IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 or IPC-A-600: Which Certification Fits Your Job?

Pick the certification that matches the product you build or inspect. That one rule answers the question for most people.

Assembled circuit boards: IPC-A-610

If your work involves populated boards, soldered components or rework, IPC-A-610 is the certification for you. It covers the acceptability of electronic assemblies and is the most widely used IPC certification in electronics manufacturing.

Typical roles: SMT and through-hole operators, rework technicians, inspectors and quality staff.

Cables and wire harnesses: IPC/WHMA-A-620

If you crimp, strip, solder or inspect wires, connectors and harnesses, choose IPC/WHMA-A-620. It sets the requirements and acceptance criteria for cable and wire harness assemblies.

Typical roles: harness builders, cable assemblers, crimp technicians and harness inspectors.

Bare printed boards: IPC-A-600

If you make, buy or inspect printed boards before parts go on, IPC-A-600 fits. It covers what acceptable bare boards look like, inside and out.

Typical roles: board fabricators, incoming inspection, supplier quality and PCB buyers.

Designing boards instead of building them?

Look at CID for PCB design fundamentals and CID+ for advanced design.

CIS, CIT or CSE?

Once you know the standard, choose the level:

• CIS for people who build and inspect product.
• CIT for people who will train and certify others in your company.
• CSE for subject-matter experts who need deep knowledge of the standard but don't teach.

Do some people need more than one?

Yes. A shop that builds boards and harnesses often certifies inspectors in both IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620. Supplier quality engineers often pair IPC-A-600 with IPC-A-610.

Next step

Start with the one that matches your daily work: IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 or IPC-A-600. Still unsure? Ask us and we'll point you to the right one.