Continuing Education

Programmable Logic Controller I

Programmable Logic Controller Level I Certificate of Achievement

This certificate of achievement focuses on learning IEC 61131-3 languages using Allen Bradley PLCs. Graduates will acquire the skills needed to build, integrate, maintain, troubleshoot and manage PLC programs. Students also have the opportunity to achieve two NAIT Microcredentials while taking this certificate program.

  • Develop a PLC program using all four IEC61131-3 languages.
  • Understand and respond to a problem statement.
  • Troubleshoot PLC programs.
  • Upload and download a program to a PLC.
  • Program an Allen Bradley MicroLogix PLC and a CompactLogix PLC.
  • Use discrete and analog signals.
  • Create customized programs that are specific to your equipment and needs.
  • Understand and create programs using SCADAPack.

NAIT PLC Micro-credentials

As you proceed through the Level I PLC certificate program, you will earn two micro-credentials from NAIT.

They are available for you to share your learning progress on your social channels.

  • PLC Ladder Logic Programming
  • PLC Advanced Programming

Courses

Quick Facts

Credential: Certificate Achievement

An approved non-credit program that has a formal summative assessment component, has mappped program or course outcomes, and is subject to a regular quality curriculum review process.

Campus: Main

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map

Delivery Modes:

  • Varies by Class - Delivery mode varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.

Delivery Times:

  • Varies by Class - Delivery times varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.

Two PLC Certificates

There are two NAIT PLC certificate achievements, both presenting unique learning opportunities. It is highly recommended that you complete Level I before moving to Level II. Learn more about the  Level II Certificate.

Programmable Logic Controller Level I Certificate of Achievement

The courses within the Programmable Logic Controller Certificate Level I focus on IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder diagram, Function Block diagram, Structured Text, and Sequential Function Chart diagram).

Level I Courses

There are two schedule options for Level I.  

Option 1

  • PLCC101
  • PLCC102
  • PLCC103
  • PLCC105
  • PLCC104
  • PLCC106

Option 2 (Accelerated)

Complete the Level I certificate in just two weeks with an accelerated schedule.

Information in PLCC101, 102 and 103 is instructed in PLCC113, while PLCC104, 105 and 106 are covered in PLCC146. 

  • PLCC113 
  • PLCC146

Earn NAIT Micro-credentials in Automation

A micro-credential represents recognition of employer-valued competencies and skills. They are sharable on your social channels and prove upskilling to prospective or existing employers and managers.

After successfully demonstrating competency through  assessments based on real world situations, you will accelerate your professional development and earn NAIT micro-credentials in the area of automation.

NAIT Microcredential badge

PLC Ladder Logic Programming

To earn your PLC Ladder Logic Programming micro-credential, you must demonstrate the competencies acquired by successful completion of the assessments in:

  • PLCC101
  • PLCC102
  • PLCC103

Or the equivalent accelerated option:

  • PLCC113 

PLC Advanced Programming

To earn your PLC Advanced Programming micro-credential, you must demonstrate the competencies acquired by successful completion of the assessments in:

  • PLCC104
  • PLCC105
  • PLCC106

Or the equivalent accelerated option:

  • PLCC146

Please note: You will need to successfully demonstrate the learning outcomes of PLCC106 along with PLCC104 and PLCC105 to obtain the Programmable Logic Controller Level I Certificate of Achievement.

Flexible Learning Options

Courses in NAIT’s PLC programming certificates have been designed with hands-on skills in mind. We offer flexible start dates throughout the year. Courses are offered in a variety of scheduling formats to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Currently, due to COVID-19 Health and Safety restrictions, our training is being offered in an online format only. The courses are delivered synchronously with live active instruction and engagement with other participants, using highly defined simulators and real PLCs.

You can complete the entire PLC Level I program in as little as two weeks with our accelerated compressed schedule. Most people complete Level I and Level II  by taking evening classes.

Previous Required Experience

To be successful in this program participants should have  the following experience:

  • Familiarity with personal computers.
  • Working knowledge of AC and DC electrical circuits.
  • Basic knowledge of automated processes.
  • Minimum of post-secondary or apprenticeship in a related field, or equivalent experience.

For more information please contact ContinuingEducation@nait.ca or call 780-378-6990.

Instructors

Dr. Yadu Prabhakar, Ph.D., P.Eng., MSc.

Dr. Yadu Prabhakar, Ph.D., P.Eng., MSc.

Dr. Yadu Prabhakar is a Robotics and Industrial Automation instructional facilitator at NAIT with more than 7 years of teaching experience.

Read More
Jean-Paul Prévost, Ph.D., M.A.Sc.

Jean-Paul Prévost, Ph.D., M.A.Sc.

Dr. Jean-Paul Prévost is an instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at NAIT. He has been at NAIT for over 7 years, teaching courses in electrical theory, PLC automation and motor drives.

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I apply/register?

Except for our Academic Upgrading and ESL programs, you do not need to apply to get started. If you would like to join us for courses, you can enrol yourself through our website and complete your fee payment by VISA/MasterCard credit or debit card.

