The post ISA Training and Education Opportunities in October first appeared on the ISA Interchange blog site.
This education & training roundup was compiled by Joel Don, ISA’s social media community manager.
Advance your career and technical knowledge through industrial automation and control systems training offered by expert ISA instructors who bring a wealth of insights and years of industry experience. In October, ISA Technical Training Camp returns to Texas. Make plans now to attend 
one or more of five consecutive weeks of ISA’s most popular, world-class technician, automation engineering, safety, and security courses. Sponsored by the ISA Houston Section, this technical training event will be led by a team of ISA’s respected subject-matter experts.
Onsite Training
In addition to taking ISA classroom training at ISA headquarters, regional locations and industry events, you can also receive customized ISA training at your facility through ISA Onsite Training. This option can bring any ISA course or combination of courses – along with ISA’s world-class instructors, training materials and portable laboratories – directly to you. Simply pick the time and place. Contact ISA at +1 919-549-8411 or info@isa.org.
Note: If a class date is not showing in the course offerings page or registration appears closed, contact ISA at info@isa.org or call customer service at +1 919-549-8411 to get a registration update or waiting list status.
Classroom Courses
Fundamentals Training
Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control (FG07)
This course combines lecture and hands-on labs to provide an overview of industrial measurement and control. Technicians, engineers, and managers are provided with a foundation for communication with other control system professionals. The class serves as a solid fundamental course for introduction to other ISA courses. The 4.5-day class starts October 5 in Houston, Tex.
Technical Skills Training
Instrumentation Maintenance
Installing, Calibrating, and Maintaining Electronic Instruments (TI25)
This popular course offers a combination of practical information and hands-on experience, covering proper installation, calibration, and maintenance of electronic instruments. You will examine characteristics of electronic control systems; techniques for installing electronic instruments; and procedures for configuring and calibrating transmitters, transducers, and controllers. Approximately 40 percent of your time in this course is spent working with equipment. The 4.5-day class starts October 5 in Cerritos, Calif.
Electrical Systems and Principles (TI15)
This course covers electrical principles and components used in industrial instrumentation, emphasizing safety. The material covered includes using schematic symbols, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and basic test equipment. This course serves as an excellent overview for those who have never had electrical training and as a refresher/update for those who have had electrical training (though not too advanced) sometime ago. An understanding of basic algebra is expected. The three-day course starts October 12 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Advanced Operation of Digital (Smart) Transmitters (TS17)
(Note: This course is offered with special pilot discount pricing)
This lab-intensive course focuses on configuration fundamentals, the calibration process, the measurements of multiple variables, and the utilization of computer-based configuration tools for digital transmitters utilizing HART, fieldbus and wireless protocols. This course offers a hands-on, working knowledge of smart field devices with an emphasis on measurement accuracy, advanced information gathering, decreased maintenance time, ease-of-configuration and calibration, and diagnostic capabilities. You will cover uses in conventional systems and improved communications when combined with digital control networks. You will also be exposed to various hand-held communicators and computer-based configuration and diagnostic software. The 4.5-day starts October 12 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Note: Formerly ISA TS16. This new course now entails the technologies of fieldbus and wireless smart devices.
Electrical Noise Effects on Instrumentation Control Equipment (TI21)
This course provides an understanding of electrical grounding from an electrical and instrumentation loop relationship. It also covers grounding for personnel/equipment protection as well as for electrical noise. Signal wiring and noise reduction methods are also presented. The material assumes the student has a basic understanding of electrical principles and signal wiring. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is referenced throughout the course. The two-day class starts October 15 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Control Valve Mechanics and Operations from Analog to Digital (TS18)
This course offers the student a comprehensive study of the control valve’s mechanical composition, actuation and positioning accessories including a detail study of digital valve controllers (DVCs). The class is hands-on, lab intensive leading the student to a real-world working knowledge of valve mechanical configurations, valve operations and positioner calibrations. In addition the student will gain a working knowledge of DVC operations including configuration, calibration, tuning and diagnostics utilizing the latest communication tools (HART communicators, AMS software, etc). The 4.5-day class starts October 26 in Houston, Tex.
