The IPC-A-600 Endorsement is included of the following IPC Certification Programs: Certified IPC Specialist (CIS), Certified IPC Trainer (CIT/MIT), Certified Standards Expert (CSE/SCSE). Specific program information is outlined in the Policies and Procedures.

Topics Covered in the IPC-A-600 Endorsement Program

  • Printed board product classifications and acceptance criteria
  • Base material surface and subsurface conditions such as measling/crazing
  • Solder resist coverage over conductors and registration to lands
  • Conductor width and spacing and annular ring requirements
  • Dielectric material criteria for etchback, voids, and resin recession
  • Plated-through hole requirements for copper plating thickness, voids, nodules and cracks
  • Acceptance criteria for flexible, rigid-flex and metal core printed boards
  • Skills for teaching the lesson plan effectively

Who Needs Training on the IPC-A-600?

Printed Board Manufacturers Knowledge of acceptance criteria is essential in tracing nonconforming conditions to their origins in the manufacturing process. The IPC-A-600 Training and Certification Program establishes the important relationship between the IPC-A-600 and the IPC-6012. This program also makes a powerful statement to users of printed boards that a company is serious about continuous quality improvement. Industry-recognized, technically accurate training for anyone involved in PCB fabrication did not exist until now.

Electronics Assembly Companies No one wants to put dozens of expensive components on a defective PCB. IPC-A-600 Training and Certification gives the assembler the information to do a better job at incoming inspection. Knowing acceptable conditions means that PCBs are not needlessly scrapped; knowing nonconforming conditions saves the assembler from an expensive component mounting operation. Certified IPC Trainers working in electronics assembly can forge a more productive relationship with their PCB suppliers.

OEMs and Material/Equipment Suppliers Anyone involved in purchasing or specifying printed boards needs to understand the criteria of IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012. OEMs, like assemblers, perform incoming board inspection and have a huge investment in PCBs. Designers will learn the baseline requirements for board quality for all classes of product. Material and equipment suppliers along with OEMs will sharpen their ability to recognize nonconforming conditions.