I set a goal for myself to become a Certified Fluid Power Engineer in 2015 when I achieved my CFPHS. Most recently I passed the Electronic Controls Specialist certification. As electronics become more and more the standard in fluid power, I think engineers and technicians that deal with controlling hydraulics with most anything other than a manual control would benefit from ECS training/testing.”

By mandating IFPS certification for our entire sales force, we are showing our customers that our staff is fully knowledgeable about the products we provide to the industry. This level of product competence sets our sales force ahead of the rest.” Jon Jensen, CFPPS, CFPECS, CFPAI Energy Conservation Group Manager

Ross Groening, CFPECS, CFPHS, Project Engineer

Getting certified as a CFPS (Hydraulic and Pneumatic Specialist) is a requirement of my job. I went the extra mile to get certified as a CFPECS. The knowledge gained from studying for these exams has already proven to be invaluable. Being certified provides instant trust and credibility with customers. Truly understanding hydraulics and pneumatics allows for a better understanding of a client’s needs. I can properly recommend systems, and avoid potential downfalls and problems of a poorly designed system. Anyone in the fluid power industry could benefit from getting IFPS certified.”

I received my ECS certification in 2013. I also was eager to learn, given my prior background in mobile electronic controls, including fluid power systems. I feel that the knowledge gained while studying for the exam was helpful in my previous job in sales. I was able to understand the control language and speak with my client’s engineers much more comfortably. I would recommend this test to anyone I know that deals frequently with fluid power controls, particularly if it is necessary to understand multiple communication protocols.”

John Juhasz, CFPHS, CFPS, CFPECS, CFPMHM, CFPIHM, CFPMHT, Territory Manager

Brian J. Szuch, CFPHS, CFPPS, CFPS, CFPPM, CFPPT, CFPCC, CFPECS, CFPSD, CFPMHM, CFPMHT, CFPMMH, CFPMIH, CFPMM, CFPMT, CFPIHT, CFPIHM, CFPAI, CFPAJPP, CFPAJPPCC Hydraulic Engineer

Joe Barron, CFPSECS, CFPS, Mechanical Engineer, Knorr Brake Company

Jordan Pritt, CFPECS, CFPS, Territory Manager

Certification/training is a ‘common core’ that builds professionalism in the industry. Second, maintaining a ‘noise level’ to stay on the radar of young professionals and students, especially those interested in technology, maintains the influx of youth and subsequent generations into fluid power.”

Gestamp began certification training last year (2014). The training has dramatically decreased equipment downtime and costs, since the technicians systematically troubleshoot the equipment and do not simply swap out parts until the machine runs again. Since certification training teaches proper installation techniques, repeat repair calls have virtually been eliminated because they now ‘do it right the first time.’ Unexpected benefits arose from the certification process, primarily the sense of ownership and teamwork that resulted from IFPS training. It has also instilled a greater sense of value and professionalism in the staff. I have heard many managers say they cannot afford to have training for their staff; I say you cannot afford not to.”

I saw getting ECS certified as a means to get an affirmation that my accumulated knowledge was accurate and useful. Passing the test has served as a confidence-builder for my employer that I have significant knowledge with regards to electronic controls and electro-hydraulics, and how it relates to fluid power. I would definitely recommend the ECS certification. It demonstrates competency.”

I was ECS certified in 2012, and I consider it a personal and professional achievement. I wanted to learn more about electro-hydraulics. It certainly made me more familiar with the terms and overall electronic controls subject matter. As a result, I am now able to troubleshoot and produce logic for our in-house HPU, as well as obtain signals from various sensors. Not only do I recommend the ECS certification, I would also recommend any of the certifications from IFPS. They are very informative, and the study manuals continue to be useful as job reference material. They are proof you know what you say you know.” Dave Tetzlaff, CFPHS, CFPECS, CFPE Senior Project Engineer

Paul Stephens, CFPECS, Engineer

www.IFPS.org • Manufacturers Directory 2016 • www.FluidPowerJournal.com

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