Get Your PLC Programming Started With the Best PLC Programming Courses 2024

The programming world is vast and full of opportunities. One of the most popular types of programming is Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). PLCs are responsible for programming factory hardware and even software. This means that Programmable Logic Controllers are found in most factories that mass produce products. The industry continues to grow and provides programmers of all skill levels with opportunities.

That said, PLC programming is complicated. There are many systems with diverse designs, so it’s important to learn as much as possible before jumping into PLC programming opportunities. Moreover, it’s important to learn and understand the five coding languages used for PLC programming. While this can be overwhelming, the good news is that we’re here to help. We’re going to take you through a handful of the best online PLC programming courses around. We’ll also help you narrow down your options and answer some of the most complicated questions about PLC programming.

Read on to learn more about PLC programming and the best course options available.

Orientation

PLC programming can be complicated. That said, knowing a lot about PLC systems can set you apart from other programmers and developers. Still, it’s important to know about PLC programming before looking at the best PLC programming courses. For this reason, we’re going to take you through some of the basics and the factors to look for when shopping for PLC programming courses.

Instructor

First and foremost, we’ll begin with instructors. When it comes to online courses, the instructor is one of the most important factors to consider. A quality instructor can help you understand key concepts related to PLC programming. For example, a good PLC programming instructor will teach you about the coding languages and other systems involved in PLC programming. On the other hand, a bad instructor can ruin a PLC programming course or make it a waste of time. This is because they’ll skip over essential topics, overcharge, promise more than they teach, or provide no value.

For these reasons, finding PLC programming with a reputable instructor is crucial. You should look for courses with multiple instructors or instructors with a combination of hands-on experience and certifications. We also recommend choosing courses by instructors with multiple courses for further learning opportunities and more teaching experience to expand on this.

Another thing to note is that working with an instructor who only has one PLC programming course is hit or miss. While everyone has to start somewhere, more experienced instructors provide more value.

Skill Level

The next factor to focus on is the skill level requirements of a PLC programming course. There are many courses available that vary in skill level because PLC technology is complicated. While some systems are simple, others require years of experience to program properly. That said, we’ve grouped each course into one of three skill levels.

First and foremost, there are beginner-level courses. These courses teach you the basics of PLC programming. For beginners, we recommend looking for courses that have “from scratch” in the name. These courses will teach you about the five coding languages used in PLC or show you how to create a PLC program without working directly on equipment.

The next level of courses is intermediate. Intermediate-level courses are designed for people with some background in PLC programming. For example, an intermediate-level course will focus on specific parts of PLC programming like Siemens and HMI. These courses are best suited for people who are interested in expanding their PLC knowledge.

Finally, there are advanced-level PLC programming courses. These courses are for PLC veterans and expand on specific areas of coding language, equipment types, and even Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Therefore, we recommend these courses for more experienced learners.

Still, feel free to enroll in PLC programming courses of any skill level because they all provide value. We group each class into these skill levels to help you narrow down your options and get the most out of each course.

Topics

The last thing to consider is the topic that the program teaches. There are dozens of courses available, and each one focuses on different subjects. Shopping for a PLC programming course based on its teaching topics is a great way to narrow down your options and fine-tune your learning.

Some common topics you’ll find in PLC programming courses include:

  • Learning the 5 PLCs
  • RSLogix 500
  • RSLogix 5000
  • HMI
  • Siemens (S7-1200)
  • Managing PLC projects
  • Creating your own PLC projects
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
  • The different types of networks for PLC
  • Industrial automation
  • Ladder logic
  • Learning about alarms and other PLC notifications

These are only a handful of the PLC programming topics available in the best PLC programming courses.

Because there are dozens of topics, we recommend enrolling in as many courses as possible to understand the basics. On the other hand, more advanced learners benefit more by choosing courses that have specific topics.

Price

Lastly, you want to consider the cost of PLC programming courses. While there are options available for various budgets, there are a few ways to determine how much a course costs and how much value it provides for the price.

First and foremost, the cost of PLC programming courses varies based on the platform you’re using. Platforms like Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning have fixed monthly costs. For example, Skillshare costs about $29.99 per month. While the cost is subject to change, you know what you’re getting into when working with a platform like Skillshare. While courses on Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning are limited compared to more expensive Udemy courses, you get access to as many courses as you need with monthly learning platforms.

