10 Best Scada Courses and Certifications Online

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are essential in various industries as they allow remote monitoring and control of critical processes. As such, many individuals seek to acquire expertise in SCADA systems for career advancement or personal growth. With the advent of online education, several e-learning platforms have emerged offering SCADA courses online. This article provides an overview of the best SCADA courses available online, outlining their features, advantages, and target audience.

Here’s a look at the Best Scada Courses and Certifications Online and what they have to offer for you!

10 Best Scada Courses and Certifications Online

1. Process Visualization (Level 3) by Paul Lynn (Udemy) (Our Best Pick)

The course titled “Process Visualization (Level 3)” is an opportunity for PLC programmers to learn about HMI and SCADA. The course will enable them to develop their own live interfaces for a running system to monitor automated processes, set operating parameters, and acquire and warehouse data from a running system. The course covers multiple solutions available in the market that can be used to accomplish these tasks. Students will work hands-on with various technologies, including Wonderware, InduSoft, EasyBuilder 5000, AdvancedHMI, FactoryTalk View Studio, and C-More. By the end of the course, students will have working experience with most of what people are using in the world of automation today.

The course consists of five PLC courses, including PLC Fundamentals (Level 1), Applied Logic (Level 2), Process Visualization (Level 3), IEC Paradigms (Level 4), and TIA Portal Master Project (Level 5). PLC Fundamentals (Level 1) focuses on ladder logic, the most popular PLC programming language, and teaches everything necessary to make a PLC perform as desired. Applied Logic (Level 2) is an unassisted problem-solving course where students are given a spec and have to make it work. Process Visualization (Level 3) provides knowledge and experience in five different HMI/SCADA development environments. IEC Paradigms (Level 4) teaches programming using all five IEC programming languages in multiple environments, and TIA Portal Master Project (Level 5) is the culmination of everything.

The course has various sections and covers topics, including an introduction, concepts of HMI and SCADA, the theory of process visualization, overview of tools and technologies, drivers, and communications. The course also covers several projects using different technologies, including C-More, FactoryTalk View Studio, AdvancedHMI, EasyBuilder 5000, and Wonderware.

2. Learn SCADA from Scratch – Design, Program and Interface by Rajvir Singh, Rajvir Singh (Udemy)

Learn SCADA from Scratch – Design, Program and Interface is a course that teaches basic and advanced knowledge of SCADA, with a focus on open source software. SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, is a software used for data acquisition and control, while HMI, or Human Machine Interface, is hardware used for the same purpose. This course aims to clarify the difference between the two and show how SCADA can be used as an HMI.

The course uses Ignition, a free SCADA software that can be downloaded from the Ignition website and used for a trial period of 2 hours which can be reset and used again. The course also uses Siemens S7-1200 and Micrologix 1400 PLCs to interface with SCADA, although any PLC that supports Ethernet, MODBUS, OPC UA, or PROFINET can be connected to Ignition SCADA. The course teaches not only how to make SCADA screens, but also how to log PLC data in a database for data analytics.

The course includes high-quality video tutorials, a link to download the SCADA software, presentations to review the content, and technical support. It starts with a basic introduction to SCADA and ends with PLC SCADA application projects. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a course completion certificate.

The course covers topics such as button elements, numeric entry and display elements, digital ON/OFF based PLC SCADA projects, analogue-based PLC SCADA projects, publishing SCADA projects, reading/writing tags between Siemens PLC and Ignition SCADA, introduction to database, more visual elements, monitoring of conveyor using an industrial example, and making reports in Ignition SCADA. The course wraps up with a summary of the content covered.

3. An Introduction to the Ethernet/IP Protocol by Emile Ackbarali (Udemy)

The course “An Introduction to the Ethernet/IP Protocol” is offered by instructor Emile Ackbarali. The course provides theoretical and practical instruction on the Ethernet/IP protocol, a network communication standard that can handle large amounts of data at speeds of 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, and at up to 1500 bytes per packet. Ethernet/IP is an open protocol at the application layer, making it especially popular for control applications.

The course is designed with practicality in mind, and aims to provide students with hands-on experience configuring Ethernet/IP devices for communication. Students will learn how Ethernet/IP devices represent data in memory and the types of messaging used to exchange data. They will also learn about network services, network topology, and client-server operation.

The course covers specific topics such as data representation, network messaging, explicit and implicit messaging types, device configuration, and building an Implicit and Explicit scanner application using .NET. Practical exercises using simulation software are included to provide students with first-hand experience.

