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Learning pathways

Step-by-step tracks, each leading to its own Spark certification.

Each pathway builds on the free library and adds guided lessons, practice, and a final exam. Hands-on pathways also include a skills demonstration. Levels are a guide, not a requirement.

BeginnerIn development

Safety foundations

For: New and returning manufacturing workers

You will learn: Hazard awareness, PPE, lockout/tagout basics, safe material handling.

You earn: Spark Certified Safety Foundations

BeginnerIn development

Production technician

For: Operators and assemblers ready for more responsibility

You will learn: Safety, quality practices, manufacturing processes, maintenance awareness.

You earn: Spark Certified Production Technician

IntermediateIn development

CNC machining and programming

For: Operators moving into setup and programming

You will learn: Blueprint reading, measurement, G-code basics, setups, CAM and nesting.

You earn: Spark Certified CNC Machining and Programming Specialist

Includes: a hands-on skills demonstration

Beginner to intermediateIn development

Welding and fabrication

For: Helpers and new welders

You will learn: Welding processes, joint design, cutting, fit-up and inspection.

You earn: Spark Certified Welding and Fabrication Specialist

Includes: a hands-on skills demonstration

IntermediateIn development

Quality inspection and improvement

For: Inspectors, technicians and team leads

You will learn: Inspection tools, tolerances, root cause analysis, Lean and DMAIC.

You earn: Spark Certified Quality Technician

IntermediateIn development

Supply chain and planning

For: Buyers, planners and inventory staff

You will learn: Forecasting, MRP, inventory control, supplier management, ERP basics.

You earn: Spark Certified Supply Chain and Planning Specialist

Beginner to intermediateIn development

CAD and design

For: Drafters and aspiring designers

You will learn: 3D modeling, drawings, tolerancing and design for manufacturability.

You earn: Spark Certified CAD and Design Associate

Includes: a hands-on skills demonstration

IntermediateIn development

Manufacturing systems and data

For: Anyone working with ERP, PLM or product data

You will learn: Bills of materials, work orders, master data, reporting and integrations.

You earn: Spark Certified Manufacturing Systems and Data Specialist

AdvancedIn development

Manufacturing engineering and leadership

For: Engineers, supervisors and future managers

You will learn: Process design, cost, continuous improvement and leading teams.

You earn: Spark Certified Manufacturing Engineering and Leadership Professional

[Placeholder: add lesson counts, estimated hours and a "Preview a lesson" link to each pathway as they are built.]

How Spark certifications work

See every certification, what it takes to earn one, and how employers can verify it.