Soldering is essential in many industries, such as electronics, manufacturing, and engineering. Workers’ soldering skills must meet the industry’s standards. This is where soldering certification comes in. Let’s explore what it takes to get certified
Soldering certification confirms one’s soldering skills and knowledge. Different certifications are available depending on the soldering one needs. The common ones are:
IPC stands for Institute of Printed Circuits. It is an organization that standardizes the assembly and production of electronic equipment. Currently, it is known as Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits.
This certification is granted to individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess electronic assemblies according to established industry standards. They can accurately distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable soldering. This certification is beneficial for quality supervisors, manufacturing supervisors, and engineering supervisors.
Individuals with this certification are experienced solderers trained to solder and assess electronic connections based on industry standards. This certification provides them with knowledge of materials, methods, and acceptance criteria for producing reliable and high-quality soldered connections in electronic assemblies.
This certification trains specialists, standards experts, and instructors to remove and replace electronic components and repair circuitry while ensuring quality and reliability.
The American Welding Society (AWS) provides standards for soldering components related to the HVAC, plumbing, and aerospace industries. AWS B2.3/B2.4 Certification confirms individual skills and knowledge in soldering procedures involving a torch, furnace, induction, and more. This includes details on base metals, filler metals, fluxes, and joint clearances.
NATE certification includes training on soldering and brazing for HVAC technicians. It focuses on the fundamental skills related to Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATE’s).
NASA certifications are for aerospace applications.
This is a NASA standard for hand-soldering electrical connections for spacecraft and ground support equipment. Certification is granted to operators, inspectors, or level B instructors who have completed the training for this standard.
NASA-STD-8739.4 outlines the wiring and cable assembly standards for NASA aerospace hardware and essential ground-support equipment. Certification is awarded to operators, inspectors, or supplier-level B instructors who complete the training associated with this standard.
Here are the various steps in getting soldering certification:
Recognized soldering certifications include:
Once you identify the required certification, select the right program based on your needs and career goals. In determining, consider the following:
Ensure it covers the essential topics and hands-on practice.
Consider the schedule and the duration of the program. Choose one that is favorable to you.
Compare tuition costs across different training schools. Check if they offer financial assistance.
Enroll in the chosen training at the soldering certification classes near me. Training typically includes:
Classroom teaching includes theoretical knowledge, tools, methods, safety measures, and best practices.
Soldering is a skill that requires hands-on experience. You must learn to solder different components, joints, and materials under the supervision of instructors.
Training also includes inspection and quality control skills. You must understand the causes of defective soldering and the minimization techniques.
The certification exam has two parts:
This exam tests your understanding of soldering theory, standards, procedures, and quality control.
The practical exam tests your soldering skills and demonstrates your ability to make proper connections.
You will receive a certification valid for 2-3 years upon passing the exam. Recertification may be required to maintain it.
You can get soldering certification from the following:
IPC certification courses are available at IPC-licensed centers worldwide. So, visit IPC certification near me.
Many technical schools and colleges offer soldering certification courses.
Some online training institutions offer soldering certification courses. It is crucial to ensure that these programs follow industry standards.
Most soldering certifications have a validity of two years. To continue your craft, you need to update or recertify your certification. The following are the steps in recertification:
Well-known ones are:
Check the standard of your certification (e.g., J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, etc.). Each certification has specific requirements.
Verify your certification level: CIS, CIT, or CSE. Each has a unique recertification process.
There are several methods of recertification:
If you are confident in your understanding and skills in soldering, you can take a challenge test that includes both written and practical exams.
If you are doubtful about your understanding and skills, you can take a renewal course. This course reviews the essentials of soldering. After taking the course, you can take the recertification exam.
If you have not been actively practicing your skills or there are significant updates, taking a full course is advisable to pass the recertification exam.
Enroll in your chosen method of recertification at IPC certification near me or online.
Ensure you are fully prepared for the challenge test or the renewal exams. Familiarize yourself with any updates to the standards.
The exam is divided into written and practical.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your updated certificate, valid for two years.
Here are some bonus pieces of information on soldering.
Cleaning the soldering iron tip is necessary to make soldering easier, have better results, and extend tip life. Here are several ways of cleaning the tip:
First, heat the soldering iron. Then, wipe the tip on a damp sponge (make sure it is not soaking wet) to remove oxidation and excess solder. Do this even while you are soldering.
Insert the tip into the brass wool and rotate it a few times to remove oxidation and excess solder. Some prefer this method over a damp sponge because it does not suddenly cool down the tip, which can damage it.
If the tip is heavily oxidized, use a tip tinner or cleaner. Dip the tip into a tinner or cleaner that contains flux and solder. Rotate the tip a few times. Clean off the mixture by wiping the tip on a damp sponge or brass wool.
Solder surface mount can be intimidating but with the right technique and tools, it can be done.
This method is ideal for larger SMT components such as resistors, capacitors, and SOIC chips. Here are the steps:
This method is used for fine-pitch ICs and BGA components. Here are the steps:
When soldering with Surface-Mount Technology (SMT), you need to apply solder paste, place the components, and then heat the board using a reflow oven.
Lead solder has potential health risks, including neurological damage, kidney problems, and developmental issues in children. Due to these concerns, many electronics manufacturers have transitioned to lead-free solder alternatives.
Properly holding a soldering iron is essential for accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Here’s how:
Please refer to “How to Solder Surface Mount?” discussed above. For more information about soldering SMT, visit soldering certification classes near me.
Soldering is essential in electronics, manufacturing, and engineering. However, these industries require qualified soldering workers to meet their standards. Certification is the primary means to determine workers’ qualifications.
Certification can be obtained from various organizations, such as IPC, AWS, NATE, and NASA. These organizations offer different certifications, so choose the type of certification that suits your needs.
Since certifications are typically valid for 2-3 years, it is important to update or recertify your certification to ensure the continuous practice of your craft.