Certified control Systems

Learn about how to become a certified control systems technician and the levels of certification. Find out what programs are available, what courses are included and what careers are options for you. Schools offering .

What You Need to Know

You can earn the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) designation by completing the certification examination offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). You may seek certification at three separate levels based on education and work experience.

What Are the Requirements for Certification?

To become Level 1-certified, you need at least five years of combined work and educational experience, with at least one of those years being work experience. Level 2 certification requires seven years of total experience and Level 3 requires 13 years. In all of these instances, education may only count for a maximum of four of the total years with the rest being work experience or apprenticeships.

What Programs Are Available?

Undergraduate certificate, diploma, associate's degree, bachelor's degree and graduate certificate programs in industrial systems technology, electrical systems and electronic engineering technology can qualify you for CCST certification. Employment or apprenticeship experiences can qualify you for the ISA's certification examination.

If you're eager to enter the field, undergraduate certificate and diploma programs that can be completed in as little as one semester might be appropriate for you. Associate's and bachelor's degree programs take longer to complete and offer a more well-rounded education through general education courses. Graduate certificate programs and bachelor's degree programs could offer more advanced coursework that could lead to management positions.

What Courses Will I Take?

Through undergraduate certificate and diploma control system programs, you may take courses in subjects like industrial wiring, control circuits, motor controls and computer control systems. Associate's and bachelor's degree programs in electronic technology and engineering include studies of circuits, electronics, technical mathematics, computer science, industrial electronics, electromagnetic theory and control systems. These programs also go into subjects like labor and human resources management, communication and finances. Graduate certificate programs can include courses in digital signals and controls, network systems, robotics and computer engineering.

What Career Opportunities Are available?

With an education in electronic control systems, you may enter the field in a variety of positions, working in robotics, fluid power systems, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems. You may also work with electronic communication or digital circuitry.

By obtaining certification from the ISA, you may have a professional advantage both when seeking employment and pursuing advancement in the field. Certification and a higher level of education, such as a bachelor's degree or graduate certificate, could help you gain promotions or secure management positions in the field.