On the 23rd June 2025, IPC officially rebranded as the Global Electronics Association. A change that was made to reflect their expanded role in today’s electronics industry. The shift comes after decades of growth beyond printed circuit boards to a wider range of technologies and services across the industry.
It is important to note that the change does not alter the services, training, or certifications you have come to expect from IPC and us at The Electronics Group. We remain both an authorised IPC training centre and distributor and all courses, standards, and certifications remain exactly as before.
Take a look at our full range of IPC courses here.
Why the Change Happened
When IPC began in 1957, its name – Institute of Printed Circuits, accurately reflected its focus. However, over the years, the electronics industry evolved far beyond printed circuits, and IPC evolved along with it. Today, electronics are central to almost every industry, from automotive to renewable energy, communications to healthcare.
The new name of Global Electronics Association now captures this broader reach. It sends a clear message that the association now represents the entire world of electronics, not just one part of it.
What Stays the Same
Although the name and branding has changed, the standards and certifications you rely on remain in place. All courses such as IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 will still be recognised worldwide, and the Global Electronics Association will continue to use the IPC brand for these certifications.
This ensures continuity for delegates and employers, and there is no need to retake qualifications or change existing credentials. The IPC Education Foundation has also rebranded to the Electronics Foundation, continuing its work in workforce development and skills training without altering its mission.
What This Means for Our Customers
As an authorised Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC) training centre and distributor, our services continue exactly as before. You can expect the same high-quality training, expert master trainers, and recognised certifications.
The rebrand is simply a name change at the top level, so there is no impact on course content, delivery, or the validity of your certification.
Looking Ahead
The Global Electronics Association plans to expand its advocacy, industry research, and support for members worldwide. Recent studies highlight that electronics trade now exceeds $4.5 trillion globally, with $2.5 trillion in components alone. This data reflects the importance of having an organisation that represents the full scope of the industry.
With a clearer name and stronger voice, the Global Electronics Association is now even better positioned to address challenges in the global supply chains, drive manufacturing innovation, and help support the industry’s future workforce.
IPC Becomes the Global Electronics Association
The change from IPC to the Global Electronics Association represents growth. It modernises the brand to match the industry it serves while keeping all the benefits, standards, and services we have all come to know and expect.
For our customers, nothing changes except the name. We remain your trusted partner for authorised Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC) training and certification, ensuring you and your teams continue to meet the highest standards in the electronics industry.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to enquire about our service, give us a call on 0113 274 4270 our team is always happy to chat.