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The Knowledge Base: The Value of Industry Certifications

Industry certifications have become increasingly significant in the modern job market, offering a range of benefits to both individuals and employers. These certifications serve as formal recognitions of expertise and proficiency in specific areas, validating a person's skills and knowledge. In the context of the electronics assembly industry, certifications are particularly valuable, given the technical nature of the work and the rapid advancements in technology.

Importance of Certifications in a Career
Industry certifications provide several key advantages for individuals. First, they enhance employability. In a competitive job market, having certifications can set candidates apart from others, demonstrating a commitment to the profession and a verified level of competence. Employers often look for certified professionals because these credentials assure a certain standard of knowledge and skill.

Second, certifications can lead to career advancement. Many organizations require or prefer certifications for higher-level positions or specialized roles. Obtaining certifications can open doors to promotions and new job opportunities. Additionally, certifications can lead to increased earning potential. According to various studies, certified professionals often command higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts.

Moreover, certifications contribute to personal and professional development. Preparing for certification exams requires individuals to stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning. This ongoing education not only improves job performance but also keeps professionals relevant in a constantly evolving industry.

Benefits of Certifications for Employers
Employers also gain numerous benefits from encouraging and supporting industry certifications among their workforces. One of the primary advantages is the assurance of quality. Certifications serve as a benchmark for the skills and knowledge of employees, ensuring they meet industry standards. This can be particularly crucial in fields like electronics assembly, where precision and adherence to protocols are paramount.

Certifications can also enhance the reputation of the company. Having certified employees can be a selling point for potential clients and partners, indicating that the company maintains high standards and employs qualified professionals. This can lead to increased business opportunities and a stronger market position.

Furthermore, certified employees tend to be more productive and efficient. The training and knowledge gained through certification programs enable employees to perform their tasks more effectively, reducing errors and improving overall operational efficiency. This can result in cost savings and higher profitability for the company.

In addition, certifications can aid in compliance with industry regulations and standards. Many industries, including electronics assembly, are subject to both regulatory requirements and industry standards. Certified professionals are often better equipped to understand and adhere to these regulations and standards, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and associated risks.

Types of Certifications in the Electronics Assembly Industry
The electronics assembly industry offers a variety of certifications that cater to different aspects of the profession. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• IPC Certification: IPC offers several key certifications for electronics assembly professionals. These include

Certified IPC Specialist (CIS)

The CIS certification provides candidates with a consistent understanding of the design or production criteria within a particular standard. For example, this level of training and certification would greatly benefit assemblers, line operators, supervisors, engineers, and quality personnel who are looking to expand their knowledge and ability within a specific standard used in the electronics manufacturing industry1.

Certified IPC Specialists (CIS) have the choice of being certified in one of these IPC standards:

• IPC-A-610, 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

Certified Standards Expert (CSE)¹

A CSE is a subject matter professional who possesses a high level of knowledge and understanding of a specific IPC standard or group of IPC standards. This certification focuses on detailed knowledge of a particular standard rather than skill development and is validated by rigorous timed testing to demonstrate a fluid knowledge of the materials. There are several different IPC standards that one can become certified in, such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and IPC-6012.

Candidates who receive CSE status possess the ability to navigate the IPC standards quickly and efficiently, act as subject matter experts on all matters related to the standard, and apply the standard and their knowledge to specific company needs.

Certified IPC Trainer (CIT)¹

The CIT-level certification is aimed at those who are interested in or have the need to train others as a CIS at their company. This can also include faculty members of education and training institutions with a need to certify students as a CIS as part of a curriculum as well as licensed training center employees who have not met the criteria for being Master IPC Trainers (MITs). CITs are authorized to deliver and administer CIS-level training and certification exams to those who are attempting to gain IPC certification.

Master IPC Trainer (MIT)¹

Of the four levels of IPC certification, an MIT is considered the highest. Once this advanced IPC training has been completed, an MIT can train a CIT and CIS and provide the first level of technical and administrative support to their trainees. Only employees of licensed training centers can become MITs. A separate MIT credential is required for each IPC program, and the MIT certification is directly tied to a single employing training center unless otherwise approved by IPC.

There is a simple difference between the four levels of IPC certification. The first two levels of IPC certification, CIS and CSE, are designed to increase an individual’s knowledge within a certain standard and help make them a subject matter expert. This is excellent for soldering technicians and operators who are looking to find careers within the electronics manufacturing industry. The latter two levels of IPC certification, CIT and MIT, are required to be certified to teach an IPC standard to others looking to become IPC-certified.

The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) is another key organization that provides valuable certifications for professionals in the electronics assembly industry. SMTA focuses on advancing the electronics assembly and surface mount technology industries through education, research, and collaboration. SMTA certifications are recognized globally and are designed to validate the expertise of professionals in this specialized field.

Types of SMTA Certifications

Certified SMT Process Engineer (CSMTPE)²:

The CSMTPE certification is one of the most prestigious certifications offered by SMTA. It is designed for process engineers who work in the surface mount technology (SMT) field. The certification covers a broad range of topics, including process optimization, defect analysis, and quality control. Achieving this certification demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to excellence in SMT processes.

Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification²

This course covers statistics, designed experiments (DOE), statistical process control, continuous improvement/DMAIC, introduction to Lean, visual management and mapping/teamwork, and more.

SMTA Training Program2: This program offers various courses that cover different aspects of surface mount technology and electronics assembly. Some of the key areas include:

• Stencil Printing 101
• Component Placement 101
• Reflow Soldering 101
• Wave Soldering 101
• Selective Soldering 101
• Cleaning 101
• Rework 101
• Cleaning 201

In addition to technical training, SMTA also offers “soft-skill courses” including:

Successful PCB Purchasing 101

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Conclusion

Industry certifications and training courses hold immense value for both individuals and employers in the electronics assembly industry. For professionals, certifications and training enhance employability, support career advancement, and foster continuous learning. For employers, they assure quality, improve operational efficiency, and enhance compliance with industry standards.

With a range of certifications available from IPC and SMTA, professionals in the electronics assembly industry can choose certifications and training courses that align with their career goals and the specific needs of their employers. As technology continues to evolve, the importance of staying certified and up-to-date cannot be overstated, making industry certifications and training critical components of professional success in the electronics assembly industry.

References

1. eptac.com
2. SMTA.org

This column originally appeared in the July 2024 issue of SMT007 Magazine.