On the other hand, platforms like Udemy have fixed prices for courses. You pay a one-time fee and have access to the course for as long as you need. Using a platform like Udemy is great if you only need a few courses. That said, the one-time cost is often higher than the cost of subscription-based learning platforms. Therefore, you have to consider these options before making a decision.

For PLC programming, we recommend a subscription to a platform like LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare that’s supplemented with courses you pay for once on platforms like Udemy. That said, how you learn is always up to you.

Course List

Below we have gathered a list of the eight best PLC programming courses for all skill levels and budgets:

Now that you know what to look for let’s get into the eight best PLC programming courses.

Top 8 Best PLC Programming Courses 2024


1. Best Overall: Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-AB, Schneider, Omron & Delta

  • 26 hours $49.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Rajvir Singh
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Topic: 5 PLCs, Ladder Logic, PLC Wiring, PLC Troubleshooting

Why we like it

We love Learn 5 PLCs in a Day because it covers the 5 PLCs and ladder logic. It’s also one of the few courses available that features hands-on learning.

Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-AB, Schneider, Omron & Delta is one of the best PLC courses around for people of various skill levels. The course covers key topics like Ladder Logic, the 5 PLCs, and even troubleshooting PLC systems. When it comes to PLC programming courses, it's one of the most comprehensive options available because of the course length and the 36 downloadable resources. The course also features hands-on learning that has students follow along with instructor Rajvir Singh. Singh is a great instructor with years of experience in the industry, various certifications, and even a background in teaching programmers.

Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-AB, Schneider, Omron & Delta comes packed with information and video tutorials. It has over 230 PLC video modules, live sessions with the instructor, and even free PLC software that can be used for simulations. You'll also learn about analog card programming and PLCs like Siemens S7-1200, Allen Bradley M1000, Schneider, Omron CP1E, and even Delta DVP 14 SS + 16 SP. When it comes to content, Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-AB, Schneider, Omron & Delta is in a league of its own.

What Sets It Apart

Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-AB, Schneider, Omron & Delta is unique for a few reasons. First and foremost, it has more content than most courses on Udemy, Skillshare, and even LinkedIn Learning. Secondly, it has tons of video tutorials and even software that allows students to work on PLC technology in a hands-on way. Moreover, Rajvir Singh is one of the few instructors that offer live sessions to help students work on the areas they struggle with. Learn 5 PLCs in a Day also provides students with a certification that can be used on resumes. Overall, its uniqueness stems from being a complete PLC programming course for beginner-level and intermediate-level students.

Things To Consider

Learn 5 PLCs in a Day is a solid course, but it's not perfect. While Singh does a great job of explaining key concepts and teaching students the basics, it can be overwhelming for some beginner-level students. That said, there are viable alternatives that students can start with before jumping right into a comprehensive PLC programming course like Learn 5 PLCs in a Day. One great alternative that's also suitable for beginners is PLC Programming from Scratch. It has less content, but it's more digestible.

Who It's For

Learn 5 PLCs in a Day is an excellent course for people who are looking to get into PLC programming. While it's geared towards programmers with some experience, it's also suitable for complete beginners. That said, we recommend checking out some of Rajvir Singh's prerequisite courses like Learn Siemens S7-1200 PLC & HMI from Scratch Using TIA before diving into this more comprehensive course. Overall, it's the complete package for PLC programmers, engineers, and technicians.

Pros

  • Covers the 5 PLCs
  • More than 230 video tutorials
  • Live sessions for students who are struggling
  • More than 30 downloadable resources
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Can be overwhelming for some beginner-level students
  • Live sessions aren't always accessible


2. Best for RSLogix 500 & 5000: PLC Programming – Training From Scratch on RSLogix 500 & 5000

  • 14.5 hours $109.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Vladimir Romanov
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Topic: HMI, PLC Troubleshooting, Ladder Logic, Allen Bradley, RSLogix 500

Why we like it

We’re big fans of PLC Programming – Training from Scratch on RSLogix 500 & 5000 because of its focus on RSLogix 500 & 5000. While it’s an entry-level course, it covers a specific PLC topic in its entirety.

