual seminars can be held in English at any time on request. Please contact us directly if you are interested – we will be happy to advise you and organise a suitable solution.
3. Certificate courses: contents and examination
Question: What certificate courses does the OilDoc Academy offer and for whom are they suitable?
Answer: The OilDoc Academy offers practice-oriented certificate courses on all aspects of lubrication and oil analysis, including targeted preparation for internationally recognised examinations. Our courses are aimed at maintenance engineers, technicians and specialists who want to expand their knowledge and become certified.
The offer includes, among other things:
- Lubrication technician certificate course (2 modules): Ideal for beginners and practitioners who want to learn the basics of lubrication and typical areas of application in a practical way.
- Lubricant expert certificate course (4 modules): Building on the technician course, this course focuses in particular on modules 3 and 4 with a focus on the selection, application and optimisation of lubricants.
- Certified Hydraulic Fluid Specialist (2 days): This course provides in-depth insights into the use and monitoring of hydraulic fluids and the selection of the optimum hydraulic fluid for modern hydraulic systems.
- MLA/MLT I certificate course (3 days): Introduction to machine monitoring through oil analyses with exam preparation for ‘Machinery Lubrication Analyst I’ and ‘Machinery Lubrication Technician I’.
- MLA II certificate course (4 days): For advanced students focussing on the ‘Certified Oil Analysis Specialist’ certification exam.
- CLS certificate course (4 days): Expert knowledge for lubricant professionals with targeted preparation for the internationally recognised CLS exam (‘Certified Lubrication Specialist’).
All courses take place in modern facilities in Brannenburg and include comprehensive seminar documentation
Question: I would like to take the certification exam for CLS, the Certified Lubrication Specialist. Is this certificate really that prestigious?
Answer: Yes, the CLS is highly recognised internationally and is required or desired as a qualification in many job advertisements. The OilDoc Academy has already successfully prepared numerous participants for this examination.
Further information on the CLS.
Frage: CLS, MLA II oder Geprüfter Schmierstoff-Experte – was sind die wichtigsten Unterschiede?
Antwort:
MLA II (Machinery Lubricant Analyst Level II): Experte für Ölanalytik und Maschinenüberwachung.
CLS (Certified Lubrication Specialist): Highly respected industry-wide certificate specialising in lubrication.
Certified lubricant expert: Solid knowledge of lubrication and lubricants, good basis for the CLS.
Question: Which examinations can I take as part of the OilDoc training programme?
Answer: With OilDoc you can distinguish between two types of tests:
- External testing by international organisations such as the ICML (International Council for Machinery Lubrication) or the STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). These tests are carried out independently by the respective organisations. OilDoc offers preparation courses and, if required, can provide rooms where you can take the exam. The registration and realisation of the examination takes place directly via the respective provider. Further information can be found on the respective seminar pages.
- Internal OilDoc certificate examinations as part of our training courses, such as ‘Lubricant Technician’, ‘Lubricant Expert’ or ‘Certified Hydraulic Oil Specialist’. These examinations take place directly after the seminars at the OilDoc Academy.
Question: How do I register for the ICML or STLE external examinations?
Answer: Registration for the external examinations is done directly via the respective organisations ICML or STLE. OilDoc supports you with specific preparation courses and can also provide the premises for the examination on request. The exact registration formalities and dates can be found on the respective seminar page or on the official websites of the examination providers.
Question: How does the internal examination for the OilDoc certificate courses work?
Answer: The examination takes place immediately after completion of the respective seminar at the OilDoc Academy and consists of a multiple-choice test with around 100 questions under supervision. To pass the exam, at least 80 % of the questions must be answered correctly. The evaluation is carried out promptly and you receive direct feedback on your results.
Question: Will I receive an official certificate after the OilDoc internal examinations?
Answer: Yes, after successfully completing the internal OilDoc certificate examinations, you will receive an official OilDoc certificate and the corresponding logo. This certificate confirms your expertise and is a valuable unique selling point in your professional environment.
