Top 11 PCB Designer Certifications

Certifications provide a way for PCB designers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. They can help set them apart from other job candidates and make them more attractive to potential employers. Certifications also help ensure that PCB designers have the necessary experience, qualifications, and expertise to design high-quality printed circuit boards. Additionally, certifications can lead to increased salaries and improved career prospects.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for PCB Designers and explain how they can help to boost a pcb designer's career.

What are PCB Designer Certifications?

PCB Designer Certification is a professional certification program designed to help validate the skills and knowledge of PCB designers. The program provides an objective and measurable way to recognize a designer’s expertise and competence in designing printed circuit boards (PCBs). It helps employers identify experienced PCB designers, and it helps designers demonstrate their design capabilities.

The certification process involves completing a rigorous exam that tests the designer’s knowledge of various aspects of PCB design, including schematic capture, layout, fabrication, assembly, soldering techniques, and testing. The exam also covers topics such as electrical engineering principles and industry standards for board design. Those who pass the exam are awarded the Certified PCB Designer (CPD) designation.

Having a Certified PCB Designer on staff can be beneficial to any organization that designs or manufactures printed circuit boards. A CPD is better able to handle complex projects due to their increased understanding of design principles and industry standards. They are also well-versed in best practices for producing high-quality boards that meet customer requirements. As a result, organizations can save time and money by eliminating costly errors during the design process.

Pro Tip: When selecting a PCB Designer Certification program, make sure to look for programs that offer hands-on experience and comprehensive training. Also, consider the cost of the certification program and make sure it is within your budget.

Related: What does a PCB Designer do?

Top 11 PCB Designer Certifications

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

1. Certified PCB Designer (CPCD)

Certified PCB Designer (CPCD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced printed circuit board designers. It is offered by the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC), an international organization dedicated to the advancement of electronics manufacturing.

The CPCD certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in designing printed circuit boards and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as board layout, component placement, signal integrity, power integrity, thermal management, and EMI/EMC considerations. In addition to the exam, applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their design experience.

The entire process typically takes about six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants should study for the exam and compile their portfolio. Once an applicant has passed the exam and submitted their portfolio, they will receive their CPCD certification within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CPCD certification varies depending on where you take the exam and how much preparation you need prior to taking it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for all associated fees including application fee, examination fee, and portfolio submission fee.

2. Certified Printed Circuit Board Designer (CPCBD)

Certified Printed Circuit Board Designer (CPCBD) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to design printed circuit boards (PCBs). This certification was created by the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC) and is recognized across the electronics industry.

To become certified as a CPCBD, you must pass an exam administered by IPC. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as PCB materials, fabrication processes, design tools and techniques, and troubleshooting. The exam typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.

The cost of taking the CPCBD exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, the cost is usually between $200-$400 USD. In other countries, the cost may be higher or lower depending on local regulations and fees.

In order to take the CPCBD exam, you must first register with IPC and pay the fee for your chosen testing center. Once you have registered and paid your fee, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time. After completing your exam, you will receive your results within two weeks of submitting it for review. If you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate from IPC recognizing your achievement as a Certified Printed Circuit Board Designer (CPCBD).

3. Certified Advanced Printed Circuit Board Designer (CAPCD)

Certified Advanced Printed Circuit Board Designer (CAPCD) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the design and fabrication of printed circuit boards. The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as PCB layout, materials, processes, and quality assurance.

The CAPCD program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an examination. The self-study course is available online or in print format and typically takes about 40 hours to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as material selection, design principles, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance. The exam must be taken at an IPC authorized testing center.

The cost for the CAPCD program varies depending on the type of materials used for study and whether you choose to take the exam at an authorized testing center or online. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for the self-study materials plus another $150-$200 for the exam fee.

In order to become certified as a CAPCD, you must pass both the self-study course and the examination with a score of 70% or higher. Once certified, your name will be added to IPC's list of Certified Advanced Printed Circuit Board Designers and you will receive a certificate from IPC validating your achievement.

