Day 1 lays the groundwork for understanding and writing programs using Structured Text (ST), part of the IEC 61131-3 programming standard. It’s designed for engineers and technicians who already understand ladder logic but want to transition into text-based PLC programming with confidence.

Key topics and skills covered include:

• Overview of the IEC 61131-3 Language
  • Understand the IEC programming languages and where Structured Text fits in modern automation systems.
• When to Use Structured Text
  • Learn when ST is preferred over ladder logic, ideal for complex logic, loops, calculations, and 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.
• Basic Programming Structures
  • Discover how ST code executes in the PLC scan cycle and how tasks, programs, and POUs interact.
• Standard Data Types
  • Work with fundamental data types such as BOOL, INT, REAL, TIME and STRING to represent signals.
• Type Casting and Conversions
  • Learn how to safely convert between data types using functions like INT_TO_REAL and avoid common rounding or overflow errors.
• Boolean, Arithmetic, Relational, and String Expressions
  • Build logical and mathematical expressions to control real-world control logic, calculations, and text operations.
• Conditional Logic
  • Use control structures including:
    • IF… THEN… ELSE… for decision-making.
    • CASE statements for clean multi-condition selection.

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

Day 2 focuses on applying Structured Text in realistic industrial scenarios. You’ll learn how to structure larger programs, use functions and function blocks, and introduce sequencing, timing, and troubleshooting techniques used in live PLC systems.

Key topics and skills covered include:

• Arrays and Structures
  • Organise related data using arrays and user-defined structures to handle multiple sensors, motors, or process values efficiently.
• 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
  • Create reusable code modules to simplify complex systems, including stateless functions and state-retaining function blocks.
• Timers and Counters
  • Implement IEC standard TON, TOF, TP timers and CTU, CTD, CTUD counters to add sequencing, delays, and event tracking.
• Error Handling and Debugging
  • Identify and resolve logic issues using structured error checking, safe states, breakpoints, and online monitoring tools.
• Structured Programming
  • Learn how to write clean, modular, and maintainable programs using hierarchy, encapsulation, and best-practice naming conventions.
• Practical Troubleshooting
  • Apply debugging techniques to simulated faults and real-world scenarios, including safe fault handling and diagnostic messaging.

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 basic ST programs, but how to structure, test, and troubleshoot it effectively within industrial automation systems.

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.