As manufacturing continues to become more technical, automated, and data driven, there will be an even greater need for Industry 4.0 operators, technicians, and engineers. Educators, in turn, need to teach to industry certifications that address this need.
SACA, or the Smart Automation Certification Alliance, is a nonprofit whose mission is to develop and deploy modular, accessible, and affordable certifications based around advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 competencies.
SACA came together with some of the largest and most recognized manufacturers in the country to define the competencies represented by these credentials. SACA industrial members and panel participants include Rockwell Automation, Endress+Hauser, Boeing, FANUC, Hershey, Ashley Furniture, Sargento, and many others.
The competencies represented by SACA credentials have been defined by this group to address the need for skilled employees with advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 competencies.
The end goal? To help create a pipeline of job ready Industry 4.0 employees to fill a range of roles from operators to engineers.
Virginia has become the latest state to approve SACA as a state-sanctioned certification.
SACA offers three levels of credentials:
Entry Level Credentials –Â SACA Certified Industry 4.0 Associate Certifications
The first four associate credentials are appropriate for an entry level employee seeking to become familiar with Industry 4.0 factory floor automation equipment and processes. The Associate credential is broken down into four micro credentials: Basic Operations, Advanced Operations, Robot System Operations, and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), Networking, and Data Analytics.
Specialist Credentials –Â SACA Certified Industry 4.0 Specialist Certifications
SACA’s Specialist certifications certify Industry 4.0 technical skills in operations, troubleshooting, programming, maintenance, and systems integration. Each certification is keyed to a skilled occupation.
Specialist certifications are modular certifications, consisting of a series of core and elective micro-credentials, each with its own hands-on practical assessment and a written (online) knowledge assessment. Core micro-credentials certify skills that are applicable to all companies, while elective micro-credentials can be added to match with regional or specific company needs.
Professional Credentials –Â SACA Certified Industry 4.0 Professional Certifications
SACA’s Certified Industry 4.0 Professional certification is an engineering certification that focuses on analysis, design, and optimization of Industry 4.0 systems. It prepares engineers to succeed in positions in modern production environments that use Industry 4.0 technologies.
Certifications are free to any student whose school or employer is a member of the alliance. The annual cost of membership is $500 for a secondary institution and $2,500 for a post-secondary institution.
Interested in becoming an alliance member? Contact us to learn more.
