When it comes to getting an IPC certification in the electronics manufacturing industry, this doesn’t only involve the training, qualifying examination, and licensure for a single program. For example, the IPC WHMA A 620 certification covers the industry-accepted requirements and standards when it comes to the manufacturing of cable and wire harness assemblies while the IPC J-STD-001 covers the soldered electrical and electronic assemblies.
Specifics of IPC/WHMA-A-620
This certification is based on the standardized assembly and production requirements that are set by the trade association IPC to ensure industry-wide consistency and quality when producing and installing cables, wires, and harness assemblies, including the fabrication of soldered, mechanically secured, and crimped interconnections as well as other works related with wire and cable assemblies. More specifically, this standard details the industry-prescribed requirements for the fabrication procedures, materials, quality check process, and criteria for acceptability of the products.
In essence, the IPC/WHMA A-620 standard sets the expectations between the consumers or clients and the certified professionals with regard to what can be deemed as acceptable workmanship for harnesses and cables.
Who should obtain this certification?
The IPC WHMA A 620 certification is an individual-level certification that is ideal for those who manufacture or put together wire and cable harness assemblies. Those who conduct inspections or do quality checks on these assembly products should also be familiar with the industry standards.
There are four types of IPC certification for IPC/WHMA-A-620, namely:
- Certified IPC Specialist (CIS)
- Certified Standards Expert (CSE)
- Certified IPC Trainer (CIT)
- Master IPC Trainer (MIT)
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 CIS certification is designed to provide operators with the standard knowledge and skills to fabricate and install industry-accepted workmanship on cable and wire assemblies.
Holders of the IPC/WHMA-A-620 CSE certification, on the other hand, are considered experts in the field of the relevant standard, and thus, they can be employed as coordinators and/or consultants for organizations and companies that want to ensure that the said IPC standard is applied correctly within the operations.
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 CIT certification is essentially designed for those who want to become certified instructors for the said standard and be able to train and certify CIS students. Among others, they are equipped with the skills how to interpret the standards and correctly teach them to trainees.
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 MIT certification is considered the highest level of IPC certification because it allows the individual to train and certify CIS and CIT students. It can only be obtained by employees of Licensed Training Centers and the certification is generally directly associated with a single training center only unless otherwise permitted by IPC.
How to get the certification?
You will have to undergo an IPC WHMA A 620 training course in order to get the certification for this IPC standard. Depending on the learning center you’re enrolled in and the type of certification you’re seeking credentials for, the training can go from two to three days. Your training center should be able to provide you with the “IPC/WHMA-A-620 Acceptability of Cables and Wire Harness Assemblies” published by the IPC with full-color illustrations of the acceptable assembly criteria.
You will then have to pass a qualifying exam with an average score of at least 70% if you’re a CIS student, or at least 80% if you’re enrolled in either CSE or CIT classes.
Your IPC Certification is valid for two years. Prior to the expiration of your credential, you will have to attend re-certification training conducted by licensed IPC training centers in order to maintain your certification.
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