EOS/ESD Association, Inc. (ESDA) Certification Programs

by Matt Jane (Tesla), Andy Nold (Teradyne), Robert Gauthier (IBM), Lisa Pimpinella (ESDA)

Why get certified?

Certification programs can provide you and your company with the knowledge, competency, and problem-solving skills needed to reduce ESD risks.  Whether you are looking for a company certification or personal certification in the areas of ESD factory control, ESD design, or ESD device testing, the ESDA’s portfolio of certification offerings plays an important role for both your company and your individual professional growth [1].

ESDA offerings for company certifications include:

• ESD Facility Certification
• Product Qualification Laboratory Certification

ESD Facility Certification

ESDA’s Facility Certification Program was developed to meet the global need in the electronics industry for technically sound ESD Control Programs. The program is administered by the ESDA through ANAB accredited certification bodies that meet the requirements of this program. This program evaluates a facility's ESD program according to ANSI/ESD S20.20 or IEC 61340-5-1.  ESDA is the only ANSI-accredited organization to publish standards on electrostatic discharge. Certified companies achieve a high standard which ensures they meet every key element of a robust ESD program.

Product Qualification Laboratory Certification

Product Qualification Laboratory Certification gives companies global recognition, a boost in the confidence of customers, and the ability to meet regulatory requirements. Companies that earn this certification meet the requirements for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an electrostatic discharge (ESD) product qualification laboratory that conducts ESD product qualification measurements on materials and control items used within an ESD control program, in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20.

ESDA offerings for personal certifications in the manufacturing area include (see Figure 1):

• ESD Control Program Associate Certification
• ESD Control Program Auditor Certification
• ESD Compliance Verification Technician to TR53
• Professional Program Manager Certification

 Figure 1:  ESDA’s Manufacturing Personal Certifications

ESD Program Associate Certification

This certification introduces control program basics and auditing. It is comprised of three online classes and an online knowledge assessment test. This is the perfect choice for individuals who need a baseline credential and want to understand the essential foundation of ESD controls.

ESD Control Program Auditor Certification

The ESD Control Program Auditor Certification provides an understanding of the ANSI/ESD S20.20 standard and how its requirements provide a framework to control the risks of ESD within an organization. The certification teaches the knowledge and skills needed to successfully integrate ESD Control Program audits within an organization’s internal audit program requiring a working knowledge and understanding of ANSI/ESD S20.20. Quality Professionals/Engineers/Consultants, Supply Chain Professionals and Internal Auditors are encouraged to achieve this certification.

ESD Compliance Verification Technician to TR53

The ESD Compliance Verification Technician Certification is based on the ESDA's technical report (TR), ESD-TR53. This TR gives instructions on maintaining static control programs designed around ANSI/ESD S20.20 and the European equivalent standard IEC 61340-5-1. ESD Compliance Verification Technician certification provides an understanding of ESD-TR53 and the associated equipment, test methods, and troubleshooting that may be used within an organization’s ESD control program. 

Professional Program Manager Certification

ESDA’s Professional Program Manager Certification provides individuals who design, implement, manage, or audit ESD control programs the knowledge, skills, and competency to write, review, and evaluate ESD control programs. A Certified Program Manager is an expert in ESD factory controls and has the knowledge to oversee a factory ESD program from start to finish 

ESDA offerings for personal certifications in the ESD device or circuit design and ESD testing areas include (see Figure 2):

• Device Stress Testing Certification (DSTC)
• ESD Circuit Design Certification1 (ECEC1)
• ESD Device Design Certification1 (EDEC1)

Figure 2:  ESDA’s Device Design, Testing and Circuit Design Personal Certifications

Device Stress Testing Certification (DSTC)

The ESD Device Stress Testing Certification is intended for individuals who are involved in HBM, CDM, TLP, or Latch-Up testing for ESD qualification or development. This certification ensures a person has the latest information on the standards used in industry and an overview of the technical background to perform the tests and understand the results. Individuals are exposed to common pitfalls in interpreting the standards and applying it in the lab.

ESD Circuit Design Certification 1 (ECEC1)

The ESD Circuit Design Certification provides the circuit design engineer with the knowledge and the skills to implement ESD protection circuits and Latch-Up mitigation on their integrated circuit designs using industry-proven best practices. Certified Individuals can understand basic ESD circuits and how to implement them successfully into their product designs. They will also gain knowledge of basic ESD physics and how this can impact other circuit components.  The target audience is circuit designers who implement ESD circuits into the product architecture.

ESD Device Design Certification 1 (EDEC1)

This certification provides courses that form the foundation for ESD Design Engineers. Eight courses cover integrated circuit ESD protection designs, testing essentials, troubleshooting, failure analysis and TLP fundamentals. Certified individuals have the knowledge required to design on-chip ESD device and circuit solutions.

References

[1] https://www.esda.org/certification/