The road to becoming a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) can help you take the next step toward your individual career goals. This blog will explain what CIT level certification is, the benefits of having this level of certification, and how a CIT certification will advance your career in the electrical and electronics manufacturing industry.

What is the Certified IPC Trainer Program?

Of the four levels of IPC certification, the CIT level certification is aimed at those who are interested in demonstrating knowledge of the most widely recognized standards published by IPC within their company. CITs are authorized to deliver and administer Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) training and certification exams to those who are attempting to gain IPC certification.

Becoming a Certified IPC Trainer requires taking a certified training program in the IPC specifications you are interested in teaching. In this training program, you will review IPC-supplied instructional materials and take exams to ensure a full understanding of the material and the standards.

After the course, if you have completed all the required materials and achieved a passing score on the exams, you will become a CIT.

Why is IPC Training Important?

IPC training is extremely important in the electronics industry, providing a foundational platform for professionals to master the latest standards and methodologies crucial for electronic manufacturing and assembly. 

Achieving IPC certification is a testament to an individual’s expertise, showcasing a profound understanding and ability to adhere to rigorous industry standards. 

This recognition serves as a beacon of professionalism, signalling competence and reliability to employers, clients, and industry peers. Beyond individual accreditation, IPC training promotes uniformity in practices across the sector, significantly boosting product reliability, safety, and efficiency. 

It's a cornerstone for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adherence to quality, ensuring that products not only meet but exceed global standards. 

IPC training is a key driver in the electronics industry's journey towards innovation and excellence, equipping a skilled workforce with the tools necessary to tackle the challenges of modern technological advancements and complex manufacturing processes. 

It supports the industry's ambition to remain at the cutting edge of technology, nurturing talent that will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in electronic manufacturing.

Is Becoming a Certified IPC Trainer Right for You?

Certified IPC Trainer programs are ideal for people who possess electronics manufacturing industry experience and are excited to teach the IPC standards and specifications to others. 

Given that this is a trainer certification, teaching is a primary component of becoming a Certified IPC Trainer and the personal qualities and skills one might need to educate others, such as being a strong communicator, should be considered before taking the course. If you’re not interested in teaching and certifying others, the Certified IPC Trainer program may not be the perfect match for you.

Becoming a Certified IPC Trainer allows you to participate in the IPC’s “Train the Trainer” program, a two-tiered approach conducted by Certified IPC Trainers to certify successful trainees. 

Upon successful completion of this program, candidates will earn the Certified IPC Trainer credential, making them extremely valuable to companies that have trouble finding workers who are already IPC certified. Becoming a Certified IPC Trainer is also useful for individuals that might consider a career as an independent consultant or with a training institution.

You can qualify to receive certified IPC training so long as your job responsibilities require an eye for the quality, acceptability, and reliability of assemblies. Ideal candidates include current quality assurance engineers or manufacturing supervisors. 

Becoming a Certified IPC Trainer is an excellent way to provide additional value to your company, whether you are applying for a job or looking for added responsibilities and an opportunity for growth within your firm.

The Certified IPC Trainer credential is valid for two years after the completion date of the course. After two years, the individual will no longer be able to conduct IPC training until they have been recertified at an IPC-authorized training center.

What Are The Benefits of IPC Accreditation?

Gaining IPC Accreditation through comprehensive IPC training and achieving IPC certification offers extensive benefits, especially for those aiming to excel in the electronics industry. 

Here's a detailed look at the advantages:

1. Elevated Professional Status: Attaining the title of a Certified IPC Specialist signals a significant level of expertise and dedication, setting individuals apart in the competitive electronics field.
2. Improved Product Quality and Efficiency: The skills and knowledge gained from IPC certification lead directly to enhancements in work quality, which can significantly boost the reliability and efficiency of electronic products.
3. Enhanced Communication Across Teams: IPC training standardizes the terminology and procedures within the electronics manufacturing process, fostering improved understanding and collaboration among team members and across different departments.
4. Commitment to Industry Standards: Certification demonstrates an individual's or a company's commitment to adhering to globally recognized industry standards, which can enhance reputation and open new opportunities.
5. Continuous Professional Development: IPC accreditation encourages ongoing learning and development, ensuring professionals stay updated with the latest technologies, methodologies, and standards in the rapidly evolving electronics industry.
6. Global Recognition: IPC certification is recognized worldwide, enhancing job mobility and providing access to global job markets.

These benefits collectively contribute to not just the advancement of individual careers but also push the boundaries of innovation and quality in the electronics industry as a whole.

How Do I Become a Certified IPC Trainer?

If you are interested in becoming a Certified IPC Trainer, EPTAC has over 35 years of experience in IPC certifications and is the industry leader for anyone looking to build on their career in soldering. With 24 convenient locations across North America and a variety of dates to fit into your schedule, there’s no better option to become IPC certified.

For the IPC-A-610 instructor certification, you’ll be taking a 4-day lectured course, where you’ll need to receive a passing grade on both the open and closed written exams. The IPC-A-610, “The Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies,” is the most widely used inspection specification for the PWB assembly industry.

For the IPC-A-620 instructor certification, you’ll take another 4-day lectured course where you’ll learn inspection and assembly criteria for all three classes of cable and wire harness assembly. This course is based on the IPC/WHMA-A-620, “Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies,” the most widely used inspection specification for the cable and wire harness assembly industry.

It's important to note that every 24 months, you’ll need to be recertified for your existing IPC-A-610 and IPC-A-620 instructor certifications.

About EPTAC

Whether you are just beginning your career in soldering or if you’re a seasoned veteran looking for rectification, the folks at EPTAC are here to help you with your solder training and IPC certification needs. For over 35 years, EPTAC has provided professionals with the tools and training they need to advance their careers and improve their businesses. With 24 locations across North America, our solutions and instructional staff provide easy access to knowledge that will enhance your business model and help you meet and exceed industry demands. For more information, call 800.643.7822 or contact us.