CID (Certified Interconnect Designer-Basic) and CID+ (Advanced)

This professional development program provides objective evaluation of core competencies in PCB design, based upon industry standards rather than specifications of a single company. Courses enhance and assess technical knowledge: how to transform an electrical circuit description into a PCB design that can be manufactured, assembled and tested.

CID (Certified Interconnect Designer-Basic) and CID+ (Advanced) are valuable professional credentials recognized throughout the electronics industry. This technical education holds the most benefit for PCB designers with at least 2 years of hands-on experience. Because Designer Certification builds a foundation in design decision-making and practical application of IPC standards, the program is open to all engineering staff and managers with interest in design: Sales, Purchasing, R&D, Quality, Test.

CID and CID+ sessions include:

The Designer Certification program is offered through IPC-licensed training centers all over the world.

  • Independent study of course materials prior to session is expected – Allow three weeks before taking the course
  • Two full days of classroom instruction led by an IPC-qualified instructor
  • One Day for the exam with 100+ multiple-choice questions — score of 73% or better required for Certified status
  • Typical sessions are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Designer Certification Registration Fee includes:

  • All course materials, Shipped to student
  • Two full days of classroom instruction, led by an IPC-qualified Instructor
  • Exam session and individual consultation with Instructor
  • Certificate
  • Verification of Certified status — IPC maintains a list of all certified designers.
    There is NO need to purchase any documents separately

Cancellations for registrations will not be refunded once materials have shipped. Students may work with their training center to transfer to another session.

NOTE: Students who do not feel prepared to take the exam immediately after the classroom instruction may choose to test at a later date, but testing must be proctored at a training center.

Course session for your team

Course sessions may be customized to organization needs, but the minimum time required is two full days of classroom instruction plus one half day for the exam.

  • Considerations
  • Materials
  • Component requirements
  • Assembly requirements
  • Board fabrication
  • Physical board characteristics
  • Documentation

To discuss holding a CID or CID+ course session at your facility, contact a licensed training center.