IPC CID vs. CID+: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a PCB designer looking at IPC certification, you’ve probably noticed two options that sound similar: CID and CID+. Same organization, same design focus, very different levels of depth. This article breaks down exactly what each certification covers and who it’s designed for. The table above provides a quick comparison of IPC CID and CID+ certifications before we dive into the details below. 

What Is IPC CID?

CID stands for Certified Interconnect Designer. It’s IPC’s entry-level certification for PCB designers. The CID exam is built primarily around IPC-2221 and IPC-2222 PCB design standards. It tests your knowledge of design rules, material selection, layer stackup, component placement, hole-to-copper clearances, and manufacturable PCB design practices. Think of CID as the professional baseline for PCB design. It answers a question employers increasingly ask: “Does this designer actually know the standards?” 

What Is IPC CID+?

CID+ stands for Advanced Certified Interconnect Designer. It builds on the same foundation as CID but goes significantly deeper into high-speed and high-reliability design topics. The CID+ exam covers signal integrity fundamentals, controlled impedance design, power distribution, thermal management, EMC considerations, and manufacturing/test requirements used in aerospace, defense, medical, telecommunications, and high-reliability electronics applications. Where CID confirms that you know the standards, CID+ confirms that you can navigate the difficult engineering tradeoffs.

Who Should Get CID?

• You are a PCB designer or layout engineer new to IPC standards
• Your work is primarily commercial or industrial electronics
• You want a recognized credential validating PCB design knowledge
• You are early in your design career
• Your company is beginning to require IPC certifications

Who Should Get CID+?

• You have several years of PCB design experience and are already CID certified
• Your work involves high-speed signals or controlled impedance
• You work in aerospace, defense, medical, telecommunications, or high-reliability electronics
• You are responsible for difficult PCB design decisions
• Customers or programs require CID+ specifically

Do You Need CID Before Getting CID+?

Yes. IPC CID certification is a prerequisite for CID+ certification. You cannot skip directly to CID+ without first becoming CID certified. CID+ is designed as an advanced continuation of the CID certification path and assumes you already understand the foundational IPC PCB design standards covered in CID. CID establishes the baseline understanding of PCB design requirements, while CID+ expands into more advanced PCB design practices.

Do IPC CID and CID+ Certifications Expire?

No. IPC CID and CID+ certifications do not expire and do not require recertification. Unlike other IPC certifications that require periodic renewal (CIS, CIT, or CSE), CID and CID+ are considered lifetime certifications once successfully completed. This makes CID and CID+ particularly valuable long-term professional certifications for PCB designers, layout engineers, and electronics design professionals. Because they do not expire, many engineers view CID and CID+ as foundational career certifications that remain relevant throughout their professional careers.

How to Get IPC CID or CID+ Certified

Both certifications are available exclusively through a subset of IPC-Licensed Training Centers, including ElectroSpec. Through ElectroSpec, students can choose between two certification preparation tracks:

Core Preparation

ElectroSpec’s Core Preparation track includes:

• Official IPC exam
• Free exam retake
• ElectroSpec developed study guide
• ElectroSpec developed practice questions
• 24/7 AI tutor support

This option is designed for experienced PCB designers who primarily need structured review and exam preparation.

Comprehensive Preparation

ElectroSpec’s Comprehensive Preparation track includes everything in Core Preparation plus ElectroSpec’s PCB Fundamentals Course. The PCB Fundamentals Course is designed to strengthen foundational PCB design knowledge and better prepare students for CID and CID+ topics such as:

• PCB stackup design
• Controlled impedance concepts
• PCB materials
• Routing fundamentals
• Grounding and return paths
• PCB manufacturing considerations
• Signal integrity fundamentals

This option is ideal for:
• Engineers transitioning into PCB design
• Newer PCB designers
• Self-taught designers
• Professionals wanting stronger long-term PCB design fundamentals 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between IPC CID and IPC CIS?
CID is a PCB design certification. CIS is primarily an assembly and inspection certification.

Is IPC CID+ hard to pass?
Most people would agree CID+ is more difficult than CID, but motivated students who prepare properly can successfully pass the CID+ exam it on their initial attempt using ElectroSpec's preparation tracks.

Is IPC CID worth it?
Yes, particularly in aerospace, defense, medical device manufacturing, telecommunications, and high-reliability electronics environments. This is a globally recognized certification.

Can IPC CID and CID+ certifications be taken remotely?
Yes. ElectroSpec offers fully remote IPC CID and CID+ certification with flexible scheduling through IPC’s remote proctor testing infrastructure.  

Ready to Pursue IPC CID or CID+ Certification?

ElectroSpec offers fully remote IPC CID and CID+ certification programs designed for working PCB designers and engineers, including flexible scheduling, free exam retakes, and optional on-demand preparation. Learn more about our IPC CID and IPC CID+ certification options.