Three Things to Understand IPC Training and Certification

The IPC standards are acceptable codes in the electronics industry that helps to streamline, optimize, and leverage accuracy, integrity, and efficiency in the production phases. IPC has deployed the phrase "Build Electronics Better" to complement its name. It indicates its vision to help the stakeholders to make reliable, high-quality releases and speed-up the time-to-market their products. Thus, IPC standards are among the most widely adopted PCB design and manufacturing standards. The various standards set global quality requirements for electronics manufacturing to optimize PCB production, assembly, and delivery processes.

IPC online training provides you the ease, efficiency, and flexibility to learn about the various standards that will aid you in the PCB assembly and manufacturing process. There are four levels of IPC certification, according to the increasing level of expertise.

Certified IPC Specialist (CIS): The CIS certification enables the candidate to grasp the design or production processes within a particular standard. It is helpful for stakeholders who seek to expand their knowledge and ability within a specific standard.

Certified Standards Expert (CSE): A CSE is a subject matter professional possessing in-depth knowledge and understanding of specific IPC standards. The CSE certification does not focus on skill development but helps to build detailed knowledge.

Certified IPC Trainer (CIT): The CIT level certification is for those wishing to train others as a CIS in their industry. CIT's gain the authority to deliver and administer CIS level training and certification exams to people who seek to obtain IPC certification.

Master IPC Trainer (MIT): MIT is the topmost tier in the IPC certification levels. On obtaining this certification, an MIT can train CIT's and CIS's. Only employees of Licensed Training Centers have the means to become MIT's. A separate MIT credential is necessary for each IPC program. This certification has direct ties to a single employing Training Center unless it is approved by IPC.

IPC training can bring about the following benefits.

Reputable: IPC standards are internationally recognized standards. Thus, when employees within the electronics industry follow IPC guidelines, it helps ensure that they will leverage the highest quality and consistency in their products. It will enable them to boost credibility and earn a reputation in the global marketplace.

Reliability: Integrating IPC standards in the production line helps maximize the product's reliability and quality. High-performing products can better meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Consistency: Documented assembly and system procedures helps to maintain consistency in the PCB manufacturing process. Consistency and uniformity are necessary to reduce the incidence of errors and optimize success.

Cost Reduction: Adhering to IPC standards enables the stakeholders to stay aligned to documented guidelines to reduce secondary processes. It helps minimize waste production, and leads to fewer quality checks, recalls, or other quality-control issues. It also helps to bring down downtime, hence improving cost-efficiency.

How long is the IPC Certificate valid?

From the day the training has been satisfactorily completed, the IPC certificate has a validity of two years. Thus, you need to renew your IPC certification for each program every two years.

To Conclude:

IPC standard brings value to the electronics industry. Thus, if you want to leverage the best practices, improve the bottom line, and release high-quality products faster, you should consider obtaining this certification.