What PIEK International Education Centre does

PIEK International Education Centre is a privately held professional training institute headquartered in Heerlen, Netherlands, founded in 1965 and operating across the DACH and Benelux regions. The company specializes in IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) certification training and customized programs for the electronics manufacturing industry, covering the full curriculum from PCB design (IPC CID/CID+) through assembly, inspection, soldering, rework and repair, cable and wire harness assembly, and ESD control. Instruction is delivered by Master IPC-certified trainers using hands-on practical sessions with industry-standard soldering, inspection, and ESD equipment supplied by preferred partners including Weller, JBC, Kurtz Ersa, Metcal, and Euromex. The core technology is human-led instructor expertise combined with practical equipment, rather than a software platform.

PIEK monetizes through professional services revenue streams: scheduled open-enrollment courses at eight regional training academies (Heerlen, Soltau, Bretten, Berlin, Münster, Singen, Amberg, Michelstadt), customized in-company training (minimum 3 participants delivered at customer sites), live online instructor-led training, a self-paced eLearning platform, plus consultancy, ESD audits, and IPC validation services. Certifications are sold in three variants — CIS (Certified IPC Specialist), CIT (Certified IPC Trainer), and CSE (Certified Standards Expert) — with most certificates valid for 2 years and recurring recertification cycles, plus indeterminate-validity CID/CID+ design credentials. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is delivered via quote request; multi-language instruction covers Dutch, German, English, and French.

The customer base spans enterprise multinationals across automotive (Robert Bosch, Magna Powertrain, Brose), aerospace and defense (ispace Europe, Framatome, Miltech Hellas, INTRACOM Defense Electronics), medical devices (Innokas Medical), test and measurement (Rohde & Schwarz, MIRTEC Germany), and industrial automation (Turck). Several relationships exceed 10-15 years, indicating strong recurring engagement rather than transactional sales. PIEK has no disclosed parent company, no external investors, and operates through a regional German subsidiary (PIEK GmbH) established to localize DACH delivery, including a new Soltau training facility opened in 2025 to serve Northern Germany.

Name

PIEK International Education Centre

Legal name

PIEK International Education Centre (I.E.C.)

Website

https://piektraining.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PIEK International Education Centre, founded in 1965 in Heerlen, Netherlands, is an authorized IPC training and certification center serving the European electronics manufacturing industry with Master IPC-certified instructors across eight regional training academies in DACH and Benelux.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Electronics Manufacturing Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE)

Keywords

• IPC certification training
• Electronics manufacturing training
• Soldering training
• PCB design training
• ESD control training

Headquarters

HQ city

Heerlen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. IPC Certification Training: Initial certification and recertification programs for IPC standards (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012, IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC CID, IPC CID+). Certification validity of 2 years with multiple recertification options including full training, challenge test, or norm refresh plus challenge test. Offered in CIS (Certified IPC Specialist), CIT (Certified IPC Trainer), and CSE (Certified Standards Expert) variants.
2. Customized In-Company Training: Tailored training programs delivered at customer facilities or regional centers, customized to specific organizational training needs. Minimum 3 participants for customized programs. Equipment and training materials transported to customer location.
3. eLearning and Online Training: Remote training delivery options including eLearning platform and live online instructor-led courses. Theory portions of certain courses available online; practical modules require in-person assessment by certified IPC trainer.
4. Consultancy and Audit Services: Additional services including consultancy and ESD audits for electronics manufacturing facilities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

PIEK International Education Centre delivers IPC-standard certification training, customized training programs, consultancy, audits, and validation services for the electronics manufacturing industry. Course portfolio covers PCB acceptance and qualification (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012), electronic assembly acceptance (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001), rework and repair (IPC-7711/7721), wire harness assembly (IPC/WHMA-A-620), and PCB design (IPC CID/CID+), delivered by Master IPC-certified instructors.

