Programmable Controller Systems 1 (PLC) Flex


Course number : 8100018    ID : 67709    Program Code : 001:FlexFA26

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The PLC is where a machine's decisions live. Whether a cylinder extends, how long a dwell lasts, what has to be true before the next step runs — all of it sits in ladder logic that somebody wrote, and somebody else will have to read at two in the morning. This course teaches you to read that logic, write it, and run the controller with confidence.

You will program, configure, adjust, monitor, and operate industrial PLC systems, starting with PLC safety rules, normal startup and shutdown, operating the controller in its different modes, and performing an emergency shutdown and reset. You will monitor operation using both status indicators and PC-based PLC software, configure processor software drivers to enable communication between the PLC and PC, configure discrete I/O, and transfer programs between the PC and the processor. You will also configure and load HMI programs and operate an HMI together with the PLC.

On the programming side, you will interpret basic and intermediate ladder logic using contacts, coils, timers, counters, math, and comparison instructions, create and edit PLC projects, and work through common application logic driving electro-pneumatic actuators and on/off motor control systems.

This course prepares you to test for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) C-207 Programmable Controller Systems 1 certification.

Class Details

0 Session(s)

Location
TechWorks Campus – Automation & Robotics Center – 2nd Floor #215 – Wednesday: Controls Instructor Night

Instructor
Multiple

CEUs : 4.8

Start Date:upon registration

 

Notice

Please read: 

FLEX FORMAT: This course is offered in Hawkeye's Flex format at the second floor of the Automation and Robotics Center (ARC). Flex is competency-based and a flipped classroom: you complete the theory in the Learning Management System (LMS) online on your own schedule, then come to the ARC open lab to practice and demonstrate hands-on skills on the matching industrial trainers. You advance by demonstrating skill mastery of each competency, not seat time. Flex lab nights are Monday–Thursday, 5:00–9:00 pm, with an instructor and lab assistant on duty; the lab is also open for independent work Monday–Thursday from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm, and Fridays 8:00 am–4:00 pm. The subject-matter expert for this course is scheduled for Wednesday night; plan to attend that night each week for in-depth help and hands-on competency testing. Rolling enrollment: start any week. Refer to your registration form or class details for the timeline to complete the course from your start date. This course aligns with the SACA C-207 Programmable Controller Systems 1 micro-credential. The course fee includes two attempts at the SACA Silver (knowledge) exam and one attempt at the SACA Gold (hands-on) exam, administered at the ARC.

 

DEVICE AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: The online portion of this course uses a Learning Management System (LMS). Click for minimum device requirements to access LMS! Students without a qualifying device may borrow a Hawkeye laptop by requesting the Laptop Checkout Form; the student is responsible for repair or replacement costs if the laptop is damaged, lost, or stolen. Safety glasses (one pair provided) and closed-toe shoes are required at all times in the ARC lab.

 

 

Tuition  $1,199.00


Registration Closes On
Thursday, December 31, 2026 @ 12:00 AM

Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
Waterloo, TechWorks Campus Automation & Robotics Center  Map, Room: Controls Lab & Instructor—Wednesday Nights Christopher Kane  ; Kevin Taylor