Zach Studer is now part of a select group of experts in the lubricant industry. Studer, senior manager of distribution, procurement and quality control, recently passed a test offered by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) to become a Certified Lubricant Specialist (CLS). He is now one of 1,003 lubricant professionals to hold the designation.
Studer traveled to Houston, Texas, in July to take his certification exam. The 150-question test covered a wide range of subjects, including bearings, fluid conditioning and power, gears, lubricant analysis, lubrication fundamentals, lubricant programs, pneumatics, seals, storage, handling and application of lubricants and lubricant transport, among other topics. He completed the exam in three and a half hours.
Studer oversees operations at the MFA Oil Business Support Campus in Moberly, Mo., including the laboratory, which offers lubricant analysis and recommendations.
“Becoming a Certified Lubricant Specialist has been a goal of mine for several years, and I’m proud to have met that objective,” Studer says.
Don North, Studer’s mentor and retired boss, encouraged Studer to pursue accreditation.
“The CLS exam is difficult and takes a lot of technical understanding to pass,” North says. “When people in our industry see a CLS certification, they know you know what you are doing.”
North says current and prospective customers can take comfort in knowing the company has a CLS on staff.
“Sometimes you will get individuals who can pass the test, but they lack the interpersonal skills to effectively communicate their knowledge,” North says. “That isn’t an issue for Zach. He’s a personable guy that can talk to anybody – which makes his certification even more valuable.”