IPC Training 2026: New Courses, Recertification Rules, and Industry Demand Explained

The electronics manufacturing industry is in a constant state of flux, driven by miniaturization, high-reliability requirements, and increasing automation. For professionals in soldering, cable/wire harness assembly, and PCB inspection, staying current isn't just a recommendation—it's a necessity. The year 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, bringing significant updates to the IPC standards and the IPC certification process itself.

This deep dive explains what you need to know about the upcoming changes to course offerings, revised recertification rules, and how the current industry landscape is driving the demand for specialized skills.

Understanding the Evolving Need for IPC Standards

The Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC), which later changed its name to the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits, creates the most widely accepted quality standards in electronics manufacturing. These standards—from the essential IPC-A-610 for Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies to the IPC/WHMA-A-620 for Cable and Wire Harness Assembly—form the backbone of quality control globally.

In 2026, expect to see the release of new revisions for several core standards, reflecting advanced manufacturing techniques like fine-pitch component rework and the proliferation of high-speed digital designs. These updates necessitate new IPC course materials and a renewed focus on practical application in training.

What’s New in IPC Courses for 2026?

The biggest news for 2026 is the introduction of highly specialized courses targeting niche areas that have seen explosive growth. While the core courses will remain, the IPC is responding to industry demand by formalizing training in areas previously covered only by supplements or workshops.

• Advanced Rework & Repair for Micro-BGA and PoP (Package-on-Package) Technology

As components shrink, traditional rework methods are insufficient. The new IPC course on this topic will focus heavily on tool selection, thermal profiling, and inspection criteria for these delicate assemblies.

• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Quality Control

This course will cover the inspection and acceptability criteria for PCBs manufactured using additive processes, a key growth area in prototyping and specialty electronics.

• High-Voltage/High-Current Assembly

Driven by the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors, this specialized IPC certification training will cover safety procedures, crimping, and routing for large-gauge wires and components in high-power applications.

The Revised Recertification Rules

One of the most impactful changes involves the recertification cycle. Historically, most certifications required renewal every two years. To ensure practitioners are truly up to date with rapid technological advancements, the IPC is implementing new rules designed to verify ongoing competency.

Starting in 2026, certain high-stakes certifications (like Certified IPC Specialist – CIS) may feature:

1. Mandatory Interim Updates

Instead of just taking the final exam, CIS candidates may be required to complete a shorter, online update module and quiz every 12 months, in addition to the full recertification exam every 24 months. This ensures continuous learning about minor specification changes.

2. Increased Practical Exam Weighting

The pass rate requirement for the hands-on, practical portion of the recertification exam is expected to be raised. This shift emphasizes demonstrated skills over purely theoretical knowledge, meaning simply finding a convenient IPC training near me that offers a quick classroom session may no longer be enough. You must seek out providers with robust practical lab facilities.

Industry Demand and How to Find the Right Training

The demand for certified professionals has never been higher. The skills shortage, coupled with the push for higher quality in critical applications (medical, aerospace, automotive), means an IPC certification is a powerful asset. Companies are actively seeking candidates who can demonstrate proficiency not just theoretically, but practically.

When planning your training for 2026, be proactive. Don't just look for the cheapest or fastest option. Ask potential providers about their lab equipment, instructor credentials, and pass rates. If you are specifically looking for specialized training, you can easily find the most reputable provider offering IPC training near me by checking the official IPC website for authorized training centers. Investing in your skills through a quality IPC course is the best way to secure your future in this dynamic industry.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 changes to IPC training are a direct response to the industry's need for higher-quality, specialized skills and continuous competency. Professionals who embrace these updates and seek out high-quality, authorized training centers will be the most valuable assets to their employers.

Whether you're renewing your existing credentials or seeking a new certification, start planning now to understand how these new courses and recertification rules will affect your career path.

