The IPC 620 Space Addendum or more commonly referred to as the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space Addendum provides the industry-accepted standards for the fabrication and installation of wire and cable harness assemblies that are utilized for getting to space and for operating in such environment. If you aspire to build a career in the electronics manufacturing industry involved in space applications, it’s essential to obtain the IPC 620 Space Addendum Certification.
Overview of IPC/WHMA-A-620
In general, the IPC/WHMA-A-620 sets the acceptable standards for the electronics industry when it comes to procedures, materials, quality checks and acceptability criteria for wire and cable harness assemblies utilized in various applications from everyday consumer appliances (Class 1: General) to medical and/or military devices (Class 3: High Performance/Harsh Environment).
The Space Addendum is an update that covers the modified and additional requirements to the general IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard. This will ensure that cable and wire harness assemblies are reliable and durable enough to survive the thermal cyclic environments and vibrations in space.
The Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA) and IPC are working together in developing and updating the IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard.
Types of IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification
There are essentially four types of IPC certification, depending on the person’s level of expertise:
- Certified IPC Specialist (CIS), which is designed for general operators;
- Certified Standards Expert (CSE), which is designed for consultants and coordinators in ensuring proper application of the 620 Standard;
- Certified IPC Trainer (CIT), which is designed for instructors who can train and certify CIS students; and
- Master IPC Trainer (MIT), which is an optional career upgrade for CIT holders and is generally linked to a single training center.
Most IPC training centers, however, only offer CIS and CIT courses for the Space Addendum certification.
Prerequisite for IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space certification
In order to start processing your IPC 620 Space Addendum Certification, you must have an existing and unexpired IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification of the same type that you’re applying for, i.e. CIS or CIT.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space training
Just like getting your IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification, obtaining credentials for the Space Addendum requires you to undergo an IPC training in order to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to, among others, accept or reject decisions by referencing the 620 Standard and the Space Addendum.
Depending on the IPC learning center, the class length for the Space Addendum training is around 40 hours (or approximately three to five days) for both CIT and CIS courses. To ensure making the most of your training and obtaining high quality learning, opt for classes with hands-on cable assembly.
Qualifying examination
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space training concludes with a qualifying examination, which includes a written exam that CIS students must pass at least 80% with flying colors. Similarly, CIT students must also successfully pass their instructors exams with at least 80%.
Validity of certification
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space Addendum CIS and CIT certifications are valid for 24 months.
Upgrade your career today!
Obtain your IPC/WHMA-A-620 and IPC 620 Space Addendum certifications if you aspire a successful career in the electronics manufacturing industry with a chance to collaborate with NASA and other companies in the space and military industry.
At Blackfox, we offer a variety of IPC certification and related electronics courses as well as provide a range of training and support services for companies in the electronics manufacturing industry. Get in touch with us today.
