Programming

Where is PLC Programming Used?

If you’ve just googled ‘PLC programming online courses’ or ‘PLC programming classes’, then you already know the importance of PLC programming.

PLC is ‘Programmable Logic Controller’. It’s a special type of computer used to manage complex industrial automation systems.

PLC programming helps automate industrial appliances and customize control applications as per customer needs. PLC Programmer is responsible for designing, creating and maintaining industrial automation systems managed by PLC.

Is PLC Programming a Good Career?

A lot of indistrial companies are always in need of good PLC programmers. This kind of job is well-compensated and you often have a chance to travel. However, if you want to pursue a career in the industrial automation, you’ll also have to learn SCADA and HMI.

CourseKillers.com editorial finished a thorough research to help you find the answers to the following questions:

• How to learn PLC programming at home?

• Where to learn PLC programming online?

• What are the best online PLC courses and trainings?

Read this article to the end to find out which course is a good fit for you.

Best PLC Programming Online Training and Courses

Our team of 30 experts have put together a list of the finest and the best PLC programming courses and classes. Some of these PLC programming training get delivered online whereas some are taught offline.

1. PLC Programming from Scratch – PLC 1 (Udemy)

This PLC training course offers 10 hours of on-demand videos and 28+ articles and other downloadable.

Paul Lynn, the course instructor has extensive experience in mechanical design (chemical processing and filtration). He carried out projects from $10.000 to $40.000.000 so he’s a person that you want to listen to if you want to become a PLC programmer.

‘PLC Programming from scratch’ focuses on ladder level logic, the most popular PLC programming language. Students will get insights into basic control techniques including Level control, Pump Control, HOA control and more. By the end of the course you’ll be able to create your first PLC program.

Here’s what you’ll learn during the course:

• Understand the basic logic of PLC programming (ladder logic)
• Explore how digital and analog signals are used in a PLC
• Learn basic, standard controls techniques
• Get basic introduction to HMI

Paul Lynn’s course is the best if you want to focus on ladder logic.

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2. Learning PLC Ladder Logic on LinkedIn Learning (FREE)

This is another online PLC programming course for beginners. The instructor Zahraa Khalil explains basic concepts of the Ladder Logic, the most popular industrial automation language, including such basic concepts as rung operations, timer & count instructions. This course boasts a handful of real-life examples and case studies so it’s great for someone without any background in PLC programming.

Given this online PLC programming course consists of 5 modules, each less than 30 minutes, you can learn PLC fundamentals as fast as in 1 day.

‘Learning PLC Ladder Logic’ is the best choice if you’re looking for a free and quick online PLC programming course

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3. Learn 5 PLC’s in a day – AB, Siemens, Schneider, Omron and Delta

This online PLC programming course is the most compete course for the PLC programming basics we’ve found so far. The instructor Rajvir Singh is explaining all the basic concepts of ladder logic with a breakdown into different hardware manufacturers and exphasizes troubleshooting.

As this course offers more than 230 videos, it’ll take students from the very basic concepts such as controls, digital and analog I/O to the detailed difference among hardware from 5 manufacturers mentioned above. Apart from theory, you’ll be able to download free PLC simulators and practice wiring them at home which is unbelievably useful.

Here’s what you’ll learn during the course:

• How to program a PLC
• The logic behind industrial automation with AB, Siemens, Schneider, Omron and Delta PLCs
• How to program analog cards
• You’ll get free PLC Simulation Software to practice with

If you’re looking for a good value for money, this PLC programming course is a gem!

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It’s worth noting though that contrary to the course’s name, you’ll need at least 2 full days to finalize it.

4. PLC Programming – Training from scratch on RXLogix500 & 5000

With 14.5 hours of on-demand videos, this course offers everything that an entry-level PLC engineer/programmer needs. It covers everything from basic questions like what a PLC is used for to some real-world scenarios and common mistakes. What’s important, there’s a test after each section so you’ll have to revise the material.

Vladimir Romanov, a course instructor, holds an Electrical Engineering Degree and is experienced with solving automation challenges.

Beginners generally find this course quite difficult to understand. It’s recommended if you already have a solid understanding of the core concepts – for instance, after finishing ‘PLC Programming from Scratch’ course from Udemy.

If you’re focused on RXLogix500 / 5000, this course is the best fit.

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Advanced PLC Programming courses

So what’s next? After you have completed a PLC Programming course for beginners and you already have some basic knowledge, you are free to take a deep dive into the topic. This section contains the courses that will be too hard for a novice to understand. Note that we don’t assume that the course is not obligatory designed for pros, they’re just generally a bit more complicated for a person new to the topic.

Programmable Logic Controllers Technician Certificate Program by George Brown College

This PLC programming course was developed by George Brown College that specializes in technical trainings. This is a longer training program and the typical completion time reported by those enrolled is 32 weeks so be prepared to commit before you enroll.

This self-paced course offers a Rockwell Logix 500 controller simulator (emulating the Rockwell Logix 500 series PLC control software) that will help you to emulate the applications you need and allows a student to move through quality program material divided into 19 different modules. Each of the 19 modules includes learning objectives, practical applications, technical tips, interactive labs, review questions and online final exams.

Online PLC Programming Course Comparison (Beginner)

Now let’s compare the courses we reviewed to understand what’s right for you! Note that the prices are subject to change that’s why we just state the price range. Please also note that we only included PLC courses for beginners for the comparison to be legit.