The National Council for Skill Standards
in Graphic Communications
in Graphic Communications
Endorsed and funded by the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA), the Flexographic Press Skill Standards and Flexographic Press Operator's Multi-Color Certification Examination were designed and developed by the National Council for Skill Standards in Graphic Communications (NC). The skill standards serve as the basic reference for the FTA Flexographic Press Skill Building Curriculum and the NC certification examination.
The FTA has created and implemented a multi-level Training System by which operating personnel receive recognition via an examination of defined skills for escalating levels of knowledge. The System includes material which defines specific skills and reference materials to mastering those competencies leading to certification in each of three separate levels. The program provides a guide for company training, plus enables the ability to promote flexibility and portability of highly skilled personnel across flexographic printing functions.
This System includes four progressive skill levels, designed to help the press operator learn and develop a high level of knowledge. Testing at each level is designed to help improve quality, technical expertise, hands-on skills, industry language, and to assess the needs of the press operator for additional areas of training. Following are descriptions of the four progressive skill levels:
Basic Flexographer (Level I)
The "Basic Flexographer" classification (Level I) has been developed to provide recognition of those who have rudimentary knowledge of the industry or are entry-level personnel. The information outlines the skills and subjects that a Basic Flexographer should understand. Each skill includes a qualifying statement with reference study materials. One section includes sample test questions that provide an idea of the depth of knowledge that a Basic Flexographer must have. The employee may then consult with his/her supervisor for approval toward procuring the Level I test from the FTA.
Flexo Press Operator (Level II)
The "Flexo Press Operator" should have two years of press experience to be eligible for the Level II test. Level II requires the mastery of a higher level of technical skills as a highly capable “printer assistant.” The operator must also raise his/her level of leadership and interpersonal skills to an appropriate position of respect.
Accomplished Flexo Press Operator (Level III)
The "Accomplished Flexo Press Operator," with 3.5 years of continuous operating experience, will exhibit an expert-level knowledge of press operations, converting, plate mounting and process color presswork, qualifying for Level IV testing
Expert Flexo Press Operator (Level IV)
The "Expert Flexo Press Operator” is the ultimate position of achievement in the Flexographic printing industry. Upon fulfilling the minimum of five years of [continuous] multi-color press operating experience, the operator may proceed to register for certification by the National Council and take the Flexographic Press Operator's Multi-Color Certification Examination. This level of experience includes the mastery of the core skills and technical knowledge as defined by the National Council including an understanding of workflow characteristics of the printing process, industry safety practices, and environmental regulations.
Candidates seeking National Council Certified Operator (NCCO) credentials who have completed the three levels of FTA skill training are eligible for the Expert Flexo Press Operator Level IV National Council Flexo Press Operator Multi-Color Certification Examination. Candidates successfully passing the Level IV Examination receive a certificate indicating National Council Certified Operator (NCCO) status suitable for framing, a 4-color process embroidered uniform insignia, and personal letter of commendation from the Council Executive Director.
SPECIAL NOTICE. Experienced multi-color flexo press operators with the minimum 5-years of continuous multi-color press operating experience are considered eligible to take the Flexographic Press Operator's Multi-Color Certification Examination without passing through the FTA Flexo Press Skill Building Curriculum.
Candidates may take the Flexographic Multi-Color Press Operating Certification Examination on a date convenient to their company production operations and work schedule. Applications must be received a minimum of 10 work days prior to the testing date requested, allowing the Council office time to review and confirm applications for eligibility, and to arrange for proctoring the requested examinations within the company's facilities.
The multiple-choice, three-hour written examination can be administered by the candidate's company sponsor, a supervisor or administrative staff member, following the Proctor's Guide in PDF format (also available in MS Word format). Please download the Guide for instructions on administering the examination. The Council strongly recommends a quiet room away from the production environment when administering the examination. If several operators [from the same shift] are registered to take the exam, all should take the examination at the same time, in one group, preventing possible ‘coaching' of those operators taking the examination at a later time.
HR personnel, managers and candidates may download the 18-page Flexo Press Operator's Guide to Credentialing. The Guide contains sample test questions, with answers [that may or may not be included in the examinations]. The FTA Press Skill Building Curriculum, described above, is the basic curriculum for those entering the flexo industry to become press operators. For information on the FTA Press Skill Building Curriculum, workshops and technical services contact:
Mr. Richard Mix, Technical Director
Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association
900 Marconi Avenue
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-7212
Voice: 631-733-6020
Fax: 631-737-6813
Website: www.flexography.org
| Registration Fees | USA: | Canada: |
| Up to/including three registrants: | $210/ea | $235/ea. |
| All up to/including seven registrants: | $195/ea. | $225/ea. |
| All up to eight and additional registrants: | $185/ea. | $200/ea. |
(National Council certification examinations are available in the English language only).
The following information sheets are a part of the registration procedure:
- Application Process Overview
- Instructions for Filling Out Registration Forms
- Examination Eligibility Checklist (experience requirement for taking an examination)
To register for the examination the candidate, with his/her sponsor must complete and submit the:
- Registration Form
- Sponsor's Documentation Form (completed by candidate's company sponsor), and
- Checklist for Application (also completed by the company sponsor).
An optional Biographical Questionnaire may be completed to accompany the above forms.
1. Click here to download the required forms for submission.
2. Print out the REGISTRATION FORM. Carefully complete the required information using a black ballpoint pen, then ask your sponsor to sign in the space provided, and sign your name and date.
3. Print out the SPONSOR'S DOCUMENTATION FORM. Ask your supervisor to complete the required information.
4. Print out the CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION and give it to your sponsor for completion.
5. We require a letter from your supervisor on your Company letterhead confirming your eligibility (see Eligibility Requirements in the Guide to Credentialing).
6. Send the following information and required [completed] forms to the National Council, to arrive a minimum of 10 work days prior to your stipulated testing date:
· Registration Form
· Sponsor's Documentation Form
· Sponsor Letter on Company letterhead
· Biographical Questionnaire (optional)
· Checklist for Application
· Check in the appropriate amount
Clip the above listed forms and check together – please do not staple – and send to:
Registration Department
The National Council for Skill Standards
Harry V. Quadracci Education & Technology Center
800 Main Street - Building Q
Pewaukee, WI 53072
PLEASE NOTE: We will inform you (by letter or e-mail) of the status of your registration when your forms are received [a minimum of] 10 days prior to the exam date requested.
Please direct questions pertaining to the examination and registration procedures to the Council: 262-695-6252. Contact the Council Coordinator, Mary Ellen Aspenson at maspenson@piw.org.