PLC Programming – Training from Scratch on RSLogix 500 & 5000 is a straightforward course that focuses on a few key PLC topics and applications. While it doesn't cover every PLC type, it does cover Allen Bradley and RSLogix 500 & 5000. This makes it a well-rounded course for these specific applications. The course is taught by Vladimir Romanov, who has years of experience with PLC programming. While he's hard to understand at times, the lectures are comprehensive and well-structured.

PLC Programming – Training from Scratch teaches students a lot of useful PLC information. Some examples include creating PLC systems, managing PLC systems, and working with HMI interfaces. After completing the course, students will have a basic understanding of manufacturing systems and how they function on factory floors. The course also comes with five downloadable resources that complement the lectures well.

What Sets It Apart

PLC Programming – Training from Scratch is unique because it provides beginners with a general understanding of PLC manufacturing systems that rely on Allen Bradley and RSLogix 500. While there are courses that cover more PLC types, having a general understanding of two of the most popular PLC types is a game-changer when applying for jobs on manufacturing floors. The course is also unique because of the downloadable resources and the certification that's earned when completed. For RSLogix 500 and Allen Bradley, it's one of the best beginner-level options.

Things To Consider

PLC Programming – Training from Scratch on RSLogix 500 & 5000 is a great course, but it has a few flaws. First and foremost, it doesn't focus on all five PLCs. This makes it more limited than more comprehensive courses like Learn 5 PLCs in a Day. Another flaw is that it doesn't have any additional learning opportunities from the instructor, which makes it more limited than some courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare.

Who It's For

PLC Programming – Training from Scratch is a well-rounded beginner-level course for students who want to learn about manufacturing systems. That said, the course does have a specific target market. This includes people who are working as electrical engineers, electrical technicians who work on manufacturing floors, and software engineers. There are also some prerequisites for PLC Programming – Training from Scratch on RSLogix 500 & 5000. These prerequisites include knowledge of datasheets and manuals that are presented in the course.

Pros

  • Covers the most common PLC types
  • Comes with downloadable resources that complement the lectures
  • Features a quiz that tests the student's knowledge before interviews
  • Great for HMI learning
  • Good value

Cons

  • Requires some PLC or programming background
  • Limited opportunities for continued education


3. Best for Siemens S7-1200: Learn Siemens S7-1200 PLC & HMI From Scratch Using TIA

  • 17.5 hours $44.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Rajvir Singh
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Topic: Siemens S7-1200, HMI, Ladder Logic, Functional Block Diagram (FBD)

Why we like it

We like how Learn Siemens S7-1200 PLC & HMI from Scratch Using TIA focuses on PLC systems based on Siemens S7-1200. Rajvir Singh is also one of our favorite instructors for PLC programming.

Learn Siemens S7-1200 PLC & HMI from Scratch Using TIA is another great course from Rajvir Singh. Singh is a well-known instructor in the industry and offers a wide variety of PLC programming courses. He's been in the industry for years and has a great understanding of the five PLC types. That said, this course focuses on Siemens S7-1200 and HMI. The course also focuses on more than PLC language. Instead of limiting the course to ladder logic, Singh also touches on functional block diagram (FBD), a coding language used in some advanced PLC systems.

Learn Siemens from Scratch also includes downloadable resources and several articles students can read during breaks in lectures. Moreover, it has live updates from the instructor that are available with the one-time course purchase. It also covers important topics that give students a basic understanding of manufacturing systems and how they work on factory floors.

What Sets It Apart

Learn Siemens from Scratch is unique because of its learning structure. While many courses focus on instruction through lectures, Rajvir Singh goes above and beyond with the course's structure. This is because he presents each concept with an introduction, an exercise example, a hands-on example, and a quiz to evaluate a student's performance. For this reason, Learn Siemens S7-1200 PLC & HMI from Scratch Using TIA is as close as it gets to learning from an accredited institution.

Things To Consider

Learn Siemens S7-1200 PLC & HMI from Scratch Using TIA is one of Rajvir Singh's best courses for PLC programming. That said, it's not as complete as some of Singh's other PLC programming courses. While the specific knowledge is great, beginner-level students can get more value from a comprehensive course covering the five PLCs, like Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-Ab, Schneider, Omron & Delta, also offered by Singh.

