If you’ve just Googled “IPC training near me” to choose the right IPC course, the acronyms can feel like a maze. In this guide, we’ll clearly explain CIS, CIT, and MIT—what each level means, who it’s for, what you’re authorized to do, how to earn it, and where to train. We’ll also map the key differences and help you decide which path fits your role.
What is IPC CIS (Certified IPC Specialist)?
Who is it for
CIS is built for operators, inspectors, technicians, and many engineers/supervisors who must apply a specific IPC standard on the job (e.g., IPC-A-610 for acceptability of electronic assemblies, J-STD-001 for soldering). It validates that you can interpret and use the standard’s criteria during production and inspection.
Trainings
CIS programs align teaching and testing to the relevant standard(s). Instruction is delivered by certified trainers and may be modular (e.g., base + optional modules like Space Addendum), depending on the standard. Exams run on IPC EDGE (the official LMS) or via authorized proctoring.
Role in the workplace
A CIS applies the standard. This level does not authorize you to conduct official certification training or proctor exams for others. That authority starts at CIT (and extends with MIT).
How to get certification
- Select the right standard(s). Common first picks are IPC-A-610 (accept/reject criteria) or J-STD-001 (soldering).
- Train with an authorized center and complete the required modules.
- Pass examinations delivered via IPC EDGE/proctored modalities; requirements are defined in the CIS Policies & Procedures.
- Receive your certificate in IPC EDGE when all mandatory components are complete (certificate is issued from EDGE and must be downloaded at least once).
Validity & renewal: IPC certs are typically valid for two years, with renewal windows and methods described in the current Policies & Procedures (for CIS: renew within six months before expiration to extend for two more years). Always confirm the latest program-specific rules.
Where to get certification?
- Blackfox (global locations listed below)—we deliver CIS across IPC standards.
- IPC Training Center Locator—helpful if your team is distributed.
What is IPC CIT (Certified IPC Trainer)?
Who is it for
CIT is for trainers and educators who will teach CIS courses and proctor CIS exams in the standards where they hold a CIT endorsement (e.g., a 610-CIT can teach/proctor 610-CIS).
Trainings
CIT programs cover the full standard (not just modular portions), trainer responsibilities, and Policies & Procedures. Exams include IPC Policies & Procedures and standard-specific exams, typically with both closed-book and open-book components depending on the endorsement. Some programs also include required workmanship projects (e.g., J-STD-001, 7711/7721).
Role in the workplace
A CIT may:
- Conduct CIS training using IPC-authorized materials for the endorsements they hold.
- Proctor CIS exams for those endorsements (including optional modules like Space Addendum if the CIT holds that module).
This enables companies to build internal pipelines—upskilling new hires to CIS without depending solely on external schedules.
How to get certification
- Meet prerequisites and create/update your IPC EDGE profile with accurate personal info.
- Complete the CIT train-the-trainer course for your chosen standard(s).
- Pass the exams—Policy & Procedures and standard-specific—with a minimum score of 80%. Modality may be online/remote or paper & pencil as permitted.
Where to get certification?
- Certified training centers (including Blackfox)—we run CIT for IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC-7711/7721, IPC-A-600, IPC-6012, and more.
- IPC Locator—filter by center and program if you need dates outside our regions.
What is IPC MIT (Master IPC Trainer)?
Who is it for
MIT is a designation (not a separate, stand-alone certification) for experienced CITs who are actively employed by or contracted to an IPC Licensed Training Center. It is specifically for those who will teach CIT courses and support center-level delivery and governance. If the employment/contract ends, the MIT designation is revoked.
Trainings
MITs are authorized to conduct CIS, CIT, and (where applicable) CSE training for the endorsements they hold, and they provide first-line technical and administrative support to the trainers and specialists they’ve trained.
Role in the workplace
An MIT may:
- Train CIS and CIT (and CSE where endorsed).
- Proctor CIS, CIT, and CSE exams for their endorsed programs.
- Support compliance with IPC Policies & Procedures at the training-center level.
How to get the designation
To qualify, a CIT must:
- Hold an active CIT in good standing (for the desired endorsement).
- Teach at least two instances of the program as primary trainer (covering mandatory/optional modules) in the last two calendar years and have ≥5 candidates attempt the CIS exam.
- Be employed/contracted by an IPC Licensed Training Center and submit the MIT application (fees apply).
Renewal: MITs renew via continuing education per IPC policy (center affiliation remains required).
Where to get certification?
MIT is conferred through Licensed Training Centers (not as a public “course” you can book independently). Blackfox maintains MIT coverage across our locations to deliver both CIS and CIT programs compliantly.
