Read the job.
Start with the work order, the machine’s operating requirements, and the precautions for the task.
Online PLC training · learn by doing
From reading a rung
to running the machine.
Build your PLC skills through 10 practical machine projects. Write ladder logic, develop HMI screens, and commission a VFD in your browser.
No account or credit card needed to try Levels 1 and 2.
See what you’ll actually build
Real lesson screens · Narrated tour · English captionsPLC, HMI & commissioning showcaseNarrated · English captions available
Repetitive practice. Increasing responsibility.
Learn the logic.
Then see what it does.
Connect the program to the equipment it controls. You work through machine requirements, make decisions, and test the result.
Do the work.
Wire I/O, inspect or write ladder logic, set up a drive, or build an operator interface.
Prove the result.
Test how the machine responds and work through the lesson’s completion checks.
Your learning path
10 levels.
One connected skill set.
Start with guided fundamentals, take on more of the programming, and bring the pieces together in a production cell. Open a level below to see the work and its actual screen.
01–02 Foundations03–07 Programming & commissioning08–10 Process, HMI & integration
01Guided motor starterRead the supplied ladder. Wire the inputs and outputs.Free
Free lesson · Level 1
What you will work on
Follow the work order through isolation, control wiring, program reading, and a working pump. Connect the field devices to the PLC and see how the inputs, permissives, and output work together.
- Trace the supplied three-rung ladder program and seal-in logic.
- Make the control-circuit connections and complete the pump test.
02Conveyor troubleshootingFollow the evidence from the HMI to the circuit.Free
Free lesson · Level 2
What you will work on
Investigate a packaging conveyor that will not restart. Compare the operator alarm with the controller information and use measurements to find the failed component.
- Read the operator terminal and PLC I/O states.
- Use the simulated meter, repair the fault under isolation, and verify operation.
03Automatic pump controlWrite your first ladder program from a work order.Write logic
Full-access lesson · Level 3
What you will work on
Build the program yourself using the tank’s float switches, a HAND/OFF/AUTO selector, and timed run feedback. No solution is preloaded.
- Use XIC, XIO, OTE, parallel branches, and a TON timer.
- Make the pump follow the operating modes and complete an automatic fill cycle.
04VFD conveyor commissioningConnect PLC commands to a drive and motor.Commission
Full-access lesson · Level 4
What you will work on
Commission a simulated PowerFlex 525. Enter the motor data, configure the command sources, wire the drive controls, and prove the conveyor responds.
- Set motor parameters, speed limits, and acceleration/deceleration.
- Configure the 0–10 V speed reference and test the drive’s stopping functions.
05Pneumatic pick and placeCoordinate the sequence and its permissives.Sequence
Full-access lesson · Level 5
What you will work on
Select valves, cylinders, a gripper, and sensors. Connect the pneumatic and electrical controls, then review the supplied machine sequence.
- Account for power and air isolation, trapped energy, and vertical load support.
- Verify the cycle order, run conditions, and response to an interruption.
06Inspection conveyorDesign the control system from requirements.Write logic
Full-access lesson · Level 6
What you will work on
Choose the hardware, assign the I/O, wire the conveyor, and write the inspection and rejection logic. This is a design job with a specification to meet.
- Develop the run/stop, reject sensor, solenoid, and pilot-light logic.
- Test the operator controls, safety response, and engineering acceptance requirements.
07180° indexing turretTurn machine conditions into a working sequence.Write logic
Full-access lesson · Level 7
What you will work on
Build an indexing fixture from the work order. Use part, position, and operating-condition inputs to control a 180-degree move and its stopping point.
- Select hardware, assign I/O, and work from the wire schedule.
- Create and test your own sequence in the ladder editor.
08Analog process controlTranslate milliamps into a useful process value.Commission
Full-access lesson · Level 8
What you will work on
Commission a 4–20 mA surge-tank level loop. Wire the instruments, scale the transmitter, configure proportional control and alarms, and review the supplied supervisory routines.
- Convert the input signal to engineering units and verify the response.
- Test the alarms and diagnose a transmitter fault; PID tuning is not part of this lesson.
09HMI machine interfaceBuild the operator application and PLC handshake.Build the HMI
Full-access lesson · Level 9
What you will work on
Start an operator interface in HMI Studio. Place objects, bind tags, configure alarms and operator security, then connect the application to the PLC.
- Distinguish status tags from requests, setpoints, alarms, and safety information.
- Complete the interface rungs and test the operator functions.
10Integrated production cellBring PLC routines, HMI screens, and commissioning together.Capstone
Full-access lesson · Level 10
What you will work on
Integrate a fill, cap, inspect, and reject cell. Work across the program, network, analog instrument, drive, pneumatics, and operator interface.
- Review supplied sequences and complete Mode_Control, Process_Control, and Diagnostics.
