Continuing Education

Programmable Logic Controller I

Programmable Logic Controller Level I Certificate of Achievement

This certificate of achievement focuses on learning IEC 61131-3 languages using Allen Bradley PLCs. Graduates will acquire the skills needed to build, integrate, maintain, troubleshoot and manage PLC programs. Students also have the opportunity to achieve two NAIT Microcredentials while taking this certificate program.

  • Develop a PLC program using all four IEC61131-3 languages.
  • Understand and respond to a problem statement.
  • Troubleshoot PLC programs.
  • Upload and download a program to a PLC.
  • Program an Allen Bradley MicroLogix PLC and a CompactLogix PLC.
  • Use discrete and analog signals.
  • Create customized programs that are specific to your equipment and needs.
  • Understand and create programs using SCADAPack.

NAIT PLC Micro-credentials

As you proceed through the Level I PLC certificate program, you will earn two micro-credentials from NAIT.

They are available for you to share your learning progress on your social channels.

  • PLC Ladder Logic Programming
  • PLC Advanced Programming

Courses

Quick Facts

Credential: Certificate Achievement

An approved non-credit program that has a formal summative assessment component, has mappped program or course outcomes, and is subject to a regular quality curriculum review process.

Campus: Main

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map

Delivery Modes:

  • Varies by Class - Delivery mode varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.

Delivery Times:

  • Varies by Class - Delivery times varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.

Two PLC Certificates

There are two NAIT PLC certificate achievements, both presenting unique learning opportunities. It is highly recommended that you complete Level I before moving to Level II. Learn more about the  Level II Certificate.

Programmable Logic Controller Level I Certificate of Achievement

The courses within the Programmable Logic Controller Certificate Level I focus on IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder diagram, Function Block diagram, Structured Text, and Sequential Function Chart diagram).

Level I Courses

There are two schedule options for Level I.  

Option 1

  • PLCC101
  • PLCC102
  • PLCC103
  • PLCC105
  • PLCC104
  • PLCC106

Option 2 (Accelerated)

Complete the Level I certificate in just two weeks with an accelerated schedule.

Information in PLCC101, 102 and 103 is instructed in PLCC113, while PLCC104, 105 and 106 are covered in PLCC146. 

  • PLCC113 
  • PLCC146

Earn NAIT Micro-credentials in Automation

A micro-credential represents recognition of employer-valued competencies and skills. They are sharable on your social channels and prove upskilling to prospective or existing employers and managers.

After successfully demonstrating competency through  assessments based on real world situations, you will accelerate your professional development and earn NAIT micro-credentials in the area of automation.

NAIT Microcredential badge

PLC Ladder Logic Programming

To earn your PLC Ladder Logic Programming micro-credential, you must demonstrate the competencies acquired by successful completion of the assessments in:

  • PLCC101
  • PLCC102
  • PLCC103

Or the equivalent accelerated option:

  • PLCC113 

PLC Advanced Programming

To earn your PLC Advanced Programming micro-credential, you must demonstrate the competencies acquired by successful completion of the assessments in:

  • PLCC104
  • PLCC105
  • PLCC106

Or the equivalent accelerated option:

  • PLCC146

Please note: You will need to successfully demonstrate the learning outcomes of PLCC106 along with PLCC104 and PLCC105 to obtain the Programmable Logic Controller Level I Certificate of Achievement.

Flexible Learning Options

Courses in NAIT’s PLC programming certificates have been designed with hands-on skills in mind. We offer flexible start dates throughout the year. Courses are offered in a variety of scheduling formats to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Currently, due to COVID-19 Health and Safety restrictions, our training is being offered in an online format only. The courses are delivered synchronously with live active instruction and engagement with other participants, using highly defined simulators and real PLCs.

You can complete the entire PLC Level I program in as little as two weeks with our accelerated compressed schedule. Most people complete Level I and Level II  by taking evening classes.

Previous Required Experience

To be successful in this program participants should have  the following experience:

  • Familiarity with personal computers.
  • Working knowledge of AC and DC electrical circuits.
  • Basic knowledge of automated processes.
  • Minimum of post-secondary or apprenticeship in a related field, or equivalent experience.

For more information please contact ContinuingEducation@nait.ca or call 780-378-6990.

Instructors

Dr. Yadu Prabhakar, Ph.D., P.Eng., MSc.

Dr. Yadu Prabhakar, Ph.D., P.Eng., MSc.

Dr. Yadu Prabhakar is a Robotics and Industrial Automation instructional facilitator at NAIT with more than 7 years of teaching experience.

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Jean-Paul Prévost, Ph.D., M.A.Sc.

Jean-Paul Prévost, Ph.D., M.A.Sc.

Dr. Jean-Paul Prévost is an instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at NAIT. He has been at NAIT for over 7 years, teaching courses in electrical theory, PLC automation and motor drives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Funding Options

Courses, certificates and transfer credits

Technology Requirements

Related Programs & Courses

Delivery Methods

  • Face to Face: Where: In-person meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Face-to-face instruction at all class meetings. Location may be on campus or at a worksite.
  • Blended: Where: Mixture of in-person & online components. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Combination of face-to-face and online components at specific times. Some online components may be accessed online anytime.
  • Hyflex: Where: Choice to attend in-person or online meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. For each class, students choose to attend in-person with the instructor or online at a specific time.
  • Remote Live Delivery: Where: Online with instructor. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Instruction is delivered at set times online. Students do not come to campus.
  • Remote On-Demand Delivery: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online. While there are no set class meetings, there may be set due dates and deadlines for some activities. Students may interact with peers through virtual tools.
  • Remote Independent: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online, with no instructor support. While students choose when to do coursework, there may be set due dates and deadlines. 
  • Work Placement: Where: In-person meetings. When: Work is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Onsite work integrated learning. Location at a worksite.
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