Who It's For

Learn Siemens from Scratch is great for students that want to learn the basics of Siemens S7-1200 and how it can be applied. That said, the course has a specific target audience. This audience includes engineering students, engineers, and production supervisors that want to learn more about PLC systems. Still, it's a solid course for beginner-level students that need a certification for their resume.

Pros

  • Live updates with a one-time purchase
  • Presents ladder logic and functional block diagram
  • Taught by one of the best instructors
  • Opportunities for continued education
  • Downloadable resources and articles are included

Cons

  • Only focuses on Siemens S7-1200 and HMI
  • Not as comprehensive as some of Rajvir Singh's other PLC programming courses


4. Best for Beginners: The Complete PLC Programming Course

  • 11.5 hours $29.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Robert Simmons
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Topic: Programming PLCs, Ladder Logic, Troubleshooting, 5 PLCs

Why we like it

The Complete PLC Programming Course is one of our favorite choices because it’s the perfect course for beginners. While some courses require engineering or programming knowledge, this course has no prerequisites.

The Complete PLC Programming Course is the product of Robert Simmons's (the instructor) hard work and experience. Simmons has been in the PLC for over a decade and has gathered dozens of lectures and hands-on learning situations for students to experiment with. Simmons also knows how to teach beginners because he went from knowing nothing about PLCs to becoming a lead automation engineer. When it comes to the basics, Simmons knows how to teach them in a way that beginner-level students understand.

While the course is for beginners, it covers many important PLC topics like ladder logic and understanding the fundamentals of HMI and automation. The course is also packed with hands-on learning, additional resources, and lectures. Students can practice with PLC software and examine real-world projects and PLC examples that Simmons has worked on over the years. While it's not the longest course, it makes up for this by being easy to understand.

What Sets It Apart

The Complete PLC Programming Course is unique because of how beginner-friendly the content is. Simmons has a knack for teaching students who don't have a programming or PLC technology background. Instead of using complex language and only lectures, Simmons's real-world projects help students remain engaged. In fact, Simmons suggests that someone can enroll in this course with no PLC knowledge and be able to program PLC technology after only 60 days. The reviews back up this impressive claim, which makes it second-to-none for beginners.

Things To Consider

The Complete PLC Programming Course is perfect for beginners but comes up short for intermediate and advanced students. Furthermore, the content is easy to understand but limited compared to other beginner-level courses. For example, PLC Programming –Training from Scratch RSLogix 500 & 5000 is another beginner-level course, but it focuses on specific PLC systems and technology. Courses like this are more valuable for students with prior engineering or PLC experience.

Who It's For

The Complete PLC Programming Course is a great choice for beginners. In fact, it's the best choice for complete beginners. It's one of the few PLC courses that can help people who lack an engineering background understand PLC concepts, designs, and coding language. For these reasons, people with no PLC experience get the most value from this course. That said, people with previous basic PLC knowledge can find more value in more specific courses.

Pros

  • Can learn to program PLC in 60 days
  • Simmons had over a decade of PLC experience
  • One of the most affordable one-time purchase options
  • No prerequisites

Cons

  • Limited information because of its beginner-friendly content


5. Best for Developers: Become a PLC Developer

  • 7.25 hours $29.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Zahraa Khalil
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Topic: PLC Coding Languages, PLC Logic, HMI

Why we like it

We like Become a PLC Developer because of the way it’s taught and how much value it offers. Between additional opportunities for learning with the same instructor, it’s one of the longer courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Become a PLC Developer is a simple course made for programmers who want to learn PLC coding languages. The course focuses on a few topics that vary in length. The first few topics are shorter but provide an introduction to PLC logic and inform the student about what PLC automation is. Lectures that come later are focused on applying that logic and showing students how the code and PLC deliver messages to different automated devices.

Become a PLC Developer is also a course that provides students with real-world experience and certifications. When the course is completed, students earn a certificate of completion and will have enough of an understanding to work on real-world PLC equipment. That said, it's a versatile course for coders who want to expand their PLC knowledge.

What Sets It Apart

Become a PLC Developer is unique because of what it teaches. First and foremost, it's one of the few courses that go over the bridge between hardware and software. While PLC is hardware, it requires software to function properly. This is an underserved topic in most PLC programming courses. Another unique part of the course is how the lectures are structured. Each lecture is about an hour in length, so the instructor has plenty of time to go over key PLC concepts.