4 Registration, participation and costs
Question: How can I register for a seminar or training course?
Answer: You can easily register via our website: Select the desired seminar and the desired date – click on the ‘Register now’ button, whereupon you will be redirected to the Ablefy booking platform. There you can finalise your registration and choose from the usual online payment methods – including credit card, PayPal and others.
If you are only interested in registering via purchase on account, please send us an informal e-mail to info@oildoc.de with the following details:
- Seminar title
- Seminar date
- Type of participation (on site in Brannenburg or live video stream)
- Participant data (name, e-mail)
- Invoice address
- If available: Internal order number
Our team will then process your registration manually and send you an invoice and confirmation of participation.
Question: How high are the participation fees?
Answer: Prices vary depending on the seminar format and duration. A current price list can be found on our website under the respective event.
Question: Are there discounts for registering multiple employees from the same company?
Answer: Yes, if three or more employees from the same company register, we offer a 5% discount on the participation fees. This is how we support you in providing cost-effective training for your teams. For further information or individual offers, please contact our team.
Question: Are there any prerequisites for participation or do I need prior knowledge?
Answer: Our seminars are generally designed for specialists with basic knowledge of lubricants and mechanical engineering. Details on the requirements can be found in the respective seminar description.
Question: Can I cancel or rebook my registration? What deadlines apply?
Answer: Cancellations are possible free of charge up to 28 days before the start of the seminar – however, we charge a processing fee of €50 net. Rebookings are possible by arrangement. Please also note our general terms and conditions in this context.
5. Travel and accommodation
Question: How do I get to the OilDoc Academy?
Answer: The OilDoc Academy is located in Brannenburg, Upper Bavaria. For a simple and stress-free journey, we provide you with detailed directions as a PDF document.
Question: Are there any recommended places to stay near the OilDoc Academy?
Answer: Yes, we have compiled a PDF file with recommendations for hotels and accommodation near the OilDoc Academy. This makes it easy to find suitable accommodation for your stay. If you have any questions or individual requests, we will be happy to help you.
6. Technical requirements (for live video participation)
Question: What technical requirements do I need for live video participation?
Answer: You need a PC or laptop with Internet access, speakers or headphones and a webcam for interactive sessions. A stable internet connection is recommended.
Question: Which platforms are used for live video participation?
Answer: We use Microsoft Teams for online transmissions. You will receive the access data in good time before the start of the seminar.
7. Consulting and expert opinions
Question: What consultancy services does OilDoc offer for lubricants and oil monitoring?
Answer: OilDoc supports you in selecting the right lubricant, creating neutral lubricant specifications, grade reduction, lubricant management and the optimisation of lubrication schedules and oil monitoring. We take into account both technical requirements and your operational processes in order to increase reliability and efficiency.rn.
Question: Does OilDoc also offer expertises on lubricant issues?
Answer: Yes, OilDoc Managing Director Dipl.-Ing. Rüdiger Krethe is a BDSH-certified expert for lubricants and lubricant monitoring. We prepare qualified, official expert reports on technical issues relating to lubricants and oil monitoring. Please contact us for a customised offer.
Question: How does OilDoc support the troubleshooting of lubricant and oil problems?
Answer: We analyse and help solve problems such as filter blockages, oil discolouration, deposits, oil cleanliness deviations and conspicuous oil analysis trends. We also advise you in negotiations with manufacturers and suppliers and audit your handling of lubricants to ensure efficiency and safety.
Question: How can I request advice, an expert opinion or troubleshooting from OilDoc?
Answer: Simply send us an enquiry using our contact form or by e-mail. We will be happy to provide you with a customised quote and advise you on the next steps.
8. Miscellaneous - Contact
Question: How can I contact the OilDoc team?
Answer: You can reach us by telephone on +49 8034 9047-700, by e-mail at info@oildoc.com or via our contact forms on the website.