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

Certified Professional in Printed Circuit Board Design (CPPCBD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who design printed circuit boards. The CPPCBD certification is offered by the Institute for Printed Circuits (IPC), an international organization dedicated to advancing the design, production, and use of printed circuit boards.

The CPPCBD certification requires applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in a variety of areas related to PCB design, including layout techniques, materials selection, signal integrity analysis, fabrication processes, and test methods. Applicants must also pass an exam to demonstrate their mastery of these topics.

The CPPCBD certification process typically takes several months to complete. Applicants must first register with IPC and pay an application fee before taking the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of work experience or education in PCB design before receiving their certificate from IPC.

The cost of obtaining the CPPCBD certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In most cases, applicants can expect to pay between $200-$400 USD for registration fees and examination costs.

5. IPC-A-600 Certified Interconnect Designer (CID)

IPC-A-600 Certified Interconnect Designer (CID) is an industry certification program offered by the IPC, a global trade association for the electronics industry. The CID program is designed to ensure that designers and engineers have the knowledge and skills necessary to design and manufacture high quality printed circuit boards (PCBs). The CID certification is based on IPC-A-600, which is a widely accepted standard for the acceptance of printed circuit board assemblies.

The CID certification requires successful completion of an exam administered by IPC. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as PCB design, fabrication, assembly, inspection, testing, and troubleshooting. Candidates must pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to be certified.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. It usually takes about two weeks to receive results from the exam once it has been completed.

To become certified as an IPC-A-600 Certified Interconnect Designer (CID), candidates must register with IPC and pay for the exam fee. Once registered, they will be sent instructions on how to access the online training materials and take the exam. After completing the exam successfully, candidates will receive their official CID certificate in approximately two weeks.

6. IPC-A-610 Certified Component & Assembly Designer (CCAD)

IPC-A-610 Certified Component & Assembly Designer (CCAD) is a certification program developed by the IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries). It is designed to ensure that electronic components and assemblies are designed, manufactured, and installed according to industry standards. The CCAD certification demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the IPC-A-610 standard, which covers topics such as component selection, assembly techniques, inspection criteria, and repair procedures.

It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the CCAD course. The course consists of two parts: a self-study module and a hands-on lab exercise. The self-study module covers topics such as design principles, materials selection, assembly techniques, and inspection criteria. The hands-on lab exercise involves assembling and inspecting a printed circuit board assembly according to the IPC-A-610 standard.

To get certified as an IPC-A-610 Certified Component & Assembly Designer (CCAD), you must attend an approved training center or online course provider. You will need to pass both the self-study module and hands on lab exercises with a score of at least 75%. Once you have passed the course requirements, you will be issued a certificate of completion from the training provider.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you take the course. However, it typically ranges from $400-$1000 USD for both parts of the certification process.

7. IPC-2221 Certified High Density Interconnect Designer (CHDID)

IPC-2221 Certified High Density Interconnect Designer (CHDID) is a certification program from the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC) that recognizes individuals who have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to design high density interconnects (HDIs). HDIs are components used in printed circuit boards, such as connectors, integrated circuits, and other devices.

The CHDID certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of HDI design principles and techniques. The exam covers topics such as material selection, layout techniques, signal integrity analysis, and thermal management. The exam can be taken at any IPC-approved testing center.

It typically takes around 2-3 months to complete the CHDID certification process. To get started, applicants must first register with IPC and pay a fee of $150 USD. After registering, they will receive an application packet containing information about the exam and instructions on how to prepare for it. Once they have completed their preparation, applicants can take the exam at an approved testing center.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CHDID certificate from IPC. This certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking a refresher course or re-taking the exam.

8. IPC-2222 Certified Flexible Circuits Designer (CFCD)

IPC-2222 Certified Flexible Circuits Designer (CFCD) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who design flexible circuits. This certification is offered by the IPC, an international association dedicated to furthering the development of electronics industry standards. It is intended for professionals who are responsible for designing and developing flexible circuits, as well as those who review or approve designs.

