FAQ’s

What are the hours of your classes?
In person classes - Unless otherwise stated in your confirmation letter, classes begin at 8:00 am and typically run a full day.  Ending times vary based on peoples pace of testing or soldering.
On-Line classes - Unless otherwise stated in your confirmation letter, classes begin at 10:00 am EST and typically run a full day.  Ending times vary based on peoples pace of testing.

How do I know which standard I should attend training for?
Many factors can impact your need for training.  
Is training needed for correction action, new employee training, to advance the knowledge level of an existing employee or for contractual compliance?
Is training for Inspectors, Assemblers or Rework Technicians? 

IPC-A-610 – Visual Inspection of solder joints, Accept/Reject Criteria (Lecture with optional EPTAC Hands-On Lab)
IPC-J-STD-001 – Assembly criteria for Soldered Electronic Assemblies (Lecture & Hands-On)
IPC-A-620 –  Assembly and inspection criteria for Cable and Wire Harness Assembly (Lecture with optional EPTAC Hands-On Lab)
IPC-A-600 – Inspection of Bare Boards, Pre-Assembly (Lecture)
IPC-7711/7721 – Component Rework and Board Repair (Lecture & Hands-On)

If you are still unsure about which training will best meet your needs, please contact us to help you. 800-643-7822

What program is recommended for Soldering Certification?
EPTAC's Hand Soldering Certification program provides comprehensive training on the proper skills and techniques as well as ensuring everyone understands the reason why and the quality criteria of making a good solder joint to pass any class level in accordance with J-STD-001 requirements.
Covering Wires and terminals, Through-Hole and Surface Mount Soldering as well as offering an introduction to basic component rework if needed.  
EPTAC Hand Soldering Certification provides soldering certification in accordance with J-STD-001 and has been meeting contractual needs for over 35 years.

The IPC's J-STD-001 Specialist certification is not recommended for anyone who needs certification in Hand Soldering.  The J-STD Specialist is an advanced level course designed to confirm the attendees knowledge of the criteria in the document.  Comprehension of the criteria in the document and passing the exams are required as well as demonstrating their existing soldering skills are already proficient to pass the workmanship portion.  This course DOES NOT teach soldering.
The J-STD Specialist program is typically chosen to advance an employees knowledge of the J-STD-001 criteria to help support their supervisory position.

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 a Certified Standards Expert (CSE) certification ?
The Certified Standards Expert (CSE) is a credential confirming  someone's existing ability to navigate the document and knowledge of the criteria.
CSE Certification does not include any workmanship and doesn't provide a credential for teaching or verification of their soldering skills.
The CSE credential is not commonly needed but could be useful for those needing a credential to verify their knowledge of the criteria in the standard when mediating with clients or inspecting vendors.  

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 is your responsibility to keep your certification current.
Visit our website at www.eptac.com for the latest schedule to register in advance for your recertification.

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.

Can I attend re-certification after my certification has expired?
If your certification expiration date has passed, your next training is treated as a new certification.  You have options of how you prefer to obtain your certification again, either attending the full class again or challenge testing.  

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?
An IPC-A-610 Instructor Certification means they have proven they understand the criteria and are authorized to use the IPC course materials 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?
An IPC J-STD-001 Instructor Certification means they have proven they understand the criteria and are authorized to use the IPC course materials to deliver the IPC J-STD-001 Certified 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.  This program DOES NOT teach how to solder.

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 IPC-J-STD-001 “Requirements for Electrical and Electronic Assemblies”, is the industry specification for criteria on soldering processes and materials for commercial electronics. The book describes the process and acceptance criteria for producing quality electrical and 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 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 Electronics Circuits. Now it is no longer an acronym but represents The Global Association for Electronics Manufacturing

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.