Key Things to Know When It Comes to Soldering

Soldering always comes up when you talk about electronic stuff. It is one of the basic skills that any technician or Engineering course that involves electronics needs to learn and eventually master.  Even for a fact that soldering has become automated, hand soldering is still in demand. This is especially true when it comes to reworks, repairs, and maintenance. Automation also has limitations, and human intervention is still needed to see to it that the electronics products will be of high quality. Soldering really involves a material called solder that melts when placed on a hot object, then the melted solder cools and forms a bond between two items. The basic tool is usually a soldering iron with a soldering station.

Soldering can be hard at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is really easy. Keep in mind that you should heat the metal and not the solder. It’s also important to know which piece to solder to which other pieces. This is vital because you may end up soldering a component in an area on the circuit board that is not really intended for it. You should also know each component, especially its polarity. There is a big tendency that the circuit will get damaged when the polarity of a certain component is switched. You’ll be glad to know that you can undo a bad solder if you do make a mistake with the solder. One method for fixing a mistake is to just heat up the bad solder and then suck it away with a solder sucker.

You must master the basic techniques in soldering quickly if you want to learn how to properly do it. The soldering iron is not a plaything and not something that you can leave on the corner or place anywhere. It is really hot and can really burn or even cause a fire. The burn caused by the soldering iron is really painful, I know because I have one on my wrist. The wound like any burn heals slowly and will really leave a scar. So always remember that you should be cautious when melting a solder. It will remain hot for many minutes when you solder something so always grab parts with pliers to avoid getting burned even after the soldering iron is removed.

Keeping your soldering tools clean is also important. To prolong the life of your soldering iron you should perform preventative maintenance and regular cleaning. Clean the tip often with a bit of tip cleaner and a moist sponge or paper towel while your soldering iron is hot. You should do this so that you will not end up always buying a new soldering iron. Money is hard to earn which is why you should know how to spend it wisely. Keep in mind that terrible joints are produced by a dirty soldering iron. And also always unplug your soldering iron as soon as you are done using it. This is to prevent burning it up the tip and oxidizing.

You should undergo proper training to be able to improve your skill and learn the right ways of soldering. There are a lot of training centers that offer such courses. Only experience will tell you if you have soldered correctly which is why you should practice your craft with passion.

How to Resolve the Most Common Soldering Problems

Part of your IPC soldering certification training is doing the actual work, and don’t get disappointed if you make mistakes at first. It’s better to realize your mistake earlier during your IPC online classes. It will certainly make you a better tradesman. By getting an IPC soldering certification, you’ll learn how to resolve these common soldering problems and prevent them from happening in the future.

Disturbed Joint

It I caused by any movement through mechanical, human, or both as the solder was solidifying. The joint surface appears to be frosted, crystalline, or rough. It might also display a ripple pattern on the surface of the joint. 

·  Repair: You can fix a disturbed joint by reheating and allowing it to cool without any movement.

·   Prevention: It can be avoided by doing proper preparation, including stabilizing the work in a vise and immobilizing the joint. 

Cold Joint

Cold and disturbed joints can look similar, but the cause isn’t the same. It occurs when the solder doesn’t melt completely. It is described by being rough, rigid, and uneven in appearance due to insufficient heat. Cold joints are unreliable and susceptible to cracks and failure over time.

·   Repair: It can easily be corrected by reheating the joint using a hot iron until the solder flows.

·  Prevention: Ensure that the soldering iron has been adequately pre-heated and with enough power when it’s operating.

Overheated Joint

It can happen if the solder hasn’t yet flowed well, or the temperature of the soldering iron was set too high.

·  Repair: You can only repair the overheated joint after cleaning it. Carefully scrape the burnt flux with the tip of a knife or using a toothbrush with a little isopropyl alcohol.

·  Prevention: Always use a clean and hot soldering iron to prevent the formation of overheated joints.

Solder Starved Joint

It is a joint that does not have enough solder in it. Solder-starved joints are not strong joints and may develop stress cracks and fail in the long run. 

·  Repair: Since there is insufficient solder, reheat the joint and add more solder to have a reliable joint.