- Build seven HMI displays, investigate reported faults, and run the production checks.
Some lessons supply the PLC program for you to read or commission; others ask you to develop the logic. The descriptions show what you do in each one.
Start here
Try the first job before choosing a plan.
Level 1 guides you through the starter, the supplied ladder, and the pump test. Level 2 gives you a troubleshooting service call.
Inside the training
Real editing.
Meaningful decisions.
These are the actual tools you use in the lessons. Enlarge any screenshot to take a closer look.
01 / LADDER LOGICBuild the rung.
Build the rung.
Follow the tags.
Use contacts, branches, coils, and timers in lessons that ask you to program from requirements. Connect your instructions to the machine’s inputs and outputs, then test the behavior.
Write your own logic in Levels 3, 6, and 7.
02 / OPERATOR INTERFACESGive the operator
Give the operator
a clear view.
Place HMI objects, configure their properties, bind PLC tags, and build alarm handling. Test what an operator can request and what the controller reports back.
Develop the HMI and its PLC interface in Level 9.
03 / STRUCTURED PROGRAMSGo beyond
Go beyond
a single routine.
Explore the main routine and its JSR calls. Review the supplied sequences, complete Mode_Control, Process_Control, and Diagnostics, and build seven HMI displays.
Integrate the complete production cell in Level 10.
Beyond digital I/O
VFD commissioning.
Analog process control.
Configure motor data, command sources, and a 0–10 V speed reference in Level 4. Work with 4–20 mA scaling, proportional control, and alarms in Level 8.
Explore drive commissioning →Make your practice count
Build skills.
Keep a record.
Work at your own pace. Use the lessons’ save and resume features, revisit the instructions, and keep practicing.
Sign in with a confirmed account to record completion and receive a printable certificate after you meet a level’s requirements.
How certificate verification works →For your own development
Practice the controls work you want to understand, from ladder reading to HMI integration.
For a team’s training plan
Company tools add assignments, due dates, progress reports, and a skills matrix.
Certificates record training completion. They do not replace practical evaluation, professional certification, or employer authorization to work on real equipment.
Built around the work
For people who keep
machines moving.
Students & apprentices
Begin with guided wiring and program reading, then progress to your own logic.
Electricians & technicians
Connect your field experience to PLC I/O, drive parameters, and troubleshooting.
Managers & instructors
Use repeatable machine exercises alongside your hands-on instruction and site procedures.
Choose how you train
Start free.
Grow into the full program.
Try the fundamentals
Open Levels 1 and 2 without an account. Get familiar with the simulated panel and troubleshooting tools.
Start Level 1 free →No credit card needed.Train through all 10 levels
Individual and company access includes the advanced PLC, HMI, VFD, and production-cell lessons.
Compare access plans →See the Plans page for current pricing and features.Evaluate it together
Explore a company pilot with the full program and manager tools before deciding on a team plan.
Explore the free pilot →For companies and training organizations.Before your first project
What to know.
Want a closer look at the tools? Visit the PLC Simulator page.
Do I need a physical PLC or programming software?
No physical PLC, trainer kit, or vendor software is required. The lessons and training editors run in a modern browser. A desktop or laptop with a mouse is recommended for wiring and programming.
Will I write PLC programs, or only read them?
Both. The foundations introduce supplied logic. Levels 3, 6, and 7 ask you to develop programs from requirements. Advanced lessons add HMI interface logic and structured routines. Other levels focus on commissioning or troubleshooting with supplied programs.
Is this Studio 5000 or FactoryTalk View?
No. ControlsTrainer 5000 and HMI Studio are the site’s own training editors. The lessons use ControlLogix-style equipment, but the platform is independent of the manufacturers and cannot download programs to a physical PLC. Programming is ladder logic, not Structured Text.
How long does the training take?
It is self-paced. The time you need depends on your experience and how much practice you do. Follow the work order, use the lesson guidance, and return to unfinished work with save and resume.
How do I move through the levels?
Levels 1 and 2 are free to try without an account. Signed-in learners normally progress by passing the previous level; available access can also depend on your account or organization. Check My Training for your current access.
Is the completion certificate a professional qualification?
No. It records completion of a simulated training level. It is not an accredited credential, a professional license, OSHA certification, or authorization to work on equipment. Real work still requires your employer’s procedures, practical evaluation, and authorization.
Your first machine project is ready
Open the panel.
Start learning.
Try Level 1 free and see how the work fits together.
Start Level 1 free →Independent training platform. Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, PowerFlex, PanelView, Guardmaster, RSLogix, and Studio 5000 Logix Designer are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc. Fluke, Festo, and SMC are trademarks of their respective owners. Names identify equipment modeled in the lessons. Controls Trainer is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these manufacturers.