Festo Industry Certification Program

Building Careers for Industry

The Festo Industry Certification Program (FICP), our comprehensive industry skills certification, is based on industry and education partnerships to ensure students have the right set of skills to be industry ready. FICP evolved from our global industrial automation division and technical education experience over the past six decades.

STEM Introductory Level

At the STEM Introductory level, certified students will have a solid foundation in essential STEM principles, gaining hands-on experience with fundamental technologies and systems. Students will be equipped to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, troubleshoot basic issues, and make informed decisions—preparing them for more advanced training and future roles in technical and engineering fields.

Course highlights

Introduction to Aerodynamics

Introduction to Aerodynamics

In the STEM Aerodynamics course, students discover and develop a wing airfoil prototype. Once they are familiar with the principles of aerodynamics, they have the opportunity to design innovative solutions to real-world problems, challenges, and needs. The purpose of the STEM Aerodynamics course is to provide learners the opportunity to explore and design objects with shapes minimizing the impact of opposing airflow. Learners are challenged to design and develop a wing airfoil prototype by taking on the role of an aerodynamics engineer. They must adhere to given specification requirements and constraints as they learn about various aerodynamics concepts. FInally, they acquire the necessary skills to apply those concepts while designing their streamlined airfoil model and test it in the wind tunnel.

Introduction to Alternative Energy

Introduction to Alternative Energy

In the STEM Alternative Energy course, students discover and practice the skills needed to work with different energy sources. Once they are familiar with these technologies, they have the opportunity to design innovative solutions to real-world problems, challenges and needs. The Alternative Energy course introduces the students to the basic principles of the many energy sources considered to be alternatives to our current nonrenewable fossil fuels. The students play the roles of alternative energy engineers who are asked to provide specifications for the energy generation of two new cities. Their recommendations should be environmentally friendly, cost effective, and consist of at least 90% renewable sources.

Introduction to Environmental Technology

Introduction to Environmental Technology

In the STEM Environmental Technology/ Water course, students discover and perform standard water testing and treatment methods. They also explore how human activity affects on the environment. The purpose of the STEM Environmental Technology/Water course is to introduce the students to the basic principles of water testing and treatment methods. Both potable (drinking) water and waste water are addressed.

Introduction to Exploratory Electronics

Introduction to Exploratory Electronics

Designed to familiarize students with the construction and function of electronic circuits. This training course covers essential topics such as DC and AC circuits and semiconductors, challenging students to understand and design electronic circuits found in industry.

Introduction to Exploring Electricity

Introduction to Exploring Electricity

The Exploring Electricity course introduces students to the foundational principles and applications of electrical systems, covering elements such as electric circuits and design. Students engage in hands-on experiences, learning to understand electric voltage, current, resistance, and power in both series and parallel circuits. The course challenges students to design solutions to real-world problems in residential and commercial settings practicing wiring and testing electric circuits. Students gain proficiency using digital multimeters, applying Ohm’s Law, and developing the skills necessary for careers across various industries.

Introduction to Mechanisms

Introduction to Mechanisms

The Exploring Mechanisms trainer introduces students to the world of mechanical power transmission. It comes with an operational elevator and a collection of gears, pulleys, and sprockets. It also includes the necessary equipment to study the basic principles of mechanics and simple machines.

Introduction to Mechatronics

Introduction to Mechatronics

Designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills in Mechanical, Electrical, Fluid power and Control Technology. This training course covers core competencies in operating and maintaining pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and controls, using real-world automation devices. By completing this course, students will be prepared for advanced training in Mechatronics and Industry 4.0.

Introduction to Process Engineering

Introduction to Process Engineering

Designed to immerse students in the principles and operations of process control engineering. This training course enables learners to take on the role of a process control engineer, working on real-world projects and adhering to given specifications. By exploring various process control strategies and experimenting with different designs, students will develop the problem-solving skills required for successful careers in process control and engineering.

Level One: Fundamentals

At FICP level 1, students are introduced to the key core competencies required to build the knowledge base needed in technical industry positions in engineering, technical operation, repair and maintenance. They will ensure that the system is safely running at maximum capacity with an understanding of the role of each component and device.

