Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Certification

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Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Certification

Build Your Skills—and Your Career—with Stackable Credentials

Through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), you can earn stackable credentials based on what you can do. Each certification is performance-based, so you can move quickly through what comes easily and take the time you need to master new skills.

As you demonstrate your competency, you’ll keep advancing—from core skills to specialized, advanced training—on your way to earning an associate or specialist certification.

Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience using the same equipment local employers use in our state-of-the-art, simulated factory environment.

Start with the Basics — Associate Certifications

To help you build a strong foundation in this high-tech field, the Industry 4.0 Associate Certificates—offered by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA)—validate your core skills in automation and smart technologies. These entry-level, industry-recognized credentials—developed with input from leading manufacturers—prepare you for entry-level employment or continued training, with stackable options that lead to advanced specialist certifications. Earning an associate certificate means you’re not just learning—you’re proving you’re ready to grow in a rapidly evolving industry.

Earn one associate certificate—or complete all four—to build the in-demand skills employers value most.

Basic Operations This hands-on, competency-based course gets you ready to succeed in today’s high-tech production environments. You’ll learn how to work with Industry 4.0 controls, automation, and smart manufacturing processes. By the end, you’ll be able to analyze and even make improvements to modern production control systems—skills that are in high demand across the industry.

What You'll Learn (Competencies)

Understand key concepts and terms used in smart manufacturing
Set up, adjust, and operate basic automated machines
Monitor production using HMIs, the internet, Ethernet, and smart devices
Grasp basic CNC (Computer Numerical Control) concepts
Communicate effectively in the workplace
Use hand tools safely and follow industry safety practices
Read and interpret blueprints and electrical schematics
Perform precision measurements accurately
Operate basic electrical control, pneumatic, and sensor systems
Understand and work with basic robotics and related terminology

Stackable Credential Options

This associate certificate is your first step toward more advanced SACA specialist certifications, helping you grow your career in smart manufacturing and industrial automation. Once earned, this credential can be applied toward the following specialist-level certifications:

Automation Systems Specialist
Control Systems Specialist
Electrical Systems Specialist
Mechanical Systems Specialist
Operations Specialist
Robotics Specialist

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Register and pay now for the next class or contact us for more information and we’ll help you take the next step.

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Advanced Operations In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to work with the latest Industry 4.0 automation technologies and processes. You’ll build the skills to not just understand modern production control systems—but to analyze and improve them, too.

What You'll Learn (Competencies)

Use system metrics to monitor and optimize smart manufacturing processes
Set up, adjust, and operate computer-controlled machines
Understand and work with basic Ethernet network systems
Program and operate basic programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Operate and adjust basic mechanical and hydraulic systems
Program and run basic mechatronic systems
Handle basic robotics and CNC programming and operation
Navigate and operate Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs)

Stackable Credential Options

Once earned, this associate certificate can be applied toward the following specialist-level certifications:

Automation Systems Specialist
Operations Specialist
Robotics Specialist

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Register and pay now for the next class or contact us for more information and we’ll help you take the next step.

Browse Classes Request Information

Industry 4.0 Associate III — Robot System Operations The Robot System Operations certification is a great starting point if you’re looking to break into the world of industrial robotics. This entry-level credential teaches you how to operate robots and other cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies used in today’s smart factories. It’s a perfect fit if you’re a manufacturing technician, maintenance technician, or IT professional who wants to build real-world skills in robot system operations.

What You’ll Learn (Competencies)

Understand key concepts and terminology related to industrial robots
Set up and adjust robotic systems for various tasks
Operate robots and perform basic programming functions
Identify and select the right fixtures and end-of-arm tooling
Connect robots using Ethernet networks for communication
Interface robots with I/O devices and PLC systems
Monitor robot performance and optimize cycle times
Explore how robots fit into smart manufacturing systems

Stackable Credential Options

Once earned, this associate certificate can be applied toward the following specialist-level certifications:

Automation Systems Specialist
Operations Specialist

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Register and pay now for the next class or contact us for more information and we’ll help you take the next step.

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IIoT, Networking and Data Analytics This certification is your introduction to programming and optimizing key Industry 4.0 automation technologies. You’ll learn how to work with IIoT systems, smart sensors and devices, networking, and data analytics software. If you’re a maintenance technician or IT professional looking to get up to speed with the basics of Industry 4.0 automation, this is a great place to start.

What You’ll Learn (Competencies)

Understand the core concepts behind the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Set up and manage PLC communications using Ethernet messaging
Program and operate barcode scanners and RFID systems
Configure and program smart sensors for industrial applications
Set up and operate managed Ethernet switches
Program and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs)
Work with SQL database systems used in manufacturing
Use data analytics and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to improve processes
Apply lean manufacturing principles to optimize system performance

Stackable Credential Option

Once earned, this associate certificate can be applied toward the following specialist-level certifications:

Automation Systems Specialist certification

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Register and pay now for the next class or contact us for more information and we’ll help you take the next step.

Browse Classes Request Information

Elevate Your Skills — Specialist Certification

These advanced specialist certification focus on hands-on, real-world skills, preparing you for high-tech roles in today’s smart factories. You’ll gain the expertise to install, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize smart manufacturing systems—skills that employers are actively seeking.

Whether you’re a technician, maintenance professional, engineer, or a student ready to level up, these certifications help you specialize in high-demand areas of Industry 4.0 so you can qualify for more advanced, higher-paying roles.

Each specialist certification is made up of an associate certification, core micro-credentials—essential skills that many automation employers expect—and optional elective micro-credentials that let you tailor your expertise to specific industries, regions, or job roles.

Automation Systems Specialist The Automation Systems Specialist certification prepares you to work as a multi-skilled maintenance technician in today’s high-tech manufacturing environments. You’ll build the skills needed to work with advanced automation and Industry 4.0 technologies that keep modern production running smoothly.

Explore the Automation Systems Specialist Certification

Control Systems Specialist Step into the role of a controls technician in today’s smart manufacturing environments. You’ll gain the skills to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial control systems using sensors, programmable controllers, and variable frequency drives—helping keep advanced production systems running smoothly.