TO:  All PWB Designers

RE:  Status of IPC Designer Certification Program


Dear Colleagues:

The IPC Design Certification Exam (Level A) is now open. 

The Level A exam has 104 items representing 10 categories:
electrical considerations, layout requirements, materials,
documentation, reliability issues, component requirements, assembly
technology, board fabrication, physical board requirements
(thermal/vibration management), and testing. Two hours are allotted
to take the exam.

How To Register
The exam is administered by Drake Prometric. To register for the
exam, call Drake at 800-895-EXAM. At that time, a time and place to
take the exam may be scheduled. Drake has over 360 training sites
across the U.S., most of which are affiliated with lcal colleges or
universities. The cost to take the Level A exam is $160.

Did I Pass?
The Level A exam is electronically administered. Upon completion of
the exam, the score is calculated and immediately given. Drake
fowards the names of those who pass to IPC on a daily basis, and
IPC will at regular intervals send certificates to those who pass.

Advanced Exams
Work continues on the advanced exams as well. Level B is scheduled
to begin beta testing in the fall of 1995; Level C in winter; and
Level D next spring.

Please contact Mike Buetow, IPC, at extension 335 or email:
[log in to unmask] if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Mike Buetow
IPC Technical Staff
7380 N. Lincoln Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL 60646
P: 708-677-2850, ext 335
F: 708-677-9570
[log in to unmask]