Day 1 introduces the foundations of programming with Structured Text (ST) within Siemens TIA Portal, part of the IEC 61131-3 programming standard. It’s designed for engineers and technicians who already have experience with ladder logic and want to confidently transition into text-based PLC programming on Siemens systems.

Key topics and skills covered include:

• Introduction to IEC 61131-3 and Structured Text in TIA Portal
  • Understand the IEC 61131-3 programming standard, its supported languages, and how Structured Text is implemented within Siemens TIA Portal for modern automation systems.
• When to Apply Structured Text in Siemens Projects
  • Discover when ST is preferred over ladder logic inside TIA Portal, especially for handling complex logic, repetitive tasks, data manipulation, and calculations.
• Creating Your First Structured Text Project in TIA Portal
  • Set up a new project using Siemens TIA Portal, configure your PLC, create an ST block, declare variables, and explore the structure of a Structured Text program.
• Understanding the ST Program Structure
  • Learn how Structured Text executes within the Siemens PLC scan cycle and how programs and OBs (Organisation Blocks) interact within TIA Portal.
• Working with Siemens Data Types
  • Use Siemens standard data types such as BOOL, INT, REAL, TIME, and STRING to represent process values, I/O signals, and system variables.
• Data Conversion and Type Casting
  • Learn how to perform safe conversions between data types in TIA Portal using functions like INT_TO_REAL, while avoiding overflow or rounding issues.
• Expressions and Operators in TIA Portal
  • Write Boolean, arithmetic, relational, and string expressions to build real-world logic, perform calculations, and handle text data within your Siemens PLC programs.
• Implementing Conditional Logic
  • Use Structured Text control structures in TIA Portal, including:
    • IF… THEN… ELSE… statements for conditional logic.
    • CASE statements for clear, efficient multi-condition branching.

By the end of Day 1, you’ll be confident in creating, understanding, and testing Structured Text programs inside Siemens TIA Portal, ready to apply text-based programming to your own automation projects.

Day 2 focuses on applying Structured Text (ST) within Siemens TIA Portal to solve real-world industrial automation challenges. You’ll learn how to build structured, modular programs using functions, function blocks, loops, timers, and diagnostic tools.

Key topics and skills covered include:

• Working with Arrays and Structures
  • Organise and manage related process data in TIA Portal using arrays and user-defined data structures to handle multiple sensors, motors, or process values efficiently.
• Looping Constructs in TIA Portal
  • Master iterative programming techniques for repetitive logic using:
    • FOR loops for fixed iteration cycles.
    • WHILE AND REPEAT loops for condition-based repetition and process monitoring.
• Creating Functions and Function Blocks
  • Develop reusable code in TIA Portal using Functions (FCs) and Function Blocks (FBs) to simplify complex systems, including stateless operations and state-retaining logic using instance data blocks.
• Timers and Counters in Siemens PLCs
  • Implement IEC-standard timers (TON, TOF, TP) and counters (CTU, CTD, CTUD) within TIA Portal to manage sequences, event tracking, and timing delays.
• Error Handling and Debugging Tools
  • Identify, monitor, and resolve logic issues using Siemens’ online monitoring, breakpoints, watch tables, and structured error-handling routines to maintain safe and stable operation.
• Structured Programming Techniques
  • Write clean, modular, and maintainable Structured Text programs using hierarchy, encapsulation, and best-practice naming conventions within the TIA Portal project environment.
• Practical Troubleshooting in TIA Portal
  • Apply hands-on debugging techniques to simulated and real-world PLC faults, learning how to trace variables, handle safe shutdowns, and create diagnostic messages for maintenance visibility

By the end of Day 2, you’ll have built and tested complete Structured Text programs inside Siemens TIA Portal using loops, timers, counters, and modular code blocks. You’ll be confident not only in reading and writing ST code but also in structuring, testing, and troubleshooting Siemens PLC programs effectively in industrial environments.

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.