Watch this video tour on all you need to know about IFPS Membership.

If you are not sure which test to take, you can complete the Certification Placement Indicator. This questionnaire will help you assess your job responsibilities and choose the most applicable IFPS certification. 

IFPS has staff Accredited Instructors who can provide in-person, online, or hybrid Certification Review Training as well as customized fluid power training. Contact BJ Wagner for more information. The following is a list of other certification preparation offered by IFPS.

Specialist Certifications:
Hydraulic Specialist
Pneumatic Specialist 
Electronic Controls Specialist

Technician Certifications: 
Industrial Hydrualic Technician
Mobile Hydraulic Technician 
Pneumatic Technician 

Mechanic Certifications:
Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic 
Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic 
Pneumatic Mechanic   

Connector and Conductor Certification:
Connector & Conductor

•     > All tests have a three (3)-hour time limit. The test candidate must correctly answer 70% of the test questions.
•     > All Specialist tests consist of 50 questions; the minimum passing score is 70%.
•     > All Mechanic and Technician tests (including C&C) consist of a written test with 75 questions AND require a job performance test 
         ("hands-on.") All written Mechanic and Technician tests have a minimum passing score of 70%; all job performance tests must earn
         a 70% with minimum score requirements at each station.

The job performance test is a “hands-on” test used only with the Mechanic, Technician, and Connector and Conductor certifications. This test consists of six (6) different stations. Typical tasks include the identification of fittings, fasteners, and fluid power symbols. The test candidate must earn a 70% with minimum score requirements at each station.

Membership is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended. There are many membership benefits, including discounts on many of the products on our website, certification tests, and recertification fees.

Please refer to our certification fee policies for detailed information.

Registration must be received at IFPS Headquarters at least 30 days prior to your requested test date. Once your application is processed, you will receive an electronic copy of the Study Manual by e-mail. You may purchase a print copy. To register: Log in (or create an account), click on the certification you wish to take, and submit the test application. 

If you have a group of employees who are interested in taking a certification test, you may schedule an in-house test session at your location. Additional fees may apply for groups of less than 10. Contact the IFPS Certification Manager for more information.

All IFPS fees must be prepaid and are non-refundable. You can, however, reschedule your test for an additional fee as long as you notify IFPS Headquarters no later than two (2) weeks prior to the original test date. Reschedule fees apply: Student Member: $50.00. Professional Member/Non-Member: $80.00. Exceptions will be considered for medical emergencies.

You MUST bring a photo ID and a writing utensil

The following materials ARE allowed:

•    > Hard or softbound copyrighted fluid power reference books.
•    > Written notes either in the margins or on designated “notes” pages.
•    > An approved calculator.

The following materials are NOT allowed:

•    > Loose sheets of paper, laminated cards, spiral notebooks, or three-ring binders of notes
•    > The study manual or pretests issued by the International Fluid Power Society

You may use any of the approved calculators.

Online Test – you are notified of your score immediately after completing the test. The results will also be viewable in Your Account under Test History.

Paper and Pencil Test – you will receive your test results approximately four weeks after the test date. The results are often available sooner and can be viewed in Your Account under Test History. (You must be logged in to see this information).

Once your test results are processed, you will be notified via email. The IFPS staff is unable to relay any information regarding test results over the telephone. If your company paid for your certification test or if you certified through a school, your pass/fail result may be communicated to your employer/teacher; however, your score/grade will only be released to you. You will also receive a "core competency report", which gives a breakdown of your test results and includes both the raw score and the percentage of questions correct within each test domain. This report does NOT contain information on which question you answered correctly or incorrectly. Unless otherwise requested, all newly certified individuals will be listed in the IFPS Newsletter and the Fluid Power Journal.

You may schedule a retake test once you have been notified of your test results. Normal application deadlines will apply (30 days notice). Please refer to our certification fee policies for details on retake fees.

All Test Candidates will be required to sign an Infraction Policy before beginning a test. Please carefully review this policy to familiarize yourself with the potential sanctions it outlines. 

Your IFPS Certification is valid for a period of five (5) years, upon which time you will need to renew it. IFPS will send you recertification reminders in the form of e-mails, letters, and postcards; however, it is your responsibility to submit your application by the deadline. If you do not submit the paperwork by the deadline, you may be required to retake the test.

IFPS will send you recertification reminders in the form of e-mails, letters, and postcards; however, it is your responsibility to submit your application by the deadline. You may also check the expiration date of your certification in Your Account under Certifications. If you do not submit the paperwork by the deadline, you may be required to retake the test. Please be sure to keep all your contact information current. You may update your information in Your Account. (You must be logged in to see this information).

You must complete a recertification application and submit it with payment prior to your certification expiration date. In order to qualify for recertification, you must remain involved in the fluid power industry and receive ongoing formal or informal education/training to achieve competency in new developments, techniques, procedures, and practices. If you do not meet the recertification requirements or you have let your certification lapse for more than one (1) year, you will be required to take and pass the appropriate certification test in order to reinstate your certification. If you are unsure if you qualify for recertification, please contact Headquarters.

The short answer is no; IFPS membership is not required to maintain your certification. However, you will gain required recertification points by keeping your membership current and receiving all the member benefits, including the discount rate, at the time of your recertification. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to disclose specific questions that were answered incorrectly on your exam. However, don't be discouraged! If you don't pass a certification test, our Core Competency Reports are here to guide you. These reports are tailored to help you identify areas for improvement. They provide a comprehensive summary of your test results, showcasing the raw score and the percentage of correct questions within each subtest. Moreover, the report includes details on which questions align with specific subtests, giving you valuable insights for targeted study and improvement. You can access this report via email and in your account settings under "Test History." Keep striving for success!

Click here to learn how to understand your Core Competency Report.