Things To Consider

While Become a PLC Developer is a solid course, it's not perfect. This is because it only covers a few topics. In our opinion, the instructor spends too much time on certain topics, which takes away from the value of the course. For example, the conclusion of the course is 41 minutes. That's 41 minutes of content that could have been used in other sections of the course. If you're looking for an alternative course that has more depth, Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-Ab, Schneider, Omron & Delta is a good choice.

Who It's For

Become a PLC Developer is a great fit for people who have a programming background. This is because it covers basic programming topics for PLC, but having coding knowledge adds more value to the course. Moreover, this is great for intermediate and advanced students because it doesn't include any fluff or introductory topics to coding. Therefore, for people with a background in coding, Become a PLC Developer offers tremendous value.

Pros

  • Opportunities for additional learning on the same platform (LinkedIn Learning)
  • Affordable
  • Great for intermediate and advanced students
  • Certification when completed

Cons

  • Long conclusion that doesn't add value
  • An understanding of coding or programming is required before starting the course


6. Best for Ladder Logic: Learning PLC Ladder Logic

  • 2 hours $29.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Zahraa Khalil
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Topic: Ladder Logic

Why we like it

We love Learning PLC Ladder Logic because it’s all about learning the coding languages of PLC technology.

Learning PLC Ladder Logic is a beginner-friendly course that focuses on teaching students about the coding language used for PLC equipment and technology. The instructor has decades of experience in the industry and knows how to express his ideas in a way that is easy for complete beginners to understand. Zahraa Khalil is the instructor and explores topics like counter instructions, rung operation, and input/output functionality. These basic concepts make it easy for students to develop a foundation of knowledge that applies to PLC programming and other courses.

Students also get a certificate of completion when the course is finished, and most people can apply the knowledge right away. The goal of the course is to help budding engineers prepare for PLC technology and systems. While the course is more basic than some other PLC courses, it's a great place for programmers to learn the PLC language.

What Sets It Apart

Learning PLC Ladder Logic is unique for a few reasons. First and foremost, Zahraa Khalil is one of the best instructors in the industry. She has many real-world examples of her work and has worked on many real-world PLC projects. That said, the best part of this course is how it comes with case studies. These are case studies that show students how PLC programming concepts are applied in the real world and provide insight into how these systems function that can't always be learned from lectures.

Things To Consider

Learning PLC Ladder Logic is a great course. We're big fans of the instructor and how the course is structured. That said, it's not perfect and has a few flaws. First and foremost, it's shorter than many PLC programming courses that are available on platforms like Udemy. This is because the course only focuses on a few topics. Another drawback of the course is that it only focuses on one programming language, ladder logic. While useful, it's only one type of language used for PLC programming. If you're looking for a more in-depth alternative, Learn 5 PLCs in a Day-Ab, Schneider, Omron & Delta is a great alternative. It focuses on all five PLCs instead of just ladder logic.

Who It's For

Learning PLC Ladder Logic is a great choice for students that have a basic understanding of programming and how it works. For programmers who are unfamiliar with ladder logic, the course does a solid job teaching students everything they need to know about it. Moreover, it's a great choice for students who want to brush up on PLC concepts that aren't taught in other courses. For example, someone looking to expand their knowledge beyond Allen Bradley can benefit greatly from this course.

Pros

  • Great instructor with years of experience
  • Focuses on one topic, which makes it less confusing
  • Great value and opportunities for continued education

Cons

  • Only focuses on one coding language of PLC
  • Shorter than most beginner and intermediate PLC programming courses


7. Best for SCADA: SCADA From Scratch

  • 7.5 hours $29.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Ahmed Ismail
  • Skill Level: Beginner, intermediate
  • Topic: SCADA

Why we like it

We love SCADA from Scratch because it focuses on the software elements of PLC technology. Plus, it’s one of the few courses available for advanced-level students.

SCADA from Scratch is a course that teaches students about Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. This is important information that's not always taught in other courses because it focuses on the software aspect of PLC instead of the hardware aspect. Software is a crucial element of PLC technology and determines how it will work. Understanding the software elements that support the hardware can help students separate themselves from people who only know about PLC systems.

