Duration: 4.5 days

Plus 3-hour optional extra 3rd party certification exam through SPM Academy. 70% passing grade. Available at an additional cost.

Format: Classroom learning

Compliance: Follows ISO 18436-2 and 18436-3 and provides 3.5 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits.

Prerequisite: Prior experience is not required for attending the training course, but certification requires: 36 months of experience AND ISO Category II certification or a minimum of 60 months of experience in lieu of Category II certification.‍

Outcome: This course will give the analyst all the skills and knowledge necessary to solve all fault conditions, run a successful condition monitoring program and drive a reliability culture.

You will come away from this course with a complete understanding of:

• Vibration and phase analysis
• Dynamic balancing and shaft alignment
• Developing knowledge of machine dynamics and all condition monitoring technologies

‍Principles of Vibration

• Very quick review of fundamentals
• Waveform, spectrum, phase, vectors, and orbits
• Signals: transients, pulses, modulation, beating, sum/difference
• Force, response, damping, and stiffness.
• Cepstrum analysis‍

Data Acquisition

• Planning routes, test locations, and programs‍

Signal Processing

• Sampling, resolution, Fmax, averaging, windowing, dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio
• A/D conversion: constant and variable sampling rate

Equipment Testing and Diagnostics

• Impact testing (bump tests)
• Phase analysis
• Transient analysis
• Operating deflection shape analysis
• Introduction to modal analysis
• Cross-channel measurements

Vibration Analysis

• Spectral, time waveform, and envelope analysis‍

Fault Analysis in Detail

• Natural frequencies and resonances
• Imbalance, eccentricity, and bent shaft
• Misalignment, cocked bearing, and soft foot
• Mechanical looseness
• Rolling element bearing analysis
• Analysis of turbo-machinery and sleeve bearings
• Analysis of AC, DC, and variable frequency drives
• Analysis of gears and belt-driven machines
• Analysis of pumps, compressors, and fans
• Lots of case studies and exercises for participants

Corrective Action

• Balancing and shaft alignment
• Resonance control, isolation, and damping

Successful Condition Monitoring Program

• Alarms, reports, management, finances

‍Acceptance testing and ISO standards.

• Pre and post online course study material.
• Interactive assessments during the course.
• Student manual.
• Lunch and refreshments.
• Certificate of Attendance issued upon successful completion of the training course.

An SPM Academy 3rd party Certification exam is available at an additional cost.

• Certificate of Attendance issued upon successful completion of the training course.
• 3rd party Certification through SPM Academy available at an additional cost. ISO Category I certification exam, conducted online, on the last day of classroom training courses, or as an independently invigilated exam at a time of your choice. The exam follows ISO 18436-2 and 18436-3 and provides 3 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits.

Eligibility for SPM Academy certification:

• Complete a SPM Academy approved Vibration Analysis Category III training course
• Pass the SPM Academy Certification Centre CAT III certification exam
• Have at least 36 months of practical experience in vibration data collection or analysis.

Candidates who meet the certification requirements will be certified through the SPM Academy Certification Centre and be recognised as a Certified Category III Vibration Analyst. They will receive a digital certificate and a personalised digital badge.

Chris Hill - CAT IV in Vibration Analysis/ Senior Analyst/ Trainer

Chris is a highly experienced Senior Analyst with more than 25 years in condition monitoring. Certified to ISO CAT IV in vibration analysis since 2014, he brings extensive real-world expertise across walkaround and online systems. He is an engaging trainer who delivers both formal and informal instruction with clarity and enthusiasm.

Outside his technical career, Chris has volunteered with the Country Fire Authority since 2000 and remains active in emergency management. Dedicated, community focused and highly professional, Chris is a respected mentor and role model for developing condition monitoring technicians and reliability engineers.