The CFCD certification program consists of a one-day course that covers topics such as flex circuit design principles, fabrication process considerations, assembly techniques, testing requirements, and quality assurance measures. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass an online exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CFCD certification program varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 USD for the one-day course and exam.

In order to receive your CFCD certification, you must complete the one-day course and pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. The entire process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish.

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

IPC-7711/7721 Rework, Repair and Modification of Electronic Assemblies Certification is an industry standard certification program created by the IPC (International Electronics Commission) that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to properly rework, repair and modify electronic assemblies. The certification is based on a series of modules that cover topics such as soldering techniques, component removal and replacement, inspection criteria, cleaning procedures, safety measures and more.

To get certified, individuals must attend a two-day training course provided by an IPC Certified Training Center. After completing the course, they must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification. The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500 - $1000 USD.

Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years by attending a one-day refresher course and passing a written exam. The cost for renewal is typically around $200 USD.

Overall, getting certified in IPC-7711/7721 Rework, Repair and Modification of Electronic Assemblies can be time consuming but it is worth it if you want to demonstrate your expertise in this field.

10. IPC JSTD-001 Space Addendum Certification

IPC JSTD-001 Space Addendum Certification is an industry-recognized certification program for manufacturers of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is a supplement to the IPC J-STD-001 standard, which provides requirements for the manufacture of high-reliability PCBs. The Space Addendum adds additional requirements specific to space applications, such as radiation hardness and hermetic sealing.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete the certification process. To get certified, companies must submit a qualification package that includes product samples, documentation, and test results that demonstrate compliance with all applicable requirements in the IPC JSTD-001 Space Addendum. Companies must also demonstrate their ability to consistently produce quality products in accordance with the standards set forth by IPC.

The cost of certification depends on several factors including complexity of the product and number of products being tested. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 USD for a single product type.

11. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System for PCB Designers

ISO 9001:2015 is a quality management system (QMS) standard that provides a framework for organizations to ensure they consistently meet customer requirements, while also striving to exceed customer expectations. It is applicable to any organization regardless of size, type or product/service provided.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification process typically takes between 6-12 months depending on the complexity of the organization and its processes. The process involves an initial assessment by an accredited third-party auditor who will review the organization’s current QMS and identify any gaps in compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard. The organization must then develop and implement corrective actions to address any identified gaps before being certified as compliant with the standard.

Organizations can get ISO 9001:2015 certification from an accredited third-party certification body such as International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). Organizations need to select a certification body that is accredited by their national accreditation body.

The cost of getting ISO 9001:2015 certification depends on several factors such as the size and complexity of the organization, number of sites and processes, number of employees, etc. Typically, costs range from $3,000-$15,000 USD depending on these factors.

Do You Really Need a PCB Designer Certificate?

The short answer is: no. A PCB designer certificate is not a requirement for working in the field of printed circuit board (PCB) design. However, having one can be beneficial for career advancement and may even lead to higher wages.

Having a PCB designer certificate shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to design high-quality PCBs. It also demonstrates your commitment to the profession, as it usually requires completing a course or program of study.

In addition, having a certificate may open up more job opportunities as some employers prefer candidates who have gone through an official training program. It can also help you stand out from other applicants who don’t have one, giving you an edge in the competitive job market.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a PCB designer certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you feel that it would benefit your career and give you an advantage over other applicants, then it may be worth considering. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways to gain experience and hone your skills without needing a certificate.

Related: PCB Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About PCB Designer Certifications

1. What is a PCB Designer Certification?

Answer: A PCB Designer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in designing printed circuit boards (PCBs).

2. What are the benefits of getting certified as a PCB Designer?

Answer: Benefits of getting certified as a PCB Designer include improved job prospects, higher salaries, recognition from employers, and increased credibility in the industry.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a PCB Designer?

Answer: To become certified as a PCB Designer, you should have experience in electronic design, knowledge of electrical engineering principles, and proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a PCB Designer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the program and your experience level, but typically it can take between 1-2 years.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming a certified PCB Designer?

Answer: Yes, there are several online courses and programs available that can help you prepare for certification exams and gain the necessary skills to become a successful PCB designer.