Industrial Data Communications
Advanced Industrial Networking and Cybersecurity (TS20)
In this course you will learn about the latest developments in Industrial Control System (ICS) networking and cybersecurity. The course provides a review of basic networking and cybersecurity technology and expands your understanding of industrial network concepts by reviewing basic networking principals including TCP/UDP, IPv4/IPv6, ICS protocols, addressing and troubleshooting. You will explore network security architectures and learn how to use layering and segmentation to improve security, as well as how web technology works and how web server capability is used in industry and the security problems engendered by such use. Practical application use of cybersecurity technologies such as firewalls, VPN, virtualization, virus scanning and intrusion detection tools will be covered, including how to industrially harden and secure your networks and perform “red team” testing of your systems using penetration testing software. Special focus is placed on the assessment of security risks and hazards in the industrial setting using ANSI/ISA-62443, NIST and ICS cybersecurity frameworks and standards. Laboratory exercises performed in class are designed to re-enforce learning objectives and allow for active participation using a classroom network setup leveraging virtual environments. The 4.5-day course starts October 12 in Houston, Tex.
IT Survival Basics for I&C Personnel (TS04)
Ethernet networking, switches, routers, servers, PCs and firewalls, as well as wireless Ethernet networks and TCP/IP communications. The student will learn how to configure them and how cyber security is applied to protect them. Upon completion of this course, individuals will have a familiarity with basic IT concepts and technology which will enable them to effectively collaborate and communicate with IT personnel and perform basic IT functions essential in a modern plant and with modern control systems technology. The 5-day class starts October 19 in King of Prussia, Penn.
Control Systems
Tuning Control Loops (TC05)
This course is directed to anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of how to tune control loops − whether they have tuned loops but would like to become more proficient or they have never tuned a loop before. Registrants are expected to have a basic understanding of instrumentation and controls (either by working experience or taking fundamental courses such as ISA’s FG07: Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control) as this course does not cover that material. The three-day course starts October 5 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Troubleshooting Instrumentation and Control Systems (TC10)
This course presents a systematic approach to troubleshooting and start-up of single- and multi-loop control loops. You’ll see how pressure, level, flow, and temperature loops operate to maintain good process control systems. Knowledge of instrumentation and control is assumed. The two-day class starts October 8 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Automation Professional Skills
Control Systems
Designing & Tuning Feedback and Advanced Regulatory Control Strategies (EC05)
The required field of knowledge of a process control engineer has expanded significantly in recent years. What once was limited to measurement technology, signal transmission and feedback control has now expanded to include alarm management, safety instrumented systems, integration of automation and business systems, plus a host of other technologies. Good process control techniques are still as important as ever. This course will provide the foundation which will allow a process control engineering to make appropriate use of all technologies available. The three-day class starts October 6 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Automation Engineering Survival Training – Integrator Version (AESTIV)
Do you work for a system integrator? Do you support client projects? Do you need to expand your skills in working in a project design or commissioning environment? ISA’s new Automation Engineering Survival Training: Integrator Version (AESTIV), designed specifically for system integrators, focuses on concepts important to automation engineers and others involved in a project design and commissioning role. This unique process automation engineering experience is designed to hone your process automation knowledge and skills. ISA’s seasoned “Survival Expert” will guide you through a fast-paced and rigorous course of topics from process measurement through advanced automation. Whether you are new to the system integration industry or are a seasoned professional, this course will challenge you and enhance your knowledge in key concepts beneficial to system integrators and allow you to perform at a higher level and will help you deliver superior value to your clients. The five-day course starts October 26 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
CybersecurityAssessing the Cybersecurity of New or Existing IACS Systems (IC33)
The first phase in the IACS Cybersecurity Lifecycle (defined in ISA 62443-1-1) is to identify and document IACS assets and perform a cybersecurity vulnerability and risk assessment in order to identify and understand the high-risk vulnerabilities that require mitigation. Per ISA 62443-2-1 these assessments need to be performed on both new (i.e. greenfield) and existing (i.e. brownfield) applications. Part of the assessment process involves developing a zone and conduit model of the system, identifying security level targets, and documenting the cybersecurity requirements into a cybersecurity requirements specification (CRS). This course will provide students with the information and skills to assess the cybersecurity of a new or existing IACS and to develop a cybersecurity requirements specification that can be used to document the cybersecurity requirements the project. The three-day class starts October 27 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Measurement and Control
Industrial Pressure, Level, and Density Measurement Engineering (EI05)
This two-day course presents the principles and applications of modern pressure, level and density measurement systems. Emphasis is placed on instrument design technologies; system performance and design; and specification, selection, installation and maintenance requirements. The class will be held starting October 19 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Industrial Flow Measurement Engineering (EI10)
This three-day course presents the principles and applications of modern flow measurement systems. Emphasis is on flowmeter accuracy, performance, system design, sizing, specification, installation and maintenance requirements. The class starts October 21 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Plant Maintenance
Sizing, Selecting, and Applying Process Control Valves (EI30)
You will gain a practical understanding of control valves, actuators, and positioner designs and their applications. This course also provides methods that can be used to identify specific valve problems and to arrive at acceptable solutions within engineering tolerance. The three-day class starts October 6 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Safety
Advanced Safety Integrity Level Selection (EC52)
This course focuses on further hands-on examples of safety integrity level (SIL) selection using a variety of different techniques. Students will be better able to save their companies time and money through the optimization of system performance requirements. This course is a follow-on to EC50 (Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis, and Justification). The course is required for the ISA84 Safety Instrumented Systems Certificate Program 2. You can register for the course only or for the certificate program which includes course and exam. The two-day course starts on October 12 in Columbia, Ill.
