The industry-education certifications are the result of an 18-month collaboration of more than 150 subject matter experts from FANUC America, industry, automation system integrators, and leading advisors and instructors from high schools, community colleges, and universities.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FANUC America Corporation has introduced four new national training certifications for robotics and advanced automation manufacturing. The certifications are the first ever for robot operations, programming and integrated vision.

The industry-education certifications are the result of an 18-month collaboration of more than 150 subject matter experts from FANUC America, industry, automation system integrators, and leading advisors and instructors from high schools, community colleges, and universities. Participants focused on the need to prepare a talent pipeline of workers who possess the core competencies and automation technology skills to work in high-tech manufacturing.

Since 2010, FANUC has lead the effort to address the critical challenge caused by a shortage of skilled workers, and helped change the perceptions of careers in manufacturing. The new industry-leading certifications provide students and companies with measurable skill sets aligned with todays advanced automation technologies, increasing workforce readiness at all levels.

"The national certifications include two skill levels for robot operators and two skill levels for robot technicians," said Paul Aiello, director of education, FANUC America. "Students who receive the new certifications are qualified to fill a variety of high-demand and high-paying careers in robotics and advanced manufacturing. Most employers agree that hiring individuals with relevant industry credentials allows them to quickly become a valued asset to the company, and leads to greater employee retention."

The new national certification classes will be taught at secondary and post-secondary schools and training institutions offering the FANUC CERT (Certified Education Training) program. Currently, there are over 640 education providers offering the CERT program, which represents the largest network of schools providing hands-on applied technology in manufacturing automation.

FANUC America, together with Nocti Business Solutions developed the four industry recognized national certification programs which include two levels of FANUC Certified Robot Operator (FCR-O1 & FRC-O2) and two levels of FANUC Certified Technician (FCR-T1 & FCR-T2).

About FANUC America Corporation

FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, and provides industry-leading robotics, CNC systems, and factory automation. FANUCs innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers in the Americas maximize efficiency, reliability and profitability.

FANUC embraces a culture of "Service First" which means that customer service is our highest priority. We are committed to supplying our customers with parts and support for the life of their FANUC products.

FANUC America is headquartered at 3900 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, and has facilities in: Atlanta; Boston; Charlotte; Chicago; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Houston; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; Montreal; Pine Brook, NJ; Pontiac, MI; San Francisco; Seattle; Toronto; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sao Paulo, and Manaus, Brazil; and Aguascalientes, Monterrey, and Queretaro, Mexico. For more information, please call: 888-FANUC-US (888-326-8287) or visit our website: www.fanucamerica.com. Also, connect with us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.

About Nocti Business Solutions

Nocti Business Solutions (NBS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of NOCTI and was established in 1999 to serve the needs of business and industry in high-stakes occupational competency testing services as a job skills assessment company. In addition to serving the needs of business and industry, NBS provides the vital connection between industry and education for NOCTI.

NBS services are targeted to the industrial, business, military, and municipal sectors and are typically used for pre-hire/post-hire decision-making and training purposes. Assessment results are used to enhance information needed for decisions related to position requirements and the knowledge and skills of the individual being assessed.

NBS is fully accredited from the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC). The ICAC is an alliance of organizations dedicated to assuring competency, professional management, and service to the public by encouraging and setting standards for licensing, certification, and credentialing programs. The ICAC's accreditation of NBS confirms the validity of the NBS programs by a neutral third party and that the credentials follow the best international industry practices and standards. The standards outlined in ISO 17024 focus on conformity assessment and regulate general requirements for certification. These standards create a global benchmark for personnel certification programs, helping guarantee that they operate in a consistent, comparable and reliable manner worldwide.