Course highlights

Fundamentals of Electricity

The fundamentals of electricity introduces students to the basic principles of electrical circuits, both in direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Through theory and hands-on exercises students cover the following topics: nature of electricity, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws, using measuring instruments, solving series and parallel circuits, electromagnetism, electrical distribution, and troubleshooting electrical circuits.

FICP Level 1: Electricity Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Fluid Power

Designed to familiarize students with the construction and operation of pneumatic components, this pneumatic training covers the use of compressed air for pneumatic control and as a signaling medium. Subjects include compressors, storage, dryers and distribution as well as the design, construction and operation of a range of actuators, valves and ancillary equipment. ISO symbols are introduced and included in the circuit diagrams. This course ensures a sound competence the safe operation and maintenance of one of the most common automation elements in industry.

This hydraulic industry recognized certification training is designed to familiarize students with the construction and operation of hydraulic components. Investigating the construction and operation of a range of hydraulic equipment, this hydraulic training course covers the fundamental principles of hydraulics as well as the individual components. Valves controlling pressure, flow rate, sequence and direction of flow are included and practical exercises are used to demonstrate their operation, based on standard symbol circuits. Maintenance and a systematic approach to fault finding are also covered.

FICP Level 2: Fluid Power Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems

The driving force behind most industrial applications is Mechanical Systems. Gears, drives, bearings, pulleys, and more are found in nearly everything that moves. The Mechanical Systems course covers the installation, use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical drive components and systems. The curriculum is divided into various topics which deal with the components encountered in industry.

FICP Level 2: Mechanical Systems

Fundamentals of PLCs and Sensors

Festo curriculum provides students with essential skills in both PLC programming and sensor technology, critical components of today’s increasingly automated manufacturing landscape. By working hands-on with high-end PLC and Sensor equipment, students learn to program and operate PLC-controlled systems and gain expertise with various industrial sensors—vital as the “eyes,” “ears,” and “touch” of automated systems that send signals to the system's “brain” to guide responses. The program uses practical examples to teach sensor fundamentals, including selection, connection, and functional checks, ensuring students build a strong foundation in controlling and troubleshooting complex automation equipment.

FICP Level 2: PLC Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Robotics

Festo foundational training in robotic systems, explores their history, core principles, and evolving applications. Participants develop a understanding of robotics, with a focus on safety protocols, robot control, and automation. Emphasizing hands-on learning, the program allows participants to practice programming, operating, and troubleshooting typical robotic systems. This training provides learners fundamental knowledge of real-world applications in fields such as manufacturing, engineering, and industrial automation. The training combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience, covering essential principles of automation and control.

FICP Level 2: Robotics Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Industry 4.0

As an introduction to Industry 4.0, this course aims to relay foundational information about Industry 4.0 and help to establish a base upon which more detailed information regarding the topic can be layered. The course introduces the various industrial revolutions and how Industry 4.0, the internet of things, smart factories, and cyber-physical systems are a disruption to the manufacturing industry and discusses the impact and implications these advancements introduce.

FICP Level 2: Industry 4.0 Fundamentals

Level Two: Applied

At FICP Level 2, certified students are prepared to be skilled technicians are able to assess and analyze the systems as a whole. They can manage, investigate, repair and troubleshoot I4.0 systems maximizing operation and process control. They understand how individual components interact with each other making the whole system run safely and efficiently.

Course highlights

Applied Product ID

In modern Industry, the ability to identify products and make decisions based on this data is a critical factor. This course gives participants the ability to explore and understand RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) utilizing Tags, Readers, and Writers as well as Vision Systems that utilize QR Coders/Barcodes.

FICP Level 2: Product ID Fundamentals

Applied Fluid Power

Students learn how to read and interpret electro-pneumatics circuits and dive into how to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair complex electro-pneumatic systems. Practical exercises on training equipment for setup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and fault elimination facilitate the transfer of knowledge to real world industrial applications.

The use of vacuums is an integral part of handling technology as it offers advantages such as the ease of construction and the gentleness of pnuematic grippers. Suction grippers also enable rapid cycle times, and lower investment. This course follows builds on basic electropnuematics training, focusing on the topic of handling technology using a vacuum.

FICP Level 2: Applied Fluid Power

Applied Mechanical Systems

Applied Mechanical drives system builds on the students fundamental knowledge of hardware, tools, measuring and methods. It amplifies safety, identification, installation, and troubleshooting of machine elements building on basic machanical skills.