Advanced Design and SIL Verification (EC54)
This two-day course focuses on more detailed design issues and further hands-on examples of system analysis/modeling. Students will be better able to perform system design and analysis thus saving their companies time and money in optimizing system designs. This course will enable you to analyze any system technology and configuration to see if it will meet the required SIL (safety integrity level) and determine if existing systems are safe enough, if they need to be upgraded, and whether proposed systems will meet the performance requirements. The class will start October 8 in Columbia, Ill.
Boiler Control Systems Engineering (ES15)
This three-day course covers boiler components and their purpose. Additionally, the course explains the ISA symbols used in boiler control, how to identify the engineering and control of boilers using these symbols, and a method of presenting the engineering. This course covers topics including defining the control and ratio control fundamentals, feed forward control, feed forward plus feedback control, cascade control, ratio control, and how they are implemented in boiler control. Flame detection methods, including the advantages of each method, are also covered. The class will start on October 12 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Burner Management Systems Engineering Using NFPA Code 85 and ANSI/ISA77 Standards (ES16)
This two-day course covers the safe startup, monitoring and shutdown of multiple burner boiler furnaces. It also discusses causes of furnace explosions and the relationship between burner management systems and boiler control systems. Prior attendance at ISA ES15: Boiler Control Systems Engineering course or an understanding of boilers and boiler control is assumed. The class starts October 15 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Part of ISA Technical Training Camp – Houston 2015
Process Safety Fundamentals (EC50CT)
This one-day course is a quick reference for technicians and operators to understanding the principles governing the use of safety instrumented systems (SIS). Students will learn basic definitions and concepts, the different types of standards, and the role of personnel in the safety life cycle of such systems. It also serves as an introductory preparation for the more comprehensive ISA EC50 multi-day course covering design, analysis and justification of SIS and its related certificate programs. The one-day class will be held October 19 in Houston, Tex.
Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis and Justification (EC50)
This course focuses on the engineering requirements for the specification, design, analysis, and justification of safety instrumented systems for the process industries. Students will learn how to determine safety integrity levels and evaluate whether proposed or existing systems meet the performance and documentation requirements defined in the ISA 84 (IEC61511) standard. The four-day class starts October 20 in Houston, Tex.
Advanced Safety Integrity Level Selection (EC52)
This course focuses on further hands-on examples of safety integrity level (SIL) selection using a variety of different techniques. Students will be better able to save their companies time and money through the optimization of system performance requirements. This course is a follow-on to EC50 (Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis, and Justification). The course is required for the ISA84 Safety Instrumented Systems Certificate Program 2. You can register for the course only or for the certificate program which includes course and exam. The two-day course starts on October 26 in Houston, Tex.
Advanced Design and SIL Verification (EC54)
This two-day course focuses on more detailed design issues and further hands-on examples of system analysis/modeling. Students will be better able to perform system design and analysis thus saving their companies time and money in optimizing system designs. This course will enable you to analyze any system technology and configuration to see if it will meet the required SIL (safety integrity level) and determine if existing systems are safe enough, if they need to be upgraded, and whether proposed systems will meet the performance requirements. The class will start October 28 in Houston, Tex.
Practical IEC 61850 for Substation Automation (EA25)
The latest developments in networking such as high-speed, deterministic, redundant Ethernet, as well as other technologies including TCP/IP, high-speed WAN and high-performance embedded processor, are providing capabilities that could hardly be imagined when most legacy substation automation protocols were designed. IEC 61850 – part of the International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee 57 (TC57) architecture for electric power systems – is an important international standard for substation automation, and it is having a significant impact on how electric power systems are designed and built. The model-driven, innovative approach of IEC 61850 requires a new way of thinking about substation automation. This will result in significant improvements in the costs and performance of electric power systems. This course provides comprehensive coverage of IEC 61850 and will provide you the tools, knowledge and confidence to tackle your next substation automation project. The two-day class will start October 26 in Houston, Tex.
