Frequently asked questions about the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program (SMSCP)
General Questions about the SMSCP
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.
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.
Student Certification
What are the eligibility criteria to participate in the levels? Does the first level has to be completed in order to do the second level and so forth?
The levels stand alone; it is not a requirement to complete a "lower" level in order to do a "higher" one. Furthermore, the decision about eligibility criteria lies at the partner school.
Is it possible to do the three levels of the SMSCP continuously, in form of a part-time or full-time study program?
The decision about how to implement the SMSCP in the best way, that the program is consistent with the partner schools regulatory structure and local priorities and needs, is totally up to the partner school. Some partner schools around the world implement the program in an accelerated way; some of them do it drawn out over a period of time, and still others implement the program in what we might recognize as a "normal" school day program. The Siemens Technik Akademie (STA) Berlin only provides the certification framework and quality assurance to the program.
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.
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.
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.
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 are the job prospects after having completed a level certification in the SMSCP?
Every level of the SMSCP is tied to a job-profile describing what a certified person should be able to do after completing the exam. If SMSCP-certified students apply for a job that goes along with this profile, they have an increased chance to get a good job, and many do get placed at Siemens companies or joint ventures. However, hiring decisions are exclusively the decision of the hiring company.
Instructor Certification Program
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. We recommend coming to STA Berlin for the Paradigm Week to learn about System Approach in the place where it was invented and developed, and where it is practiced still today.
Until recently, we had always insisted on doing our Instructor Certification courses in Berlin, but due to demand we’ve conducted these courses recently on-site around the world, bringing the Instructor Certification experience closer to you. We still believe that the Berlin experience is the preferred one and has an immense value, but we are open to discuss the possibilities for conducting the System Approach Paradigm Week at partner schools.
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 Program, which consists of a System Approach Paradigm Week as well as a course-specific session. During the Instructor Certification, candidates are required to demonstrate an openness to the System Approach teaching method.
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. Instructor certification candidates should have a background in one or more subject areas in the field of mechatronic systems.
Institutions
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 on-site consultations at 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 should 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.
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.
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.
Corporate Partners
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.