Course content is divided into sections: Introduction, Data Representation, Network Messaging, Explicit Messaging Example using the Do-More Simulator, Using the Ethernet/IP Explorer to View Object Classes, Instances and Attributes, Connecting to the ADAM 6156EI Remote I/O Module, Building a Simple Windows Ethernet/IP Explicit Messaging Application, Building a Simple Windows Ethernet/IP Implicit Messaging Application, and a Bonus Section on how to always get the lowest prices for courses.

Overall, the course provides students with practical skills in the field of industrial communications and networking, and is suitable for anyone interested in learning about the Ethernet/IP protocol.

4. ICS/SCADA Cyber Security by Ed Galarza (Udemy)

The ICS/SCADA Cyber Security course, taught by Ed Galarza, is an introductory level course aimed at providing learners with a solid foundation in the field of ICS/SCADA Cyber Security. The course covers various topics such as ICS/SCADA architecture, software examples, protocols, security standards/guidance, and the current threat landscape.

Industrial Control Systems/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ICS/SCADA) is used to monitor and control critical infrastructure processes such as the electric power grid, water and sewage systems, and oil and natural gas pipelines. As our world grows increasingly dependent on these systems, it becomes essential to ensure their security.

The course is divided into eleven sections, beginning with an introduction to ICS/SCADA and progressing through various topics such as ICS/SCADA architecture, software examples, and protocols. Learners will also be exposed to ICS/SCADA security standards and guidance, as well as the current threat landscape and attack surfaces.

The final section of the course is dedicated to teaching learners how to defend themselves against ICS/SCADA cyber threats. This section covers various strategies for safeguarding these systems, including best practices for securing ICS/SCADA networks and devices.

Overall, the ICS/SCADA Cyber Security course is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to gain a solid foundation in this field. By the end of the course, learners will have the knowledge and skills necessary to defend against cyber threats to critical infrastructure systems.

5. Step-by-Step Learn Wonderware InTouch SCADA (PLC-SCADA-2) by Goeduhub Technologies (Udemy)

This course, offered by Goeduhub Technologies, is titled “Step-by-Step Learn Wonderware InTouch SCADA (PLC-SCADA-2)” and provides practical training in Wonderware InTouch SCADA with industry-based examples. SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) is a software used to control and monitor physical processes such as electricity transmission, gas transportation, and water distribution. Wonderware “In Touch” is a unified software used in various industries including automotive assemblies, facilities management, and mining and metals.

The course covers topics such as SCADA system design and implementation, animation links and properties in SCADA software, script writing, trends, alarm systems, recipe management, SCADA security, interfacing with PLC, and DDE protocol. Real-time live camera and designing software are used to provide clear explanations. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to work with other InTouch versions and communicate with all PLC series.

Overall, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of SCADA systems and Wonderware InTouch SCADA software for those interested in the field.

6. Learn SCADA from Scratch to Hero ( Indusoft & TIA portal ) by NewWay Academy (Udemy)

The “Learn SCADA from Scratch to Hero (Indusoft & TIA portal)” course offered by NewWay Academy aims to provide individuals with no prior experience the basic tools needed to design a complete SCADA project. The course is unique in its focus on the Visual basic programming language, which is the most popular SCADA programming language. It offers full-time access to Indusoft V7.13 and ITS PLC and provides a great opportunity to learn about S7-1200 and S7-300 with examples. The course is designed to take individuals from scratch to a higher level of designing and provides assistance from experienced instructors throughout the course.

The course is aimed at anyone interested in understanding SCADA systems, electrical engineering students, individuals looking to familiarize themselves with industrial automation and SCADA systems, and those who understand SCADA but cannot design a complete system. The course is divided into several sections, including an introduction, TIA Portal Siemens PLC review, Indusoft, basic features of SCADA, advanced features of SCADA, and SCADA with PLC complete project.

This course is the first of its kind on the Udemy platform and many educational platforms, providing academical information as well as real-world career opportunities. The course provides access to all necessary software to create and run programs live on an individual’s computer, using many examples throughout the course.

Individuals will learn how to program with a focus on Visual basic, and the goal is to teach everything needed to make a SCADA system function as desired. The course provides assistance at any time, with a significant number of instructors supervising the course and sharing their experiences in real life. Overall, this course is a great starting point for anyone looking to start a career in SCADA systems design.

7. ICS/SCADA Network Security Monitoring (NSM) by Ed Galarza (Udemy)

The ICS/SCADA Network Security Monitoring (NSM) course teaches attendees how to implement NSM within ICS/SCADA environments using open source tools. The course covers topics such as Security Onion, open source resources for ICS/SCADA NSM, updating Snort rules for ICS/SCADA NSM, and detecting TRITON SIS Malware using Snort rules.

