In today’s world of automation and controls, having certifications helps industrial automation professionals stay up to date on industry trends and new methods — leading to more efficient work for your automation process. Below is a look at what an International Society of Automation (ISA) Certification is, and how it’ll benefit your professional career and help you meet your industrial automation needs.
Certification is a tangible way of recognizing individuals who have demonstrated a solid understanding of something. And in the automation world, professionals look to the ISA Certification programs. The ISA offers flexible and dynamic training and certification options for your professional development. These programs often require certain criteria before being accepted to the program, such as related education and experience. The ISA currently offers two certification programs: the ISA Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Certification and the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) programs.
A certified automation professional (CAP) works in process and manufacturing automation. CAPs are at the heart of the direction, design, and development of systems; this also includes software, systems integration, and more. The ISA Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Certification program provides insights from the actual practice of automation professionals. Questions on the exam outline the job tasks associated with this field of work. ISA has utilized interviews, surveys, and group discussions to develop the test to directly reflect what automation professionals are doing in a real-world context — so you can excel in an automation career.
A certified control systems technician (CCST) professional works in different industries to troubleshoot, document, repair, and sometimes replace instruments for systems; these systems measure and maintain temperature, pressure, and flow, among other process factors.
The ISA Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) exam covers topics ranging from documentation to loop-check and project organization. Often, companies prefer to work with professionals with this certification because they know these individuals have a solid understanding of automation and control systems.
In addition to the programs listed above, the ISA offers opportunities for students and rising young professionals in the field. Though not certifications, these opportunities help individuals continue to grow their careers outside of the classroom and the workplace.
The ISA offers two recognition programs: the CAP Associate Recognition and the ISA CST Associate Recognition programs.
The CAP Associate Recognition program is a great fit for people who have an interest in automation. It’s a great addition to your resume and provides potential employers tangible proof of your knowledge in the field. Anyone who passes the exam will receive one year of “work experience” credit toward the Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Certification program. This is a huge benefit since CAP® applicants who have a four-year technical degree need to provide five years of experience.
The ISA CST Associate Recognition program gives people looking for employment a chance to showcase their achievements. The program proves your commitment to the field. Someone who completes this recognition program will have a sound understanding of control instrumentation, which will help them pass an ISA examination.
You may be asking yourself, why do ISA certifications matter? ISA’s certification programs offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and become a thought leader in the world of automation. Some key takeaways from these classes include:
ISA certification programs not only help with your professional development but also provide benefits to your customers.
Although certification itself is not a license to practice, it does provide an excellent benefit to your customers: a broader knowledge base among you and your employees. A client who works with an ISA-certified system technician on their automation is better able to meet the needs of their project.
Knobelsdorff Engineering is your automation expert in industries ranging from dairy to renewable energy. Contact us today and speak with an industrial automation expert about your project needs.