SCADA from Scratch is also a well-rounded course and covers many topics. While it focuses on more SCADA concepts than PLC concepts, the course still has a healthy combination of both. This makes it more valuable than more expensive courses on one-time payment platforms. SCADA from Scratch also comes with over seven hours of lecture content, which is hard to find on Skillshare; it's not just one of the best PLC courses; it's one of Skillshare's best courses.

What Sets It Apart

SCADA from Scratch is unique for a few reasons. That said, the biggest reason is that the course teaches students about SCADA. While other PLC courses focus on SCADA topics, there aren't many courses that are dedicated to SCADA in the way that this one is. This course is also unique because of the instructor. He's someone who has experience with programming, coding, PLC, SCADA, and other topics. He's one of the best instructors on Skillshare and in the industry.

Things To Consider

SCADA from Scratch is a good course for people who want to learn about SCADA. That said, it's only good for people who want to learn about SCADA. When it comes to PLCs, there is more to them than SCADA. Therefore, we recommend starting with a traditional PLC course like PLC Programming Without a PLC - Entry PLC Project if you haven't taken a PLC course or know anything about PLC.

Who It's For

SCADA from Scratch is a great course for people who want to learn about Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems. This is the software that operates PLC technology, so understanding how it works is great for engineers and technicians. For this reason, the course is great for people who already work on PLC equipment that want to expand their knowledge. Overall, it's one of the few advanced PLC courses that we enjoy.

Pros

  • Teaches SCADA
  • Great for advanced students
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Doesn't focus on PLC as the primary topic


8. Best for Time Saving: PLC Programming Without a PLC – Entry PLC Project

  • 1.25 hours $29.99 Our rating  
  • Course Highlights
  • Instructor: Generalist Programmer
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Topic: Analog vs. Digital PLC, Installing PLC Software

Why we like it

We love PLC Programming Without a PLC – Entry PLC Project because it’s short, simple, and gets straight to the point.

The PLC Programming Without a PLC - Entry PLC Project is one of the simplest courses available for PLC programming. The course is taught by someone who has years of experience in the industry, and the instructor does a great job of getting right to the point. For this reason, there is no fluff in this course. PLC Programming Without a PLC also teaches beginners about the basics of PLC, which many courses fail to do. This is because most courses fail to explain what PLC is and how the programs work.

The course is also short, which is great for people who want to learn about PLC without spending much time on it. While you won't learn everything about PLC from the course, it serves as a good prerequisite for other PLC programming courses. PLC Programming Without a PLC also shows you how to install PLC software and work on PLC programming without working on real-world projects. This is useful for first-time PLC programmers.

What Sets It Apart

PLC Programming Without a PLC is simple and gets straight to the point. While it doesn't cover advanced PLC topics, it's enough to get many people started on their PLC journey. Plus, it shows you how to download and work on PLC software without disrupting real-world projects. This is crucial for training and getting hands-on PLC programming experience.

Things To Consider

PLC Programming Without a PLC comes with a few lectures that can help people get started on their PLC journey, but that's where its value ends. This is because it doesn't expand on many topics beyond what PLC software is and how it works. For this reason, courses like Learn 5 PLCs in a Day are more in-depth alternatives for beginners because they focus on the five PLCs and PLC applications.

Who It's For

PLC Programming Without a PLC is an excellent choice for people who want to learn about what PLC programming is. It provides the most value to students who have a background in programming and shows students how programming works with automation. While it's not perfect, it's a solid course for programmers who want to start learning about PLC and programmers who want to work on PLC projects with limited experience. It's also great for people who want to learn about downloading PLC software.

Pros

  • Shows students how to download PLC programs
  • Short and to the point
  • Affordable
  • Many opportunities for continued education
  • Covers what a PLC is and how the technology works

Cons

  • Limited information
  • Lacks depth
  • Only suitable for absolute beginners


PLC Programming Courses FAQ

Manufacturing floor

PLC programming involves programming industrial-grade computers for use in manufacturing. PLC stands for programmable logic controller or programmable controller. These devices are used in situations that require simple programming, ease of use, and fault diagnosis. For these reasons, PLC programming has become a staple across many industries like farming, food manufacturing, automotive production, and more.