Product overview

PIEK International Education Centre is a training institute for the electronics manufacturing industry offering IPC certification programs and customized training solutions. The core offering consists of IPC certification courses (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012, IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721, IPC/WHMA-A-620) complemented by PIEK's own specialized training programs including ESD training, hand soldering courses, and design training. Additional services include consultancy, audits, IPC validation services, and a test center. Training is delivered through face-to-face sessions at multiple European locations, online training, and in-company customized programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IPC-A-600 Training and Certification Training and certification based on the IPC-A-600 document, covering inspection criteria for printed circuit boards including visual and microsection inspection methods. Delivered in CIS, CIT, and CSE variants with 2-year certification validity.
• IPC-6012 Training and Certification Training and certification based on the IPC-6012 document, covering qualification and performance specifications for rigid printed boards including materials, tests, and documentation requirements. Delivered in CIS, CIT, and CSE variants.
• IPC-A-610 Training and Certification Training and certification based on the IPC-A-610 document, covering acceptance criteria for assembled electronic assemblies for end inspection before products are shipped. Delivered in CIS, CIT, and CSE variants.
• IPC J-STD-001 Training and Certification Training covering requirements for soldered electrical and electronic assemblies, including production processes, assembly processes, soldering processes, materials, tools, and environmental conditions. Delivered in CIS, CIT, and CSE variants.
• IPC-7711/7721 Training and Certification Practical training covering rework, modification, and repair procedures for assembled printed boards, including component replacement, board repairs, and circuit modifications. Delivered in CIS, CIT, and CSE variants.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 Training and Certification Training covering assembly processes for cable and wire harness assemblies, including tools, materials, workspace setup, soldering, crimping, and inspection requirements. Delivered in CIS, CIT, and CSE variants.
• IPC CID (Certified Interconnect Designer-Basic) Training Basic training for PCB designers covering design-for-manufacturing, design-for-assembly, and design-for-reliability principles to ensure designs can be produced and assembled properly. Certificates are valid indefinitely.
• IPC CID+ (Certified Interconnect Designer-Advanced) Training Advanced training for designers covering complex electronic designs including HDI (High Density Interconnect), high-frequency techniques, and advanced design considerations. Certificates are valid indefinitely.
• ESD Plant Auditor/Trainer Training Training leading to ESD coordinator level certification based on IEC 61340-5-1/5-2/5-3/5-4 and ANSI/ESD S20.20 standards for electrostatic discharge control programs.
• Advanced ESD Control for Operators and Technicians Full-day training covering various aspects of electrostatic discharge (ESD) including causes, consequences, protective measures, and proper workspace setup for operators and technicians.
• Basic Hand Soldering Course Foundational hand soldering training course covering basic soldering techniques for operators and technicians.
• Advanced Hand Soldering Course Advanced hand soldering training for experienced personnel covering more complex soldering techniques and scenarios.
• IPC-A-630 Box Building Specialist Training Training for box build assembly specialists covering end-product integration and system-level assembly.
• IPC J-STD-001 Space Applications Addendum Training Specialized addon training for aerospace industry covering additional requirements for space applications electronic hardware.
• QRRE - Qualified Rework & Repair Engineer Training Advanced rework and repair engineering certification for qualified professionals.
• X-Ray Inspection of PCB Assemblies Training Training on X-ray inspection techniques for printed circuit board assemblies.
• Qualified Rework & Repair of BGA/CSP/QFN Training Specialized training for rework and repair of Ball Grid Array (BGA), Chip Scale Package (CSP), and Quad Flat No-lead (QFN) components.
• Wave & Reflow Soldering Training Training covering wave soldering and reflow soldering processes including troubleshooting techniques.
• Consultancy Services Advisory services for the electronics manufacturing industry covering process improvement, PCB/PCBA design and manufacturing consulting.
• Audit Services Audit services for the electronics manufacturing industry including ESD audits to verify compliance with IPC and ESD standards.
• IPC Validation Services Validation services for IPC standards compliance in electronics manufacturing operations.
• Test Center Testing center facilities for electronics manufacturing validation, including soldering and inspection testing.
• eLearning Platform Self-paced online learning platform (elearning.piekonline.com) for IPC training modules, enabling flexible theory-based learning.
• Online Training Live online training sessions with remote instructor-led courses, with theory delivered online and practical modules requiring in-person assessment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Certification validity of 2 years with multiple recertification pathways (full training, challenge test, or norm refresh)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and preferred supplier.

