Looking for solder training standards, manuals, kits, and more?

EPTAC BLOG

How to Become a Certified IPC Specialist (CIS)

Posted on 1st October, 2021 by EPTAC Staff

IPC, an electronics manufacturing trade association, sets industry wide standards for electronic manufacturing professionals. Electronic manufacturing engineers, line operators, and quality engineers, can become Certified IPC Specialists (CIS) who are proficient in these industry standard documents.

Certified IPC Specialists (CIS) have the choice of being certified in one of these IPC Standards:

  • IPC-A-610, “The Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies”
  • IPC/WHMA-A-620, “Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies”
  • J-STD-001, “Requirements for Soldered Electrical & Electronic Assemblies”
  • IPC-7711/7721 “Rework, Modification and Repair of Electronic Assemblies”

IPC-A-610

The IPC-A-610 course covers accept and reject criteria focusing on various aspects relative to the assembly process for Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). Instructors will cover all three classes of criteria including how they relate to lead and lead-free solders. Coursework also includes component issues, hardware consideration and high voltage issues.

IPC/WHMA-A-620

The IPC/WHMA-A-620 course teaches inspection and assembly criteria for all three classes for cable and wire assemblies. It covers the acceptable and non-acceptable criteria for cable assemblies. Using 600 full color illustrations, students learn the best practice for wire prep, crimping, ultrasonic welding, splicing, molding, lacing, and shielding among other valuable skills. After completing this certification, students have the option of taking a one-day EPTAC hands-on Cable Wire Harness Lab to build an actual cable assembly.

J-STD-001

The J-STD-001 course reviews the materials, methods, and acceptable conditions of soldered electrical and electronic assemblies. This five-day course has both lecture and hands-on lab work components. Modules include Wire and Terminals, Through-Hole and Surface Mount technologies in both lead and lead-free environments.  Students will gain real life experience in accept and reject criteria from building electronic assemblies.

IPC-7711/7721

The IPC-7711/7721 course focuses on the criteria for reworking or repairing electronic assemblies. The IPC-7711 standard covers restoring Printed Circuit Boards to their original design and the IPC-7721 standard covers restoring a board’s functional capability. This five-day course is 80 percent hands on lab work. Students will review several techniques for repair and rework including Through-Hole and Surface Mount procedures. The course also goes over several board level repair techniques including laminate and conductor repair.

After successfully completing a CIS program, participants will receive an IPC Certificate of Training. Certified IPC Specialists can take additional courses to become certified trainers for these standards. Certified trainers can teach these courses to employees in their own facilities and issue IPC certifications to ensure employees are getting the training they need to further their career.

As an industry leader in IPC Certification, EPTAC offers virtual and in person courses and workshops throughout the United States.

About EPTAC

EPTAC is an internationally recognized leader in solder training and IPC certification, providing professionals with the skills to accelerate their careers, and businesses, the talent to succeed. For over 30 years, EPTAC has been helping corporations increase quality standards, improve productivity, and maximize profits. With nineteen (19) locations in North America, EPTAC continues to expand its offerings and exceptional instructional staff to provide easy access to knowledge and skill-based programs when and where industry demands it. Access our scheduled programs through our website or schedule your own corporate on-site training. For more information call 800.643.7822 or contact us.

Have a question about training or IPC certification?

EPTAC has the knowledge and expertise to help you train your staff, understand your process, and increase production. We are committed to answering your questions promptly, and we look forward to hearing from you.