The IPC A-610 is the most popular specification for the acceptance of electrical and electronic assemblies. This standard contains full color pictures and illustrations to demonstrate a variety of conditions on assemblies and describes details of the various degrees of acceptability. Training in the use and application of this standard can be useful for a full understanding of the conditions presented.

Two courses of training are offered by the EMPF: the Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) course and Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) training.

The Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) course is a four day course and is offered at the EMPF (scheduled eight times during 2009) or an instructor can be brought on-site to your facility on your schedule. CIT candidates will receive instruction on the IPC Professional Training and Certification Policies and Procedures, the three classes of products, the various levels of acceptance, terminology of the standard, ESD and handling guidelines on the first day. On the second day the instructor describes the general acceptability requirements for solder joints, the requirements for installation of leads and wires on terminals, PCB and assembly requirements. The final two days cover Through Hole, Surface Mount, Component Damage, Discrete Wiring and High Voltage requirements. On the final day, the candidates are administered two exams, a 50-question closed book exam and a 75-question open book exam. In order to receive certification, a minimum average score of 80% must be achieved and no individual test score may be below 70%. Candidates that fail to achieve certification are provided an opportunity to retest within 90 days (after observing a 30 day study/review period).

Candidates achieving certification receive all of the required materials to perform Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) training. This includes a copy of IPC A-610D and IPC T-50 (which are available during the course), an IPC Instructors Guide, a CIS testing kit, and a CD-ROM containing all the required files and forms to perform training and certification for any organization.

CIT Certification is provided for two years, after which candidates must recertify through a two day course. The recertification course reinforces important principles and criteria that is new or changed for the current revision. The same tests are administered for recertification with the same score requirements.

CIT candidates are eligible to challenge test the course without attending the lectures if they have previously been certified as a CIT in any program or can demonstrate one year of structured training experience in a topic similar in scope to IPC A-610D. The tests, score requirements, and materials provided are identical to lecture students.

CIS training and certification is also offered by the EMPF at your facility. The CIS candidates receive training in the IPC Certification Policies and Procedures, the three classes of products, the various levels of acceptance, terminology, ESD and handling guidelines. The candidates are then administered open and closed book tests. If they receive a minimum average of 70% with no individual test score below 60%, a certification is awarded for two years. If any CIS candidate fails to achieve the minimum score, they are given the opportunity to retest within 90 days (after observing a 24 hour study/review period). Following the initial mandatory training, the candidates can receive training in any or all of a series of optional training modules. These modules include certification in the requirements for Hardware; Soldering and High Voltage; PCB, Assemblies, and Component Damage; and Discrete Wiring. Certification in Terminals requirements can be achieved after completion of the Soldering and High Voltage module. Certification in Through Hole and Surface Mount requirements can be achieved after completion of the Soldering and High Voltage and the PCB, Assemblies, and Component Damage modules. The optional modules require testing with only an open book test and a minimum score of 70%.

For more information or to register for any course at the EMPF, please contact the Registrar at 610-362-1295 or email registrar@empf.org.