What Is the Latest Revision of IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620?
Nov 04, 2026
IPC standards are revised every few years, and each revision gets a new letter. That raises practical questions: which one is current, which one does my company use, and which one should I certify on?
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ElectroSpec certifies on the current revision of each standard, and can set up an older revision on request.
The Current Revisions
| Standard | Current revision | CIS module exams |
|---|---|---|
| IPC-A-600, Acceptability of Printed Boards | Revision M (IPC-A-600M) | 4 |
| IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies | Revision J (IPC-A-610J) | 7 |
| IPC/WHMA-A-620, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies | Revision F (IPC/WHMA-A-620F) | 8 |
The revision letter is printed on the cover of the standard, for example "IPC-A-610J".
How to Check Which Revision Your Company Uses
Look at the cover of your company's copy, or check the drawing, purchase order or quality manual. Customer documents often name a specific revision, and that revision is the one that applies to their product.
If you're unsure, ask your quality department before you schedule an exam.
Does a New Revision Make My Certification Invalid?
No. A CIS certification is valid for two years from the date it's issued, regardless of when a new revision comes out. When you recertify, you'll normally test on the revision that is current at that time.
Can I Certify on an Older Revision?
Sometimes, yes. If your employer still works to an older revision, such as IPC-A-610H, tell us before you schedule and we'll set up your exam at that revision. The 610 prep course includes video lessons for both Revision J and Revision H.
Why Companies Lag Behind on Revisions
Moving to a new revision takes work. Procedures, inspection records, training and customer contracts all reference a revision. Many companies change over in stages, and some keep building to an older revision for a while because a customer contract requires it.
That is normal. What matters is that the people building and inspecting the product know which revision applies to each job.
Do I Need to Buy the New Revision?
You need the revision you'll be tested on, because CIS exams are open book. If your company has it, use theirs. If not, ElectroSpec sells the current English edition at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are these standards revised?
Every few years. Each new revision gets the next letter.
Is my certificate tied to a revision?
Your certificate shows the standard you certified to. When you recertify, you test on the current revision unless an older one has been arranged.
