In the world of industrial automation, progress never stands still, and neither does Ignition. As the platform continues to evolve, so does the way integrators learn, grow, and demonstrate their expertise. That’s why we’ve refined the Ignition credentialing and certification process to better support our integrator community and help you stay current and confident as the platform advances.
This is an evolution that aligns with how integrators actually work and learn. Whether you’re onboarding new engineers, preparing for a higher certification exam, or just maintaining your team’s status in the Integrator Program, these changes create a clearer and more flexible path forward.
Here’s how the credentialing process is evolving to empower integrators at every level.
This is an evolution that aligns with how integrators actually work and learn. Whether you’re onboarding new engineers, preparing for a higher certification exam, or just maintaining your team’s status in the Integrator Program, these changes create a clearer and more flexible path forward.
Credentials and Certifications Are Now Separate
Credentials and certifications have long set Ignition integrators apart, showcasing the high standards, skill, and expertise that define our community. These programs have helped ensure that projects built on Ignition reflect the same level of quality and innovation that our users expect.
Now, credentials and certifications will be distinct tools in your professional toolkit, allowing each to serve its specific purpose more effectively:
- Credentials reflect your current knowledge of the Ignition platform.
- Certifications demonstrate tested, in-depth expertise and validate your long-term experience.
You will no longer need a credential to qualify for certification or recertification tests, which will give you more control over how and when you pursue certifications. However, credentials will continue to be your key to accessing free certification tests as part of the Integrator Program.
Simplified Certification Lifecycles
When you pass a certification test, you will maintain that level of certification, so when you pass a Gold Certification Test, your Core Certification will no longer be relevant. If your certification expires, you will simply need to take the test that matches your certification again, and you will be automatically reinstated. For example, formerly Gold Certified users can take the Gold Certification Test without having to retake the Core Certification Test.
Companies enrolled in the Integrator Program will have the benefit of a three-month grace period to maintain their status after their certified engineer’s certification expires. If an engineer submits a test during this period, the company will retain its certification status until it is graded, and if the engineer passes, the company will keep its certification status. If the engineer does not pass, or fails to submit a certification test, the company’s Integrator Program level will be demoted at the end of the grace period.
These changes give you more time, flexibility, and incentive to maintain your certifications in a way that fits your professional rhythm.
Improved Credentialing and Certification Process
To maintain the Credentialed level, Integrator Program members will need at least one team member who has a current credential. “Current” refers to the latest version of Ignition, which is now 8.3, based on the built-in grace period. To receive free Core certification tests, Integrator Program members need to maintain the Credentialed level.
Until March 15, 2026, the 8.1 Inductive University (IU) credential will count as the current version for the purposes of the Integrator Program. After this date, the 8.1 credential will no longer grant free recertification tests or discounts on software. Before the grace period ends, we strongly recommend Integrator Program members have at least one of their team members complete the 8.3 version of the Credential Courses school.
On existing IA accounts, your progress from the 8.1 school has been transferred over to the 8.3 library, so existing Integrator Program members will need to complete the new challenges to maintain the Credentialed level. The 8.3 version of IU contains six new challenges, and we estimate that the videos, along with the challenges, will only take a few hours for most users to complete.
We encourage new Integrator Program members to start on the 8.3 version of the Credential Courses school as soon as they can.
Why This Evolution Matters
We believe learning and growth should feel like momentum — not maintenance. That’s what this change is all about:
- Giving integrators clear steps to stay current.
- Reducing ambiguity in the certification path.
- Providing more opportunities, not more obstacles.
We’re committed to enabling integrators to showcase their expertise, access benefits, and grow alongside the platform, whether you're a single user or part of a global enterprise team.
Are You Ready To Take the Next Step?
There’s never been a better time to align your team with the future of Ignition. With a more flexible credentialing system, more forgiving certification windows, and a platform that’s always improving, you’ll be ideally positioned to grow, scale, and succeed with confidence.
Get started by enrolling in the 8.3 Credential Courses school at Inductive University, exploring our certification courses, or contacting our training team. We’re here to help every step of the way!
