SACA Certifications for Mechatronics Program

CNM has become a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) to train and certify current and future workforce members in Industry 4.0 skills and best practices.

Smart Automation Certifications

SACA certifications are industry-driven, developed for industry by industry. They are developed through a rigorous process that begins with the creation of international skill standards, endorsed by leading experts in Industry 4.0 technologies throughout the world. SACA’s Specialist Level Certifications are modular, consisting of a series of micro-credentials that are applicable for regional or specific company needs.

SACA Certifications are free and available to all individuals enrolled as students at CNM. The exams are also required for all students in the Industrial Technician & Automation Technician (Mechatronics) Programs.

All SACA’s Specialist Silver Level Certifications are available on-demand and year-round via CNM’s Assessment Center. SACA’s Gold Level Certifications Hands-On Practical Exams are offered once per term by the School of Skilled Trades and Arts on selected dates. Contact the Mechatronics Program Chair for current information on available dates. All students must successfully pass the Silver Level Written Exam to register for the Gold Level Practical Exam.

Registration Procedures

  • The SACA exams are free for all CNM students.
  • Exam reattempts must be a minimum of seven days (168 hours) after the previous attempt.
  • There is a maximum of five attempts per academic term.
  • The SACA exam must be assigned via the SACA Platform by a mechatronics instructor or a SACA certification platform administrator.
  • The exam is available at CNM Main, Montoya, Westside, and Rio Rancho campuses.

Schedule My SACA Certifications Exam

Testing Requirements

A valid government-issued photo ID is required to take the exam. When registering for the SACA certification platform and for the exam ensure that your name and address match those shown in your ID.

Testing Rules

Be sure to follow all testing rules to protect the integrity of the exam. Otherwise, your test could be canceled:

  • Certificate Candidates may use up to five pages (front and back) of prewritten notes and formula sheets when attempting the test, but these materials must be surrendered to the proctor at the end of the exam and will be disposed of.
  • A Scientific Calculator is allowed during the exam.
  • Test-related information written on clothing and footwear, ID documents, or any part of the body is prohibited.
  • Personal recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited.
  • You must disable any screen-sharing or remote access software.
  • Don't communicate with anyone else except the proctor during the test administration.
  • SACA tests don't offer a scheduled break. However, you have the option to take a short, unscheduled break. If you choose to take an unscheduled break, your test clock will NOT stop. Because timing will not stop for this break, it is recommended that you return from the break as quickly as possible.

Test Scores & Diploma

SACA Test Silver Certifications Scores are available immediately after exam completion. A 70% grade or higher is required to receive the certification.

Diplomas are available for printing via the SACA Certification Platform.

To verify a Certificate Number, go to the SACA Certificate Verification tool.

Additional Accommodations and Extra Time

If you have a documented disability (physical, learning, or cognitive) and you feel you need extra time for testing, you may submit a request for alternative testing arrangements via CNM’s Accessibility Service Office.

Test Retake Policy

If you did not pass the Written Exam, you may retake a SACA test once per week, up to five times per term. The exam reattempts must be a minimum of seven days (168 hours) after the previous attempt. To reattempt a certification, you must contact your instructor or the Mechatronics program chair, who will sit down with you to discuss a prescription for improvement and give you advice about topics you should strengthen before your next exam attempt.