The Level I LLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that one should have
in order to pass the exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-5, Category I, Annex A. References from
which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge.
I. Sample handling and preparation (30%)
A. Sample cleanliness
1. Sample diluting
2. Cross-contamination
B. Contaminant re-suspension
1. Bottle Ullage
2. Sample Agitation
II. Lubricant health monitoring (30%)
1. Kinematic viscosity ((ASTM D445/ISO 3104)
2. Absolute (dynamic) viscosity (ASTM D2983/ISO 3104)
3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270/(ISO 2909)
4. Acid Number (ASTM D664, D974/ISO 6618, ISO 6619)
5. Base Number (ASTM D4739, D974/ISO 6618, ISO 3771)
6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis (ASTM E169, ASTM D7418)
7. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ASTM D5185, 6595)
8. Flash point test (ASTM D92, ASTM D93/ISO 2592, ISO 2719, ISO 1523 + ISO 3679 + ISO 13736)
9. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) (ASTM D5967)
10. Schiff’s reagent (ASTM D2982)
11. Crackle test
12. Co-distillation (ASTM D95/ISO 3733)
13. Karl Fischer titration (ASTM D6304/ISO 10337 +ISO 12937)
14. Cyclic voltammetry (ASTM 6971)
15. Insolubles (ASTM D893)
16. Gas chromatography (ASTM D3524, ASTM D3525)
III. Reagent Management (20%)
A. Equipment and glassware (Cleaning and preparation)
B. Chemicals
1. Preparation
2. Labeling
3. Storage
4. Safety
5. Disposal
6. Material safety data sheets
IV. Instrument Calibration (20%)
A. Reference materials
1. Primary and secondary standards
B. Record keeping
1. Routine control charts