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 Level I, II & III online 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’ or ‘FIRST Prepress Operator Certified’. Regardless of which designation you pursue, there are three levels to attain, with Level I being the same for both 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

FIRST Operator Certification - 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.

FIRST Press Operator Certification - Level II
The Level II course is 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. Level II defines the foundational skill set needed by novice printer assistants and press operators in the early years of their careers. Before taking the Level II examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and complete the Level I certification program.

FIRST Press Operator Certification - Level III
The Level III course is designed to recognize those who have attained a high level of technical press operation knowledge and skill, particularly in printing process and spot colors using FIRST techniques for measuring and controlling print variables. This certification level is the highest press certification offered by the FFTA. Individuals qualifying for Level III certification must be familiar with FIRST specifications and demonstrate the ability to implement these specifications. Before taking the Level III examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and complete Levels I & II certifications.

FIRST Operator Certification - 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.

FIRST Prepress Operator Certification - Level II
The Prepress Level II course is 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. Prepress Level II defines the foundational skill set needed by novice graphic artists in the early years of their careers. Before taking the Prepress Level II examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and complete the Level I certification course.

FIRST Prepress Operator Certification - Level III
The Prepress Level III course is designed to recognize those who have attained a high level of technical prepress operations, knowledge and skill. These certified individuals demonstrate FIRST techniques for measuring and controlling print variables throughout the entire flexographic workflow. This certification level is the highest prepress certification offered by the FFTA. Individuals qualifying for Level III certification must be familiar with FIRST specifications and demonstrate the ability to implement these specifications. Before taking the Level III examination, individuals must meet all prerequisite skills and complete 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.