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NICA — the National Institute for Controls & Automation — is an independent certification organization focused on practical, real-world PLC and industrial automation competency.
Our programs are designed to validate skills, not seat time.
We focus on what a technician can actually build, troubleshoot, and configure in a working environment.
NICA certifications are designed for:
- Entry-level PLC technicians
- Maintenance electricians transitioning into controls
- Industrial technicians seeking formal credentialing
- Career changers entering automation
- Students seeking structured, practical PLC training
If you want to build real systems — not just watch videos — our programs are for you.
Not necessarily.
CPLC-1 is the recommended starting point. However, candidates with prior PLC experience may:
• Take a placement evaluation, or
• Sit directly for the CPLC-1 exam to demonstrate competency
If you can prove the skills, you do not need to repeat the training.
Certification validates ability — not attendance.
NICA is delivered through a structured online format with guided instruction and hands-on lab work.
Students receive access to a remote PLC lab environment, allowing real programming and testing without needing physical hardware.
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NICA operates as an independent industry credentialing body.
Our certifications are competency-based and structured around real-world automation practices aligned with IEC 61131-3 programming standards.
We are not affiliated with any specific manufacturer, which allows us to remain vendor-neutral and skill-focused.
NICA offers a three-tier PLC certification pathway:
CPLC-1 – Certified PLC Technician (Fundamentals)
CPLC-2 – PLC Integrator / Systems Technician
CPLC-3 – Advanced PLC Programmer / Automation Architect
Each level increases in technical depth, architectural responsibility, and system complexity.
CPLC-1 focuses on foundational PLC programming, ladder logic, I/O handling, timers, counters, scaling, basic PID exposure, and troubleshooting.
CPLC-2 moves into modular programming, custom function blocks, structured text, system integration, and deeper control strategies.
CPLC-3 focuses on system architecture, SCADA/HMI integration, large-scale automation design, and advanced programming strategy.
Each level builds upon the previous in scope and responsibility.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, vis an nihil tation doctus, mel ne iriure accusam evertitur. Te omnes repudiandae pri, dolores appetere incorrupte id nam. Mundi doctus mel ad, modo tempor iudicabit vix eu. Duo adhuc noluisse incorrupte eu, has possim audire ne. Nam detraxit salutatus principes eu, ex mei sint causae. Tale omnium cotidieque ea has, et illud inani diceret vis. Cu dico assum vulputate est, an pro meis numquam. Sale eloquentiam id eam.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, vis an nihil tation doctus, mel ne iriure accusam evertitur. Te omnes repudiandae pri, dolores appetere incorrupte id nam. Mundi doctus mel ad, modo tempor iudicabit vix eu. Duo adhuc noluisse incorrupte eu, has possim audire ne. Nam detraxit salutatus principes eu, ex mei sint causae. Tale omnium cotidieque ea has, et illud inani diceret vis. Cu dico assum vulputate est, an pro meis numquam. Sale eloquentiam id eam.
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