International Fluid Power Society (IFPS)

Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM)

Credential: Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM)  GI Bill resource
Credentialing Agency: International Fluid Power Society (IFPS)

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who fabricate, assemble, test, maintain, and repair systems and components. IHMs understand hydraulic symbols, read system schematics, and are skilled in using hand tools, power tools, micrometers, and testing equipment. Candidates must pass both a written exam and a job performance exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:    high

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

Exam Administration (View Details)

  • In-person exam
  • Remote proctored on-line exam
  • Third-party test vendor

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 5 years

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

International Fluid Power Society (IFPS)

1930 East Marlton Pike, Suite A2
Cherry Hill, NJ  08003

Phone: (800) 308-6005

Fax: (856) 424-9248
Email: Askus@ifps.org

Other REQUIREMENTS

The Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) credential has the following other requirements:

  • Candidate must agree to adhere to the International Fluid Power Society Code of Ethics.

Written Exam

  • Preventive Maintenance
    • Add hydraulic fluid to the reservoir
    • Check the condition of the hydraulic filtration system and the saturation level of the filter
    • Change spin-on and cartridge type hydraulic filters
    • Adjust hydraulic hoses and fittings for proper position and alignment
    • Adjust the charge pressure on a bladder type accumulator
    • Torque bolts on a circular pattern
  • Fluid Filtration and Maintenance
    • Draw a hydraulic pressure line sample using a sampling valve
    • Examine hydraulic fluid for water and contaminants
    • Transfer fluid through a portable filtration unit
    • Label a fluid sample for laboratory analysis
    • Prepare a hydraulic fluid sample container in the field
    • Convert a petroleum-based system to a high water content fluid (HWCF) system
    • Draw a hydraulic fluid sample from the reservoir
  • Assemble Components
    • Assemble a hydraulic fixed displacement unbalanced gear pump
    • Assemble a hydraulic balanced-piston pressure relief valve
    • Assemble a three-position, four-way, solenoid operated directional control valve
    • Make a hydraulic hose assembly with permanent ends
    • Make a hydraulic hose assembly with reusable ends
    • Make a flared hydraulic tubing assembly
  • Field Repairs
    • Check a hydraulic valve spool for an obstruction
    • Adjust a balanced piston hydraulic pressure reducing valve
    • Adjust a balanced piston pressure relief valve
    • Replace the shaft seal in a vane pump
    • Drain and recharge a piston accumulator
    • Set the pressure on a hi-low double pump
  • Major Repairs
    • Overhaul a pressure balanced, fixed displacement vane pump
    • Install a rebuild kit in a fixed displacement, axial piston, swash plate pump
    • Overhaul a hand operated hydraulic jack
    • Overhaul a double-acting industrial cylinder
  • Minor Repairs
    • Replace an O-ring on a straight thread fitting
    • Replace a directional control valve solenoid
    • Seal a hydraulic pipe fitting with sealing tape
    • Maintain a hydraulic reservoir
  • Replace Components and Fluids
    • Drain, flush, and replace hydraulic fluid
    • Replace a hydraulic pump and align the coupling
    • Determine specifications from a component code breakdown
    • Replace a hydraulic V-packing
    • Replace a pipe system with a custom made tube assembly
    • Replace a pressure gauge
    • Identify components from a circuit diagram
    • Replace and align a foot mounted hydraulic cylinder
    • Replace a hydropneumatic accumulator bladder
  • Troubleshooting
    • Determine why a cylinder fails to move the load when the directional control valve is shifted
    • Check a cylinder piston for bypass leakage
    • Check a hydraulic pump or motor for bypass leakage
    • Determine the cause of erratic pressure, low pressure, or high pressure in a balanced piston pressure relief valve
    • Isolate solenoid control valve failures
    • Verify that hydraulic lines meet size requirements
    • Distinguish between aeration and cavitation

Practical Exam

  • Station # 1 Identify Fluid Power Symbols:
    • Identify 20 components by their symbolic representation on a schematic drawing. The schematic at this station will be either Mobile Hydraulic, Industrial Hydraulic, or Pneumatic depending upon your test. You will be required to give a written explanation for each component. This is not a multiple choice station.
  • Station # 2 Identify Fasteners and Fittings:
    • This station hasten ten fasteners and ten fittings that require identification as to type, size, length, thread, and grade. Each item has five multiple choice answers from which to choose.
  • Station # 3 Use of Multimeter:
    • This station is for testing the candidate in the use of a Multimeter.  There are 14 questions for readings taken on a test circuit board.  It is not multiple choice. The readings are for voltage, amperage, and resistance.
  • Station # 4 Measure a Pump Piston and Spool:
    • This station tests your ability to take measurements of a partthat range from 1/16” to .0001” and requires using scales, calipers, and micrometers. A pump piston and a hydraulic valve spool are used for the measurements. This is not a multiple choice station.
  • Station # 5 Fluid Conductors:
    • Requires identifying size, type, and pressure ratings of two steel tubes, two rubber hoses, one copper, and one nylon tube. Dial calipers and data sheets are provided to aid in this task. This station is not multiple choice.
  • Station # 6 Tube Bend and Flare:

    • Bend and flare a tube assembly to fit a fixture testubg the skills of measuring, cutting, flaring, and assembly for compound bending to fit a fixture. All tubing, tools, and data sheets are provided.

       

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) examination:

An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.

Testing Information

  • Exam Administration

    Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) credential where checked:

    • In-person exam
    • Remote proctored on-line exam
    • Third-party test vendor

  • For more information on the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) testing process, visit the agency website.

RECERTIFICATION

Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM)

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) credential has the following recertification information:

  • The IHM certification is renewed every five years by completing 15 professional development points (PDPs) and paying a recertification fee. Additional information can be found on the IFPS website.

Additional considerations for the Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) include:

  • Certification holders who hold the IFPS Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM), Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic (MHM), and Pneumatic Mechanic (PM) certifications earn the Fluid Power Master Mechanic (MM) designation. Navy COOL can provide funding for maintaining the Fluid Power Master Mechanic (MM) designation for eligible Sailors.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

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COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

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ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

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ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

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Updated: April 30, 2021
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