Top 10 PCB Design Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a PCB design engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and experience. Certifications can help employers identify qualified candidates who have the necessary skills and experience to complete the job. Additionally, certifications can prove an engineer’s competency in their field, which is especially important when competing for jobs against other experienced engineers. They also show that an engineer has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Ultimately, certifications are a great way for PCB design engineers to stand out from the competition and increase their chances of being hired.

This article reviews the top certifications for PCB Design Engineers and explains how they can help to advance a PCB Design Engineer's career.

What are PCB Design Engineer Certifications?

PCB design engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder's expertise and proficiency in designing, building, and troubleshooting printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCBs are used to connect and interconnect electrical components in electronic systems, such as computers and consumer electronics. A PCB design engineer certification validates an individual's ability to create a board layout that meets technical specifications for functionality, manufacturing, cost, and reliability.

Holding a PCB design engineer certification can be beneficial for job seekers in the field of electronic engineering. It shows employers that the candidate has the necessary skillset for designing complex PCBS, which can give them an edge over other applicants. It also helps those already working in the industry advance their career by demonstrating their knowledge of current technologies and best practices. Certification may also enable engineers to obtain higher salaries due to their increased expertise. Furthermore, it allows individuals to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and techniques by providing access to additional education materials and resources.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the requirements for each PCB design engineer certification before beginning the application process. Each certification may have different prerequisites and require a certain level of experience, so it's important to make sure you meet all the criteria before applying.

Related: What does a PCB Design Engineer do?

Top 10 PCB Design Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to PCB Design Engineers today.

1. Certified PCB Designer (CPCB)

Certified PCB Designer (CPCB) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the design and fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge in areas such as electrical engineering, materials science, and design principles.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CPCB exam, depending on the individual’s experience and background. Preparation may include taking courses or self-study with IPC study guides. There are also several online resources available to help candidates prepare for the exam.

To obtain the CPCB certification, candidates must register with IPC and pay a fee of $395 USD. They must then take and pass the exam at an authorized testing center. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certificate from IPC. The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking another exam.

The cost of taking the CPCB exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, most centers charge between $250-$400 USD per attempt.

2. Certified Printed Circuit Board Designer (CPCBD)

Certified Printed Circuit Board Designer (CPCBD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the design, layout, and fabrication of printed circuit boards. It is administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Designers (ISCED).

The CPCBD program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as schematic capture, board layout, component selection, signal integrity, and fabrication processes. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their skills in designing a printed circuit board.

The certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. Applicants must submit an application form with a fee of $500 USD to ISCED before they can take the exams. Once accepted into the program, applicants are given access to study materials and practice tests that they can use to prepare for the exams.

The cost of obtaining the CPCBD certification varies depending on the applicant's country or region. In some countries, it may be free or subsidized by government agencies or employers. In other countries, it may cost up to $2,000 USD for all fees associated with taking the exams and obtaining certification.

3. Certified Professional in Printed Circuit Board Design (CPPCBD)

Certified Professional in Printed Circuit Board Design (CPPCBD) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals working in the field of printed circuit board design.

The CPPCBD certification requires a minimum of three years experience in PCB design and a passing grade on the IPC-A-600 Acceptability of Printed Boards exam. The exam covers topics such as component placement, soldering techniques, inspection criteria, and more.

In order to get certified, you must register with IPC and pay an exam fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once you have registered for the exam, you will be sent study materials that you can use to prepare for the test. You can then take the exam at an authorized testing center near you.

It usually takes about two months to complete all of the requirements for certification. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your official CPPCBD certificate from IPC.

4. Certified Electronics Engineer in Printed Circuit Board Design (CEEPCBD)

Certified Electronics Engineer in Printed Circuit Board Design (CEEPCBD) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Engineers (ISCEE). The CEEPCBD certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting printed circuit boards.

