Day 1 lays the groundwork for understanding and writing programs using Structured Text (ST), part of the IEC 61131-3 programming standard and supported across platforms such as Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000. It’s designed for engineers and technicians who already understand ladder logic but want to transition into being able to read text-based PLC programming with confidence.

Key topics and skills covered include:

• Overview of the IEC 61131-3 Languages
  • Understand the IEC programming languages and where Structured Text fits within modern automation systems, including Allen-Bradley environments.
• When to Use Structured Text
  • Learn when ST is preferred over ladder logic, ideal for complex logic, loops, mathematical operations, and advanced data handling.
• Creating Your First ST Project
  • Set up a new Structured Text project, declare variables, and understand the basic structure of an ST program in RSLogix/Studio 5000.
• Basic Programming Structures
  • Discover how ST code executes within the PLC scan cycle and how tasks and routines interact.
• Standard Data Types
  • Work with fundamental data types such as BOOL, INT, REAL, TIME, and STRING to represent and process real-world signals.
• Type Casting and Conversions
  • Learn how to safely convert between data types using functions such as INT_TO_REAL, avoiding common rounding or overflow issues.
• Boolean, Arithmetic, Relational, and String Expressions
  
  • Build logical and mathematical expressions to control automation logic, perform calculations, and manipulate text.
• Conditional Logic
  
  • Use control structures including:
    • IF… THEN… ELSE… for decision-making
    • CASE statements for clear, structured multi-condition handling

Through guided examples and hands-on tasks, you’ll complete Day 1 confident in writing and understanding the core syntax, structure, and logic flow of Structured Text programs across Allen-Bradley platforms.

Day 2 focuses on applying Structured Text (ST) in realistic industrial scenarios using RSLogix/Studio 5000. You’ll learn how to structure larger programs, create reusable code modules, and introduce sequencing, timing, and troubleshooting techniques used in live Allen-Bradley PLC systems.

Key topics and skills covered include:

• Arrays and Structures
  
  • Organise related data using arrays and user-defined structures to efficiently handle multiple sensors, motors, or process values.
• Looping Constructs
  
  • Master looping for repetitive logic using:
    • FOR loops for fixed iteration counts.
    • WHILE and REPEAT loops for condition-based repetition.
• Functions and Function Blocks
  
  • Develop reusable code modules to simplify complex systems, including Add-on Instructions, enhancing modularity and maintainability.
• Timers and Counters
  
  • Implement IEC-standard TON, TOF, and TP timers, along with CTU, CTD, and CTUD counters to introduce sequencing, delays, and event tracking into your programs.
• Error Handling and Debugging
  
  • Identify and resolve logic issues using structured error checks, safe states, breakpoints, and online monitoring tools available within RSLogix/Studio 5000.
• Structured Programming
  
  • Learn how to write clean, modular, and maintainable programs using hierarchy, encapsulation, and best-practice naming conventions.
• Practical Troubleshooting
  
  • Apply debugging and diagnostic techniques to simulated faults and real-world control scenarios, ensuring safe fault handling and efficient problem resolution.

By the end of Day 2, you’ll have built and tested complete Structured Text routines using loops, timers, counters, and modular logic. You’ll understand not only how to read Structured Text programs, but how to structure, test, and troubleshoot them effectively within RSLogix/Studio 5000.

We offer weekly courses at our training centres in Gateshead and Alderley Park. Demand is high, so we advise booking your place at least two months in advance to secure your spot.

Absolutely! Our courses are open to everyone, whether you’re sponsored by a company or joining as an individual. They’re especially popular with people looking to switch careers or enhance their CV with new skills.

When you join one of our training courses, you’ll have your own dedicated training station complete with a computer, PLC programming software, and a SCADA system.

You’ll also receive a Scantime workbook to track your progress throughout the course. This detailed resource is yours to keep, making it an excellent reference tool long after training is complete.

Yes, the course includes an assessment, designed to ensure you’ve understood the material. You’ll receive your results on the same day after completing the  assessment.

Pass Marks and Points Available:

• Pass Mark: 210
• Points Available: 300

Absolutely. We’ll give you a City & Guilds certificate, and a digital credential when you successfully complete any of our IMFFP® course modules.