The IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies has emerged as the preeminent authority for electronics assembly manufacturing. The standard describes materials, methods and verification criteria for producing high quality soldered interconnections. The standard emphasizes process control and sets industry-consensus requirements for a broad range of electronic products.

 

IPC's J-STD-001 Training and Certification Program is built on a train-the-trainer instructional model. A company seeking to create an "IPC Licensed J-STD-001 Certified IPC Trainer" sends their candidate to an "IPC-Authorized J-STD-001 Certification Center." The training program uses soldering labs and demonstrations as well as classroom instruction to teach the standard criteria.

 

Certified IPC Trainer candidates who successfully complete the soldering workmanship portions of the course and the certification examination are given the instructional materials needed for training Application Specialists. The Application Specialists training is "modularized," meaning that training on the entire document is not required. Application Specialists must be trained on the introductory section, and then may be trained on other modules covering: wires and terminals, through hole technology, surface mount technology and inspection.

 

Instructor training requires the use of lead-free solder for at least 50% of the workmanship projects. The type of solder alloy used for application specialist training is optional, based on the needs of the company.

 

Those interested in company-wide quality assurance initiatives have an IPC-sponsored program to support their commitment to continuous operations and product improvement. IPC recognition sends a strong message to customers that your company is serious about implementing J-STD-001.

All IPC J-STD-001 Registered Instructors receive the instructional materials for teaching the Application Specialist training course.

 

Assembly process engineers, quality assurance supervisors, training managers and others responsible for the quality and reliability of soldered electronic assemblies are excellent candidates for the program.

Any company that uses J-STD-001 or is considering its adoption can use the program to address the training requirement identified in the standard.

While there are no formal entrance requirements, Certified IPC Trainer candidates must have excellent hand soldering skills and ideally in training as well.