Advanced Process Automation certificate program with optional PLC 5000/Logix Studio Basics

Upon successful completion of the Advanced Process Automation certificate program, students will earn a certificate from Penn State's College of Engineering.

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Fall 2023 Program Schedule

Registration to open April 1. For questions, contact the Continuing Education Office at 570-450-3110 or email Debra Conway, director of Continuing Education, at [email protected]. 

The program begins Aug. 21 and ends in April 2024. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Math - Aug. 21 to Aug. 30

Electricity I - Sept. 6 to Oct. 2

Electricity II - Oct. 9 to Nov. 1

Motor Controls I - Nov. 6 to Dec. 11

Motor Controls II - Jan. 8, 2024 to - Feb. 19, 2024

PLC I - Feb. 26, 2024 to March 13, 2024

PLC II - March 18, 2024 to April 3, 2024

PLC III - April 8, 2024 to April 24, 2024

PLC 5000/Logix Studio Basics (Optional) - July 11 to Aug. 3, 2023 (See below)

Course Descriptions

Industrial Math and Electricity I & II

Dates: Aug. 21 to Nov. 1

Times: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

These courses will introduce the students to the basic principles of electricity including OHMS law, conductors, insulators, DC circuits, series and parallel circuits, voltage dividers, basic AC circuits, AC sine wave analysis, capacitors and inductors. Courses will cover AC theory and circuitry, time constant, AC complex numbers, reactance and impedance, LRC circuits, transformers, relays, polyphase AC circuits and power factor. An additional focus will be 16 hours of industrial math relating to electrical circuitry and the use of electrical measurement devices, i.e., fractions, decimals, formula re-arranging and meanings, vectors and basic triangle and geometric principles.

Motor Controls

Dates: Nov. 6, 2023 to Feb. 19, 2024

Times: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Module I - Motor Controls
Students in this course will learn advanced motor control circuitry through the use of ladder diagrams. Detailed analysis of motor controls circuits included forward/reverse stations and multiples start/stop stations. Students will be required to build a forward/reverse motor control station utilizing conduit and combination motor starters. Conduit bending will also be covered to the extent of its use in motor controls. Also covered will be motor controls trouble shooting.

Module II - Advanced Motor Controls/Variable Frequency Drives/Machine Controls
Students enrolled in this course will receive the next stage of training in motor controls, i.e., Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Students will learn to use and program the AB1305 VFD for various operations and scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on installation and troubleshooting of a motor control system using the VFD as the motor's prime control device. Various problems will be inserted into a basic system for the student to locate and repair.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Dates: Feb. 26, 2024 to April 24, 2024

Times: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Module I
Students will learn both theory and hands on training in the use of PLC hardware and software utilizing Allen Bradley PLCs and LOGIX software. Topics Include: PLC architecture overview, programming basics and how to work in and set up RSLOGIX, basic ladder logic, LOGIX execution, discrete I/O, memory addressing, XIO and XIC instructions, binary bit Instructions, timers and counters.

Module II
Students will learn both theory and hands on training in the use of PLC hardware and software utilizing Allen Bradley PLCs and LOGIX software. Topics will include sequencers, shift registers, subroutines, jump and program control instruction, move with mask instructions LIFO and FIFI instructions.

Module III
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) troubleshooting is designed to teach the essential skills and knowledge to troubleshoot the entire PLC system. This instruction will build on concepts discussed in module 1 and 2. Topics will include PLC enclosures, electrical noise, leaky inputs/outputs, grounding, voltage fluctuations and preventive maintenance. Participants will be given plenty of hands-on experience troubleshooting simulated machine control problems during class. 

Cost/Additional Information

Program cost: $6,900 (includes Industrial Math, Electricity I, II, Motor Controls, and PLCs)

Costs are all inclusive: All instruction, instructional materials, administrative support and travel are included. The academic content of the training module is approved through the University College of Penn State University. All participants earn a certificate indicating their accumulated Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for their attendance at this training program.

Funding and grants may be available. Class size is limited.

PLC 5000/Logix Studio Basics (Optional)

This 32-hour class features in-depth, hands-on instruction on how to identify, operate, program and troubleshoot Rockwell Automaton/Allen Bradley 5000 PLC system. In addition, students will be able to modify and/or install 5000 systems and understand the new Rockwell Automaton/Allen Bradley 5000 Studio Architecture systems.

This program is ideal for supervisors, operators, maintenance technicians or anyone responsible for operating, maintaining or troubleshooting industrial equipment controlled by a Rockwell Automaton/Allen Bradley 5000 PLC.

Dates: 

July 11 to Aug. 3, 2023
Mondays and Wednesdays
4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Penn State Hazleton, Laurel Building, Room 101

Cost: $950

  • Registration for this program is currently closed. Please check back as future start dates are announced.

Refund Policy

Due to demand for courses, advance payment for registration is required no later than one (1) week prior to the first class. Space cannot be held without payment. Cancellations must be received at least three (3) working days prior to the first day of class, or the student will be responsible for the fee. The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.