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Arduino Academy offers course-based ACE badges and certificates for specific skills, including PLC programming, HMI integration and embedded prototyping. The credentials document completion of Arduino Academy courses; the official course pages reviewed do not establish them as engineering licenses, degrees or independently accredited professional qualifications.
What Arduino Academy’s Certified Engineer qualifications are
Arduino introduced Arduino Academy on October 30, 2024, as a self-paced learning program with hands-on labs, quizzes, multimedia, discussion, progress tracking and badges or certificates. Its launch announcement called ACE-100 free; the current ACE-100 page adds an important qualification: full course access requires an approved trainer kit. The current catalog has expanded beyond that original course to include ACE-120 and ACE-220.
“Certified Engineer” is Arduino’s terminology for its ACE course credentials. The course pages describe badges or certificates awarded through Arduino’s program, but do not establish a regulated engineering license, university degree or third-party professional accreditation. They also do not provide independent evidence that an ACE credential guarantees a job or promotion.
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See the Arduino Academy catalog and Arduino Team’s October 30, 2024 launch announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- 35+ Guided Electronics Projects: Progress from LEDs and buttons to RFID access, real-time clocks, motion and distance sensing, environmental monitoring, motor control and interactive displays for STEM learning, coding clubs and maker projects
- More I/O and Memory for Larger Builds: The MEGA 2560 R3 provides 54 digital I/O pins, including 15 PWM outputs, 16 analog inputs, 4 hardware serial ports and 256 KB flash for projects that combine more sensors, controls and displays
- 200+ Components for Prototyping: Includes LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, DHT11, HC-SR501 PIR, ultrasonic and water-level sensors, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, rotary encoder, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, DC motor, breadboard and more
- Learn, Modify and Create: Follow 35+ guided lessons with example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text, motor behavior and control logic to turn structured exercises into access systems, monitors, alarms and interactive projects
- Organized for Repeatable Learning: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and keep sensors, LEDs, ICs, wires and other components easy to find between projects
Which ACE courses are available?
The catalog covers three different areas. Estimates and module counts below are those listed on Arduino Academy course pages accessed September 28, 2026; actual study time will depend on the learner.
| Course | Subject and listed tools | Prerequisite or access requirement | Structure and credential |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE-100: Arduino Opta Essentials | Beginner PLC programming with Arduino Opta. Topics include Ladder Diagram, Arduino sketches and C++, Arduino PLC IDE, Arduino IDE and Arduino Cloud. | An approved Opta Trainer Kit is required for full course access. The page lists Windows OS, Arduino IDE and Arduino PLC IDE as software requirements. | Five modules; estimated 16 hours; ACE-100 badge/certificate. |
| ACE-120: HMI Essentials with Arduino Opta | Beginner HMI programming and HMI-to-PLC integration using a Weintek cMT2078X, EasyBuilder Pro and Arduino Opta. | ACE-100 completion is listed as a prerequisite. | Five modules; estimated eight hours; ACE-120 badge/certificate. |
| ACE-220: Enterprise Prototyping with Arduino Portenta Proto Kit | Beginner-to-intermediate embedded prototyping. The page lists Portenta Proto Kit ME and VE hardware, plus Arduino IDE and Arduino Cloud access as software. | The course page lists the kit and software; it does not state a prerequisite. | Eight modules; estimated eight hours; ACE-220 badge/certificate. |
What do you need to complete ACE-100?
ACE-100 is the Academy’s Opta-focused PLC course. Its course page describes practical projects and quizzes across five modules, with a listed estimate of 16 hours. A first enrollment offers the first two modules as a preview; the page says the approved trainer kit is needed for full access.
Rank #2
- TURN CODE INTO REAL-WORLD RESULTS — Follow 22+ guided lessons to make LEDs blink, read temperature and distance, move servo and stepper motors, control an LCD and respond to joystick or IR input; ideal for a family weekend build, homeschool unit, coding club or STEM classroom
- MORE PROJECT VARIETY IN ONE ORGANIZED KIT — Includes the UNO R3 controller, LCD1602 with pre-soldered header, breadboard power module, ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors, joystick, IR receiver and remote, SG90 servo, stepper motor, relay, DC motor, fan blade, displays, LEDs, buttons, resistors and jumper wires
- START WITHOUT SOLDERING — Plug-in modules, a solderless breadboard and the pre-soldered LCD help beginners focus on wiring, code and testing; the illustrated component list makes it easier to find each part and move from one lesson to the next
- LEARN THE LOGIC, THEN CREATE YOUR OWN — Use Arduino IDE and the included example code to understand digital input and output, analog sensing, timing, motor control and display functions, then change thresholds, speeds and sequences for alarms, environmental monitors, reaction games and motion projects
- CLEAR SETUP SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUILDERS — Download the latest tutorial and code, select the UNO board and correct computer port, check component polarity and breadboard rows, and keep power-module input at 9V or below; younger learners should work with an experienced adult
The page names two kit configurations:
- PLC Cables: a pre-wired, plug-and-play trainer kit.
- DigiKey: an unwired kit with pre-cut, ferrule-ended wires, intended for learners who want to practice wiring and troubleshooting. The page says learners who already own an Opta can use this kit without including another Opta.
