SMTA China to Sponsor SMT Engineer Certification Program

SMTA China announces that it will sponsor the upcoming SMTA Certified SMT Engineering Course and Examination from 8-10 April 2008 in Shanghai in conjunction with NEPCON China 2008. SMTA China and ChinaECNet will jointly organize the first course with support by NEPCON China 2007.

The SMTA/MII jointly recognized SMT Technical Course is recognized globally and nationally in China by the CSIP of the Ministry of Information Industry of People�s Republic of China government. This is a China State Education Project for High-Demand IT Talent in surface mount technology technical training.

The SMTA Certification program is a three-day offering consisting of a 1.5 day refresher workshop on topics in SMT processes. The program concludes with both open and closed book examinations on days two and three. The workshop, as well as the exam, assumes that the participant has at least 2-3 years of SMT experience and has an educational background equivalent to two years or more of college in a technical discipline. This is not an entry-level program. Basic algebra will be used in the workshop and examination. The examination is �competitive� in that it requires both written answers and calculations. The intent of this procedure is to enable students to establish competitive credentials as �certified� by the SMTA in SMT assembly processes. Within two months of passing the examination, the SMTA will issue and mail the certificate via the Hong Kong Chapter.

Course curriculum includes SMT materials, SMT components, stencil printing, dispensing, component placement, reflow soldering, wave soldering, test and inspection, and line balancing (including downtime and line design)

The program provides an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, experience, and competency; helps raise the overall competency level of the industry; provides a means to assess the qualifications of personnel hired; and helps assure that the industry has well-trained and qualified personnel.

SMTA Certification is intended for manufacturing and process engineers. However, production, design, test and quality engineering personnel, as well as SMT assembly managers who want to confirm their current competence at a fundamental level of overall process technology also should consider certification. The program assumes that the student has two or more years of SMT experience, is familiar with all basic SMT steps (prior to test) and is competent in college algebra.

The course fee for SMTA members is HK$11,000 (cost for non-members is HK$12,800).

For more information about the certification program or to register to attend, contact Ms. Peggy Chen at +86-21-5609-3010; fax: +86-21-5609-3020; E-mail: peggy@smta.org.