If you’re working in PCB design, you’ve probably come across the IPC CID certification. It’s not a requirement for every role, but it’s often seen as a clear sign that you know what you’re doing. So, you may be wondering, is getting IPC CID certified worth it? The answer depends on your role, your goals and how much you’re willing to invest in your skills.
At The Electronics Group, we run the IPC CID course, and we know the difference it can make for the people who get certified. From improved confidence to better communication with manufacturers, the benefits go beyond the certificate itself. Still, it’s a commitment, so here’s what you should know before signing up, so you can decide if it it’s worth it or not.
What the IPC CID Certification Actually Covers
CID stands for Certified Interconnect Designer, and it’s focused on the practical aspects of PCB layout and design. It doesn’t teach you how to use specific software tools, but instead focuses on what makes a design manufacturable, reliable and compliant with IPC standards. It bridges the gap between engineers, designers and manufacturers.
During the course, you’ll cover key topics like design constraints, component placement, manufacturability, documentation and how design decisions impact fabrication and assembly. If you already have some experience with PCB design, typically two years or more, you’ll likely find the course adds a lot of useful structure to the knowledge you already have.
See the full IPC CID course details here.
How IPC CID Certification Can Help Your Career
The value of the IPC CID certification depends on where you’re working and what you want to do next. In many companies, being CID certified shows you’re serious about design, standards and getting it right the first time. Some employers even require it for certain design roles, especially where you’re expected to work closely with manufacturers.
For freelancers or contractors, having “IPC CID certified” on your CV or LinkedIn profile can help build trust with clients. In a competitive market, anything that helps you stand out and signals quality can lead to more work or higher rates.
People have also been known to use the certification as a stepping stone. They might be in a junior role, but once certified, they’re more likely to be considered for promotion or given more responsibility on complex projects. In all of the above cases getting IPC CID certified is definitely worth it.
Benefits of IPC CID Certification Besides Career Progression
What’s often overlooked is how much more confident designers feel after getting certified. It’s one thing to be able to lay out a PCB in software. It’s another to design something that can be built without delays, errors or miscommunication.
Some engineers say that, after taking the course, they finally understood why certain errors kept cropping up in manufacturing. Others say it’s made them much better at talking to suppliers, because they now speak the same “language”. That’s a huge win in any role where you need to manage external partners and makes getting certified worth the time and effort.
Designers who work with overseas manufacturers often find the standardisation really useful too. With IPC standards in place, there’s less confusion about what’s expected.
Alternatives and Other Options
There are a few other certifications out there, like the newer PCEA designer certification, which is gaining some attention. However, IPC CID is still the most widely recognised certification for PCB designers in the UK and internationally. Making it the most obvious choice for PCB designers.
If you’re new to PCB design, it might be worth gaining a bit more hands-on experience before jumping into the CID course. It’s not designed for complete beginners, and you’ll get more out of it if you’ve already spent time working on real layouts.
What’s It Like to Take the IPC CID Course?
When you get choose to get IPC CID certified with us at The Electronics Group, you’ll attend three days of face-to-face training at either our Leeds or Cirencester training centres. The course will be led by our Master IPC Trainers with years of experience and we keep the sessions engaging and hands-on.
We also keep class sizes small enough that you can ask questions, share experiences and get tailored guidance where needed.
The training finishes with an exam designed to reflect what you’ve learned. If you stay engaged during the course and take time to review the materials, you’ll be well prepared to pass first time.
So, Is Getting IPC CID Certified Worth It?
If PCB design is a core part of your job or you want it to be, then yes, getting IPC CID certified is well worth it. It strengthens your knowledge, makes you more confident in your work, and shows others that you know how to meet industry standards.
If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to chat through your goals and help you decide if this is the right time to book onto the course.