CID and CID+

[gigahertz]

My experience thus far is that these certifications are over rated "for now" ...

The IPC isn't a truly international standards organization yet -- if they were, they would offer their standards in other languages besides English only

Maybe someday these certifications will be helpful, but my experience so far is the only thing I got from them were nice certificates.

Also, their CID+ training curriculum is in need of a serious overhaul and it is currently being updated. I would wait for the new version training materials before doing the CID+

[Alan Bradshaw]

I am due to take the CID exam later this year after persuading my manager that, whilst I was already a PCB designer with 20 years experience, my knowledge base was homespun and learnt by the seat of my pants (and not an inconsiderable amount of sweat!) and that if I were to get this qualification, at least he could be re-assured that I am doing the best job I can.

So he is paying for it...

I am in the UK and yes, it's true that the IPC is not an international standard as yet, but it has a lot going for it and eventually it will be international, even if only from the fact that so many designers have their qualifications from the IPC - making it the de facto qualification for PCB designers. (sorry, PCB Design Engineers)

Personally I have been waiting a long time to find an examination body that would offer me a certificate to prove my worth as a PCB designer - after all, anybody can walk into an interview with a few PCBs in their briefcase and pass them off as their own work.

Fingers crossed I don't end up with egg on my face though!