Arduino Academy’s ACE-100 page accessed September 28, 2026, displayed trainer-kit prices starting at €340 / $350 and below €970 / $999. Those are page-reported figures, not verified current checkout prices; regional pricing, taxes, stock and kit configuration may differ. Check the course page and linked partner listings before buying. The same page says the course itself is free, while full access requires an approved kit. Its kit-sharing terms refer specifically to 2024 and 2025, so confirm directly with Arduino whether sharing is currently permitted rather than relying on those expired dates.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteReview the ACE-100 course requirements and kit details before enrolling. A standalone Opta controller should not be assumed to meet the approved trainer-kit requirement.
Rank #3
- 30+ Guided Electronics Projects: Start with LEDs and build toward LCD1602 displays, RFID access, motion detection, distance sensing, motor control and environmental monitoring for STEM learning, coding clubs, classrooms and hobby projects
- 200+ Components Across 63 Types: Includes an ELEGOO UNO R3 controller, LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, HC-SR501 PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, breadboard and more
- Begin Without Soldering: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, organized storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and help beginners move from lesson to lesson while keeping LEDs, ICs, wires and sensors easy to find
- Learn, Modify and Create: Program the ELEGOO UNO R3 board with Arduino IDE using the included PDF tutorial and example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text and motor behavior to turn guided lessons into original projects
- Flexible Power and Project Setup: Includes a 9 V, 1 A power supply, breadboard power module, 9 V battery and USB cable to support controller, breadboard and module experiments without sourcing basic setup accessories separately
How ACE differs from Arduino Certification
Arduino also offers a separate exam-based credential called Arduino Certification. It is not the same as an Academy ACE course badge: the exam tests Arduino electronics, programming and physical computing, while ACE credentials are tied to completion of particular Academy courses.
Arduino’s exam page, accessed September 28, 2026, lists 36 randomized questions, a 75-minute limit, immediate pass/fail results and seven language options: English, Spanish, German, Chinese, Greek, Bengali and Italian. Passing grants an Arduino Certification certificate. The separate overview describes this exam as suited to learners aged 16 or older with about a year of Arduino use, while Junior Certification is aimed at ages 14 and older. An activation code for the exam is valid for exactly one attempt, according to Arduino’s exam activation support page.
Rank #4
- All-in-One Starter Kit for Beginners: Part of the Powered by Arduino program, this kit includes an original Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, 300+ high-quality components, 50+ hands-on projects (30 basic, 13 fun, and 8 IoT), and 100+ free video lessons co-created with renowned educator Paul McWhorter. Designed for beginners ages 8+, it provides a complete, step-by-step path to learn Arduino, electronics, coding, and IoT. RoHS compliant for added safety and quality, it also makes a thoughtful gift for tech enthusiasts, students, and aspiring makers for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
- Powerful Arduino Uno R4 WiFi Board: Upgraded from the Arduino Uno R3, the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi features a 32-bit processor, more memory, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling connection to third-party apps for more interactive and practical projects.
- 300+ Components for Endless Possibilities: With 300+ components and sensors, this kit is perfect for portable projects. It features step-by-step tutorials, open-source code, and compatibility with other Arduino boards like Uno R3 and Nano, offering endless customization and learning opportunities.
- Engaging Projects for Every Skill Level: Featuring 50 projects (30 basic, 13 fun, 8 IoT) with IoT app integration like Arduino IoT Cloud , this kit supports Arduino C++ programming, making it perfect for students, teachers, and engineers to learn, code, and create at any skill level.
- Dedicated Support for Beginners: Alongside online resources and video tutorials, SunFounder provides technical support and troubleshooting forums to help beginners solve programming challenges with ease.
For details, consult Arduino’s Arduino Certification exam page and certifications overview. Exam format, eligibility descriptions and activation-code rules apply to that separate pathway, not to ACE-100, ACE-120 or ACE-220.
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Best Value
- The most economical kit comes with everything compatible with Arduino to starting programming for beginners .
- This is the upgraded starter kits come with a 9V 1A Power Adapter (At least $5.99 on amazon) to replace a 9V Battery , and the Lcd1602 module come with pin header(not need to be soldered by yourself).
- Include High Quality Base Board base on Arduino UNO R3 compatible with Arduino IED and Sensors, Servo, Motor, ULN2003 driver board, lcds, etc.
- Free PDF Tutorial and Datasheet are available to download from our official website or you can contact our customer service.
- All of the Components and Integrated Circuits are individually packaged and labeled, and packing in a plastic box which is bigger enough for you.
Is an ACE qualification right for you?
- Choose ACE-100 if you want guided introductory PLC practice with Opta and can arrange the required approved trainer kit for full access.
- Consider ACE-120 if you want to study HMI-to-PLC integration and have completed ACE-100, as the course page requires.
- Consider ACE-220 if your focus is embedded prototyping with the Portenta Proto Kit ME or VE.
- If you need a regulated professional qualification or a credential recognized by a particular employer or institution, verify its requirements with that organization. The Academy course pages do not document external accreditation or independent recognition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
