Automation assessment scheme validates competence

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 17, 2003

A new qualification and certification programme for systems integrators and OEMs enables them, through their engineers, to demonstrate competence in automation systems.

Rockwell Automation has set up a qualification and certification programme for systems integrators and OEMs that enables them, through their engineers, to demonstrate competence in automation systems.

Coming from an acknowledged leader in industrial control, Rockwell Automation's seal of approval will be a valuable recognition of skill and experience when a manufacturing company is assessing potential suppliers of automation equipment and systems.

The rigorous assessment process starts with individual engineers taking a computer-based theory test in a chosen technology area such as PLCs and networks, HMIs or motion.

Once the theory test is passed, an engineer undertakes a practical project in the same subject area.

Successful completion of the theory test and project leads to a Rockwell Automation "qualification" in that subject.

Two qualifications in different technology areas are needed to gain access to a Rockwell Automation "certification" project for the engineer.

Certification is available in two categories - automation and motion - both based on the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Rockwell Automation's state of the art PLC platform.

Each theory test and practical project for a qualification will involve one day at the Rockwell Automation Training Centre in Sutton Coldfield.

Completion of the certification project will take two days at the training centre.

Web-based skills tests and practice qualification theory tests as well as advanced application training are also available to support the engineers working toward qualification and certification.

As well as assessing the competence of individual engineers, the scheme also enables systems integrators and OEMs to become Approved Solution Providers in Rockwell Automation technology.

There are two routes to becoming an Approved Solution Provider - either employing two engineers with certification, or one engineer with certification and two engineers with at least one qualification each, in more than one technology areas.

All qualifications and certifications are valid for two years and are "owned" by the engineer.

Approved Solution Provider status for systems integrators and OEMs is valid for one year and requires only confirmation that sufficient engineers with the required qualifications are still employed by the company.

A list of Approved Solution Providers is published on Rockwell Automation's UK website.

"This is a significant step forward in enabling purchasers of equipment built around Rockwell Automation technologies to determine in advance the practical skill and competence of suppliers", said Rick Johnson, Training Capability Manager for Rockwell Automation.

"We can now confidently recommend a systems integrator or OEM based on their proven abilities.

Manufacturers can require that suppliers are 'Approved Solution Providers' with 'certified' engineers in order to be on a bid list".

The same qualification and certification programme is also available for end user engineers, allowing manufacturers and other companies reliant on Rockwell Automation systems to validate the application skills of their in-house engineers.

End user engineers can earn qualifications and certifications based on any Allen-Bradley platform including PLC, SLC or ControlLogix, with two motion options.

Rockwell Automation is a leader in automation technology, with detailed knowledge and long experience of manufacturing industry.

It provides the full range of skills audits and training services covering industrial automation, manufacturing software and control systems.

The introduction of the qualification and certification programme is a major advance for employers and individuals who need to confirm skills and competence at the highest level.