The CEEPCBD certification requires applicants to pass a three-hour examination that covers topics such as analog and digital electronics, electrical engineering principles, printed board design, and troubleshooting techniques. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the field of printed circuit board design.

It typically takes between four to six weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam. However, this can vary depending on the number of applicants taking the exam at any given time.

In order to apply for the CEEPCBD certification program, applicants must first register with ISCEE and pay an application fee of $100 USD. After completing the registration process, they will be sent an email containing instructions on how to access the online exam portal.

The cost of taking the CEEPCBD exam is $250 USD per attempt. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their official certificate within 8-10 weeks from ISCEE.

5. Certified Senior Printed Circuit Board Designer (CS-PCBD)

Certified Senior Printed Circuit Board Designer (CS-PCBD) is a certification program that recognizes the expertise of experienced printed circuit board (PCB) designers. It is administered by IPC, an international trade association dedicated to advancing the printed circuit board industry. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge in PCB design principles, practices, and procedures.

The CS-PCBD program consists of two parts: a comprehensive exam and a practical assessment. The comprehensive exam covers topics such as basic electrical theory, component selection and placement, signal integrity analysis, and PCB layout techniques. The practical assessment requires applicants to submit a portfolio of their work for review by IPC experts.

It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the certification process from start to finish. To get certified, applicants must first register with IPC and pay the applicable fee ($1,500 USD). After registering, applicants must then study for and pass the comprehensive exam and submit their portfolio for review. Once both requirements are met, applicants will be awarded the CS-PCBD certification from IPC.

6. International Certification for PCB Designers (ICPD)

International Certification for PCB Designers (ICPD) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professional PCB designers. This certification is offered by the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC). The IPC is an international trade association that sets standards for the electronics industry.

The ICPD certification consists of two parts: a theoretical exam and a practical exam. The theoretical exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of printed circuit board design principles, including topics such as electrical theory, circuit analysis, signal integrity, and layout techniques. The practical exam requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to design a printed circuit board from start to finish.

The ICPD certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. Candidates must first register with IPC and then submit an application package that includes their resume, transcripts from any relevant courses taken, and a non-refundable fee. Once approved by IPC, candidates then take both exams at an authorized testing center.

The cost of obtaining the ICPD certification varies depending on where you take the exams and how many times you need to retake them if necessary. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for both exams combined.

7. Advanced Certification in Printed Circuit Board Design (AC-PCBD)

Advanced Certification in Printed Circuit Board Design (AC-PCBD) is a certification program offered by the International Institute of Certified Electronics Technicians (IICET). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the design and manufacture of printed circuit boards. The AC-PCBD certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an examination.

The online course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of printed circuit board design, including topics such as component selection, layout techniques, signal integrity, EMI/EMC considerations, fabrication processes, and testing methods. The course also covers advanced topics such as high speed design principles and embedded systems design. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete.

The examination consists of multiple choice questions covering the material covered in the online course. To pass the exam, applicants must achieve a score of at least 80%. The exam takes about three hours to complete.

To obtain AC-PCBD certification, applicants must first successfully complete the online course and then pass the examination with a score of at least 80%. Upon successful completion of both components, applicants receive their AC-PCBD certification from IICET.

The cost for obtaining AC-PCBD certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an IICET member; non-members pay $395 USD while members pay $295 USD.

8. IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies Certification

IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies Certification is an industry-standard certification program that provides a uniform set of criteria for evaluating the acceptability of electronic assemblies. This certification is designed to ensure that all electronics are manufactured with quality and reliability in mind. It is used by manufacturers, suppliers, and customers alike to ensure that their products meet the highest standards.

The IPC-A-610 certification process typically takes between one and two weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the product being evaluated. To receive this certification, manufacturers must submit their product to an IPC-certified laboratory for testing and evaluation. The lab will then evaluate the product against IPC’s strict criteria and issue a report indicating whether or not it meets the requirements for acceptance.

The cost of obtaining IPC-A-610 certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the product being tested, as well as the number of tests required. Generally speaking, however, most companies can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for a single product evaluation.

