Arduino Opta Essentials Course (ACE-100)

Build your expertise in Arduino Opta

Your First Steps to PLC Programming with Arduino Opta. Learn PLC Basics and get your First Arduino Certified Engineer (ACE) Badge!

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Duration

16 hrs
Modules

5 Modules
Skill level

Beginner
Product

Opta PLC Trainer Kits
(PLC Cable, DigiKey)
Software requirements

Windows OS,
Arduino IDE,
Arduino PLC IDE (Windows OS),
certification

ACE-100 Badge & Cetificate

Industrial Associate Course using Arduino Opta

Purpose

ACE-100 is a FREE beginner PLC programming course using the Arduino Opta designed to equip novices with no prior PLC programming experience with the basic tools necessary to create a complete PLC program using Ladder Diagram, most common IEC 61131-3 PLC programming language in the world. on the Arduino PLC IDE.   

Gain Foundational expertise in operational administration of an Opta with both Arduino IDE & Arduino PLC IDE using Arduino Sketches & Arduino Ladder Diagrams respectively while also integrating with Arduino Cloud.

Arduino Opta

technology

Arduino Opta is a secure, easy-to-use micro PLC with Industrial IoT capabilities. Designed in partnership with Finder®, leading industrial and building automation device manufacturer, it allows professionals to scale up automation projects while taking advantage of the open and widely known Arduino ecosystem.

Arduino Opta can enhance the Control and Automate workloads of your existing Industrial Automation vendors, like Siemens, Rockwell Automation, ABB, Schneider as well as supporting real-time control, monitoring and IoT applications.

Learn more about Opta

Who is this course for?

TARGET AUDIENCE

Industrial Operators and Automation Technicians on how to get started with Arduino Opta in Industrial settings.

Technical learners with no prior PLC programming experience.

Engineering graduates looking to specialize in industrial automation.

Curious cats eager to explore new technologies in Arduino IDE and Arduino PLC IDE.

What will you learn?

course highlights

PLC Programming Foundations

Delve into the basics of PLC programming, focusing on the Ladder Diagram (LD) language.
Arduino Opta Capabilities

Discover the capabilities of the Arduino Opta and its application in automation and its native connectivity to the Arduino Cloud.
Advanced Arduino Sketches

Transition to higher programming languages, enhancing your skills with C++ in Arduino IDE.
Real-World Applications

Apply your knowledge in practical scenarios, using both LD and Arduino sketches leveraging the Arduino Cloud.
Community and Expertise

Join a community of learners and experts, sharing insights and expanding your automation network.

Why enroll in this course?

benefits

Free Self-paced Learning

Learn at your pace and feel free to share your completion Badge with your network on LinkedIn and on your email signature.
Beginner-Friendly

Jumpstart your journey in PLC programming with a course designed from the ground up for beginners; both Arduino Lovers and Automation Engineers.
Exclusive Insights

Benefit from a focused curriculum co-developed by Arduino's expert teams, industry professionals, and direct customer feedback.
Dual-Language Masters

Master PLC programming in both traditional IEC 61131-3 languages like Ladder Diagram and modern C++ Arduino sketches through hands-on simulations.
Affordable Access

With the purchase of any of Arduino-approved Opta Trainer Kits, gain early access to this transformative learning experience.
Certification

Earn a recognized certificate that bolsters your credentials and opens new doors in the automation industry.

Opta Essentials Course ACE-100 FAQs

General Course information

1. What is the ACE-100 course about?

Provides comprehensive learning on beginner topics on Ladder Diagram and PLC Programming using 3 different ways:
1. Arduino PLC IDE for Ladder Diagram
2. Arduino IDE with Arduino Sketches
3. Low-code approach using Arduino Cloud and Web Editor
Covers key automation concepts in Ladder and Arduino Sketches to help you achieve basic operational expertise in using Arduino Opta for Education and Enterprise purposes while also integrating with Arduino Cloud.

2. Who is this course intended for?

Beginner PLC Programmers
Curious about Arduino Opta

3. What will I learn from this course?

Basic Administration of the Arduino Opta using Ladder Diagram, Arduino IDE and Arduino Cloud

4. Any Prerequisites for taking this course?

None
Recommended to have some basic Engineering and Electrical systems foundations and Arduino experience.

Opta Trainer Kit Hardware

1. What are the two Approved Kits for the course?

PLC Cables Opta Trainer Kit - A pre-wired, plug-and-play solution ready for immediate use.
DigiKey Opta Trainer Kit - An unwired kit with pre-cut, ferrule-ended wires, ideal for teaching wiring and troubleshooting, promoting a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience, especially for Higher Education learners.

2. Does the Course required a dedicated Opta Trainer Kit?

Yes. The full course is only accessible with the Approved Opta Trainer Kit from either DigiKey or PLC Cables.

3. What if I already have an Opta?

Order the DigiKey Opta Trainer Kit which comes with individual components and simply leave out the Opta. The best learning experience for ACE-100 course is having an Opta Trainer Kit

4. How much does the Kits cost?

Arduino, in collaboration with DigiKey and PLC Cables, offers a cost-effective PLC learning solution that includes licensing, software, and Cloud access. Unlike traditional PLC Trainer Kits costing thousands, Opta Trainer Kits are priced starting €340 / $350 and below €970 / $999

Enrollment

1. Is the course free or paid?

This is a free course but requires buying an Opta Trainer Kit to get access to the full course.

