Hydraulic Certification & Training: Fluid Power Courses & Career Advancement

In today’s fluid power and hydraulics industry, mastering technical skills and achieving certification are essential for career advancement and operational excellence. The International Fluid Power Society offers comprehensive training and technical certifications for fluid power and motion control professionals. No matter what a person’s role is at a fluid power company, one of these learning paths can provide them not only with the knowledge and preparation to excel, but ensure that all employees do things the same way and all industry standards are being met.

Why IFPS Certifications Matter

IFPS certifications are internationally recognized credentials that validate an individual’s knowledge and skills across a variety of roles, from support associates to hydraulic technicians and system designers. These certifications provide a portable, objective assessment of your competency and are highly respected throughout the fluid power industry. They help improve workplace safety, operational efficiency, and reliability by ensuring all certified personnel adhere to industry best practices and standards.

Bradley (BJ) Wagner, Director of Training & Development, says there is something for people at every level who are looking to expand their knowledge of fluid power, even if they are in a less technical role at a fluid power company. “Individuals that are in perhaps a buying or HR role for a fluid power company can learn the business aspects, and understand terminology to know what is a valve, what is a pump. So when they hear the terms, they can relate to the components that are actually being manufactured, produced or sold by the company,” Wagner says.

Lisa DeBenedetto, an account manager at GS Global Resources, has been on the IFPS Board of Directors for over 5 years and she says getting certified helped her stand apart from others in the field as she began her career, and says the materials available to members and through different trainings are invaluable. “People who are just getting into the industry and don’t know where to start, they can get one of these certifications on their own, and have a little background to go into fluid power career,” DeBenedetto says.

Flexible Training to Match Your Role and Schedule

These programs offer a variety of flexible training formats:

• Online self-paced courses that allow learners to study at their convenience

• Instructor-led in-person sessions designed for group learning at your workplace

• Hybrid programs that combine online learning with hands-on practice kits to build real-world skills

This training approach allows individuals at all experience levels to prepare for IFPS exams confidently while balancing their work commitments.

Certification Levels for Every Career Stage

IFPS offers several certification pathways, including:

• Fluid Power Support Associate, which provides essential knowledge for those in non-technical support or purchasing roles

• Technician and Mechanic certifications focused on troubleshooting, repair, and system operation

• Specialist and System Designer certifications for advanced professionals working on fluid power design and systems integration

You can take a look at all of the IFPS certification options and learning resources on their website.