You can proceed to the course page and select “Add to Cart” beside the course dates of your choice. You will complete your payment once you are signed into your account. A video walkthrough of this process is available at www.nait.ca/register

Visit the ESL application page for details on how to register.

Visit the Academic Upgrading program page for details on how to register.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

When is the deadline to register?

This can vary depending on the course or program. Some courses may have specific registration deadlines, which will be noted under View Course Information.

Space is limited, and our courses can fill up well before the scheduled start date. For best results, we recommend enrolling as soon as you are able. If the Add to Cart button is available on the website, you are welcome to enrol.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

I am trying to sign up, but the shopping cart says “already enrolled in course, add not processed.” What do I do now?

You may have begun and not finished the checkout process in the last 24 hours. The course is on your MyNAIT portal waiting for secure online payment to confirm your seat in the class.

Please log in to your MyNAIT portal complete online payment through Self Service.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

I've been added to a waitlist. What does this mean?

If a course you wish to take says Add to Waitlist instead of Add to Cart, that means that there are no open seats for registration for that section.

You can add yourself to the waitlist at no charge for a chance to be enrolled if space becomes available. If you are enrolled from the waitlist, you will receive an email notice advising you to visit your student portal to make a payment.

Where possible, we recommend enrolling yourself in a different section with available space to ensure you can still complete the course even if you are not enrolled from the waitlist into your preferred section.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Do I need a NAIT student account to sign up for Continuing Education classes? How do I make one?

Yes, you do need a NAIT student account to sign up for Continuing Education classes.

If you are new to NAIT, we recommend creating a NAIT account on the MyNAIT portal. When you are asked for a NAIT ID number, leave the space blank if you have not attended or applied to NAIT before, and our system will generate a new Student ID for you.

Once your account has been made, you can search for a course and add it to your cart. You will complete your payment once you are signed into your account with your new username and password.  More details including a video walkthrough of this process is available at www.nait.ca/register

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Funding Options

How much does it cost?

NAIT has a flexible payment option for continuing education classes. 10% of the cost is due upon enrolment (as well as material fees if applicable). The remainder of tuition is due 30 days prior to class start date. 

Please refer to the ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding webpage for the most up to date funding information.

 

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 10/11/2022

What are my funding and payment options?

NAIT has a flexible payment option for continuing education classes. 10% of the cost is due upon enrolment (as well as material fees if applicable). The remainder of tuition is due 30 days prior to class start date. 

Please refer to the ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding webpage for the most up to date funding information.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 10/3/2022

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

To be eligible for a refund, you must drop your course at least 10 calendar days before the class start date.

Please see the refund policy for more information.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Are there other fees for textbooks, memberships, hardware or equipment? If so, is it something I buy from NAIT, and how?

If textbooks, materials or software are required for an individual course, it will be noted in the course details. If software or other costs apply to a whole program, it will be listed in the program overview.

Most textbooks can be purchased directly from Shop at NAIT. The program area will provide further directions if your course requires textbooks, software or other materials that need to be purchased elsewhere.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

An organization (employer or community organization) wants to pay for my Continuing Education courses by invoice. How do we set this up?

Please submit a Third Party Sponsorship form for Continuing Education courses.

This document needs to clearly identify the student, the course(s) requested, the start dates for each course requested, and the contact information of the sponsoring organization and invoicing contact. Once complete, submit the forms online.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Courses, certificates and transfer credits

I have registered for a packaged program/certificate. Can I transfer from the pre-determined course dates to other dates?

Block Enrolment Purchase

This option is designed for students seeking a structured schedule. A discounted rate is granted for the commitment to this structure. By choosing a block purchase, you secure a spot in a predefined set of classes scheduled back-to-back over a specific period. This option is for students who can commit to a fixed schedule without the need for adjustments based on personal or professional conflicts.

Requirements and Commitment:

  1. Fixed Schedule: When you opt for a block purchase, you are committing to the schedule as it is set. The schedule has been carefully designed to maximize learning outcomes and cohort progression.
  2. Block Discount: The block discount is offered as an incentive for your commitment to the entire program schedule.
  3. No Schedule Changes: Please be aware that the block purchase agreement does not allow for schedule changes once the program begins. This policy is in place to ensure the integrity of the learning experience for all students.
  4. Recommendation for Flexibility: If you anticipate the need for a flexible schedule due to work or personal commitments, we strongly advise considering our open enrolment classes. Open enrolment allows you to create a personalized schedule that can adapt to your individual needs, without the commitment to a fixed schedule.
Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 5/16/2024

How are Continuing Education certificates issued to students?

Students who successfully complete all required courses in the certificate of their choice will receive a digital credential. NAIT will automatically issue your digital certification through our MyCreds system, and you will receive an email notification once your credential is ready. Credentials typically take up to 10 business days to be processed after all grades are officially posted.

