Do You Need CID Before CID+? How the IPC Design Certification Path Works
Nov 09, 2026
Experienced PCB designers often want to go straight to the advanced certification. So the question comes up: can you skip CID and take CID+?
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Planning both? The ElectroSpec CID/CID+ bundle includes both official exams and both study guides, and saves $195.
The Short Answer: Yes, CID Comes First
IPC requires a current, valid CID certification before you can sit for the CID+ (Advanced Certified Interconnect Designer) exam. There is no way to skip it, even with years of design experience.
Why IPC Structures It This Way
CID establishes the foundation: layout principles, materials, documentation and manufacturability. CID+ assumes you already have that foundation and builds advanced topics on top of it.
What Each Exam Covers
CID spans 10 core knowledge areas, including design considerations, thermal and reliability factors, physical board principles, component technologies, fabrication requirements, documentation and assembly processes.
CID+ covers five areas: design considerations, printed board characteristics, electrical parameters, component and assembly issues, and manufacturing documentation.
Both exams are closed book, about 100 multiple-choice questions, and need 73% to pass.
How Experienced Designers Can Move Quickly
Having to take CID first doesn't mean starting from zero. Experienced designers often move through CID preparation quickly, then go straight on to CID+.
- Most students using CID Core Preparation finish their prep and exam in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Most students using CID+ Core Preparation also finish in 2 to 4 weeks, because the preparation focuses on advanced concepts rather than fundamentals.
Planning Both: The Bundle
If you know you want both certifications, the CID/CID+ bundle includes both official exams, a free retake on both, both study guides and 200+ practice questions for each exam.
- Core: $1,795, or 2 payments of $945
- Comprehensive: $2,795, or 2 payments of $1,470. It adds the 22+ hour PCB fundamentals course and 13.5+ hours of advanced PCB courses.
Both bundle tracks save $195 compared with enrolling in CID and CID+ separately.
Who Should Go On to CID+?
- Designers working on complex, high-density or high-reliability boards
- Designers who handle electrical performance and signal integrity concerns
- Senior designers who review others' work or own the release package
- Designers who want the highest level of IPC design certification
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my CID have to be current to take CID+?
Yes. You must hold a current, valid CID certification.
Can I take both exams online?
Yes. ElectroSpec schedules both through the IPC Remote Proctor System, on your preferred dates and times.
Do I need IPC standards for these exams?
No. Both exams are closed book. IPC-2221 and IPC-2222 are available at checkout if you want them for reference.
