Automation Systems Specialist Certification

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Automation Systems Specialist Certification

Become a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Technician for Advanced Manufacturing

SACA's Automation Systems Specialist certification is built to prepare you for success as a multi-skilled maintenance technician in today’s advanced manufacturing environments. You’ll gain the hands-on expertise needed to work with advanced Industry 4.0 technologies like robotics, PLCs, sensors, and integrated automation systems. This certification also offers a variety of elective micro-credentials, giving you the flexibility to deepen your knowledge in areas that matter most to your career. As an Automation Systems Specialist, you’ll play a key role in designing, maintaining, and optimizing the automated systems that keep modern factories running smoothly.

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Automation Systems Specialist at a Glance

Award

Workplace Certificate

Length of Study

Self-paced *

Course Format

Face-to-Face

Classes Meets

Day or Evening, you choose

Program Start

Fall, Spring, Summer

* Progress at your own pace. For micro-credentials you are more comfortable with, you might move faster; for tougher ones, slower.

See all SACA Certification options at Hawkeye

Program Overview

Learn the skills and build the confidence you need to start a job in maintenance, automation, or robotics. This certification will teach you practical skills that employers are looking for.

Learn to install, fix, and take care of electrical systems and motor controls, including drives, sensors, and machines.
Program, run, and troubleshoot automated control systems like PLCs.
Set up and operate robots, and use them in automated work systems.
Work with modern factory technology, including networks, sensors, and smart automation systems.
Maintain and repair mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and parts like belts, gears, and bearings.
Follow safety rules and standard work practices in a factory or automation setting.
Become a flexible technician who can work with electrical, mechanical, control, and robotic systems.

Stackable credentials are like building blocks for your education and career. Instead of committing to a full degree right away, you can earn smaller micro-credentials that build on each other over time. Each one gives you practical, job-ready skills you can use right away, and they can eventually lead to a bigger goal, like a completing a certification. It’s a flexible way to learn, gain experience, and keep moving forward at your own pace.

1. Start with the Fundamentals

C-101 Associate Certificate — Basic Operations

2. Build your Specialist Certificate with Core Micro-Credentials

C-201 Electrical Systems 1
C-202 Electric Motor Control Systems 1
C-203 Variable Frequency Drive Systems 1
C-204 Motor Control Troubleshooting 1
C-205 Sensor Logic Systems 1 or
- C-101 Associate Certificate — Basic Operations and
- C-102 Associate Certificate — Advanced Operations
C-206 Electrical System Installation 1
C-207 Programmable Controller Systems 1 or
- C-102 Associate Certificate — Advanced Operations and
- C-104 Associate Certificate — IIoT and Data Analytics
C-208 Programmable Controller Troubleshooting 1
C-209 Pneumatic Systems 1
C-210 Mechanical Power Systems I
C-211 Industry 4.0 Total Productive Maintenance Management
C-212 Ethernet Communications 1
C-213 Smart Sensor and Identification Sys. 1
C-214 Smart Factory Systems 1
C-215 Robot System Operations 1 or
- C-103 Associate Certificate — Robot Systems Certification
C-216 Robot Systems Integration 1

3. Specialize Your Skill Set with Elective Micro-Credentials (optional)

C-255 Hydraulic Systems 1
C-256 Hydraulic Maintenance
C-257 Process Control Systems 1
C-258 Process Control Troubleshooting 1
C-259 Rigging Systems 1
C-260 Rigging Systems 2

When you’re ready, begin with the online written exam to earn Silver Level Certification for the micro-credential. After that, achieve Gold Level Certification by completing a hands-on performance assessment at Hawkeye’s Automation and Robotics Center.

This program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, but other funding options may be available. We’ll help you with the options.

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State-of-the-Art Training Facility

The Latest Technology Automation & Robotics Center

Step into the Automation and Robotics Center, Iowa’s first facility of its kind, dedicated to advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies. Gain hands-on experience using real-world equipment, including robotics, PLCs, machine vision systems, smart sensors, and more. Build the technical skills and experience employers are looking for on the modern factory floor.

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