The course is suitable for those who have a basic understanding of ICS/SCADA and some experience with Security Onion. The content is presented in eight sections, starting with an overview of the course and Security Onion. Attendees will then learn about Kibana for ICS/SCADA NSM and the resources available on the German BSI website for TRISTATION/TRITON SIS Malware Snort Rules.

Next, attendees will learn about the Nozomi Networks TRICOTOOLS Github resources and how to update Snort rules, specifically for the German BSI TRISTATION rules. The course concludes with a section on how to view ICS/SCADA related Snort rule alerts in SGUIL and closing thoughts.

Overall, the ICS/SCADA Network Security Monitoring (NSM) course provides attendees with a strong foundation in implementing NSM within ICS/SCADA environments using open source tools.

8. An Introduction to the DNP3 SCADA Communications Protocol by Emile Ackbarali (Udemy)

The course titled “An Introduction to the DNP3 SCADA Communications Protocol” is designed to provide a theoretical and practical approach to understanding the fundamentals of the DNP3 SCADA protocol. The course is aimed at individuals involved or about to be involved in data acquisition and equipment control in large areas. Working knowledge of the DNP3 protocol is particularly useful for those working in Electrical Transmission and Distribution, Water and Waste Water Management, Oil/Gas or Security systems.

The course is designed to be practical and covers various aspects of DNP3 devices, including how they represent data in memory, the types of messaging that they use to exchange data and their configuration for communications. Simulation software is used to provide participants with hands-on experience configuring DNP3 devices for communication, allowing them to gain practical skills in the field of SCADA Telemetry and Wide Area Communication.

Participants will learn about the differences between SCADA and Factory Automation protocols, DNP3 network messaging types, RTU, FIU, Report By Exception, Polled and Unsolicited Communication terminologies, configuration of settings in DNP3 devices, implementation levels and standards, and DNP3 data frame formats. The course is divided into sections that cover the introduction, DNP3 design principles, data representation and acquisition methods, configuration of DNP3 communication using simulation software, discrete and analog output control, and sub-set levels, device profiles and time synchronization.

Additionally, the course includes a bonus section on how to always get the lowest prices for the courses. Upon completion of the course, participants will have gained practical skills and knowledge that are useful in various industries involving data acquisition and equipment control in large areas.

9. Siemens WinCC SCADA Programming, SCADA1 ( Basic ) by Serkan Büyüktopçu (Udemy)

The Siemens WinCC SCADA Programming, SCADA1 (Basic) course, with instructor Serkan Büyüktopçu, is designed to provide a solid foundation for individuals interested in pursuing a career in SCADA programming. The course aims to equip learners with the necessary skills to undertake a complete project in the field of Industrial Automation and SCADA programming, with a focus on PLC and SCADA design.

The course is structured to cover a range of topics, including introductory concepts, practical applications, and project design. It is recommended that learners take advantage of the various other training opportunities offered by the instructor, including P7, HSC, S71500, S71200, S7300 PLC, HMI & WinCC SCADA Trainings, AC and Servo drives.

The course content is divided into different sections, starting with an introduction to the field, followed by practical applications and hands-on training. As part of the course, learners will have the opportunity to work with experiment sets, participate in practical trainings, and receive project and consultancy services, in addition to video trainings.

Overall, the Siemens WinCC SCADA Programming, SCADA1 (Basic) course is a comprehensive training program that provides learners with the essential skills and knowledge required to start a career in SCADA programming. With the support of the instructor and access to a range of training resources, learners can take advantage of this opportunity to advance their knowledge and expertise in the field of Industrial Automation and SCADA programming.

10. Siemens WinCC Professional SCADA (Advance) by Megha Kumari (Udemy)

The Siemens WinCC Professional SCADA (Advance) course, taught by Megha Kumari, aims to teach students about Wincc Professional SCADA design, programming, and testing. The course covers various topics such as WebUX, Web-Navigator, trends and export data, OPC server (Kepserver EX and Simatic NET), SQL server (Microsoft), channel diagnostics, user administration, and more. The course also includes numerous demo and practical case videos. The content and sections of the course cover areas such as communication, trend control, historical data export, user administration, component locking, channel diagnosis, troubleshooting, Wincc Web-Navigator configuration, Wincc Professional Web-Ux, and more.

The course also covers advanced topics such as recipe control, Smart@Server and Smart Client, OPC UA server and client configuration, how to use a screen window, how to create animation using VB Script and schedule task, transferring WebUX website from localhost to the internet, and more. Additionally, more topics such as motion control will be added to the course in the future.

Overall, the course provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of Wincc Professional SCADA design, programming, and testing, making it a valuable resource for those looking to develop their skills and knowledge in this area.