Top 10 Automation Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for automation specialists in the job market because they demonstrate mastery of specific technical skills. Certification programs provide a comprehensive overview of the technologies and processes related to automation, as well as an opportunity to prove one’s competency in these areas. Additionally, certifications can help candidates stand out from the competition by showing employers that they have taken the time to acquire specialized knowledge and skills. Having a certification also gives potential employers confidence that an individual has the necessary expertise to perform their job duties with excellence.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Automation Specialists and explains how they can help to advance an automation specialist's career.

What are Automation Specialist Certifications?

Automation specialist certification is a type of professional certification that helps individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the field of automation. This certification can help individuals become more knowledgeable about the principles and practices of automation, as well as provide them with the skills needed to design, develop, implement, and maintain automated systems. Automation specialists are responsible for ensuring that automated systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and certification can help them gain the expertise necessary for this task.

By obtaining an automation specialist certification, individuals will be able to increase their job prospects in the field. Certification can also help them stand out among other candidates who may not have any experience or knowledge related to automation. Additionally, certifications can also allow employers to identify qualified applicants quickly and easily when hiring new employees. Furthermore, having a certification can also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to learning and growing professionally.

Pro Tip: Automation specialist certification is an important step in becoming a successful automation specialist. It allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers, giving them confidence in your abilities. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement and higher pay. Be sure to research the requirements of the certifications you’re interested in and take the necessary steps to prepare for the exam.

Related: What does an Automation Specialist do?

Top 10 Automation Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Automation Specialists today.

1. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is an internationally recognized certification program for automation professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who have mastered the principles and practices of industrial automation. The CAP certification is administered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

The CAP exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical lab exam. The written exam covers topics such as industrial automation systems, process control, programming languages, networking and communications, safety systems, and system troubleshooting. The practical lab exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CAP certification exams. During this time, candidates should study textbooks on industrial automation and practice with hands-on exercises in order to gain experience with the various technologies used in industrial automation systems. Candidates can also take online courses or attend seminars offered by ISA or other organizations that specialize in industrial automation training.

The cost of obtaining a CAP certification depends on several factors such as location, type of course taken, and any additional fees associated with taking the exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to obtain a CAP certification. This includes registration fees for both parts of the exam as well as any additional materials needed for studying or taking practice exams.

In addition to passing both parts of the exam, candidates must also meet certain requirements such as having at least three years of professional experience working with industrial automation systems before they can receive their CAP certification.

2. Certified Control System Technician (CCST)

Certified Control System Technician (CCST) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial control systems. The CCST certification is valid for five years and requires recertification every five years to maintain its validity.

To become a Certified Control System Technician, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having at least two years of experience in the field and passing an exam administered by ISA. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as electrical safety, instrumentation, process control systems, networking protocols, and more.

The cost to take the CCST exam varies depending on country/region but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and any required study materials.

Once an individual has passed the CCST exam they will receive a certificate that is valid for five years. After five years they will need to recertify by retaking the exam or completing continuing education hours or other activities approved by ISA.

3. Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD)

Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) is an entry-level certification for LabVIEW developers. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the fundamentals of the LabVIEW programming environment. The CLAD exam tests a developer’s knowledge of basic LabVIEW concepts, such as data flow, user interface design, and debugging tools.

The CLAD exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 hours of formal training in LabVIEW or have equivalent experience.

To become certified, applicants must pass the CLAD exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost to take the exam is $50 USD per attempt and can be taken at any NI-certified testing center worldwide.

4. ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

The ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification is a globally recognized credential for automation professionals. It is designed to demonstrate that the holder has the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and maintain effective industrial automation systems. The CAP program is administered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

To become certified as an ISA Certified Automation Professional, one must pass an exam that covers topics such as system architecture, control system components, programming languages, safety standards, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CAP exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in industrial automation engineering or related fields. Additionally, applicants must also have completed at least two years of college-level coursework in engineering technology or related fields.

The cost to take the CAP exam is $495 USD for ISA members and $595 USD for non-members. The cost includes a one-year membership in the ISA if applicable.

Once certified, CAPs are required to renew their certification every three years by completing 45 professional development units (PDUs) and paying a renewal fee of $150 USD for ISA members and $200 USD for non-members.

5. International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

The International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of industrial control systems. The CCST certification is recognized by employers worldwide as a mark of excellence in the field of automation and control systems.

To become an ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), you must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the ISA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as system architecture, instrumentation, control loops, and programming. It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the exam preparation process.

The cost for taking the CCST exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are an ISA member. For non-members, the cost is around $400 USD; for members, it is around $200 USD.

In order to be eligible for the CCST certification, you must have at least two years of experience working with industrial control systems or have completed a related course or program from an accredited institution. You must also pass the CCST exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to become certified.

6. Siemens Automation Certification Program (SACP)

Siemens Automation Certification Program (SACP) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to use Siemens automation products. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in using Siemens automation products.

The SACP consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Expert. Each level requires the completion of a certain number of courses and exams. To become certified at the Basic level, an individual must complete two courses and pass two exams. The Advanced level requires four courses and three exams, while the Expert level requires six courses and four exams.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's commitment to studying and completing the required courses and exams. Generally, it can take anywhere from one month to six months or more to complete all of the necessary requirements for each level of certification.

In order to get certified, individuals must first register with Siemens Automation Academy (SAA). Once registered, they will be able to access course materials, practice tests, study guides, and other resources needed for certification preparation. After completing all of the required courses and passing all of the necessary exams, individuals will receive their SACP certificate from SAA.