FICP Level 2: Applied Mechanical Systems

Applied PLCs

PLC II expands on the topics covered in PLC I and utilizes the same equipment. Students go deeper into programming PLCs, incorporate HMI (Human Machine Interface) programming and modifying programs to include changes in the applications. This is a highly sought after skill in modern industry.

FICP Level 2: Applied PLC

Applied Industrial Motor Controls

Applied Motor Control

The Applied Motor Controls course builds knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of industrial electric motor controllers from a foundation of knowledge gained in fundamentals of electricity. Beginning with an overview of lockout/tagout procedures, symbols, and schematics, the course guides students through the operation and application of motor control components. Students gain hands-on experience with control and pilot devices, protective components like breakers and overloads, starters. Students install and troubleshoot control systems, starters, and controls building up to motor testing and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students are prepared to install, commission, and troubleshoot electric motor controllers.

Applied Robotics

The Applied Robotics course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, preparing participants to work with robotics systems and meet industry standards in safety, precision, and efficiency. Focused on programming, safety, operation, and work-cell interfacing, the course emphasizes practical learning with various robots and cobots. Students gain skills in programming, control, and troubleshooting, guided through essential safety protocols, robot classifications, component functions, and I/O communication. This certification equips learners with the competencies needed to integrate robotics seamlessly into industrial settings.

FICP Level 2: Applied Robotics

Applied Industry 4.0

Applied Industry 4.0 teaches skills and specialist knowledge in the field of automation technology and mechatronics. As a simulated production line, it offers a deeper insight into the intelligent networking of machines in the production environment and in their work processes. The system performs standard industrial operations such as distribution, joining and sorting. The system explores networking, RFID, smart sensors, augmented reality, HMI and other components of autonomous systems.

FICP Level 2: Applied Industry 4.0

Level Three: Advanced

At FICP level 3, certified students practice designing and engineering complex I4.0 Systems. Their responsibilities include applying systems engineering practices, such as engineering, process management, and quality assurance management, with the goal of implementing, maintaining, or improving I4.0 systems.

Course highlights

Advanced Product ID

The Advanced Product Identification is a key component in understanding the Factory of the Future, also known as the ‘Smart Factory’. This course covers and expands upon advanced technology such as Nearfield Technology, Barcoding, RFID, and Vision Technology, blending the theoretical knowledge with hands-on exercises, labs, and activities using our CP (Cyber Physical) line of products.

FICP Level 3: Advanced Product ID

Advanced Industry 4.0

Designed to develop expertise in advanced industrial communication and network integration. This certification covers the complete process of system validation, focusing on network communication, cybersecurity, and system verification within an Industry 4.0 environment. Students will gain hands-on experience configuring networks and implementing advanced communication protocols, preparing them to ensure seamless integration and security across modern automated systems.

FICP Level 3: HMI

Advanced Robotics

Building on the level one and two robotics credentials, the advanced level covers the complete integration of robotics in industrial processes and networks. Students will master the utilization of scanners, lasers, and vision systems to maximize the capabilities of autonomous and automated robotic systems.

FICP Level 3: Advanced Robotics

Advanced PLCs

In order to establish Industry 4.0 in a company, the training and qualifications of its skilled workforce must be in line with advancements in automation technology in addition to the most modern methodologies and processes.This course aims to build upon the Applied PLC and PLC Fundamentals topic by introducing students to more advanced topics. This course was designed toward Siemens Technology.

FICP Level 3: Advanced PLC

Advanced Smart Maintenance

This course provides a comprehensive approach to smart maintenance within an Industry 4.0 framework, emphasizing practical skills and strategic knowledge. The curriculum focuses on smart maintenance strategies and technologies in the context of Industry 4.0. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced maintenance concepts, integrating predictive maintenance, cyber-physical systems (CPS), and process optimization.

FICP Level 3: Smart Maintenance

Advanced Integration Validation

Designed to equip students with in-depth skills in integration and network validation. This course explores key areas such as network communication, system security, and integration verification for Industry 4.0 environments. Through practical exercises, students master advanced techniques in network configuration and system validation, enabling them to troubleshoot and secure complex automation systems effectively.

FICP Level 3: Cyber Security