PLC Programming Complete Course - with Final Certificate Course

Editorial Take

The PLC Programming Complete course aims to introduce learners to industrial automation through ladder logic and control circuit design. Despite its promise, the course's minimal structure and single-module layout raise concerns about depth and completeness.

Standout Strengths

• Foundational Coverage: Introduces core PLC programming concepts essential for beginners. Learners gain initial exposure to industrial control systems and automation logic.
• Ladder Logic Focus: Emphasizes practical ladder diagram development, a critical skill in manufacturing and process control environments. Builds real-world applicable knowledge.
• Certificate Inclusion: Offers a certificate of completion, which may support entry-level job applications or resume building for career transitions into automation fields.
• Beginner Accessibility: Designed for all levels, making it approachable for those without prior PLC experience. No prerequisites reduce entry barriers for new learners.
• Electromechanical Integration: Links electrical wiring fundamentals with control logic, helping learners understand how physical circuits interact with programmable logic controllers.
• Project-Based Approach: Encourages building automation projects from scratch, promoting hands-on learning and practical skill development despite limited content scope.

Honest Limitations

• Extremely Limited Content: With only one listed module of 1h 32m, the course lacks comprehensive coverage. Most learners will require supplemental resources to gain proficiency.
• Poor Structural Design: The syllabus shows no progression or segmentation, suggesting disorganization. This may hinder effective learning and retention for complex topics.
• Typographical Errors: Descriptions contain spelling mistakes (e.g., 'odf', 'grom'), indicating low production quality and potentially affecting credibility and learner trust.
• Low User Satisfaction: A Udemy rating of 1 star reflects widespread user dissatisfaction. Issues likely include outdated material, unclear instruction, or unmet expectations.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Dedicate short, focused sessions to absorb the limited material. Repeating sections can reinforce basic concepts due to sparse content.
• Parallel project: Build a simple relay or motor control circuit alongside the course to apply ladder logic concepts practically and deepen understanding.
• Note-taking: Document every concept explained, as the course may not provide downloadable resources or summaries for later review.
• Community: Join PLC forums or Reddit groups like r/PLC to ask questions and find alternative explanations for unclear topics.
• Practice: Use free PLC simulators like LOGO!Soft or PLCSIM to experiment with ladder logic beyond the course examples.
• Consistency: Maintain daily engagement, even if brief, to compensate for the course’s lack of depth and reinforce foundational knowledge.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: "Programmable Logic Controllers" by Frank D. Petruzella offers comprehensive coverage and is ideal for filling gaps left by this course.
• Tool: Download free versions of RSLogix or TIA Portal for hands-on PLC programming practice in a realistic environment.
• Follow-up: Enroll in more advanced PLC courses on Udemy or Coursera that cover HMI integration, SCADA, and industrial networks.
• Reference: Allen-Bradley and Siemens provide free technical documentation and ladder logic tutorials for real-world application.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Assuming this course alone will make you job-ready. The content is too brief; employers expect broader experience and project portfolios.
• Pitfall: Relying solely on course materials without external practice. Without simulators or hardware, skills remain theoretical and untested.
• Pitfall: Overlooking certification limitations. The certificate has no accreditation and may not be recognized by employers in competitive markets.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: Expect minimal time investment due to short duration. However, real mastery will require many additional hours of self-directed learning.
• Cost-to-value: Paid pricing may not justify the limited content. Consider waiting for deep discounts or seeking free alternatives with better structure.
• Certificate: The certificate adds slight value for resumes but lacks industry recognition. Its worth depends on employer awareness and regional job markets.
• Alternative: Free YouTube series by RealPars or PLCGurus.net offer more detailed, up-to-date PLC training with practical demonstrations and community support.

Editorial Verdict

This course serves as a minimal introduction to PLC programming but falls short of delivering a complete or polished learning experience. The single-module structure, typographical errors in the description, and extremely low user rating suggest poor production quality and inadequate content depth. While the inclusion of ladder logic and control circuits touches on essential industrial automation topics, the lack of progression, practical exercises, and clear explanations limits its effectiveness even for beginners.

We recommend this course only if taken at a steep discount or for absolute novices needing a brief overview before pursuing more robust training. For serious learners, investing in structured programs with hands-on labs, accredited certifications, and active instructor support will yield far better returns. Supplementing this course with free online resources, simulation tools, and community engagement is essential to derive any meaningful value. Ultimately, it functions better as a starting point than a standalone solution.