• IPC — Association Connecting Electronics IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary certification and standards partnership. PIEK is an authorized IPC training and certification center delivering the full range of IPC certifications (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012, IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC CID, IPC CID+) under IPC standards. IPC provides the certification standards, exams, and global recognition framework that PIEK delivers to the electronics manufacturing industry.
• Weller Toolspreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of soldering stations and equipment for hands-on practical training. Training facilities equipped with Weller soldering equipment for soldering practice and demonstrations.
• JBC Toolspreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of soldering stations for training. JBC soldering equipment available for practical training modules.
• Kurtz Ersapreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of electronics production equipment including soldering stations, rework systems, and inspection equipment for training purposes.
• Metcalpreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of precision benchtop soldering solutions for training and certification programs.
• Euromexpreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of microscopes and magnification equipment used for inspection training in IPC certification courses.
• Chemtronicspreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of cleaning products for electronics manufacturing and rework/repair training.
• Techspraypreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of cleaning and coating products for electronics assembly and maintenance training.
• Almitpreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of lead-free solder wires, solder paste, and rework fluxes for hands-on soldering training.
• PCB Libraries, Inc.preferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of PCB design libraries and design-for-manufacturing tools referenced in IPC CID design training.
• Romexpreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of materials and solutions for the electronics industry, referenced in training contexts.
• ECD (Electronic Controls Design)preferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of PCB profiling tools used in training for process validation and testing.
• DCT (Dutch Contamination Technologies)preferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of PCB cleaning solutions after soldering, referenced in IPC-A-600 and J-STD-001 training.
• Smanspreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of SMT assembly equipment for training demonstrations.
• ESD-PROTECT GmbHpreferred supplierTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of ESD control products referenced in ESD Plant Auditor and advanced ESD training courses.
• IPC (ElectronicsU Certification Portal)coreTechnology or IntegrationElectronicsU (formerly IPC Edge) is the IPC certification portal where certified professionals manage their credentials, certificates, and recertification requirements. PIEK directs all IPC-certified students to this platform for official certification records.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EPTAC Corporation: US-headquartered IPC authorized training center offering the same full portfolio of IPC certification courses (CIS/CIT/CSE) plus customized corporate training. Closest direct competitor to PIEK in the IPC certification training market with similar instructor-led, on-site and open-enrollment delivery model.
• STI Electronics: US contract electronics manufacturer that also operates an IPC authorized training center offering IPC-A-610, J-STD-001 and 7711/7721 certification alongside microelectronics assembly services. Overlaps with PIEK on training content while extending into manufacturing services, making it a partially adjacent competitor.
• ACI Technologies: US IPC training and consulting provider delivering IPC certification courses, soldering training and process consultancy. Competes with PIEK for IPC training, audits and rework/repair services across North American electronics manufacturers.
• Blackfox Training Institute: US-based IPC authorized training center providing IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721, CID/CID+ and rework/repair certification. Directly competes with PIEK on the same IPC certification curriculum and serves a similar mix of EMS, OEM and contract manufacturer customers.

Broad incumbents

• TÜV Rheinland: Global testing, inspection and certification (TIC) group headquartered in Germany offering industrial and electronics-related training, audits and certification. Broader portfolio than PIEK but competes for the same corporate training and quality certification budgets of European electronics manufacturers.
• SGS: Swiss-headquartered global TIC company providing testing, inspection, verification and training services including electronics-related certification. A broader, larger incumbent that competes for the same enterprise training budgets as PIEK, though without IPC-specific specialization.
• IPC (Global Electronics Association): The standards-setting body behind IPC-A-610, J-STD-001 and other IPC documents. Sets the curriculum PIEK teaches and licenses training centers; could expand direct training delivery or licensing terms in ways that materially affect PIEK's economics, while also serving as a strategic partner.
• DEKRA: Germany-based global TIC and certification provider offering industrial training, product testing and management system certification. Overlaps with PIEK on corporate training spend in the DACH region but focuses on a much wider scope of standards beyond IPC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@PIEKtraining
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/piek-international-education-centre

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PIEK International Education Centre