The cost for registering with SAA varies depending on which level of certification you are pursuing. For example, registration fees for Basic certification start at $300 USD while registration fees for Expert certification start at $1,500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking each course or exam such as exam fees or textbook costs.

7. PLC Programming Certificate from the International Society of Automation (ISA)

The PLC Programming Certificate from the International Society of Automation (ISA) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The certificate is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of PLC programming, including basic concepts, principles, and techniques. It also covers topics such as ladder logic, Boolean algebra, and troubleshooting.

The certificate can be obtained by completing an online course offered by ISA. The course consists of four modules: Introduction to PLCs; Basic Programming Concepts; Advanced Programming Techniques; and Troubleshooting. Each module consists of lectures, tutorials, quizzes, and hands-on exercises. The total time required to complete the course is approximately 24 hours.

In order to obtain the certificate, applicants must successfully complete all four modules within six months of enrollment in the course. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants will receive their official ISA PLC Programming Certificate.

The cost for the ISA PLC Programming Certificate program is $495 USD. This fee includes access to all four modules as well as ongoing support from ISA staff members throughout the duration of the course.

8. Rockwell Automation Certified Control System Designer/Technician Certification

Rockwell Automation Certified Control System Designer/Technician Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Rockwell Automation control systems. This certification is available at two levels: Certified Control System Designer (CCSD) and Certified Control System Technician (CCST).

The CCSD certification requires that applicants demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices associated with designing, installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Rockwell Automation control systems. The CCST certification requires that applicants demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices associated with installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Rockwell Automation control systems.

To become certified as a CCSD or CCST you must pass an exam administered by Rockwell Automation. To be eligible for the exam you must have at least two years of experience in the design or installation of Rockwell Automation control systems. Additionally, you must complete a training course offered by Rockwell Automation prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the CCSD or CCST certification exam is $350 USD per attempt. The training course typically costs around $2-3K USD depending on where it is taken. It usually takes about 6 months to prepare for the exam depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying.

9. Schneider Electric Automation & Process Expert Certification

Schneider Electric Automation & Process Expert Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in automation and process control. This certification is offered by Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation solutions.

The certification requires successful completion of two exams: the Automation & Process Expert Exam (APEX) and the Automation & Process Control Exam (APC). The APEX exam covers topics such as system architecture, programming, troubleshooting, safety, communication protocols, and more. The APC exam focuses on process control topics such as PID loops, flow measurement, temperature control, level measurement, and more.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete both exams depending on the individual’s experience level. In order to get certified, candidates must first pass the APEX exam with a minimum score of 70%. Once this is achieved, they can then take the APC exam. Upon passing both exams with a minimum score of 70%, candidates will be awarded their Schneider Electric Automation & Process Expert Certification.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on which country you are located in. Generally speaking however, it costs around $1,000 USD for both exams combined.

10. National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Developer

National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the development of applications using LabVIEW software. The certification is offered by National Instruments, the company behind the popular graphical programming language and development environment for data acquisition, instrument control, and industrial automation.

The CLD certification requires completion of both an online exam and a hands-on project. The online exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as basic LabVIEW concepts, data flow programming, debugging techniques, and application design principles. The hands-on project requires the candidate to develop an application using LabVIEW according to a set of specifications provided by National Instruments.

The entire process typically takes around two months to complete depending on how quickly the candidate can complete the project. To get started, candidates must first register for the CLD program on the National Instruments website. This registration includes payment of a fee which varies depending on geographic location but is generally around $400 USD. After registering, candidates will be given access to course materials and resources needed to prepare for the exams and projects.

Do You Really Need a Automation Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not you need an automation specialist certificate depends on your goals. If you are looking to become a professional automation specialist, then a certificate is likely necessary to obtain the job you desire. Automation specialists must have knowledge of various aspects of automation such as programming, electrical engineering, robotics, and more. A certificate is a way to demonstrate that you have acquired this knowledge.

However, if you’re interested in working with automation but don’t necessarily want to be an expert in it, then a certificate may not be necessary. Many companies will accept applicants who have studied some form of automation and can demonstrate basic skills in the area. In this case, having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants but it isn’t absolutely necessary.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an automation specialist certificate depends on your career goals and how much experience and knowledge you already have in the field. If your goal is to become an expert in the field then obtaining a certification may be beneficial for both your career prospects and potential employers.

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FAQs About Automation Specialist Certifications

1. What is an Automation Specialist Certification?

Answer: An Automation Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in automation engineering, programming, and technology. It provides evidence of expertise in the field and can help boost career opportunities.

2. What are the benefits of having an Automation Specialist Certification?

Answer: Benefits of having an Automation Specialist Certification include increased employability, competitive advantage in the job market, higher earning potential, more recognition from employers, and access to advanced technologies.

3. How do I qualify for an Automation Specialist Certification?

Answer: To qualify for an Automation Specialist Certification, you must have experience in automation engineering or programming and pass a certification exam administered by a recognized certifying body.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Automation Specialist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as an Automation Specialist depends on several factors including your experience level, the certifying body used, and how much preparation you put into studying for the certification exam. Generally speaking, most people can obtain their certification within 6 months to 1 year of study and practice.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking an Automation Specialist Certification Exam?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that you have at least one year of relevant work experience before taking the certification exam. Additionally, some certifying bodies may also require additional coursework or training prior to taking the exam.