The IPC/WHMA-A-620 is a quality standard that describes the Requirements and Acceptance for Cable/Wire Harness Assemblies. It was created as a joint project of the Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC) and the Wire and Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA). Since its creation and subsequent release in 2002, the A-620 has become the industry’s yardstick of quality for cable and wire harness products.
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 is one of several IPC Certification programs. It is an industry-developed program for individuals and companies engaged in the manufacture, use, and installation of cable and wire harness assemblies. It encompasses training, certification, and the supply of instructional materials. The main purpose of this standard is to enable qualified candidates to develop accurate skills in determining acceptable and unacceptable wire harness assemblies according to the A-620 standard.
Persons who undergo and successfully pass the IPC 620 training are expected to obtain these skills:
- Use the quality standards of IPC/WHMA-A-620 to determine which cable or wire harness products are acceptable or rejected
- Interpret and share the objectives of the IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards
- The ability to explain terminologies and definitions related to cable and wire harness manufacturing and quality standards
What the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Standard Covers
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 certificate is granted to individuals who successfully pass a training and certification program based on an IPC standard with the title “Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies”.
Who Needs an IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification?
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 training and certification program is designed for implementation by manufacturers of cable and wire harness assemblies. It is available to persons with at least 5th grade level in terms of reading and writing. Furthermore, candidates should also be familiar with common connector terms as well as practices in EOS/ESD. A connector and wire harness assembly is available as an optional part of this IPC training program.
Successful participants of the IPC/WHMA-A-620 CIT training and certification program will be awarded certificates and recognized as Certified IPC Trainers. This gives them the qualification and authority to train and certify operators and quality inspectors in the cable and wire harness manufacturing.
Which IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certification Level Do You Need?
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 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. Before the expiration of your credential, you will have to attend re-certification training conducted by licensed IPC training centers to maintain your certification.
Why Train with an IPC-Licensed Certification Center?
Any individual who wants to obtain an IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification should attend a training course at an IPC Licensed Certification Center such as Blackfox. Our IPC 620 training course is designed to ensure impeccable accuracy in determining the difference between acceptable and unacceptable cable or wire harness assemblies pursuant to the quality guidelines of IPC/WHMA-A-620.
What Beneficial Factors can an IPC/WHMA-A-620 Training and Certification Deliver to the Electronics Industry?
The A-620 training and certification facilitate cross-channel communication between OEMs and wire harness manufacturers.
The A-620 IPC certification standards are currently implemented by original equipment manufacturers and wire harness manufacturing companies in 42 countries around the world. Its training materials are published in 12 different languages.
Being a universal standard, the A-620 IPC training is able to facilitate effective communication between OEMs and manufacturers. This makes the two players work together effectively, even if certain projects involve unique build specifications.
The A-620 certification promotes compliance and enhances quality.
The A-620 is a world-class training and certification program recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other quality-certifying bodies around the world. It promotes standardized operations and helps cable and wire harness manufacturers to excel in terms of quality and productivity.
It builds customer trust and enhances customer satisfaction.
Today, many OEMs are more confident and at ease with A-620-certified manufacturers. The latter’s knowledge and capability to provide value-added services are the leading factors that make manufacturers more efficient and reliable.
An A-620 certification confirms the validity of a wire harness manufacturer.
There are lots of cable and wire harness manufacturers, but not all of them are as committed to meeting customer requirements as the A-620-certified companies. These are the manufacturers that excel in terms of knowledge and skills, quality management system, and commitment to promote lasting business partnerships with customers.
It is a manifestation of your willingness to invest in industry professionals.
An A-620 certification is proof of your willingness to invest in educating your key production employees as to what’s acceptable and what’s not. This will eliminate the possibility of having low-quality products in your deliveries and improve your reputation and trustworthiness in the electronics market.
It helps you comply with regulatory and environmental requirements
A fourth benefit of IPC WHMA A 620 certification is that it helps you comply with the regulatory and environmental requirements for cable and wire harness assemblies. By getting the certification, you can ensure that your products meet the safety, performance, and quality requirements of various agencies and authorities, such as UL, CSA, CE, RoHS, and REACH. You can also avoid any fines, penalties, or legal issues that may arise from non-compliance.
IPC WHMA A 620 certification can help you comply with regulatory and environmental requirements by informing you of:
- The applicable laws, regulations, and standards for cable and wire harness assemblies
- The potential hazards and risks associated with cable and wire harness assemblies
- The proper handling, storage, and disposal of cable and wire harness assemblies
- The documentation and records required for cable and wire harness assemblies
By complying with regulatory and environmental requirements, you can protect your reputation, credibility, and liability.
It keeps your team current with the latest standard revisions
A fifth benefit of IPC WHMA A 620 certification is that it keeps you updated with the latest industry trends and technologies for cable and wire harness assemblies. Obtaining the certification will help you stay up-to-date with changes and advancements that impact your products and industry. You can also learn new skills and techniques that can improve your processes and performance.
IPC WHMA A 620 certification can help you stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies by exposing you to:
- The current and emerging challenges and opportunities for cable and wire harness assemblies
- The new and innovative solutions and applications for cable and wire harness assemblies
- The best practices and benchmarks for cable and wire harness assemblies
- The feedback and insights from other WHMA-A-620-certified professionals and experts
By staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies, you can maintain your competitive advantage and enhance your value proposition.
As a manufacturer of cable and wire harness products, quality is a very important aspect of your business. It is an indispensable attribute that your products must carry in order to win customer trust and earn a fair share of the market.
In the electronics industry, gimmicks and stunts are not necessary in order to catch customer attention. Producing high-quality products by being compliant with internationally recognized IPC standards, such as the IPC 620, is what really matters. This will make you win the trust of customers – and earn the recognition of the electronics market.
Ready to get certified? See upcoming dates, formats and locations for the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies course, or call us toll-free at 888.837.9959 for your IPC training needs.