·    Prevention: Always make sure to check if the solder amount is already sufficient or not. 

Untrimmed Leads

Leads that are too long pose a risk of touching other leads that can cause unwanted short circuits. Keep in mind that even if only one untrimmed lead remains, it can bend and create contact with adjacent traces.

·   Repair: Trim all unnecessary leads just at the top of the solder points.

·  Prevention: This joint mistake is dangerous and should always be avoided. Make it a habit to trim unnecessary leads in the future.

Solder Bridge

It can occur if the two separate joints accidentally melt together due to excessive solder applications. The bridge will create an unintentional connection, which can affect the functionality of the board.

· Repair: In IPC online classes, fixing a solder bridge is taught with the use of a solder sucker or wick to get rid of the excess solder.

·   Prevention: Make sure to use only enough solder to avoid this problem in the future.

7 Things to Consider Before Designing Your Wire Harness

Before designing your wire harness, you need to follow the standard guidelines and best practices, which you can also learn in more detail when you take an IPC 620 certification online with training.

In addition to acquiring an IPC certification online, you’ll also be able to avoid costly mistakes in your design by considering the multiple factors below:

1. Environmental Conditions

The first thing you must consider in your wire harness design, among several factors, is to determine the physical environmental conditions where your harness is going to be exposed.

Examples of these conditions are as follows

· Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) like wires to be routed near an engine or exhaust

· Areas with moisture/water, dirt/debris, oil, or chemicals.

· Areas that expose wires to scraping, or shock/vibration

With these conditions in mind, you need to select the right kind of cable harness that will ensure protection from failures and insulation breakdowns.

2. Dimensions And Tolerances

You also need to be clear on your required lengths and tolerances for the wires.  They should be long enough for the bend radius and must reach the connector.

Another thing you might want to consider measuring is the wire ends, including the strip lengths.

3. Covering

Different types of coverings have their distinct purposes and their own advantages and disadvantages.  As a wire harness designer, it’s your job to identify which cover suits a specific application.  

And you should also take note that not all parts of the wiring will require covering because sometimes, it causes a disadvantage with flexibility and future troubleshooting.

Examples of different covering types are braided loom, woven, split sleeve, tape, or conduit.

4. Wire Coloring and Labeling

If you require labels to help you quickly identify circuit names, you need to note on your drawing your preferred wire colors, and the text you want to be printed, or labelled on the wires.

Note the following:  color, text, connector labels, wire labels, or assembly label.

5. Wire Type

The type of wire you choose should also be based on its application because different wire types each have their own uses.

Different wire types have different voltage ratings, insulation material, and plating (bare or copper).  GXL and TXL wiring are best used for automotive purposes, while UL1015, UL1032, and UL1230 are best suited to control panels.

6. Splicing And Splice Locations

The method of splicing a wire also has different variations categorized by their specific use.  Carefully review this factor before designing your harness.

Examples of splicing methods are as follows: mechanical crimps, ultrasonic welds, jumps/daisy chains.

7. Testing

The last, most important step is to identify the testing method.  Various testing types are as follows

· Continuity test

· High voltage test

· Functionality testing

· Cycle testing

Determine the type of testing based on specific use/application.

Conclusion

The wire harness effectivity, and functionality, will heavily depend on the design quality - an aspect of electronics assembly which is heavily emphasized when you take an IPC certification online.  A good design ensures that malfunction doesn’t occur, improves the service life of the wires, and organizes wires for easy access, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

All wire harness designs must adhere to  IPC/WHMA-A-620, so that’s the best place to start.  Consider acquiring an IPC 620 certification online to help you develop the right wire harness solution for your specific needs.

Image Source:  https://unsplash.com/photos/3_I4NVI9d1k

How to Obtain Soldering Certification

Soldering is a procedure that uses solder, a metal alloy with a low melting point. When it melts, it works like a glue, joining metal parts together. Workers in the electronics assembly plants and manufacturing facilities should equip themselves with soldering certification as a guarantee of skills and ability to comply with quality standards.