Blueprint for impact
Get a look at the pillars shaping this course.
While development is still underway, these highlights offer an early look at the skills and outcomes you’ll be working toward:
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Exploring this for your team, not just yourself? You’re in the right place. This course is still in development, making it an ideal time to explore how it could support your workforce goals. Whether you're planning ahead or seeking a strategic fit, we’ll help tailor the experience so it delivers value for your team from day one.
Fundamentals of Surface Mount Technology
Equip your team with in-demand Surface Mount Technology skills to reduce defects, improve yield, and streamline electronics manufacturing operations.
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Description
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is foundational to high-reliability electronics manufacturing, impacting quality, cost, and time-to-market. This training solution is built for companies seeking to upskill employees in real-world SMT applications. In this asynchronous online course, learners gain the technical vocabulary, process fluency, and knowledge of troubleshooting required to support and optimize SMT operations.
Participants explore every major step in the SMT assembly process, from stencil printing and solder paste selection to reflow soldering, inspection, and defect analysis. The course connects theory to practice, helping learners understand how they will apply new skills on the line. Designed with workforce development in mind, this course improves cross-functional collaboration between engineering, quality, and production roles while reducing training time and enhancing operational consistency.
Outcomes
- Understand SMT Fundamentals
Build fluency in SMT processes to support production efficiency and communication across departments. - Interpret PCB Fabrication Processes
Analyze board complexity and learn how design choices influence process setup and downstream performance. - Classify Component Technologies
Identify and differentiate surface mount components used in modern assemblies, including BGA and micro-packages. - Implement Effective Printing Processes
Explain best practices in stencil design and solder paste application to reduce printing defects and improve yield. - Optimize SMT Line Performance
Calculate throughput and placement rates, interpret reflow profiles, and identify process adjustments in real time. - Identify Process Defects and Recommend Repairs
Learn rework and repair strategies for common SMT issues using standard tools and techniques. - Apply Inspection and Reliability Standards
Evaluate cleaning processes, visual inspection criteria, and reliability testing to maintain quality.
The Learning Experience
This course is designed for electronics manufacturing professionals, including engineers, technicians, and team leads responsible for SMT operations. It is well-suited for companies looking to train new hires, cross-train team members, or close skills gaps across departments. Participants will complete self-paced digital modules. No prior SMT experience is required, though basic familiarity with electronics is beneficial. This format is ideal for scalable, job-embedded learning. NOTE: This course can be modified to include hands-on lab activities that allow learners to apply course outcomes to real-world products and equipment.
Cost
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This course is designed by RIT and delivered on the edX platform. Enrollment is available exclusively at edx.org. Please visit the edX website to explore more detailed information about pricing options, start dates, time commitment and more.
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This offering may have multiple start dates.
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You will be directed to our secure course registration and payment system.
If you need assistance with registration, our team is here to help. Contact us at (585) 475-2400 or certified@rit.edu.
Ready when you are
This course is not currently open for enrollment, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity has to wait.
If this course aligns with your goals or your team’s needs, let us know. Your interest helps us plan future sessions and may even accelerate the timeline. We also offer custom options for organizations looking to run tailored versions of this experience.
Hear from the experts
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Insight
Value
Flexible. Applied. Built for business.
Exploring this for your team, not just yourself? You're in the right place. RIT Certified courses deliver high-impact ROI whether used off the shelf or tailored with our team to align with your workforce strategy. Each offering builds in-demand skills that help teams grow, retain talent, and stay ahead in a world of constant change. We don’t just deliver training. We help you plan for what’s next.
Pathways and certificates
This course is part of a broader mastery certificate.
Explore how it fits into a full learning journey.
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