In addition to obtaining IPC-A-610 certification, manufacturers must also ensure that their products meet all applicable regulatory requirements in order to be sold in certain markets. This includes meeting safety standards such as UL/CSA requirements and other international standards such as RoHS compliance.

9. IPC-2221 Generic Standard on Printed Board Design

IPC-2221 is a generic standard for printed board design. It provides guidance on the design of rigid and flexible printed boards, including their electrical characteristics, material selection, and other aspects of the design process. The standard has been developed by IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) to provide a common set of requirements that can be used as a basis for designing printed boards.

The IPC-2221 standard is available as an electronic document or in hard copy format. To obtain the document, you can purchase it directly from IPC or from one of its authorized distributors. The cost of the document varies depending on the version purchased; however, it typically ranges from $50 - $100 USD.

The IPC-2221 standard typically takes about 1–2 weeks to receive after ordering.

10. IPC-7711/7721 Rework, Modification and Repair of Electronic Assemblies Certification

IPC-7711/7721 Rework, Modification and Repair of Electronic Assemblies Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that provides the necessary skills and knowledge to assess, rework, modify and repair electronic assemblies. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of electronics assembly technology.

The IPC-7711/7721 Certification Program consists of two courses: IPC-7711 Rework, Modification and Repair of Electronic Assemblies (RMA) and IPC-7721 Advanced Rework Technology for Electronic Assemblies (ART). The program takes approximately 16 hours to complete.

To get certified in IPC-7711/7721, you must attend a training course from an authorized IPC Training Center. You will be required to pass both written and practical exams with a minimum passing score of 70%.

The cost for the IPC-7711/7721 Certification Program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a PCB Design Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a PCB design engineer certificate to become a successful PCB design engineer. However, having one can give you an edge in the job market and provide employers with proof of your knowledge and skills. A certificate can also provide a way for employers to quickly assess your qualifications.

In addition to formal education and experience, having specific certifications or qualifications can be beneficial when looking for work as a PCB design engineer. Certifications demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job and may even help you stand out from other applicants. In some cases, it may be possible to gain valuable hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships that will help you develop a portfolio of projects that can be used to demonstrate your abilities.

Furthermore, having certification may make it easier for potential employers to determine if you are the right fit for their organization. It is also important to keep up-to-date with industry trends and technologies as this will help ensure that your skills remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of PCB design engineering.

Overall, while having a professional certification is not essential in becoming a successful PCB design engineer, it can certainly provide useful benefits when looking for employment opportunities.

Related: PCB Design Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About PCB Design Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a PCB Design Engineer Certification?

A1. A PCB Design Engineer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that verifies the knowledge, skills and abilities of engineers who design and develop printed circuit board (PCB) systems. The certification typically requires passing an exam that covers topics such as schematic capture, simulation, layout, fabrication, assembly and testing of PCBs.

Q2. How do I become certified as a PCB Design Engineer?

A2. To become certified as a PCB Design Engineer, you must meet the requirements established by the certifying body such as passing an exam or completing a course in PCB design engineering principles. You may also need to demonstrate experience in designing and developing printed circuit boards.

Q3. What are some of the benefits of becoming a certified PCB Design Engineer?

A3. By obtaining a certification in PCB design engineering, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers and clients, increasing your value in the job market. It can also lead to higher salaries for those with industry-recognized credentials in this field.

Q4. What types of organizations offer certifications for PCB Design Engineers?

A4. There are several organizations that offer certifications for PCB design engineers including IEEE, IPC, ETA International and CompTIA Electronics Technology Certified Professional (CTECP). Each organization has its own set of requirements and exams that must be met before certification is awarded.

Q5. How long does it take to become a certified PCB Design Engineer?

A5. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a PCB Design Engineer varies based on experience level and preparation methods used when studying for the exam(s). Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to one year depending on how much effort you put into studying for the certification exams.