Key Differences Between CIS, CIT, and MIT
| Level | Primary Purpose | Who It’s For | Authorized Activities | How It’s Awarded |
| CIS | Apply the standard on the job | Operators, inspectors, technicians, and engineers | Apply accept/reject criteria; follow workmanship rules | Course + exam(s) via IPC EDGE/proctored modalities |
| CIT | Train & certify CIS | Internal trainers/educators | Teach CIS; proctor CIS exams in held endorsements | Train-the-trainer + exams (≥80% pass) |
| MIT | Train CIS & CIT center governance | CITs employed by IPC Licensed Training Centers | Teach CIS/CIT (and CSE, where endorsed); proctor CIS/CIT/CSE | Designation granted to qualified CITs; revoked if employment ends |
Authorizations and requirements above are defined by IPC Policies & Procedures; they’re the definitive rules for what each role can do.
Which IPC Certification Level is Right for You?
- You’re an operator/inspector/tech (or supervising a line): Start with CIS in the standard you use daily—IPC-A-610 for visual acceptability, J-STD-001 for soldered assemblies, IPC/WHMA-A-620 for cable & wire harness.
- You’re QA/ME/L&D and need to certify your team internally: Aim for CIT in the relevant standard(s) so you can teach and proctor CIS for new hires and refreshers.
- You’re building a regional training center or need to deliver CIT programs: Ensure MIT coverage (via employment/contract with an IPC Licensed Training Center) so you can legally teach CIT and proctor CIT/CSE.
Depth & Actionability: How training actually runs (and renewals)
- Delivery & exams: IPC exams are administered online via IPC EDGE with various proctoring modalities (online, remote, or paper & pencil as allowed). Programs specify which exams are open vs. closed book and whether workmanship projects are required (e.g., J-STD-001 and 7711/7721 require hands-on for CIT).
- Scoring: CIT candidates must pass the Policies & Procedures and standard-specific exams with a minimum 80% score.
- Validity & renewal: An IPC certification typically lasts two years. For CIS, renew within six months before expiration to extend an additional two years from your existing expiry; CIT/MIT renewal rules vary (MIT renews via continuing education). Check the latest IPC documents before you plan.
Where to find “IPC training near me”: Blackfox locations (priority regions)
We deliver CIS and CIT across key IPC standards and maintain MIT coverage to keep courses compliant with IPC Policies & Procedures. Below are our primary training hubs with addresses (useful for travel planning and purchase orders). For other regions or fully remote cohorts, the IPC Training Center Locator is a great backup.
Colorado (Longmont / Denver–Boulder Front Range)
Address: 701 Delaware Ave Unit B, Longmont, CO 80501 • Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm MT.
Arizona (Phoenix Metro)
Address: 4013 E Broadway Rd, Suite A-2, Phoenix, AZ 85040.
Guadalajara, Mexico (Zapopan, Jalisco)
Address: Sierra de Perote 2035-A, Col. Las Águilas, 45080 Zapopan, Jal.
Querétaro, Mexico (Nuevo Juriquilla)
Address: Av. Clemencia Borja Taboada #514 Local 22, C.P. 76230 (Juriquilla).
Malaysia (Penang, Bayan Lepas)
Address: 17-2-4, Bayan Point, Medan Kampung Relau, 11800 Penang.
Singapore
Address: 16 Jalan Kilang, #03-05 Hoi Hup Building, 159416.
Need other cities or bespoke on-site delivery? The IPC Certification Training Centers locator can help distributed teams sync dates and endorsements.
Key takeaways
- CIS = do the work to spec. CIT = teach & proctor CIS. MIT = trainer-of-trainers at a Licensed Training Center, authorized to teach CIS/CIT and proctor CIS/CIT/CSE within held endorsements.
- Choose by role and responsibility, not just job title.
- If you’re scouting IPC training near you, check the Blackfox site locations above or the IPC locator to match standards, dates, and language.
Conclusion
Understanding the responsibilities and privileges tied to CIS, CIT, and MIT will save you time, cost, and compliance headaches. Whether you’re an individual stepping into a CIS path, a department lead planning CIT to scale internal training, or an organization that needs MIT coverage to run programs, anchor your decision to current IPC Policies & Procedures and to the latest standard revisions (e.g., IPC-A-610J, J-STD-001J).
If you’re still deciding which IPC course to take or just searching “IPC training near me” to get started, use the role-based guidance above and compare schedules across our Blackfox locations.
Your next IPC certification should map directly to the work you do and the outcomes you need.