Please note: Students completing the following certificates with electives are asked to self-identify by emailing ContinuingEducation@nait.ca when they have completed the required number of electives:

  • Business Analyst
  • Business Fundamentals
  • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Enhanced Team Leadership
  • Geographic Information Systems Technology
  • Human Resources for the Supervisor
  • Leadership Development
  • Management for ASET Technology Professionals
  • Medical Office Administrator
  • Power Engineering Fourth Class Theory
  • Process Analyst
  • Water Wastewater (Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Water Distribution and Collection) 
  • Workplace Essentials
Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 6/27/2023

How do I withdraw from a non-credit course?

Information on how to withdraw from a non-credit course can be found on the Refunds page.
Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 7/21/2022

I want to apply for transfer credit, what is the process?

If you have previous post-secondary education and want to apply for transfer credit, you must first be accepted into a credit program and have paid your non-refundable tuition deposit.

Transfer credit is granted as per the guidelines and process outlined here. Please note that processing times for transfer credit is 4-6 weeks, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.  

To apply for transfer credit, please log into your MyNAIT portal account and select Open Self-Service. Once in Self-Service, select Academic Records>Transfer Credits>Apply for Transfer Credits. Please follow the prompts, make the required payment, and click submit. If you do not click on the submit button, your transfer credit application will not be received by NAIT.  

To monitor your transfer credit application, under the same section Self-Service, select Monitor Application Status. You can also locate the step-by-step Transfer Credit Application guide under the Self-Service Guide on the portal. 

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 6/30/2022

I am looking for a course or program

You can search for a Continuing Education program or course based on your area of interest here.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 10/21/2021

What are the prior knowledge and skill expectations (prerequisites) for Continuing Education courses?

The expectations before joining any of our programs will vary for each course and certificate. We will list prerequisites or recommended prior knowledge for each certificate on the program landing page, and for individual courses in the course information.

You can view individual course information by either clicking the course title or the View Course Information option under the course title.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Is there a recommended order to take each course in the certificate?

Most program areas list the courses in the recommended order and include any prerequisite information in the course Information description. If a course is listed as a pre-requisite, you would need to have completed the prerequisite to be able to register.

If a course is listed as recommended you can enrol without having the prerequisite on your record, which we only recommend doing if you have mastered the content of the recommended course through other work experience or education.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

How long does it take to finish this program? Do I have a time limit?

Many Continuing Education programs are relatively short, and you have the benefit of taking individual courses as fit your schedule and budget.

Use the drop-down menu of dates beside the add to cart button to pick out a schedule that works for you. We recommend completing most programs within 1-2 years wherever possible to help you maintain connections in your learning from course to course.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Can I get credit towards this credential for experience or past coursework?

Many programs will accept previous experience or coursework.

There is a fee and formal application process for transfer credit for previous course work or work experience. Learn more about transfer and credit options.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Technology Requirements

What are the technology requirements for virtual classes?

  • Access to a personal computer running Windows 8.1 or 10/11 operating system with minimum 4GB of system memory (8 GB highly recommended) and must have administrator rights to install applications.
  • Microsoft Office 365 or Office 2019/2021. Education version of Microsoft Office 365 is available for all current NAIT students.
  • Students can contact NAIT Information and Technology Services for help and support
  • High speed internet connection
  • Microphone, speaker or headset and webcam
  • Dual monitor display is highly recommended
Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 6/23/2023

The course description says “Mac, Chromebook or tablets are not supported." What are my options to attend virtual courses?

The statement about Windows vs. Mac is for classes that are taught on computers running Windows.

The instructor will be using a Windows operating system for these courses and will not be able to allocate instructional time navigating or troubleshooting differences between Mac/Windows OS.

Some students are comfortable doing that type of troubleshooting themselves, but there may also be software compatibility concerns for your individual course and the instructor will not able to provide direct technical support should you choose to proceed against the program’s recommendation.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

What is Moodle, and how do I use it?

Moodle is the learning platform we use for many of our online courses.

If your course will be delivered through Moodle, you can access it by clicking the Moodle button right in your MyNAIT portal account. You will find your course linked in Moodle on the scheduled start date.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Related Programs & Courses

Delivery Methods

  • Face to Face: Where: In-person meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Face-to-face instruction at all class meetings. Location may be on campus or at a worksite.
  • Blended: Where: Mixture of in-person & online components. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Combination of face-to-face and online components at specific times. Some online components may be accessed online anytime.
  • Hyflex: Where: Choice to attend in-person or online meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. For each class, students choose to attend in-person with the instructor or online at a specific time.
  • Remote Live Delivery: Where: Online with instructor. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Instruction is delivered at set times online. Students do not come to campus.
  • Remote On-Demand Delivery: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online. While there are no set class meetings, there may be set due dates and deadlines for some activities. Students may interact with peers through virtual tools.
  • Remote Independent: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online, with no instructor support. While students choose when to do coursework, there may be set due dates and deadlines. 
  • Work Placement: Where: In-person meetings. When: Work is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Onsite work integrated learning. Location at a worksite.
Shopping Cart Quick View
Open Shopping Cart