IPC-A-610 Specialist Training Using EDGE 2.0
There are several topics, some of which are mandatory and some of which are optional that an IPC-A-610 specialist will learn in their training curriculum. One subset of these requirements in the IPC specialist training class has to do with the IPC standards “rules of the road” in addition to a general of the IPC trade organization and the electronics industry. Also falling under the category of mandatory training is the first two of the modules in the certification program covering nomenclature, terms, and definitions that will make the balance of the optional modules come across more clearly. These are the basics elements of the IPC A-610 specialist training program.
There are two sections which are now governed by an online exam to go along with online training in the IPC A-610v specialist training curriculum. The first of these topical areas have to do with learning about the IPC and the industry. IPC is the not-for-profit trade organization governing the standards collection and training for the industry. In addition, the IPC advocates for the industry on a governmental level as well as getting information in trade fairs and technical fairs out to the industry. The IPC A-610 specialist training program also includes a mandatory online learning section on the policies and procedures or “rules of the road” of the IPC training program. It is followed by the online testing of the IPC A-610 specialist in order to confirm that the knowledge has been transferred. Both of these two training sections are done online and can be completed by the student ahead of the class time discussion.
After completing these general parts of the IPC A-610 specialist training curriculum the students will then dive into the first part of the actual technical training via instruction on Modules 1 and 2. These modules will go into standard industry practices, terms, reference documents, nomenclature, and definitions. All of these topics will “set the table” for the optional parts of the curriculum. The IPC A-610 specialist will have either a certified instructor trainer in IPC-A610 or a master instructor credentialed in IPC-A610 perform the instruction. This is a slide deck-driven curriculum which delivers on the information. The IPC-A610 specialist will then learn through other handouts, boards, other photos, videos, and other means as demonstrated and brought forth by the IPC-A610- instructor. Once this instruction has been completed, the IPC A-610 specialist candidate will then take an online testing to confirm the knowledge. If this Module 1 and 2 testing plus the previously-described general instruction and testing have been satisfactorily performed then the IPC A-610 specialist certification or CIS is bestowed upon the student.
There are numerous other option modules that the IPC A-610 specialist can learn about them as an optional module. One of these topics has to do with general soldering criteria as well as anomalies of the same. Other topics include the acceptance criteria for PCBs and components. Hardware and wiring are other optional modules which can be learned of as being optional as part of the IPC A-610 specialist training program. In addition, there are sections on acceptance of soldered SMT interconnections as well as through-hole connections as part of the IPC specialist training. Each of these optional modules is taught by the instructors and then tested through the IPC Edge 2.0 portal to confirm that the knowledge and its application has been accomplished.
Once the IPC specialist has been certified there are several things that go along with this certification. Firstly, the credential is portable, which means it is the property of the individual, even when their employer has paid for the class. In addition, the IPC-A-610 specialist training program and follow-on certification is valid for a period of (2) years. Employees are encouraged to use the IPC specialist training certification designation of (CIS) in their writings or business cards.