Global Electronics Association and Altium Introduce First Joint PCB Design Certifications: Altium Designer Associate and Expert

The Global Electronics Association has partnered with Altium LLC to launch two new certification programs for printed circuit board (PCB) design: the Altium Designer Associate Certification and the Altium Designer Expert Certification.

The certifications address electronics talent shortages and provide structured career pathways for PCB designers. This collaboration represents the Global Electronics Association's first certification program for a third-party software product.

The programs were developed jointly by the two organizations. They allow PCB designers to validate their computer-aided design (CAD) skills, demonstrate proficiency with Altium Designer software, and support career progression in the electronics design field.

The Altium Designer platform integrates schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, documentation, and 3D design within a single environment. The certifications follow a two-year renewal cycle. Each is earned by passing a 75-question written exam based on the Altium Designer Knowledge Base and industry best practices for PCB design.

John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association, stated that the organization has issued more than 140,000 credentials annually through its programs for over five decades. He noted that the partnership with Altium adds credentials that align with real-world expertise,...