Certification and Licensure Preparation
Control Systems Engineering (CSE) PE Exam Review Course (EN00)
This course reviews the knowledge and skills areas that are included on the Control Systems Engineer (CSE) Professional Engineer (PE) examination produced by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and administered by U.S. state professional license boards each October. The intent of the class is to prepare an engineer with four or more years of experience to take the exam by providing instruction in the broad range of technical areas that will be tested. . The content is based on the CSE Exam Specification that went into effect in October 2011. The three-day course starts October 12 in Columbia, Ill.
Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level I Review Course (TS00)
This is a fast-paced review of the knowledge and practical skills necessary to install and maintain standard measurement and control instrumentation. It is intended for practicing technicians preparing for the CCST Level I exam. An explanation of the examination process and practice certification-type exams are provided. The four-day course starts October 22 in Cerritos, Calif.
Special Training Events
(Part of ISA Technical Training Camp – Houston 2015)
ISA Technician Training Boot Camp (TTBC)
ISA Technician Training Boot Camp (not just for technicians) combines a unique technical training course − minimum lecture and maximum hands-on experience − with bonus features, including a plant tour, technical library, and social events, to enhance the learning experience and to maximize knowledge gained. More than 75 percent of your time will be spent on equipment labs. This week of intensive training will cover a broad range of technical topics needed to get the job done right. Starting with basic instrumentation fundamentals and ending with the advanced and ultimate in smart technology, this comprehensive program will serve as a vital building block to your professional development and skills enhancement efforts. This course also serves as a solid introduction to other ISA courses that will help you advance your automation and control career. ISA Technician Training Boot Camp starts October 5 in Houston, Tex.
ISA Automation Engineering Survival Training (AEST)
Sharpen your process automation know-how with this intensive week of expert-led lecture and hands-on exercises covering practical, real-world automation survival skills. Automation Engineering Survival Training is a unique process automation engineering experience designed to hone your process automation knowledge and skills. This intensive technical training boot camp for automation engineers combines lecture and hands-on labs with bonus features, including a plant tour, technical library, and networking events, to maximize your learning experience. The five-day class starts October 12 in Houston, Tex.
Tactics for Advanced Troubleshooting Boot Camp (TATC)
This intensive boot camp course details the techniques required to troubleshoot today’s instrument loops and equipment. From understanding loop fundamentals to employing built-in equipment diagnostics, this class will give the student an advantage in problem identification via the latest in test equipment and communicators used in the process control industry. The class is hands-on intensive with student exercises and instructor demonstration designed to simulate loop and equipment malfunctions, thus requiring the student to follow established troubleshooting techniques. The various equipment built-in diagnostics will be discussed and employed to aid in equipment troubleshooting. The five-day class starts October 19 in Houston, Tex.
Process Automation Boot Camp For Non-Maintenance Personnel (PABC)
This course was specifically developed for non-maintenance personnel with little or no background in the field of process measurements and control. The class focuses on the physical measurement technologies, the communication signals and the various applications of instrument equipment to achieve common process measurements and control. The course is strategically designed around lab demonstrations and in depth class discussions. The course offers a fundamental knowledge for operations, technicians and engineers working in the process control industry. The five-day class starts October 26 in Houston, Tex.
Online, Instructor-Assisted Courses
Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level I Review Course (TS00E)
This course is a fast-paced review of the knowledge and practical skills necessary to install and maintain standard measurement and control instrumentation. It is intended for practicing technicians preparing for the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level I exam. Practice certification-type exams and an explanation of the examination process are provided. The 10-week Web class starts October 5.
Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Online Exam Review Course (EC00E)
This self-paced, online course reviews the knowledge and skill areas included on the Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) certification program examination. The intent is to prepare an automation professional who meets the exam criteria to take the exam. The content is based on the job analysis domains, tasks, knowledge areas, and skill areas developed as the basis for the CAP certification exam. This course is the recommended replacement for the discontinued CAP Learning System preparation tool, as it incorporates content similarly included in that tool. The online course starts October 5.
Applying Instrumentation in Hazardous Locations (ES10E)
This self-paced, online course provides a systematic approach to specifying and implementing instrumentation in hazardous locations. Related standards from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), American Petroleum Institute (API), and ISA are discussed. The eight-week course starts October 12.
Overview of Industrial Flow Measurement Engineering (EI10E)
This course presents an overview of the principles and applications of modern flow measurement systems. Emphasis is on flow meter accuracy, performance, system design, sizing, specification, installation, and maintenance requirements. The nine-week online course starts October 12.
