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Semiconductor & Automation Technology

Certification

The Semiconductor and Automation Technology (SAT) Certification equips students with a comprehensive skill set essential for success in the semiconductor industry. Students engage in hands-on learning that covers the assembly and integration of semiconductor machinery, robot programming, cleanroom operations, and simulated wafer fabrication processes. By mastering these skills, students gain the practical experience needed to confidently navigate the complexities of semiconductor fabrication.

What are the benefits of getting certified?

Industry-Recognized Expertise: Gain a certification that validates your knowledge and skills in semiconductor fabrication, making you a sought-after candidate in a competitive job market.

Hands-On Experience: Acquire practical, hands-on experience in critical areas such as semiconductor machinery assembly, cleanroom operations, and robot programming, ensuring you’re job-ready from day one.

Career Advancement: Enhance your employability and open up opportunities for advanced roles such as Semiconductor Technician or Wafer Fabrication Technician.

Proficiency in Industry 4.0 Technologies: Develop a deep understanding of Industry 4.0 technologies, positioning yourself at the forefront of the evolving semiconductor and automation industries.

Comprehensive Skill Set: Build a versatile skill set that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling you to tackle complex challenges in the semiconductor industry with confidence.

Objectives Addressed by the SAT Certification:

  • Understand the basics of silicon and wafer fabrication, including the role of transistors and silicon in manufacturing.
  • Follow cleanroom practices such as proper gowning, degowning, wafer handling, and contamination control, adhering to safety protocols.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of photolithography and the spin/coat/bake process, along with maintenance of relevant equipment.
  • Gain proficiency in pattern generation, optical inspection, and use of microscopes in wafer fabrication.
  • Understand plasma etching methods and equipment, and perform visual checks of plasma processes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of removing photoresist layers and conducting wet and dry wafer cleaning procedures.
  • Recognize plasma deposition equipment and troubleshoot common issues in wafer fabrication.
  • Use metrology tools for wafer inspection, including SEM, film thickness monitors, and profilometers, to detect defects and ensure uniformity.
  • Understand the polishing and surface cleaning processes, along with maintenance of relevant equipment.
  • Explain the bonding process in wafer manufacturing, including wafer-to-carrier and device-to-device bonding techniques.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of debonding methods to safely remove sensitive wafers from carriers.
  • Understand and perform electrical wafer probing, including robotic probing and wire probing techniques.

Test Security and Irregularities

  • The SAT Certfication is a closed-book exam with no assistance from proctors or other test candidates.
  • Security Measures: All test materials are confidential, and students must follow security policies, such as taking the exam at the scheduled time, not opening materials until instructed, and not removing materials from the room.
  • Consequences for Violations: ROOTS Engineering Services will cancel the scores of any student found violating these security measures. Serious breaches, such as unauthorized recording or sharing of test content, may result in a ban from future exams.

Score Invalidation Procedures

  • ROOTS Engineering Services will invalidate any scores if a student is found cheating or violating exam security. This includes unauthorized access to exam content, removing materials from the test site, or using prohibited aids.
  • ROOTS Engineering Services reserves the right to ban students from future exams if deliberate attempts to cheat or share exam content are discovered. The duration of the ban will depend on the severity of the violation, and ROOTS may share information about banned students with their educational institutions.

Documentation

All interactions, including test scheduling, retest requests, and certification issuance, must be documented and securely stored by ROOTS Engineering Services administrative staff.

Compliance

Adherence to this SOP is mandatory for all parties involved in the SAT certification testing process. Non-compliance could affect the validity of the certification test and result in the non-issuance of a SAT certification.

Procedures

1. Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Test Preparation

1.1 All scheduling and rescheduling requests should be emailed to [email protected].
1.2 A minimum of 72 hours notice is required for scheduling or rescheduling CAROL 4.0 certification tests.
1.3 Schools must inform ROOTS Engineering Services of any absences immediately, allowing 72 hours for exam rescheduling.
1.4 Schools should aim to combine retest events for absentees and students who did not pass the initial test.
1.5 Students are required to sign in and sign out with the proctor at their examination time.

2. Certification Testing and Proctoring

2.1 The proctor will administer the SAT certification test at the scheduled date and time.
2.2 The SAT certification is a closed-book exam with no assistance allowed from the proctor, other candidates, or any electronic devices.
2.3 Upon completion of the test, students will receive a preliminary score, but official certification status is determined by ROOTS Engineering Services after a full review of the proctored materials.

3. Retesting and Absentee Rescheduling

3.1 Students who fail the certification test may retake the exam up to three times, with a required 20-day waiting period between attempts for secondary students.
3.2 Each retest will provide a new version of the exam to ensure the integrity of the testing process.
3.3 Names of students requiring a retest must be submitted by email to ROOTS Engineering Services immediately to facilitate testing according to the 20-day waiting period.

4. School District/College Test Management

4.1 At the discretion of ROOTS Engineering Services, a school district or college may manage the enabling and disabling of tests within a 3-hour window.
4.2 A proctor must supervise all exams at all times, ensuring students adhere to sign-in/out protocols.

5. Issuance of Official Certification

5.1 ROOTS Engineering Services requires 72 hours to process and issue official certifications to the college/school for students who have passed the SAT certification test.
5.2 An official certification from ROOTS Engineering Services will include a serial number and is the only document that officially certifies a student.
5.3 Certifications will be sent by email to the appropriate school district/college staff for distribution to students.

The technical requirements for accessing the certification website include:

  1. Supported Browser: Latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
  2. Internet Connection: A stable high-speed internet connection (at least 10 Mbps).
  3. Device: Desktop or laptop computer with at least 4GB RAM and an updated operating system (Windows 10 or macOS 10.12 or higher).
  4. Screen Resolution: Minimum of 1280×800 pixels.
  5. JavaScript and Cookies: Must be enabled in your browser settings.
  6. Pop-up Blockers: Disable any pop-up blockers or ensure the site is whitelisted.
  7. PDF Reader: Ability to view PDF documents (Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar).
  8. Multimedia Support: Speakers or headphones for video content and a webcam/microphone if necessary for virtual proctoring.