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F E AT U R E A RT I C L E by I va n Lu n a , A H R I P C Tra i n i n g C e n te r S tandardization has always been at the core of the electronics industry. Until 2020, one rule was unquestionable: All IPC certifications had to be delivered in person. Even certifications of a primar- ily theoretical nature, such as IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, or the CID (Certified Interconnect Designer), were subject to the same in-person deliv- ery model as standards with highly practical compo- nents. This approach created significant challenges: elevated travel costs, lost production hours, and limitations in scaling training across organizations with multiple plants or international operations. The Post-COVID Disruption: Digitalization and Accelerated Adoption The pandemic reshaped how we work and train. Redefining IPC Training in the Digital Era Faced with the impossibility of gathering groups on site, the Global Electronics Association authorized for the first time the online delivery of certifications of an exclusively theoretical nature. This landmark decision enabled standards such as IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 to be conducted virtually, generating immediate benefits: • Simultaneous access for participants across multiple regions • Expanded reach for training key personnel throughout the value chain In contrast, practical standards such as IPC-J- STD-001 (assembly and soldering) and IPC-7711/21 (repair and rework) remained strictly in-person, ensur- ing the hands-on validation of critical skills in the lab. 54 SMT007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2025