FAQ’s

Are there any eye vision restrictions which would prevent me from taking either the Counterfeit Component Workshop or Essentials programs?
No. As long as you have not been declared legally blind and wear corrective lenses to address any existing limitation, you should be fine attending the class.

What does IPC stand for?
IPC used to stand for the Institute of Printed Circuits, then it became the symbol for The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits. It now is no longer an acronym for anything; IPC is simply the name of the company.

How do I know which standard I should attend training for?
If after answering the following questions you are still unsure about which class best meets your needs, please feel free to contact EPTAC at 800-643-7822 to help you.

IPC-A-610 – Visual Accept/Reject Criteria (Lecture)
IPC-J-STD-001 – Hand Soldering Criteria (Hands-On)
IPC-A-600 – Inspection of Bare Boards, Pre-Assembly (Lecture)
IPC-7711/7721 – Rework and Repair (Hands-On)
IPC-A-620 – Cable and Wire Harness Assembly (Lecture with optional Hands-On)

What is the difference between the IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001?
The IPC-A-610 “Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies” is the most widely used inspection standard for PWB manufacturing and assembly for commercial electronics. The book is a visual representation of the accept/reject criteria for soldered connections for all classes of manufacturing. The full color specification includes pictures of virtually every type of component interconnection in use today. It clearly describes the minimal acceptable conditions for each interconnection.

The IPC-J-STD-001 “Requirements for Electrical and Electronic Assemblies” is the industry specification for PWB manufacturing and assembly for commercial electronics. The book describes procedures for producing quality soldered connections and reliable electronic assemblies.

Who uses the IPC-A-610?
The IPC-A-610 document is used by anyone who is responsible for ensuring quality and reliability in electronic assemblies. This includes Inspectors and Quality Personnel, Engineers, Production Personnel, Managers and Trainers.

How should I use the IPC-A-610?
The IPC-A-610 document is designed to be a valuable reference tool for determining quality. Most users keep the document readily available and refer to it constantly. It is widely used as the premier inspection specification, and it is a trainers resource for teaching acceptable soldering techniques.

Who uses the IPC-J-STD-001?
The IPC-J-STD-001 document is used by virtually anyone involved in producing electronic assemblies.

How should I use the IPC-J-STD-001?
The IPC-J-STD-001 document is designed to be a reference source for building and soldering assemblies that include Wires & Terminals Technology, Through-Hole Technology and/or Surface Mount Technology.

What is the difference between Instructor and Specialist training?
An Instructor is certified to teach and certify the Specialist version of the same program. A Specialist certification may also be referenced as an Operator certification. Specialists are certified to the criteria but cannot train or certify others.

What is training to the IPC-A-610?
Training to the IPC-A-610 document provides students with a working knowledge of the specification. Properly trained students are able to utilize the document to ensure quality in their own work. EPTAC Corporation is a training center approved by the IPC to certify students in the use of the IPC-A-610 standard.

What does certification to IPC-A-610 mean?
Certifying students to IPC-A-610 means that they are officially recognized by the IPC as having achieved a level of understanding of the contents of the specification and a level of proficiency in its use and application.

What is an IPC-A-610 Certified Instructor Certification?
Certifying Instructors to IPC-A-610 means that they are officially recognized by the IPC as being qualified to deliver IPC-A-610 Certified Specialist (Operator) training.

What is an IPC-A-610 Certified Specialist (Operator) Certification?
Certifying operators to IPC-A-610 means that they are officially recognized by the IPC as having a working knowledge of the quality requirements set forth in the specification, and being qualified to use the IPC-A-610 standard to ensure quality in their own work.

What is training to the IPC-J-STD-001?
Training to the IPC-J-STD-001 document provides students with a working knowledge of the specification. Properly trained students are able to utilize the document to ensure quality in their own work. EPTAC Corporation is a training center approved by the IPC to certify students in the use of the IPC-J-STD-001 standard.

What does certification to IPC-J-STD-001 mean?
Certifying students to IPC-J-STD-001 means that they are officially recognized by the IPC as having achieved a level of understanding of the contents of the specification and a level of proficiency in its use and application.

What is a IPC-J-STD-001 Certified Instructor Certification?
Certifying Instructors to IPC-J-STD-001 means that they are officially recognized by the IPC as being qualified to deliver IPC-J-STD-001 Specialist (Operator) Training.

What is a IPC-J-STD-001 Specialist Certification?
Certifying operators to IPC-J-STD-001 means that they are officially recognized by the IPC as having a working knowledge of the quality requirements set forth in the specification, and being qualified to use the IPC-J-STD-001 standard to ensure quality in their own work.

How long is the certification good for?
All IPC certification programs have a 2-year certification period.

How will I know when and where I can recertify?
Your certification’s expiration date is printed on your certificate and ultimately it is your responsibility to keep your certification current. As long as EPTAC has your current e-mail, we will send a reminder notice with dates and locations for re-certification classes.  Visit our website at www.eptac.com for the latest schedule to be sure you register in advance.

Can I attend re-certification after my certification has expired?
No. There are no longer any grace periods allowed. Re-certifications must be completed prior to the certification expiration date.

Can I attend re-certification before my certification expires?
Yes. You may re-certify up to six (6) months in advance of your certification expiration date. The expiration date of your new certification will still remain 2 years from the last expiration date.

What are the hours of your classes?
Unless stated otherwise in your confirmation letter, all classes are held between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.