Posted on 2st June, 2023 by EPTAC Staff
IPC, the global association for electronics manufacturing that was formerly called the Institute for Printed Circuits, 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. When you are IPC certified, it lets everyone in the industry know that you are knowledgeable and that you conform to industry standards when it comes to soldering components.
When you make the decision to become a certified IPC specialist, your CIS certification offers a range of important career benefits. You can almost use your certification as a calling card, letting everyone know that you are properly trained and follow IPC standards when you take on new projects. Here are some of the benefits you can expect as a certified IPC specialist:
Recognition and credibility in the industry - The exacting standards of an IPC certification mean that everyone in the industry will know that you have what it takes as soon as they see you’re certified. This certification carries with it a great deal of recognition and credibility, opening up many other opportunities for you.
Enhanced skills and knowledge in soldering techniques - Of course, your practical skills are going to increase dramatically by taking this IPC certification course. They don't take the term ‘specialist’ lightly, and you'll have a range of new and improved skills with printed circuit boards, soldered electrical and electronic assemblies, rework modification and repair, and more.
Increased job opportunities and higher pay - Having this certification will help you further your career in terms of job opportunities and higher pay. Reputable companies are always looking for high-quality line operators, quality engineers, and similar roles that will be bolstered with this certification.
Improved quality and efficiency in work processes - Once you have this certification, the quality and efficiency of your work are going to improve, which benefits everyone. You'll learn how to take your soldering skills to a new level of quality and how to break down your work process so you get things accomplished faster without sacrificing quality.
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”
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 considerations and high voltage issues.
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.
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.
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.
If you want to become IPC certified, you’ll need to find an authorized training center to get the process started. At EPTAC, you can take courses for all your IPC certifications, including the IPC Specialist.
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 careers.
As an industry leader in IPC Certification, EPTAC offers virtual and in-person courses and workshops throughout the United States.
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 35 years, EPTAC has been helping corporations increase quality standards, improve productivity, and maximize profits. With 24 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 the 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.
