Frequently asked questions about the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program (SMSCP)
How were the SMSCP Job Profiles developed?
Each job profile is the result of approximately one year of research and synthesis to formulate a description of what the Certified Assistants, Associates and Professionals should be able to do after having passed their certification exam. The Job Profiles were developed based on input from Siemens factory heads and human resource directors from around the world as well as together with government workforce qualification authorities such as the German Federal Institution for Vocational Training and Education (BIBB), the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and others. In addition, we collected input from several professors, authors and researchers in the field of vocational education from Germany and around the world.
Is there a minimum amount of students that can participate in the program?
Our partners decide for themselves what course size makes sense for them. From our side, there is no minimum course size.
How fast can one level be finished?
The length of time it takes to complete the coursework for a level depends on the number of courses in each level and the method of implementation at the partner school. Levels 1 and 3, which each have only four courses, could be finished in an accelerated program in as little as a few weeks; a normal day program implementation normally takes longer.
Are the exams graded?
Level exams are pass/fail. A passing mark together with the completed coursework qualifies the student for the appropriate level certificate. Grading schemes for individual constituent courses for a particular level come under the partner school’s local rules.
Does the Instructor Certification Paradigm Week always have to take place in Berlin?
The Paradigm Week in Berlin is a perfect opportunity to learn about System Approach, the special didactic method the STA Berlin has been using for a number of years. It is important that every Instructor Certification candidate has the chance to come to STA Berlin to learn about System Approach in the place where it was invented and developed, and where it is practiced still today. Instructor Certification events require the focused effort of the entire faculty at STA Berlin, making it prohibitive to host the event elsewhere.
How does the Siemens Technik Akademie (STA) Berlin support the implementation of the SMSCP?
During the Instructor Certification process, the instructors have a deep discussion with STA Berlin staff on the best ways to implement the program into their school and curriculum. Such implementation discussions are interwoven with the main material covering System Approach and the course-specific parts. This allows the STA Berlin to be very closely involved and supportive of the partner school during the crucial initial implementation phase. Moreover, the SMSCP faculty members are available at any time to help with implementation questions. We routinely offer free on-site consultations to partner schools.
How is the quality of the SMSCP secured?
Siemens ensures the quality of the SMSCP by keeping control over two major aspects of the certification process. First, we have an intensive and challenging Instructor Certification process that must be at least partially performed together with us in Berlin, Germany. Second, we control the level exams—in fact, it’s the only part of the program we keep secret from our partner schools. The rest of the program is completely open to our partners.
What does it take for an instructor to get certified?
In order for an instructor to receive a level certification, he or she has to actively participate in an Instructor Certification event in Berlin, Germany (Paradigm Week) as well as in the course-specific sessions that are held either in Berlin as well or, in some cases, in their home country. During the Instructor Certification, candidates are required to demonstrate an openness to the System Approach.
How is the connection to the local Siemens company established?
There’s no specific rule as to how the local Siemens company is connected—if the partner school has an existing connection to Siemens in their country, that is just fine. If not, we can help to connect the partner school to Siemens in their country.
How often can a failed exam be retaken?
The student can retake the exam as often as necessary to pass. There is no limit on the number of retakes, and no minimum waiting period between retakes.
What is the benefit of becoming a Certified Instructor Trainer?
As a Certified Instructor Trainer you can give all courses of the instructor certification (except the paradigm week courses) at your Preferred Provider school.
What professional background should an instructor have to become certified?
Partner schools are entrusted to select instructors suitable for the program to travel to Berlin to represent their school and country. Instructor certification candidates should have a background in one or more subject areas in the field of mechatronic systems.
How can a business become a SMSCP partner?
SMSCP corporate partners are partners because they bring a clear benefit to the program. The SMSCP has no donor schemes and does not sell influence over program content or policy to vendors through the solicitation of cash gifts. To us, partnership means parties coming together for mutual benefit. SMSCP partners are carefully selected and partnership is based on meaningful, thoughtful contribution to the program, which can take various forms—not just cash.
What kind of equipment is needed to teach SMSCP courses? Does it have to be Siemens equipment?
Teaching with System Approach means that a real mechatronic training system must always be on focus. Partner schools are required to have and use a mechatronic training system on site at their teaching facility. We can provide you with a list of hardware requirements that shows all the necessary equipment. Other than Siemens PLC components which are required, the program is vendor neutral.
Why is Siemens offering a certification program in mechatronic systems?
There is a clear need for a comprehensive certification that is based on international industry requirements. Siemens has over 20 years of experience in Mechatronics education and over 100 years in technical education generally; it is also one of the leading companies in mechanics and automated systems. This combination of both industrial and educational expertise makes Siemens an ideal provider/partner and competent authority to offer a certification program in mechatronic systems.
Is the Siemens Certification recognized throughout industry?
Large and small companies, industrial organizations and associations, schools and government agencies have all recognized the SMSCP as being essential for the future idea of manufacturing and mechatronic systems education and operation. Companies from major automotive manufacturers to steelmakers have started to demand SMSCP certifications for their employees and applicants.
