IPC/WHMA-A-620 Training & Certification
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 Training and Certification program follows the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Standard, which defines requirements and acceptance criteria for cable and wire harness assemblies.
This standard outlines the materials, methods, tests, and acceptability criteria necessary for producing crimped, mechanically secured, or soldered interconnections. It also covers related assembly activities, ensuring consistency and reliability in cable and harness assemblies.
This training benefits individuals who need to evaluate the acceptability of cable and harness assemblies, including:
- Assembly operators
- Quality assurance inspectors
- Quality Supervisors
- Inbound inspectors
- Assembly manufacturing supervisors
- Production Managers
- Managers and Directors who wants to understand the impact of quality on their products and processes
- Sales engineers
- Account engineers
- Buyers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Anyone responsible for the quality and reliability cable and wire harness assemblies
The primary goal of IPC/WHMA-A-620 training is to enhance an individual’s ability to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable cable and wire harness assemblies. Instead of merely learning when to accept or reject an assembly, students gain a deeper understanding of why certain criteria apply.
Throughout the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Training and Certification Course, students systematically review the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Standard, analyzing it paragraph by paragraph to build a comprehensive knowledge base.
SPACE & MILITARY ADDENDUM TRAINING
Certification for any IPC standard addendum is revision-specific. To obtain certification for an addendum, candidates must first be certified in the corresponding revision of the base document. For example, to become certified in IPC/WHMA-A-620D Space, candidates must first achieve certification in IPC/WHMA-A-620D.
CERTIFICATION IPC/WHMA-A-620 HANDS-ON
The hands-on module is optional for both Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) and Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) candidates. If a CIT or CIS wants to complete hands-on projects, they must attend an additional one-day course.
The CIS hands-on training follows a modular approach, aligning with the individual sections of the CIS training program. To receive certification, CIS candidates must first complete the lecture/discrimination module. Afterward, they will only complete the hands-on projects relevant to the material they studied, ensuring a focused and practical learning experience.
On site training
What you’ll learn
- Cable and wire dimensioning, tolerances and preparation
- Crimp terminations: Stamped and formed contacts and Machined Contacts
- Soldered terminations
- Splices
- Connectorization
- Molding and potting
- Marking and labeling
- Co-ax and twin-ax assembly
- Wire bundle securing
- Shielding
- Testing of Cable/Wire Harness Assemblies
Duration:
Standard duration of the training:
- Full Certification Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) 3 days
- Full Certification Certified Standard Expert (CSE) 4 days
- Full Certification Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) 4 days
- Recertification Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) 2 days
- Recertification Certified Standard Expert (CSE) 2 days
- Recertification Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) 2 days
- Challenge test CIS, CSE or CIT 0,5 day
Validity of the Certificate
The certification term for all IPC programs are 2 years. The certification term begins on the date a candidate successfully completes all the program’s minimum certification requirements.
Certifications only reflect the expiration month and year. Certifications expire the last day of the expiration month, regardless of the day of the month the certification was granted.
Certification Renewal Period
All certification renewals may only occur within six calendar months prior to the expiration of an existing certification. When a Certificant renews their certification within 6 months of the certification expiration date, the renewed certification will be valid for an additional 2 years from the expiration date of their currently held certification.
If you would like to recertify there are three routes available for you:
- Initial certification course
- Recertification course
- Challenge Test (Exam only)
In addition, it is also recommended for many students to follow a certification course again after a recertification course and to alternate this every time.
Certification Levels
What certification level do you want to achieve working in the electronics industry? IPC currently provides three levels of certification to the IPC Standards for individuals working in the electronics industry. Depending on your experience within the industry, you can become certified as a Certified Standards Expert (CSE), a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT), or as a Certified IPC Specialist (CIS).
Choosing the right level of certification for you is important.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS)
CIS training and certification is appropriate for any individual that will benefit by having a consistent understanding of the criteria in a standard. Line operators, engineers, quality engineers will find this training and certification beneficial for their knowledge in the electronics industry.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified Standards Expert (CSE)
The Certified Standards Expert (CSE) is a subject matter professional with a high level of knowledge and understanding of a specific IPC standard or group of standards but doesn’t train students or teach IPC classes.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified IPC Trainer (CIT)
Certified IPC Trainer Programs are intended for those who wish to become certified as instructors in different IPC specifications for the electronic assembly industry. CITs may be employees of companies that train only within their parent company.