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Which IPC Certification level is right for me?

Do I need CIS, CIT or CSE Certification?

The IPC lecture presents the same technical information for all three certification levels.

The presentation of the course covers the criteria in the standard and helps ensure attendees understand what is in the document, how to navigate the document and most importantly how to properly interpret the criteria.

The difference between the certification levels is in the exams you take, the purpose you need this certification for and the authority the certification provides you.

The CIS / Specialist certification is certified to the standard at the Operator level.

The CIT / Trainer certification is certified to the standard and has the authority to teach the IPC CIS program and certify others as the CIS level.

The CSE / Certified Standards Expert is a credential indicating their proven knowledge of the document but they are not a certified CIS or CIT and don’t have any training requirements to maintain their certification.

The CSE credential is not a certification level most people need. or are qualified to obtain. The exams are difficult and are also timed making them more difficult. The CSE  is typically only used for someone who already thoroughly understands the document and does not perform the work or need to each others. This is really only useful for someone who needs to validate they already are an expert in the criteria for mediating with clients or inspecting vendors.

To be sure the Standards Expert course is really what you need:
1. You should only take this course if you are already extremely proficient at navigating this particular IPC standard and use it all the time.
2. You only need the credential to validate that you understand the criteria and know how to navigate the document.
3. You do not need to be certified to perform work in accordance with this standard (assembly or inspection)
4. You do not need to be certified to teach others.