While these aspects can be valuable, getting the basics right really isn’t that complicated – and who better to give you that grounding than the internationally recognised body for our industry, the Contamination Control Network (CCN)?

Founded in 2018, the Network was established to support the needs – and provide a voice – for cleanroom, clean air and containment practitioners.

Promoting training and education opportunities is also one of the organisation’s main objectives – and one of the key areas of interest for ISO Cleanroom founder Toni Horsfield, who was appointed to the Network’s Managing Board in September 2023. 

The CCN is licenced to offer courses accredited by the Cleanroom Testing and Certification Board – International (CTCB-I) – and there are different levels, depending on whether participants are new to the industry, or looking to further develop their knowledge. 

CTCB-I introduction to Cleanroom Technology

Explained Toni: ’This is a new course, and one I feel would be very beneficial to all cleanroom users – and office support staff.‘

Developed with material drawn from the latest book by Bill Whyte, an international authority with over 50 years of experience in designing, testing, and running cleanrooms, it is a theory-based 3-to-4-hour course which provides an overview of Cleanroom:

• design and build
• testing and monitoring
• conduct/operations/cleaning

The learning is presented (either online or in person) by an experienced CCN trainer and concludes with Q&A session followed by a short test. All delegates attending the course are awarded the CTCB-I certificate in Basic Cleanroom Technology.

It is aimed at those who are involved with cleanrooms but are not experienced and who do not need more advanced knowledge. Delegates need no prior experience of the industry and are not required to carry out any preparation work ahead of the event.

If your company has a large number of delegates this course can also be run on your site.

CTCB-I Cleanroom Technology (Advanced)

For individuals who already have a basic knowledge (or perhaps those who have already completed the introductory course) there are options to extend and develop their knowledge with further training options.

One of these is the full-day CTCB-I Cleanroom Technology (Advanced) course which is a vocational qualification designed to provide participants with an extensive and well-rounded understanding of cleanroom technology, ensuring they attain a high level of competence in the field. Throughout the event, candidates will receive instruction and assessment in person from an experienced CCN trainer. They will cover a wide range of essential topics, including the fundamentals of cleanrooms, their historical context, and the various types in existence.

These topics include:

• Cleanroom: Why it’s needed, types, and history
• Standards and information sources
• Design of cleanrooms and clean air devices
• Construction materials and surface finishes
• High-efficiency air filtration
• Cleanroom testing and monitoring
• Measurement of air volumes and pressures
• Air movement control
• Filter installation and leak testing
• Airborne particle and microbial counts
• Cleanroom disciplines
• Materials, equipment, and machinery
• Cleanroom clothing, masks, and gloves
• Cleaning a cleanroom

Participants knowledge of all these areas will be tested during a final assessment, and if successful, they will be awarded their CTCB-I certificates.

CTCB-I Cleanroom Testing

For cleanroom owners, managers, testers, and individuals seeking to enhance their cleanroom knowledge to a professional standard, there are two further qualifications available. The Cleanroom Associate and the Cleanroom Professional.

Cleanroom Associate is for cleanroom managers and those that work inside and around cleanrooms. It is a two day course, requiring a significant amount of pre reading before attending the course. It concentrates on the the theory behind testing, monitoring and maintaining a cleanroom.

The Cleanroom Professional is for cleanroom testing and certification professionals. In this course the candidates site the same theory exam as the Associates but will also do a practice exam, showing their skills in airflow, HEPA filter leak testing, particle counting and report writing. For more details see CTCB-I Cleanroom Testing Course November 2024 | Contamination Control Network (theccnetwork.org)

In addition to its course programme, the CCN also offers regular Webinars and hosts educational events which are open to members.

Explained Toni: ‘Our aim is to make sure we have meaningful training opportunities for people at every level within the industry.’ 

Upcoming courses

• CTCB-I Introduction to Cleanroom Technology (on-line) – 3rd December 2024 @ 2pm UK time 
• CTCB-I Advanced Cleanroom Technology (Letchworth, UK) – 21st August 2024 
• CTCB-I Introduction to Cleanroom Technology (on-line) – 10th July 2024 @ 9am UK time 
• CTCB-I Advanced Cleanroom Technology (Letchworth, UK) – 21st August 2024 

For full details, including course fees, go to Events | Contamination Control Network (theccnetwork.org)

To contact Toni at ISO Cleanroom, call 0161 529 2816 or use our contact form, or to find out more about the CCN, see theccnetwork.org.