2. How do I enroll in the course?

Simply click on “Enroll Now” button on the course landing page: Opta Essential ACE-100 course
You can use your Arduino login to Sign Up and Login and you’ll be enrolled!

3. What if I want to try the course and not buy the Kit?

By default, when you enroll first time into the course, you will get access to the first 2 modules of the course to review the course.

4. Do I need a Kit to access and complete the course?

Yes. The Opta Trainer Kit from our authorized Education Partners: PLC Cables or DigiKey

5. Can the same Kit be shared among multiple learners?

Yes. One Opta Trainer Kit can be shared among several learners. This is only available for 2024 and 2025.
Please email the order number of the Opta Trainer Kit to support email: [email protected] to get full access to the course.

Access & Navigation

1. How do I access the course?

Logging in at academy.arduino.cc website
Once logged in, navigate to the “My Courses” tab to begin.

2. What devices can I use to access the course?

The course is accessible on laptops, tablets, and smartphones through any modern web browser.

3. How do I navigate the platform?

On Arduino Academy, use left-hand navigation menu to view modules, lessons, quizzes and downloadable materials.
Simply click on any section to begin.

4. Is there an app for mobile learning?

Currently do not have a dedicated mobile app but can easily access course through a mobile web browser for learning on the go.

Technical Issues

1. What should I do if I encounter technical issues?

If you run into technical issues, please clear your browser cache, refresh the page, or try a different browser.
If the problem persists, contact us at support email: [email protected] for further assistance.

2. What internet speed is recommended?

A stable internet connection with at least 5 Mbps download speed is recommended to ensure smooth access to video content.

Course Structure

1. How is the course structured?

The course is divided into modules, each consisting of several lessons.
Modules include video content, readings, quizzes, and activities, providing a step-by-step learning experience.

2. Is this course self-paced or instructor-led?

This is a self-paced course, which means you can work through the content at your own convenience.
Course can be used for instructor-led by emailing [email protected] to get access to resources.

3. How long will it take to complete the course?

The estimated time to complete the course is 16 hours or 2 days, but you can learn at your own pace. Recommend to finish the course in three months.

4. Are there live sessions or webinars?

There are no live sessions for this course. However, you can participate in our communities and forums to interact with fellow learners.

Learning Activities & Assessments

1. What activities are included in the course?

The course includes hands-on projects and labs with the Opta Trainer Kit, video and text-based lessons, quizzes and resources to reinforce learning.

2. How are assessments graded?

Quizzes are automatically graded by the platform.
In 2025: introducing assignments and cohorts

3. Do I need to complete quizzes and assignments to pass?

Yes, completing the all the lessons, quizzes, assignments is important for tracking your progress and earning a certificate at the end.

4. Can I retake quizzes if I don’t pass on the first attempt?

Yes, most quizzes can be retaken as many times as needed to help you fully understand the content.

Certification and Progress Tracking

1. Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Yes, once you complete all the required modules and pass the quizzes, you will receive a certificate of completion that can be downloaded directly from the platform.

2. How can I track my progress in the course?

Your progress is tracked automatically by Arduino Academy. You can view your progress on the course dashboard, which shows completed lessons and modules.

3. Is there a deadline for completing the course?

There is no fixed deadline for this self-paced course, but it’s recommended to complete it within [suggested time, e.g., 3 months] to stay motivated.

4.Where can I view my Badges?

You can view your certificate and badge at badges.arduino.cc

Support and Communication

1. How can I contact the instructors or support team?

You can contact the instructor or support team by emailing [email protected] for further assistance.

2. Is there a community or discussion forum?

Yes, there is a discussion forum and Arduino community within the course where you can ask questions, share your experiences, and interact with other learners.

Accelerate your Career with the ACE-100 Opta course.

It is more than a Course! it's an introduction to the world of industrial automation and possibly a brand new career path for you.

Sign-Up for Early Access

Are you working with PLCs today?

The Opta Trainer Kit is your Ultimate PLC Instructor

Master the art of PLC programming with the Opta Trainer Kit. Book Your Trainer Kit Today!

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Are you working with PLCs today?

Upgrade your skills with
PLC Cable’s Opta PLC Trainer Kit

Master the art of PLC programming with the Opta PLC Trainer Kit. Book Your Trainer Kit Today!

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Are you an Educator?

Explore PLC Programming using
DigiKey’s Opta Trainer Kit.

Build your Opta Kit from scratch, including wiring. This Kit is an official kit for the Arduino Opta Essentials ACE-100 course.

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*By clicking on ORDER NOW or BUY NOW you will be redirected to one of Arduino’s authorized partners.

Duration

Modules

Skill level

Product

Software requirements

certification

Free Self-paced Learning

Beginner-Friendly

Exclusive Insights

Dual-Language Masters

Affordable Access

Certification

Are you working with PLCs today?

Upgrade your skills withPLC Cable’s Opta PLC Trainer Kit

Are you an Educator?

Explore PLC Programming usingDigiKey’s Opta Trainer Kit.

Want to know more?

Upgrade your skills with
PLC Cable’s Opta PLC Trainer Kit

Explore PLC Programming using
DigiKey’s Opta Trainer Kit.