Course Overview

Based on the leading IPC standards for PCB design, IPC Designer Certification reinforces the knowledge gained by professionals over their many years of experience and good working practices. A self-study period followed by a two-day workshop and then an exam, after which successful delegates will be awarded the coveted CID (Certified Interconnect Designer) mantle.

IPC Designer Certification leads to probably the most respected set of formal PCB design qualifications worldwide and is the entry point into the Designer Certification Programme.

Next Date: 28th - 29th Oct-08

  Download the Course Brochure (PDF)

"The qualification will help me improve fabrication quality and reduce costs whilst increasing design complexity of designs and board speeds."

AW, TV One Ltd

Who is the course aimed at?

Existing PCB design professionals who need recognition of their skills and confirmation that the knowledge they have gained through experience adheres to widely accepted standards for PCB design.

Why Certify?

IPC certification programmes improve individual performance through education and training. In a business climate where work projects grow in complexity and responsibilities are constantly shifting, certification stands as a clear testimony to your qualifications, your knowledge, and your skills. Printed circuit board designers deserve the benefits and recognition of certification.

IPC Designer Certification is a powerful tool in promoting the paramount importance of your work to everyone involved in the production of printed circuit boards and assemblies.

The basis of the course

Based on the leading IPC standards for PCB design, the IPC Designer Certification reinforces the knowledge gained by professionals over their many years of experience and good working practices. By taking the IPC Designer Certification you will become fully aware of the following documents:-

1. IPC-T-50 Terms and Definitions for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits,
2. IPC 2222, Sectional Design Standard for Rigid Organic Printed Boards and
3. IPC 2221, Generic Standard on Printed Board Design
4. IPC-D-325A, Documentation Requirements for Printed Boards

The program assesses a designer's knowledge of how to transform a schematic into a reliable rigid PCB design, which can be easily manufactured, assembled and tested. The IPC Designers Council recognises that the most effective designers must have a solid foundation in PCB fabrication and assembly.

Course format

The course comes with a kit which includes self-study materials and enrolment in a two-day preparation workshop. All testing is done at the workshop. Individuals who do not feel prepared to take the test immediately after the training may choose to keep their exam voucher and take the test at a later date. The workshop training provides an in-depth view of the principles contained in the examination and is strongly recommended. In addition to this Premier offers additional help during the self-study period. 

The exam

The two-hour examination is in a multiple-choice format. The examination is graded and a review of the test items is conducted on-site. IPC issues and mails the certifications within six weeks after an exam.

Where is the course held?

The majority of the study is done on your own either at work or at home. The workshops and exam may be undertaken at various venues throughout the UK and Ireland. Please contact us to confirm the location.

We are also able to host IPC Certification workshops/exams on your site.

The cost

The cost of the programme, which includes all training materials, the 2-day workshop, the exam and lunches, is £745 (excluding VAT) per delegate.

Common questions

Why qualify - I know all I need to know.

This may be true, often PCB designers have learnt their trade over many years. After training over 100 experienced PCB designers in the past year, we have found that in many cases self-taught designers are making mistakes, being inconsistent and often perpetuate the use of bad design practices. Attaining the coveted Designer Certification CID status will ensure that your years of experience are enhanced with a proven knowledge of internationally-recognised techniques.

What do I get if I pass?

On passing the exam, the Certification process allows you to add the initials CID after your name and you are presented with an official certificate. This is the only formal qualification for PCB design world-wide and as such you should gain great kudos from passing.

How long would you recommend for the self-study period?

A lot depends on your dedication, you could complete the self-study in about two weeks, so long as you dedicate time to do so. For those who need to study in addition to a regular job we would recommend allowing about 4-6 weeks.

What if I don't feel confident about the exam after I take the workshop?

Don't worry, if at the end of the workshop you feel that you would benefit from some additional study, then you can skip the exam. In this case we would provide you with an exam voucher which you could use to attend the next most appropriate exam.

Terms and conditions

Our training courses are governed by a specific set of terms and conditions which cover a number of important issues like payment and cancellation. Please read these prior to attending the course. A copy of the terms and conditions may be found here.

For more information and to book your place, free phone: 00800 776776 66 or email: training@eda.co.uk

How do I book my place? Please complete the booking form and fax it back to us on 01920 872 615

Further IPC Designer Certification courses

• Advanced Designer Certification (CID+)

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