Certification for Injection Molding Professionals – Level 1

This globally-recognized professional certification demonstrates a broad-spectrum understanding of the injection molding industry. The knowledge required ranges from a good understanding of injection molding safety to having a fundamental working knowledge of injection molding machinery, processing, tooling, materials, and quality; all based on current industry best practices. Successfully passing this certification demonstrates a good working knowledge of injection molding and industry best practices.

Who Should Consider Certification?

Anyone working in the plastics industry should consider Level 1 Certification for Injection Molding Professionals. Individuals and engineers can use this certification to improve their standing within the industry or their company. Molding Managers should consider offering this certification to train a strong workforce confident with a fundamental understanding of injection molding.

How to Get Certified:

Level 1 Injection Molding Professional certification testing is conducted either online or in person at a certified plastics testing center. The Level 1 certification requires the completion of a 3-part test taking approximately 1-2 hours to complete with a time limit of 3 hours total. The first portion of the test consists of a series of True-False questions to cover a broad spectrum of content. The second section of testing consists of multiple-choice questions designed to better differentiate a candidates understanding of common injection molding concepts. The third portion of the testing requires analysis of common molding scenarios designed to identify the candidate’s working knowledge of injection molding.

Once the participant has successfully completed the Level 1 certification test, they will be immediately provided with a printable certificate. If you are located within the region of a certified testing center such as the Americas or Southeast Asia, you will receive, via post, a wallet sized certificate as well as a full-sized certificate suitable for framing. You records will also be kept on our global database, so additional awards, plaques, and certificate copies can be ordered at any time in the future.

How to Prepare for Certification:

Although preparation training is not necessary to achieve certification, most injection molding professionals prepare for Level 1 Certification testing with 16-24 hours of our online training programs.

Our ‘Online Training IM Professional - Level 1 Certification’ package provides 16 online courses containing content specifically focused on the essentials of injection molding along with Level-1 certification testing. This self-paced online package is specifically designed to provide the participant the necessary information to complete Level 1 Certification.

Testing Criteria:

  • Working Safely in an Injection Molding Environment
  • Identifying Machine Components and Their Function
  • Comparing Basics of Hydraulic vs. Electric Machinery
  • Understanding the General Purpose Screw
  • Familiarity with General Polymer Types
  • Amorphous vs. Semi-Crystalline Materials
  • Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets
  • Familiarity with the Molding Process, including: 1st Stage Injection, 2nd Stage Packing, Part Cooling, Screw Recovery and Part Removal
  • Understand Basic Machine Controls
  • Differentiating Modes of Operation
  • Understanding Common Part Removal Techniques
  • Knowledge of Common Visual Defects, including: Flash, Short Shots, Sinks & Voids, Jetting, Burning, Flow Lines, Weld & Meld Lines and PoorSurface Finish.
  • General Hot Runner Systems
  • Conventional Mold Bases
  • General Material Characterization
  • Basic Dimensioning and Tolerances
  • Understanding Material Handling
  • Material Drying Methods
  • Start-Up and Shut-Down
  • General Material-Related Defects, including: Splay, Bubbles, & Blisters, Brittleness, Cracking & Crazing, Delamination, Contamination, and Poor Color Distribution
  • Process Documentation Techniques
  • Common Mold Machining Methods
  • Conventional Gating Systems
  • Typical Mold Maintenance Techniques
  • Polymer Chain Orientation
  • Basic Math and Common Calculations

Please contact us for more information about operator and technician certification.