Product category:
Plantwide control
News Release from: Rockwell Automation
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 May 2005
New certification programme for
engineers
A new certification programme for system development engineers provides a benchmarking scheme accepted by manufacturing enterprises and automation solution providers.
Rockwell Automation has introduced a certification programme for engineers engaged in system development that provides industry with a benchmarking scheme that is widely accepted by both manufacturing enterprises and automation engineering solution providers The opportunity to become certified will be open to all professionals using Rockwell Automation technologies in their business; however it is expected that only the proven best will actually qualify and make it through the arduous certification process
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 20 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Complementary output sensors for more flexibility
Two new additions to the Allen-Bradley range of WorldProx inductive proximity sensors are special 4-wire versions that provide two outputs simultaneously - one normally open and one normally closed
Data acquisition for Rockwell Software's RSBizWare
The Historian module extends the reporting, analysis and management capabilities of the RSBizWare foundation by providing a powerful set of tools to analyse a wide variety of time-series data.
Engineers can gauge their current skills by taking two free online pretests that cover controls and networks on Rockwell Automation's global website.
The pretest offers guidance on whether he or she has the experience and skills to take the four hour computer-based theory test in controls and networks or if additional skills are required.
Rockwell Automation offers a system-level integration course that prepares the engineer for the theory test.
Further reading
Alarm Notification for Human Machine Interface
RSView32 Messenger can alert plant engineers and maintenance personnel, who may be located out of the immediate area, to system alarms so users can take appropriate action immediately.
Radical new approach to motion control?
While traditional motion control systems typically have their own proprietary text based programming languages, ControlLogix uses standard 'ladder logic' programming.
A minimum score of 65% on both of the pretests is required as an entry prerequisite for this course.
The formal assessment process starts with a four-hour computer-based theory test in controls and networks (a minimum of 85% on both pretests is recommended, but not required to take the theory test).
Once the theory test is passed, the engineer then undertakes a four-hour practical project in controls and networks.
Successful completion of the project will lead to a Rockwell Automation Certification in controls and networks.
For an engineer, the aim is to become "Certified" in applying Rockwell Automation technology.
For an SI or OEM the aim is to differentiate the organisation by having the ability to offer a certified service.
The route to "Certification" for the SI or OEM is to have a minimum two certified engineers minimum on its staff.
An engineer's certification is valid for two years.
The four-hour computer-based theory test in controls and networks must be retaken at the end of each two-year period.
Certification for the SI/OEM is valid for one year and requires only reconfirmation that a minimum of two certified engineers are still employed by the SI/OEM.
Certification for an SI/OEM will be published on Rockwell Automation's website.
The engineer's certification is owned by the engineer, and thus is transferable.
The same certification programme is also available for end-user engineers, allowing companies to validate the application skills of their top engineers.
"This is a significant step forward in confirming application skills of SI/OEM engineers to the purchasers of equipment, built around Rockwell Automation technologies", says Rick Johnson, Training Capability Manager for Rockwell Automation.
"We can now confidently recommend an SI/OEM based on proven competency".
"The purchaser can now require that SIs and OEMs be 'Certified' in order to be on the bid list and can now also confirm that the engineer managing the project is certified".
• Rockwell Automation: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