Introduction to Industrial Pressure, Level, and Density Measurement Technologies (EI05E)
This course presents an overview of the principles and applications of modern pressure, level, and density measurement systems, emphasizing underlying instrument technologies; device performance and design; and specification, selection, installation, and maintenance requirements for instruments and transmitters. This six-week CyberU course starts October 19.
Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis and Justification (EC50E)
ISA’s CyberU online instructor-led training course offers the benefit of a high-quality ISA training course with the added advantage of studying at your own pace in the office, at home or while traveling. This course utilizes online training modules, additional text materials, online evaluations, and email discussions. Students will have access via email to an instructor and have an opportunity to participate in live Q&A sessions with the instructor and other class participants. The course focuses on the engineering requirements for the specification, design, analysis, and justification of safety instrumented systems for the process industries. Students will learn how to determine safety integrity levels and evaluate whether proposed or existing systems meet the performance requirements. The eight-week course starts October 19.
Note: This course is required for the ISA84 SIS Fundamentals Specialist Certificate Program. Click this link for details.
Live Webinar Series
Save up to 25 percent with special series pricing when you register for all the webinars in a series at one time. To take advantage of series pricing, please contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411.
Wireless Networking of Sensors and Instrumentation: Applications and Techniques (SP25W)
Wireless sensor networks allow stable system operation in facilities where the ambient RF and environmental conditions change. The fundamental underpinnings of a wireless sensor module are augmented by a discussion of networking techniques resulting in descriptions of various types of wireless sensor network topologies. An extensive review of 802.15.4-based wireless sensor networks culminates in specific examples of ZigBee, ISA100.11a and Wireless HART wireless sensor networks. This webinar will be held October 14.
Overview of Fiber Optic Sensing (SP26W)
Over the past two decades, development of fiber optic sensors has led to devices and systems which are able to measure over 60 different parameters. Perhaps even more noteworthy is the fact that commercially available fiber optic sensors are increasing in frequency and in actual deployment. It is a vibrant field with clear advantages over electron-based sensors in certain applications, particularly those where electromagnetic interference wreaks havoc. This seminar will introduce you to the operation, implementation limits, and practical benefits associated with fiber optic sensors. The web seminar will be held October 21.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Overview & Applications (SP27W)
The goals of this seminar are to introduce the conceptual, logistical, and application-specific concepts, along with the fundamental engineering underpinnings of RFID technology. With this information, you will then be able to make a more constructive decision as to how this technology may be integrated into your industrial or comparable setting. The seminar covers the fundamental aspects associated with the burgeoning usage of RFID technology. Using several specific examples of deployments in various settings − ranging from industrial to commercial to military − this seminar discusses the logistics associated with fixed or mobile reader systems to interrogate the RFID tags. Integration and co-existence issues associated with simultaneous operation of RFID systems and other wireless networks are also described. This web seminar will be held October 28.
ISA Partner Training
ISA has teamed up with IDC Technologies & Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) to bring an array of technical-related training courses to various U.S. locations as well as online courses, with special discounts for ISA members.
Upcoming topics:
IDC Online Offerings
Practical Financial Fundamentals & Project Investment Decision Making—New!
3 October 2015
Practical Power Distribution—New!
21 October 2015
Electrical Power System Fundamentals for Non-Electrical Engineers—New!
28 October 2015
EIT Online Offerings
Professional Certificate of Competency in Fundamental E&I Engineering for Oil and Gas Facilities
6 October 2015 (3 months)
Professional Certificate of Competency in 3D Engineering Design and Printing for Rapid Prototyping
6 October 2015 (3 months)
Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation
12 October 2015 (18 months)
Diploma of Leadership and Management
26 October 2015 (12 months)
To enroll in an IDC online courses, complete the registration form found on the course web page or click here. To learn more about EIT, click here
Gain significant benefits and savings. Become an ISA member
When you become an ISA member, you’ll join more than 30,000 automation and control professionals who collaborate to share ideas and insights, and solve technical challenges. And, you’ll receive up to 20 percent off on ISA products, including training courses! To review the complete array of ISA member benefits, click here or contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411 or info@isa.org.
Become an ISA Instructor!
ISA is always looking to expand its pool of qualified subject matter experts to teach, develop or provide assessment services for our public and private clients/customers. Wouldn’t you like to make a difference and join this elite group of automation and control professionals? Click here to find out more about becoming an ISA instructor.
Have a great course idea? Click here and suggest a new ISA class.
When you become an ISA member, you’ll join thousands of automation and control professionals who collaborate to share ideas and insights, and solve technical challenges. And, you’ll receive up to 20 percent off on ISA products, including training courses. To review the complete array of ISA member benefits, click the link below or contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411 or info@isa.org.
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