The most prominent language for PLC programming is ladder logic. While ladder logic is the most common programming language used for PLC, it’s not the only one. Some other suitable languages include structured text, sequential function charts (SFCs), instruction lists, and function block diagrams (FBDs). These are all viable languages for PLC programming.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) are similar but have a few key differences. First and foremost, PLC is a type of hardware, and SCADA is a type of software. Secondly, SCADA can operate via hardware and software in some situations. In many cases, SCADA is also a location control system that uses a combination of hardware and software.

Yes, you can learn PLC programming on your own. You can do so with online courses and working on PLC devices on factory floors. That said, we recommend a combination of hands-on experience, online courses, and applying to programs at accredited PLC institutions.

Yes, PLC programming is easy to learn. There are dozens of ways to learn about PLC programming without spending too much money. You can start by using some of the best PLC programming courses. These are courses that teach you the ins and outs of PLC equipment and systems.



Extra Credit

Man using a computer to code PLC devices

There is a lot to learn when it comes to PLC programming, especially when you start getting into the five coding languages. Therefore, having a list of the best PLC programming courses is a great place to start. That said, looking at a list of the best courses isn’t always enough. If you’re still uncertain about which PLC programming course is the best fit for you, we’re here to help. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about PLC programming to help you narrow down your options. Read on to learn more.

Getting Started With PLC Programming

PLC programming is challenging and can be overwhelming for students who have no experience with automation or human-machine interfaces. For this reason, learning the basics of PLC programming is important before pursuing complex courses and specific PLC programs. For people who are just getting started, there are a few options to choose from.

First and foremost, The Complete PLC Programming Course is the best fit for people with no experience. The course doesn’t require prerequisites or existing programming knowledge. In fact, beginner-level students can take the course and learn to code PLC within two months. For beginner-level courses, it’s hard to beat Simmons’s lectures and real-world project examples.

Still, there are options for beginners that have prior programming and engineering experience. These are courses that teach PLC in ways that people with engineering backgrounds can grasp quickly. One example is Learn 5 PLCs in a Day. Rajvir Singh covers the five PLCs and everything you need to know about them in this course. This includes basic automation functions, coding languages, and even troubleshooting potential problems.

Finally, our last beginner-friendly course is PLC Programming Without PLC -Entry PLC Project. This short and streamlined course teaches students to work on PLC technology without needing to practice on real-world projects. This can take a lot of stress out of working on PLC technology for the first time.

While these are our favorite beginner-level choices for PLC programming, some options focus on specific PLC topics that beginners can understand.

Choosing a PLC Programming Based on PLC Type

There are five common PLCs. These systems are different in a few ways, so they require more advanced knowledge and specific education. To help you find a PLC programming course that fits the type of PLC you’ll be working on, we’ve selected a handful to help you get started.

First and foremost, we’ll introduce you to a course by Rajvir Singh that focuses on all five PLCs. This is a comprehensive course that goes into detail about each of the five PLCs. The course is Learn 5 PLCs in a Day, and it covers each PLC in detail, which is hard to find in other PLC programming courses. For this reason, it’s one of the longest courses available for PLC programming and comes with dozens of additional resources for students to practice with.

That said, there are also PLC programming courses that focus on specific PLCs. One example is PLC Programming –Training from Scratch RSLogix 500 & 5000. It’s a course that focuses on RSLogix 500 and Allen Bradley PLCs. If those are the PLCs you want to learn more about, it’s your course. Another example is Learn Siemens S7-1200 PLC & HMI from Scratch Using TIA, which focuses on Siemens S7-1200 and its specific features and code.

When you’re learning about PLC, finding a course that includes the specific information you need is crucial and helps you get the most value.

Let’s Get Programming

PLC technology is used in many applications. It’s commonly used to manage manufacturing equipment for factories and manufacturing plants. When you learn about PLC programming and its equipment, you bolster your resume with the skills needed to thrive in the modern programming market. You’ll be able to work with factory equipment, program factory equipment, and develop an understanding of the five common coding languages used for PLC programming.

While there is a lot to learn when it comes to PLC programming, you have to start somewhere. Whether you have some background in PLC programming or if you’re starting fresh, learning with the best online PLC programming courses is a great place to start. Even if you have a lot of experience with PLC technology, leveraging these online PLC programming courses can help you stay up-to-date on new innovations and PLC technology.

Happy programming!