If you are new to IPC certification, one of the first questions that usually comes up after passing the course is very simple:
What happens next and how long does my certification actually last?
IPC refresher training and recertification is not always explained clearly at the start, especially for beginners who are still getting to grips with what IPC is, how certifications work, and what is expected of them once they are qualified. This guide is designed to walk you through it in a practical way, so you know exactly where you stand and what to expect after certification.
What is IPC certification?
IPC certification shows that you have been trained to understand and apply internationally recognised standards used in electronics manufacturing, assembly, and inspection. These standards help ensure products are built consistently, safely, and to an agreed quality level.
Training is based on standards published by IPC and is commonly required for roles such as assemblers, inspectors, engineers, and quality professionals.
Some of the most widely recognised IPC certifications include:
- IPC J-STD-001 for soldered electrical and electronic assemblies
- IPC-A-610 for acceptability of electronic assemblies
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 for cable and wire harness assemblies
Once you pass the course and exam, you are considered certified, but that certification is not necessarily permanent.
How long does IPC certification last?
Most IPC certifications are valid for two years.
This applies to both:
- CIS (Certified IPC Specialist)
- CIT (Certified IPC Trainer)
For CIS level the expiry date is set from the date you pass module one and for CIT level it is from the date that you have completed both exams. Your certificate will clearly show when it expires.
Once that expiry date is reached, you are no longer considered IPC certified unless you complete refresher training/recertification.
The exception to this is the IPC CID and IPC CID+ certifications which are valid for life.
What is IPC refresher training and recertification?
IPC refresher training is a shorter course designed to:
- Renew your existing certification
- Update you on any changes to the standard
- Confirm that your knowledge is still current and compliant
It is not a repeat of the full original course. Refresher training assumes you already understand the basics and focuses on reinforcing key requirements and highlighting updates.
After successfully completing refresher training and passing the exam, your certification is renewed for another two years.
How often is IPC refresher training and recertification needed?
It is useful to note that refresher training is not compulsory. You can bypass the training and just do the recertification exams if you wish.
In most cases, IPC recertification is needed every two years.
Many companies schedule refresher training slightly before the expiry date to avoid any gaps in certification, especially in regulated or quality-critical environments.
What happens if your IPC certification expires?
If your certification expires, what happens next depends on which level you are certified to. For certified IPC Specialists (CIS) you can attend IPC refresher training and complete your recertification at any time even after it has expired.
For certified IPC Trainers (CIT) however, if your certification expires you must then wait 90 days before you can do your recertification.
Why does IPC require recertification?
For beginners, it can feel frustrating that certification is not always a one-time thing. In reality, refresher training exists for good reasons.
IPC standards are regularly updated to reflect:
- New manufacturing techniques
- Changes in materials and components
- Lessons learned from real-world quality issues
Refresher training and recertification ensures everyone is working to the same current standard, rather than relying on outdated knowledge or habits picked up over time.
Is IPC refresher training and recertification worth it?
Recertification is absolutely worth it if you plan to continue working in a job that requires you to be certified. Whether you chose to attend refresher training or not is up to you. However, we believe it is a valuable use of your time to ensure you stay up to date with any changes to the standards and to keep your knowledge fresh.
Getting IPC certified or re-certified with The Electronics Group
Whether you are working towards your first IPC certification or approaching your recertification deadline, choosing the right training provider makes a big difference to how confident you feel using the standard day to day.
Here at The Electronics Group we deliver IPC training with a strong focus on real-world application, not just passing the exam. Courses are led by experienced Master IPC trainers who have worked in the industry themselves, so training is grounded in practical examples rather than theory alone.
If you are unsure whether you need full certification, refresher training or advice on expiry timelines, speaking to a member of our team early can save time and confusion later.