FIRST Operator Certification Program
Congratulations! By visiting this page you’ve taken the FIRST step to becoming FIRST Operator Certified! Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the FIRST Operator Certification Program – from information on the Press, Prepress & Implementation Specialist Levels I, II & III courses to promoting your new-found ‘FIRST Operator Certified’ status.

First things first: What is the FIRST Operator Certification Program?
The FIRST Operator Certification Program is a curriculum composed of multi-level courses designed to deliver and assess specific flexographic skill sets and knowledge via online course study and examinations. You can choose to become ‘FIRST Press Operator Certified’, ‘FIRST Prepress Operator Certified’ or 'FIRST Implementation Specialist Certified'. Regardless of which designation you pursue, there are three levels to attain, with Level I being the same for all certifications. 

At each level, the program will: improve your technical expertise; advance your hands-on skills; and polish to perfection your flexographic vocabulary and communication skills. By the completion of Level III, you will have attained a high-level technical knowledge of the flexographic printing process, with expert knowledge of the specifications outlined in FIRST (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances). From there, your proficiency in implementing those specifications will be demonstrated time and again from the high-quality, repeatable and consistent results you attain.

Benefits for the EMPLOYER:
FIRST Operator Certification is an industry asset. It is the flexo industry’s standard of excellence. By certifying your staff, you will strengthen and grow your business. You will win new business from Consumer Products Companies who are looking to award print jobs to those who can demonstrate high-quality, repeatable and consistent print results. 

As an employer, having FIRST Operator Certified employees on staff allows you to:

• Promote the fact that your staff are FIRST Operator Certified 
• Attract and win new business by using the FIRST brand to assure consistency & repeatability
• Communicate effectively with your suppliers and your customers
• Be a recognized industry leader in consistency & repeatability
• Empower your employees through recognition of being FIRST Operator Certified
• Leverage the power of the FIRST brand

• Become a leader within your organization
• Prove your proficiency at measuring & controlling your process every time
• Assure return business through repeatable & consistent results
• Communicate effectively with your suppliers and your customers
• Take ownership of your process
• Troubleshoot and correct any problems as they arise
• Increase your earning power
• Leverage the power of the FIRST brand

Ready to become FIRST Operator Certified?
Now that you know the benefits of becoming FIRST Operator Certified, you’re ready to begin taking the online courses through our TEST Virtual Campus. Select the certification program that best meets your individual needs as well as the needs of your organization.

FIRST Press Operator Certification
This certification program is designed for press operators wanting to gain an expert proficiency of flexographic press operations. At the completion of the three levels, students will have a solid understanding of: FIRST specifications; the appropriate procedures for evaluating press conditions to achieve optimal results and reduce waste; how to communicate effectively with the entire supply chain; and the use of statistical process control to maintain press run consistency & color accuracy.

Level I
The Level I course is designed for entry-level and non-production flexographic industry personnel. It is the only level that applies to all job functions within the flexographic production environment. This six-module program provides an overview of the flexo industry, basic press functionality and identifies key materials used throughout.

Level II
The Level II course defines the foundational skill set needed by novice printer assistants and press operators in the early years of their careers, and has been designed to recognize those who have attained a basic level of press operations, including the printing of spot colors, line work, halftones, and one- and two-color printing. Before taking the Level II examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and have already completed the Level I certification course.

Level III
This certification level is the highest press certification offered by FFTA and is designed to recognize those who have attained a high-degree of technical press operations, knowledge and skill, particularly in printing process and spot colors using FIRST techniques for measuring and controlling print variables. Students must have a solid understanding of FIRST specifications and demonstrate the ability to implement those specifications. Before taking the Level III examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and have already completed the Levels I & II certification courses.

FIRST Prepress Operator Certification
This certification program is designed for prepress personnel wanting to gain an expert proficiency of flexographic prepress operations. At the completion of the three levels, students will have a solid understanding of FIRST job assembly specifications, and the application of FIRST continuous tone color separation specifications, prepress calibration practices, and prepress output practices.

Level I
The Level I course is designed for entry-level and non-production flexographic industry personnel. It is the only level that applies to all job functions within the flexographic production environment. This six-module program provides an overview of the flexo industry, basic press functionality and identifies key materials used throughout.

Level II
The Level II course defines the foundational skill set needed by novice graphic artists in the early years of their careers and has been designed to recognize those who have attained a basic level of prepress operations; including working with Adobe® Creative Suite, as well as other desktop applications. Before taking the Level II examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and have already completed the Level I certification course.

Level III
This certification level is the highest prepress certification offered by FFTA and is designed to recognize those who have attained a high-degree of technical prepress operations, knowledge and skill. Students must demonstrate FIRST techniques for measuring and controlling print variables throughout the entire flexographic workflow, and must familiar with FIRST specifications and how to implement them proficiently. Before taking the Level III examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and have already completed the Levels I & II certification courses.

FIRST Implementation Specialist Certification
This certification program is designed for non-production personnel, including suppliers of flexographic products and services. At the completion of the three levels, students will have a solid understanding of FIRST methodology and be able to effectively communicate, analyze and apply FIRST design/prepress /print specifications.

Level I
The Level I course is designed for entry-level and non-production flexographic industry personnel. It is the only level that applies to all job functions within the flexographic production environment. This six-module program provides an overview of the flexo industry, basic press functionality and identifies key materials used throughout.

Level II
The Level II course defines the foundational skill set needed by novice flexographers in the early years of their careers. The primary focus of this course is to provide a base knowledge of the flexographic workflow including design, prepress and press practices, with special emphasis on the preparation and production of printing line work, halftones and one- and two- color printing. Before taking the Level II examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and have already completed the Level I certification course.

Level III
This certification level is the highest implementation specialist certification offered by FFTA and is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated a proficiency in implementing FIRST throughout the entire flexographic workflow. The primary focus of this course is to provide a scientific approach to the flexographic process using the data to produce a consistent, repeatable product. Before taking the Level III examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and have already completed the Levels I & II certification courses.

Looking for a Custom Tailored Solution?
We can customize a package specifically tailored to meet the needs of your employees and your organization. Contact Jay Kaible at 631-737-6020 ext. 20 to discuss a customized training program that's right for you.

Get started today! Visit the TEST Virtual Campus and begin your journey to a FIRST Operator Certification.